KEF IQ9 versus Q150 (NCS Music keeps me)
Dual A/B sound demo comparison between classic Q and the New Q series. the IQ9s were from the oughts while the Q150s just came out. There have been several major changes to the Uni Q driver array. The classic Q had a smaller 3/4 inch tweeter compared to the full inch tweeter on the new Qs. The mid woofer went from dual titanium coated poly to an aluminum magnesium amalgam. A tangerine waveguide was added to even the air pressure along the curve of the dome to act more like a flat panel as it drives the air. it also features a phase plug in the middle. earlier iterations of the tangerine waveguide did not and were shaped more like shark fins versus the more diamond shaped fins now used. Upon further consideration I believe the sense that the Q150s have a tad wider sound stage may actually just be the result of them being more clear of the side walls than the iQs. overall the sound is still very kef and very Q. I would be happy with either of them but I am partial to the IQ series and it's warmer, sweeter sound. I am not sure the driver material or the baffle shape or maybe both are responsible for the slight variance in timbre but to my ears the IQ series sound more reminiscent to the LS50 so perhaps it is more to do with the cabinet and baffle than the driver. i do suspect I prefer the actual sound of the dual titanium coated poly woofers over the alumag woofers. I seem to see more damaged alumag woofers online from scratched etc but also the balance between the poly dual doped with titanium lead to this sweet warm I miss.
Dual A/B sound demo comparison between classic Q and the New Q series. the IQ9s were from the oughts while the Q150s just came out. There have been several major changes to the Uni Q driver array. The classic Q had a smaller 3/4 inch tweeter compared to the full inch tweeter on the new Qs. The mid woofer went from dual titanium coated poly to an aluminum magnesium amalgam. A tangerine waveguide was added to even the air pressure along the curve of the dome to act more like a flat panel as it drives the air. it also features a phase plug in the middle. earlier iterations of the tangerine waveguide did not and were shaped more like shark fins versus the more diamond shaped fins now used. Upon further consideration I believe the sense that the Q150s have a tad wider sound stage may actually just be the result of them being more clear of the side walls than the iQs. overall the sound is still very kef and very Q. I would be happy with either of them but I am partial to the IQ series and it's warmer, sweeter sound. I am not sure the driver material or the baffle shape or maybe both are responsible for the slight variance in timbre but to my ears the IQ series sound more reminiscent to the LS50 so perhaps it is more to do with the cabinet and baffle than the driver. i do suspect I prefer the actual sound of the dual titanium coated poly woofers over the alumag woofers. I seem to see more damaged alumag woofers online from scratched etc but also the balance between the poly dual doped with titanium lead to this sweet warm I miss.