KEF Q Concerto Meta Speakers + SQ1 Stands

KEF Q Concerto Meta Speakers + SQ1 Stands

The Q Concerto Meta is the largest in KEF’s Q Series bookshelf speaker collection. Paying tribute to the original 1969 Concerto, which was KEF’s first 3-way stand mount speaker, this modernised version delivers professional high-end audio quality. Thanks to its 3-way design and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT™), this speaker is certain to deliver high-fidelity performance in a variety of settings.

Revolutionary Sound Absorption with MAT

The crucial new advancement in the Q Series is the integration of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), a revolutionary innovation that takes the performance of the latest 12th generation Uni-Q driver array to another level in terms of accuracy and clarity.

MAT is a highly complex maze-like structure, in which each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency. When combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound that comes from the rear of the tweeter. This eliminates the resulting distortion for a purer, more natural acoustic performance.

An Extra Half Way With The Uni-Q Driver

The evolved Q Series has been upgraded from a 2.5-way to a 3-way speaker design. This updated configuration separates the frequency ranges, with the Uni-Q driver handling the high and midrange frequencies, and a newly designed bass driver dedicated to the low frequencies management.

The optimisation of the drivers for their respective frequency bands allows the 12th Uni-Q driver to perform even better. By minimising the motion of the mid-frequency cone, the tweeter can transmit high frequency sound over a smoother and more stable surface. This reduction in movement leads to a diminished distortion in the lower midrange frequencies, resulting in a significant improvement in detail and clarity.

Deep and Clean Bass

The Q Series features a new bass driver design – a hybrid structure with a shallow, concave, aluminium skin atop a paper cone – which gives stiffness to achieve a piston-like movement for better bass punch and speed. Combined with a 3D FEA-optimised surround geometry, this significantly improves linearity at higher excursions. This results in a precise and agile bass management even at high output.

Additionally, the flared port, modelled with computational fluid dynamics, minimises turbulence and reduces chuffing noise. This enables the ported speakers to produce bass that is cleaner and more controlled.

Refined Crossover from 1000 Measurements

A critical component of the Q Series is the refined crossover, which ensures seamless integration of all speaker parts. To achieve this, KEF’s engineers take more than 1,000 specific measurements for each speaker model using a custom-built reference microphone array in KEF’s anechoic chamber in Maidstone, UK. These extensive on and off-axis measurements allow the team to thoroughly understand each model's acoustic interactions, enabling precise crossover design through advanced simulation and prototyping.

This meticulous process draws from the development of the LS50 Meta and has been further enhanced through the creation of the latest Blade, The Reference and R Series, allowing each speaker model precise signal path optimisation and the best possible performance.

Shadow Flare for Improved Clarity

Derived from the flagship models, Shadow Flare is a further upgrade for the evolved Q Series. It reduces unwanted cabinet diffraction, allowing the 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT to work at its highest potential. Shadow Flare is a precision-designed surface that extends the waveguide effect of the Uni-Q driver array. This means the tweeter no longer has a line of sight to the cabinet edges, creating a ‘shadow region’ where the potential for diffraction is highest, minimising the acoustic impact to negligible levels. The improved clarity and reproduction of fine details make listening a thrilling experience. Subtle nuances, such as the delicate brushwork on cymbals or the intricate overtones of a piano, are clearer on the Q Series.

Detail by Design

The Q Series speakers feature a contemporary minimalist design with a satin finish that offers a premium, subtle glow. Available in Satin Black, Satin White, and Walnut finishes with carefully selected colour driver units, they are designed to blend effortlessly into any interior.

Dedicated grilles are included with the speakers, providing the option to protect the drivers if needed. These colour-matched grilles maintain the cohesive aesthetic, while the magnetic fixing provides a secure and precise fit, in keeping with the clean and seamless styling of the Q Series.

Stand and Deliver

Designed for Q Series bookshelf speakers, the SQ1 Floor Stands supplied in this package create a sturdy platform for them to perform at their very best and with integrated cable management, cables remain concealed and organised, maintaining a clean and uncluttered appearance.

Our Review

The KEF Q Concerto Meta speakers with SQ1 stands are a stunning blend of heritage, precision, and pure listening pleasure. As the largest bookshelf model in KEF’s Q Series, they pay homage to the classic 1969 Concerto while delivering thoroughly modern, high-fidelity performance. The 3-way design and KEF’s ingenious Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT™) work together to create breathtaking clarity and accuracy, with distortion virtually eliminated for a beautifully natural sound. The newly refined Uni-Q driver and dedicated bass unit produce deep, agile low-end and crystal-clear highs, making every note feel alive and effortlessly detailed. Sitting gracefully atop the sleek SQ1 stands with tidy cable management, the Q Concerto Meta speakers don’t just sound refined - they look it too, turning any room into a space where design and audio perfection meet.

*Price reflects the free pair of SQ1 Speaker Stands. Ends January 1st 2026.