KEF Q550 Floorstanding Speaker User Manual
- October 27, 2023
- KEF
Table of Contents
KEF Q550 Floorstanding Speaker
Specifications
- DESIGN: Two and a half-way bass reflex
- DRIVE UNITS: 130mm (5.25in.) aluminum Uni-Q, 25mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome HF, 130mm (S.25in.) aluminum LF, 2 x 130mm (5.25in.) aluminum ABR
- FREQUENCY RANGE FREE FIELD (- 6DB): 45Hz
- FREQUENCY RESPONSE (±3DB): 58Hz-28 kHz
- CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: 5 kHz
- AMPLIFIER REQUIREMENTS: 15-130W
- SENSITIVITY (L.83V/LM): 87dB
- MAXIMUM OUTPUT: 110 dB
- NOMINAL IMPEDANCE : 8 ohms (min.3.50)
- WEIGHT: 5kg (32 lbs.)
- DIMENSION (H X W X D): 873 x 180×278 mm
- DIMENSION (H X W X D) *WITH PLINTH: 926×299 x310mm
OverView
When there isn’t much room, the outstanding Q Series floorstanding speakers shine. The Q550s, which feature the iconic KEF Uni-Q driver array, produce accurate, natural sound with exceptional clarity and precise bass. Music is delivered with astounding detail and passion via a polished 5.25 in.
The Uni-Q driver array is the brains behind the upgraded Q Series. KEF’s trademark innovation inserts the tweeter in the midrange cone’s acoustic center, bringing the realization of the acoustic ideal of a single point source closer than ever. In comparison to what is feasible with a standard speaker, the end result is a more precise, detailed, and three-dimensional sound image that is distributed more uniformly around the room. By covering the tweeter dome with KEF’s “tangerine” waveguide, Uni-ultra-wide Q’s dispersion is further improved. Lower treble performance is dramatically improved with the addition of the damped tweeter loading tube, which provides a gentle termination of sound produced from the back of the tweeter. A new low-distortion inductor on the crossover also produces cleaner bass. The Uni-Q driver has been moved to the center of the cabinet to reduce unwanted internal resonance and improve the resolution and purity of the Q Series bookshelf speakers. This also adds refinement to their sonic clarity and detail.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing Q Series. We are confident that it will provide reliable, high performance sound for many years to come. Please read this manual fully before you attempt any connections to Q Series.
Important Points
- Follow this manual carefully for best results from your speakers.
- Read and return warranty card
- Clean with a dry lint free cloth
- Do not use spirit based cleaners.
- Avoid damp
- Avoid temperature extremes
- Avoid direct sunlight
- SAFETY NOTICE! trailing cables are dangerous, secure all cables
Plinth
Connections
Positioning
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use speaker wire to connect this to my stereo receiver?****
Yes, you can use the speaker wire to connect the speaker to the stereo receiver.
Can you use these speakers without the bottom stand?****
Yes, they can be used without the stand.
Can you use a tube amp and these speakers?****
Yes, provided that the amp does not exceed or fall below the allowed watts.
Do floorstanding speakers sound better?****
The highest audio quality in the speaker industry typically comes from floorstanding speakers. They can get louder and more powerful than conventional speakers thanks to their enormous size and enhanced drivers, and they can produce richer, more potent sound.
Do I need a subwoofer with floorstanding speakers?****
Most tower speakers do not require a subwoofer because they produce adequate bass on their own. However, a subwoofer would be a wise addition to your system if you want to hear deep, room-shaking bass.
Why bookshelf speakers are better than floorstanding speakers?****
Floorstanding speakers typically give deeper bass depth, dynamics, and soundstage due to their design, whereas bookshelf speakers typically offer better imaging, more integration, and coherency.
How far apart should floorstanding speakers be?****
For bookshelf speakers, aim for a distance of 4 feet, while for floor-standing speakers, aim for 8 feet. Too close speakers will cause sounds to muddle and merge together.
Why do expensive speakers sound better?****
A more expensive speaker is likely to use a complex internal bracing structure that was developed through extensive experimentation and laser interferometry vibration measurements. They also have stiffer enclosures with more internal bracing. A cheap speaker may be empty aside from the drivers and sound- absorbing stuffing.
Are floorstanding speakers good?****
Your sound system can be instantly improved with a good floorstanding speaker. They not only look great, bringing attention to a sound system and making it stick out rather than blend in, but they also have a reputation for sounding amazing.
Are KEF speakers any good?****
One of the best suppliers of British hi-fi, KEF has a prestigious history dating back more than 50 years. Although there have been some ups and downs since then, the company hasn’t lost its knack for creating elegant speakers with excellent sound.
Is KEF a Chinese company?****
An array of high-end audio devices, including Hi-Fi speakers, subwoofers, architecture speakers, wireless speakers, and headphones, are designed and manufactured by the British business KEF.
Are KEF speakers warm?****
You simply cannot get enough of the crisp, warm, and smooth music that this speaker creates, but that is not all it can accomplish. The KEF Q150 is the ideal option for you if you’re looking for: Excellent tweeter positioned in the middle of the midrange cone.
Do heavier speakers sound better?****
Yes, to answer briefly. The size and cost advantages of small speakers may be greater than those of larger speakers, but this is only true if you choose a high-end new model. Larger speakers perform better than smaller ones. And in general, everyone looks for a speaker’s performance the most.
Should I toe in my KEF speakers?****
Toe-in is not required with Uni-Q loudspeakers, although it may be with many other loudspeakers. Starting with the speakers looking directly into the room is something we would always advise.
Do modern speakers sound better than vintage?****
Because older speakers are less effective than contemporary ones, they might not sound as loud as you’d like them to in a bigger room. Additionally, some people favor the warm tones produced by older audio equipment, while others might favor the contemporary tones produced by most contemporary speakers.