When building a serious audio system, bookshelf speakers often provide the sweet spot between performance and practicality. In this comparison, we'll look at two compelling options: the newer KEF Q1 Meta at $599 and the established Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 at $959.
The bookshelf speaker category has seen remarkable technological advancement in recent years. Both these models represent the cutting edge of what's possible in compact speakers, though they take different approaches to achieve excellence.
The B&W 707 S2 was released in 2017 as part of B&W's revamped 700 series, bringing technologies from their flagship 800 Diamond series to a more accessible price point. The newer KEF Q1 Meta, launched in 2021, introduces KEF's innovative Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) to their entry-level audiophile range.
The two speakers showcase fundamentally different approaches to sound reproduction. B&W uses a traditional two-way design with separate drivers: a 1-inch Carbon Dome tweeter (which handles high frequencies) and a 5-inch Continuum cone for midrange and bass. This approach allows each driver to be optimized for its frequency range.
KEF takes a different path with their Uni-Q driver array, where the tweeter sits in the center of the midrange cone. This creates what's called a "point source" - all frequencies appear to come from the same spot in space, much like in real life. It's a more complex engineering challenge but can provide more cohesive sound and better off-axis performance (meaning the sound stays consistent even when you're not sitting directly in front of the speakers).
Both speakers incorporate fascinating technological advances. The B&W 707 S2 uses their Continuum cone material, which replaced their famous yellow Kevlar drivers. This woven composite material provides better controlled breakup modes (the way the cone flexes at different frequencies) for more natural sound.
The KEF Q1 Meta introduces their MAT technology - a complex maze-like structure behind the tweeter that absorbs 99% of unwanted sound radiation. Think of it like acoustic black hole that prevents reflected sound from corrupting the forward-moving sound waves. It's a genuine innovation that measurably reduces distortion.
Here's where the different design philosophies really show themselves. The B&W creates a wider, more expansive soundstage - you can clearly hear instruments positioned across a broad canvas. The KEF's Uni-Q driver produces a more focused, precise image with exceptional center stability. Neither is necessarily better - it's about preference.
The B&W 707 S2 has a slightly warmer, more romantic presentation. The midrange, especially with vocals and acoustic instruments, has a beautiful richness that many find emotionally engaging. The treble is detailed but never harsh, though it can occasionally sound bright with already-bright recordings.
The KEF Q1 Meta aims for neutrality. Its presentation is more matter-of-fact, with exceptional clarity and lower distortion thanks to the MAT technology. This makes it extremely revealing of recording quality, though some might find it less "musical" than the B&W.
Both speakers perform admirably in the bass department, especially considering their size. The B&W reaches slightly deeper (45Hz vs 47Hz), though the difference is subtle. More noticeable is the character of the bass - the B&W has more impact and weight, while the KEF offers tighter control and better definition.
For home theater applications, both speakers excel but with different strengths. The B&W's more impactful bass and wider soundstage can be advantageous for movie effects. However, the KEF's precise imaging and broader sweet spot might work better in rooms where not everyone can sit in the optimal position.
At $599, the KEF Q1 Meta represents exceptional value, offering technology from KEF's higher-end lines in an affordable package. The sound quality punches well above its price point, and the MAT technology is genuinely innovative.
The B&W 707 S2 at $959 is more expensive but justifies its price with superior build quality, slightly better bass extension, and a more refined overall presentation. It's a premium product that looks and feels the part.
The KEF's Uni-Q driver makes it more forgiving of room placement and listening position. It's an excellent choice for rooms where optimal speaker positioning isn't possible or when multiple listening positions are needed.
The B&W is more demanding of proper placement but rewards the effort with exceptional soundstage and imaging when properly set up.
The B&W is slightly harder to drive, with an 84dB sensitivity rating compared to the KEF's 86dB. This means it needs more powerful amplification to reach the same volume levels. The KEF will perform better with modest amplification, making it a more flexible choice for various systems.
Choose the B&W 707 S2 if:
Choose the KEF Q1 Meta if:
Both speakers represent excellent choices in their respective price brackets. The KEF Q1 Meta offers remarkable value and cutting-edge technology, making it the more practical choice for many users. The B&W 707 S2 provides superior absolute performance and refinement for those willing to pay the premium and invest in proper system matching.
