I like the concept of minimalism and small-sized equipment. However, I do have a computer set-up that takes up a lot of space in my home. It is the only thing in my life that cannot be minimal or small. Living as a bachelor with limited counter space has my extensive set-up fold into a matchbox-sized room. It is worth mentioning that my computer is also my makeshift home theater system. 

Kef 100 Loudspeaker Review

I had to let my good speakers go to save up on space. I do miss the trembling feeling under my feet, so I looked up affordable speakers. I found the term bookshelf speakers online and opened a world of inexpensive but quality speakers that are just perfect for my set-up and living space.

I also did a bit of research about the company producing these speakers. KEF had been in the industry for 60 years and is best known for its BBC-licensed monitors. It has won several awards in the 70s for its contribution to the British audio industry. However, it had a bit of a hiccup in the early 90s after it made the last batch of the monitors that catapulted its name to stardom. 

Since then, the company has been acquired by a much bigger company. They even placed a disclaimer that although the quality is still assured, their products from a certain point to the present are now manufactured in China. I am not picky with manufacturing places so long as they are still produced with quality. I will be trying out their Q10l bookshelf speakers.

KEF Q100 Bookshelf Loudspeakers

The speakers come in pairs. One of these beauties measures 11.8 inches in height, 7.1 inches in width, and 10.7 inches in depth. It is perfect for small spaces as it isn’t more than one foot. In my experience, these are usually for apartments where space is a precious commodity. I am happy to have these in my home. They are like a pair of personal speakers.

The units come in three colors, namely white, rose, and American walnut. I chose the rose finish as it has a deeper and bolder color compared to the American walnut. That is only my preference, of course. It is always nice to see these sorts of equipment sold in different colors. The variety gives the product more personality.

Behind the grille is a Uni-Q driver array. It measures 5.25 inches in diameter with a 1-inch tweeter in the center. KEf boasts that it can handle frequencies ranging from 49 to 40 Hertz from a single source. What I was pleasantly surprised about was the fact that the manual even included a guide on how to position these speakers in such a way that I get to experience the full power of these “fun-size” speakers.

They can be displayed on shelves or suspended. It is also convenient since I won’t have to see the wires popping out of unsightly places. The back panel features a slot for a nail or screw suspension. It has four jacks for various purposes. 

There are also two knobs between the pair of jacks which are called shunting knobs. I don’t think I’ll be using those shortly, though. Still, I did some research and found that these are used to short the highs and lows. They can also be disconnected to bi-wire or bi-amp the speakers. I don’t think I’ll be needing these functions soon, though. It’s just good to know what they are.

The Review

The speakers fit perfectly on my desk without taking too much space. I can work and watch movies better. I also spend less time fiddling with the volume button, except when the show’s audio is messed up with whispered dialogues and loud background music. I have a multi-colored set-up, and I am happy to say that the speakers blend in nicely with the aesthetic. The colors don’t clash. On the contrary, it provides more depth and personality.

As for the audio, you will be in for a treat. The audio is clear and crisp. I noticed several things in the shows I recently rewatched because the audio is much better than when I first watched. That is always a bonus in my book. Whenever I play music, the sound is consistent. It isn’t blasting out shattered notes or cracked pitches, unlike my previous speakers. It gives an overall pleasant experience.

Pros and Cons

I initially liked these speakers for their size. Now I like them for their size and capabilities. They are also easier to clean. Dust triggers my allergies, and an easy-to-clean grille solved a lot of my problems. I like the way they are easy to place anywhere. They also weigh less than my old speakers.

It’s not a negative thing, but I’d probably opt for an all-black speaker. It would probably sell like hotcakes. I am very much pleased with my rose-colored speakers, though. Maybe I chose it because it is the closest to black. However, that is more of my preference than anything else.

Conclusion

Compact and consistent, it is no wonder that KEF speakers are the talk of the town. Although it had a rough history, it continues to stay strong to keep up with the competitive world of audio equipment. Their speakers are perfect in height, presentation, and capacity. I will recommend them to anyone who is thinking about investing in a pair of good-quality bookshelf speakers.

FAQ: Frequent questions

? Which is the best?

KEF Q100W Bookshelf Loudspeaker

? How did we test them?

We tested 14 products, researched 16 sources, evaluated 146 reviews and spent 6+ hours on our guide.

? What should you look at before buying?

When choosing it's best to make a decision based on the price/quality, functionality and compatibility with other devices/technologies.