KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers Review
Refined Sound in a Compact Package
- Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Verdict
- Comparisons
- Design
- Features
- Sound
- Setup
- Conclusion

The KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers represent the latest iteration of KEF's award-winning Q Series, building upon the success of its predecessors with significant improvements in design and performance. These speakers feature a revamped 6.5-inch Uni-Q driver array, which has been enhanced to deliver smoother treble frequencies and cleaner, more accurate bass. The Q350 also boasts a redesigned cabinet with the front port moved to the rear, reducing internal resonances and improving overall audio clarity. KEF has focused on refining both the aesthetics and functionality of the Q350. The speakers are available in sleek matte black and white vinyl finishes, offering a modern look that complements various home decor styles. With their improved crossovers and internal architecture, the Q350 speakers aim to provide a more immersive and detailed soundstage, making them suitable for both critical listening and home theater applications. While they maintain the core qualities that KEF fans have come to appreciate, these speakers promise to elevate the listening experience to new heights.
KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers: Verdict
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and detail
- Wide and immersive soundstage
- Refined and balanced audio performance
- Versatile for various audio setups
- Sleek and modern design
Cons
- Lack some punch in bass response
- Performance less engaging at low volumes
- Grilles sold separately

The KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers stand out as a remarkable offering in the mid-range speaker market, delivering a level of audio performance that punches well above their price point. These speakers showcase KEF’s engineering prowess, particularly with their innovative Uni-Q driver array, which contributes significantly to their exceptional sound quality.
One of the most striking aspects of the Q350s is their ability to produce a wide, immersive soundstage with pinpoint imaging. Listeners can expect to be enveloped in a rich, detailed audio experience that brings music and movies to life. The speakers excel in reproducing mid and high frequencies with remarkable clarity, offering a level of refinement typically associated with more expensive models.
While the Q350s shine in many areas, they do have some limitations. Bass response, though clean and accurate, may lack the punch that some listeners crave, especially in larger rooms. Additionally, their performance is less engaging at lower volumes, which might be a consideration for those who prefer background listening. However, these minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by the speakers’ overall balanced and sophisticated sound signature.
In terms of design, the Q350s boast a sleek, modern aesthetic that should complement most home decor styles. Their versatility is another strong point, performing admirably in various setups, from near-field listening to part of a larger home theater system. This flexibility, combined with their exceptional audio quality, makes the KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers a compelling choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike who are seeking high-end sound without breaking the bank.
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Color | Model Number | |
Black | Q350 | |
Walnut | SP3959WA | |
White | Q350 | |
Grille | Q350GRILLE |
KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers: Compared To Other Speakers
Pros
- Superior imaging and soundstage
- Refined and balanced audio performance
- Versatile for various audio setups
Cons
- Bass response may lack punch for some
- Grilles sold separately

