Q5 – a surprisingly versatile speaker system that adequately reproduces any musical material from electronic music to classical music. It should be noted, however, that in all cases the Q5 favors a neat sound rather than external effects.
TEST RESULTS
CONSTRUCTION FEATURES: Q5 speakers have an elegant cabinet with backward curving surfaces of the side panels. As a result, the rear panel of the enclosure has become quite narrow. However, there was room for a patch panel with four anodized terminals, as well as an oval reflex port, which is acoustically loaded with the speaker’s woofer.
Front panel design is in the usual style of the Q-series. The top position is occupied by the Uni-Q module, which extends slightly beyond the front panel. That is why on the top of the speakers there is a plastic overlay, which makes Q-series speakers similar to top-of-the-range Reference models – the only thing missing is the hypertwister.
Q5s are packed with fourth-generation Uni-Q modules. The modules use a 19mm aluminum tweeter dome in the center of the 165mm midrange driver. The drivers are fitted with powerful neodymium magnets and a tweeter coil cooling system using ferromagnetic fluid. The woofer also has a diameter of 165mm. Each speaker works in its own compartment isolated from the others.
Midrange and woofer have individual reflex ports. We’ve already talked about the oval port on the rear-facing woofer, while the other port is on the baffle just below the Uni-Q and appears to be in one piece. For better bass control there are foam plugs on each port. Audiophile-quality filters are attached directly to the input jacks inside the cabinet, a common feature of the updated Q-series speakers. Q5 crossover is designed for 2.5 bands at 2.8 kHz.
Q5 models are available in four finishes: black ash, maple, dark apple or silver veneer.
AUDIO QUALITY IN STEREO mode: tonal balance of “five” is incredibly correct, without unnecessary coloring and unevenness. Middle
reproduced very accurately, preserving much of the richness of timbre that live instruments give the listener. The speakers reproduce natural, emotional vocals. One of the Q5’s strengths is the solidity of the male voices, supported by the solid lower midrange.
I like the clear, uninhibited handling of the upper frequencies. Clarity never turns into harshness in the upper octaves. The sound of the speakers has good dynamics. Sharp bass is not limited to the upper bass area, climbing noticeably into deeper areas. Mid-bass richness can be varied by positioning the speakers against the walls and corners of the room. Besides the bass of the “five” can be influenced with the help of stubs of phase-inverter ports.
At moderate volume levels the bass is nicely assembled, suitable for all genres of music. Control is somewhat impaired at higher volumes, and the bass can become rumbly.
Stereo panorama is one of the best in the test, it has great width and depth. Speakers accurately follow directions and dimensions.
PRICE: $1049.
SUMMARY
ASKS: Tone balance is adjusted the scene is clear and spacious good sound microdynamics.
Disadvantages: deterioration of the bass articulation at higher volume.
CONCLUSIONS: Q5 is a remarkably versatile loudspeaker that adequately reproduces any musical material from electronic music to classical music. However, it should be noted that in all cases Q5s prioritize a neat sound rather than external effects.
How does the KEF Q5 speaker system compare to other speaker systems in terms of sound quality and price?
The KEF Q5 speaker system is widely regarded as a high-quality audio system that offers exceptional sound reproduction. In terms of sound quality, it competes favorably with other speaker systems in its price range. The Q5’s Uni-Q driver technology produces a wide soundstage with excellent imaging and clarity, while the low-frequency performance is impressive due to its bass reflex design. When comparing prices, the KEF Q5 falls in the mid-range category, offering a great balance between performance and affordability. While there are cheaper options available, the Q5 justifies its price with its superior build quality and audio performance. Overall, the KEF Q5 speaker system stands out as a reliable choice for those seeking a well-balanced blend of sound quality and price.
How does the KEF Q5 speaker system compare to other speaker systems in terms of sound quality and overall performance?
What is the overall sound quality of the KEF Q5 speaker system? Does it deliver a balanced sound and crisp clarity across all frequencies? How would you rate its performance compared to other speaker systems in a similar price range?
Can you provide any insights on the sound quality and overall performance of the KEF Q5 speaker system? How does it compare to similar speaker systems in terms of both price and features? Any recommendations or cons to consider before making a purchase? Thank you in advance for your help!