For most users, I'd recommend starting with the KEFs - they're more forgiving, easier to drive, and offer tremendous performance for the price. However, if you have the budget and appropriate associated equipment, the B&Ws offer a level of refinement and emotional engagement that many find worth the premium.
| Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 | KEF Q1 Meta |
|---|---|
| Price - Key factor in value assessment | |
| $959/pair | $599/pair |
| Driver Configuration - Affects sound coherence and imaging | |
| Traditional two-way with separate drivers | Uni-Q point-source array with MAT technology |
| Frequency Response - Determines bass depth and overall range | |
| 50Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) | 51Hz - 20kHz (±3dB) |
| Sensitivity - Important for amplifier matching | |
| 84dB (requires more powerful amp) | 86dB (easier to drive) |
| Driver Size - Impacts bass capability | |
| 5-inch Continuum cone bass/mid, 1-inch Carbon Dome tweeter | 5.25-inch aluminum cone with 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 8Ω nominal (4Ω minimum) | 4Ω nominal (3.2Ω minimum) |
| Power Handling - Determines volume capability | |
| 30W - 100W recommended | 10W - 150W recommended |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) - Consider space requirements | |
| 11.0 x 6.5 x 10.9 inches | 11.9 x 7.1 x 10.9 inches |
| Weight - Important for stand selection | |
| 13.2 lbs each | 13.4 lbs each |
| Key Technology - Differentiating features | |
| Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter, Continuum cone | Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), 12th gen Uni-Q |
| Sweet Spot - Impacts listening position flexibility | |
| Narrower, more position-dependent | Wider, more forgiving of listening position |
| Warranty - Protection for investment | |
| 5 years | 5 years (6 with registration) |
The KEF Q1 Meta offers better off-axis performance and a wider sweet spot, making it ideal for multiple viewing positions. However, the B&W 707 S2 provides slightly deeper bass and a wider soundstage, which can be beneficial for movie effects. Both work well, but the KEF is more flexible for typical home theater setups.
At $599, the KEF Q1 Meta offers exceptional value with its advanced MAT technology and Uni-Q driver. For most users, it provides nearly flagship-level performance at a mid-tier price point.
The B&W 707 S2 extends slightly lower to 45Hz versus the KEF's 47Hz. While the B&W has more impactful bass, the KEF Q1 Meta offers tighter, more controlled low frequencies.
The KEF Q1 Meta is easier to drive with its 86dB sensitivity, working well with modest amplifiers. The B&W 707 S2 at 84dB sensitivity requires more powerful amplification for optimal performance.
The B&W 707 S2 offers a warmer, more emotional presentation that many prefer for music. The KEF Q1 Meta provides a more neutral, technically precise sound. Both excel but with different characteristics.
Both speakers are suitable for small rooms. The KEF Q1 Meta is more forgiving of placement and room acoustics, while the B&W 707 S2 needs more careful positioning but can still perform excellently in smaller spaces.
The KEF Q1 Meta features newer technology with its MAT system, while the B&W 707 S2 uses more traditional but proven technologies. Both are well-engineered and should remain relevant for many years.
For home theater use, a subwoofer is recommended with either speaker. For music, both can perform well without a subwoofer, though the B&W 707 S2 has slightly better bass extension.
The KEF Q1 Meta offers better timbre matching across channels and more consistent off-axis response, making it ideal for surround systems. The B&W 707 S2 can create a more expansive soundstage but requires more precise placement.
The B&W 707 S2 offers premium build quality with superior cabinet finish. The KEF Q1 Meta is also well-built but at a lower price point, with slightly less premium materials.
Both speakers can be wall-mounted, though this isn't ideal for optimal performance. The KEF Q1 Meta is more forgiving of wall placement due to its Uni-Q driver design.
The KEF Q1 Meta at $599 offers better value with similar performance to the $959 B&W 707 S2. However, the B&W justifies its higher price with superior build quality and slightly better bass performance.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: whathifi.com - safeandsoundhq.com - bestbuy.com - hifichoice.com - crutchfield.com - listenup.com - digitalcinema.com.au - worldradiohistory.com - youtube.com - frankstonhifi.com.au - musicdirect.com - us.kef.com - audiosciencereview.com - crutchfield.com - headphones.com - mx.kef.com - youtube.com - skybygramophone.com - us.kef.com - bestbuy.com