The KEF Q350 bookshelf speakers stand out in their class, offering exceptional performance that rivals more expensive models. When compared to competitors like the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2, the Q350 delivers a more refined treble and superior imaging, though the ELAC may offer a fuller bass response. The Q350’s Uni-Q driver array creates a coherent sound source that results in a remarkably wide and immersive soundstage, outperforming many in its price range.
Against the Dali Oberon 3 and Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2, the KEF Q350 holds its ground with its neutral balance and smooth top end. While the Dali and B&W speakers may offer more forward midrange and punchier bass respectively, the Q350 provides a more balanced and sophisticated sound signature. Its versatility in various audio setups, from near-field listening to larger home theater systems, makes it a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking high-end sound without breaking the bank.
KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers: Design and Build Quality
Pros
- Sleek and modern aesthetic
- Sturdy MDF construction
- Magnetic grille attachment
- Available in multiple finishes
Cons
- Grilles sold separately
- Polished cabinet prone to scratches
The KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers showcase a refined and contemporary design that seamlessly blends form with function. These speakers feature a clean, minimalist aesthetic with a smooth front baffle devoid of visible fixings, creating a sophisticated look that complements various home decor styles. The cabinet is constructed from high-quality MDF panels, ensuring a solid and resonance-free enclosure that contributes to the speakers’ acoustic performance.
Available in sleek matte black, white, and walnut vinyl finishes, the Q350 offers versatility to match different interior preferences. The speakers’ dimensions of 14.25 x 8.26 x 12.04 inches strike a balance between compact size and substantial presence, making them suitable for various placement options. A notable design feature is the magnetic grille attachment system, which allows for easy customization of the speakers’ appearance, though it’s worth mentioning that the grilles are sold separately.
At the heart of the Q350’s design is the signature Uni-Q driver array, prominently positioned in the center of the cabinet. This placement not only creates a visually striking focal point but also serves to reduce internal resonances and improve audio clarity. The combination of the 6.5-inch aluminum Uni-Q driver and the vented aluminum dome tweeter results in a cohesive and elegant look that hints at the speakers’ high-performance capabilities.
KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers: Features and Technology
Pros
- Innovative Uni-Q driver array for superior sound dispersion
- Enhanced bass performance with CFD port design
- Improved crossover for cleaner and more accurate audio
- Damped tweeter loading tube for smoother treble
Cons
- Magnetic grilles sold separately
- Large size may not suit all spaces
The KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers showcase cutting-edge audio technology, centered around the signature Uni-Q driver array. This innovative design places the tweeter at the acoustic center of the midrange cone, creating a single point source that delivers a more coherent and detailed soundstage. The result is an expansive and immersive listening experience with exceptional clarity and imaging.
Bass performance receives a significant boost thanks to the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) port design. By relocating the port to the rear of the speaker and optimizing its geometry, KEF has reduced midrange leakage and minimized turbulence. This translates to cleaner, more impactful low frequencies without compromising overall audio clarity.
The Q350 incorporates an enhanced crossover network, reimagined to provide smoother transitions between frequency ranges. This improvement results in a more natural and balanced sound profile, with cleaner bass and more accurate midrange reproduction. Additionally, a damped tweeter loading tube has been integrated to gently terminate the sound from the rear of the tweeter, dramatically improving lower treble performance.
KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers: Sound Quality and Performance
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and detail across frequencies
- Wide and immersive soundstage
- Smooth and refined treble response
- Accurate and well-defined bass for bookshelf speakers
Cons
- May lack punch in bass for larger rooms
- Performance less engaging at lower volumes
The KEF Q350 bookshelf speakers deliver an impressive audio performance that punches well above their price point. At the heart of their sound quality is the innovative Uni-Q driver array, which places the tweeter at the acoustic center of the midrange cone. This design creates a coherent sound source that results in a remarkably wide and immersive soundstage with pinpoint imaging.
Listeners will appreciate the exceptional clarity and detail these speakers provide across the frequency spectrum. The Q350s excel in reproducing mid and high frequencies with a level of refinement typically associated with more expensive models. The treble is smooth and articulate, avoiding harshness while maintaining a sense of airiness and sparkle that brings life to recordings.
Bass performance is impressive for speakers of this size, offering clean and accurate low-end reproduction. The redesigned port and cabinet architecture contribute to reduced internal resonances, resulting in improved audio clarity. While the bass is well-defined and extends reasonably low, it may lack the ultimate punch and depth required for larger rooms or bass-heavy genres. Additionally, some users note that the speakers perform best at moderate to high volumes, with engagement slightly diminishing at lower listening levels.
KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers: Setup and Connectivity
Pros
- Simple plug-and-play setup
- Versatile connection options
- Compatible with various audio sources
- Rear-ported design for flexible placement
Cons
- Requires separate amplifier or receiver
- No built-in wireless connectivity
Setting up the KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers is a straightforward process, though it does require some additional equipment. These passive speakers need to be connected to an amplifier or receiver to function, as they don’t have built-in amplification. Once you have a suitable amp, simply connect the speakers using high-quality speaker wire, ensuring you match the positive and negative terminals correctly.
The Q350s offer versatile connectivity options, allowing you to integrate them into various audio setups. They feature gold-plated binding posts that accept banana plugs, spade connectors, or bare wire, providing flexibility in how you connect your speaker cables. This makes it easy to use them with different types of amplifiers and receivers, from budget-friendly options to high-end audiophile gear.
While the Q350s don’t have built-in wireless capabilities, they can easily become part of a wireless system when paired with the right equipment. By connecting them to a streaming amplifier or a receiver with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functionality, you can enjoy wireless audio streaming from your mobile devices or computer. The speakers’ high-quality sound reproduction ensures that you’ll get the most out of your digital music collection or streaming services.
KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers: Conclusion
The KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers stand out as a remarkable offering in the mid-range speaker market, delivering audio performance that punches well above their price point. With their innovative Uni-Q driver array, these speakers produce a wide, immersive soundstage with pinpoint imaging, enveloping listeners in a rich, detailed audio experience that brings music and movies to life.
While the Q350s excel in many areas, particularly in mid and high-frequency reproduction, they do have some limitations. Bass response, though clean and accurate, may lack the ultimate punch for larger rooms or bass-heavy genres. Additionally, their performance is less engaging at lower volumes. However, these minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by the speakers’ overall balanced and sophisticated sound signature, making the KEF Q350 a compelling choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike seeking high-end sound without breaking the bank.