The B&W 685s are one of our group’s bigger loudspeakers, measuring 340mm high, 198mm wide, and 335mm deep; they barely fit on a regular 12in shelf and are best used as stand mounters. What is a physical disadvantage isn’t an acoustically disadvantage since box volume connotes deeper bass. They aren’t too hefty at 7kgs.
The Q100 is equipped with our Uni-Q point-source driver array, which is designed to deliver an incredibly precise, three-dimensional soundstage that uniformly encompasses any space. Despite the fact that the Q100 is offered in pairs, you’ll believe you’re hearing music from more than just the couple.
In this article, we are going to compare these two amazing speakers with almost every aspect possible. Stay with us and lets get this party started;
Kef Q100 Vs B&W 685, and what is the difference between them?
We’ve covered every detail to help you comprehend the differences between them. They’ve been described in terms of their design, power wattage, control mechanism, water capacity, and water temperature range. We hope you’ll be able to tell the difference between some of these terms. As a consequence, we’ll start with the Kef Q100 before moving on to the B&W 685.
1. KEF Q100 Bookshelf Loudspeakers
Main features of KEF Q100 Bookshelf Loudspeaker
- System type 2-way
- Enclosure type Reflex
- Frequency response ± 3dB 49 – 40000 Hz
- Nominal impedance 8 Ohm
- Loudspeaker Requirements 10 – 100 W
- Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 86 dB
- Maximum output (SPL) 107 dB
- Tweeter 25mm (1 in.) aluminum dome
- Woofer 130mm (5.25 in.) aluminum Uni-Q
- Dimensions (H x W x D) 300 x 180 x 272 mm (11.8 x 7.1 x 10.7 in.)
- Weight 5.9kg (13.0lbs)
Size and weight of KEF Q100 Bookshelf Loudspeakers
The weight of the KEF Q100 Bookshelf Loudspeaker is 5.9kg (13.0lbs). The Loudspeaker’s dimensions would be 300 x 180 x 272 mm (H x W x D) (11.8 x 7.1 x 10.7 in.). The KEF Q100 Bookshelf Loudspeaker’s upright design not only makes it easy to place on your desk or in limited spaces, but it also delivers utilitarian benefits. We should dedicate the functioning range of the tweeter, which has been advanced up (now it extends to 40 kHz), as well as the multi-lobe divider “Tangerine,” which optimizes polar pattern. The low-frequency driver has a light-alloy diffusor with a unique design, which is placed on the Z-Flex suspension.
Design
It isn’t simply the 685s’ performance that has stood the test of time. A mix of soft-touch paint on the baffle, a glossy, asymmetrical tweeter arrangement, and a bright yellow Kevlar mid/bass driver liven up the square-edged, vinyl-wrapped cabinets to no end.
With their grilles removed and their faces on, the B&W speakers remain unique and fascinating. That emotion is entirely deserved, given these were formerly far more expensive. The model we’re looking at today has an all-black vinyl exterior and is made of high-quality MDF. The front baffle is fastened to the cabinet and is composed of robust materials.
The B&Ws are the same engaging, lively listen we’ve always enjoyed when placed where they belong (out in a little open space), toed-in slightly towards your listening position, and single-wired (B&W installs biwire terminals to the 685s, but we believe they sound best on a single length of cable).
KEF adopted a simple approach to aesthetics, which worked out beautifully. A brushed metal bar with the KEF emblem on it is the only accent that breaks up the flat black baffle. This bar isolates the drivers from the front firing port, giving the gun a sleek look. As you might anticipate, they come with a grille, which detracts from the overall look.
Performance
The ability of coaxed drivers to respond to each other is the major advantage of having them in a speaker. Instead of dealing with two sound axes, you only have to deal with one. Uni-Q drivers, on the other hand, are not your typical coax drivers.
The trebles aren’t overly bright, but they’re pleasant enough to provide a reasonable balance. The midsection is large, open, and precise. It does not assign secondary subtleties while saving high sound quality, being perfectly accurate at all volume levels. There are no claims to sound space at all; the only thing that can restrict the stage’s parameters is a source of insufficient class.
With that stated, the real surprise begins as you dive deeper into the frequency spectrum. This speaker has a powerful bass section. That air is moved a long way by that aluminum cone driver. The song’s soaring dynamics don’t bother these speakers, and there’s a wealth of information accessible from the tight, well-defined top of the frequency spectrum to the deep, quick bottom.
Furthermore, the lows are distinct and well-defined. When you combine the drivers’ promising performance with a simple but efficient crossover, you get a set of truly excellent speakers. For the most part, the Q100 is preferable than the bigger Q300. The major cause for this is due to their brilliant picture, which makes things appear larger than they are.
Sound Quality
The tweeter’s sound may be described in two words: highly relaxing. It does not assign secondary subtleties while saving high sound quality, being perfectly accurate at all volume levels. There are no claims to sound space at all; the only thing that can restrict the stage’s parameters is a source of insufficient class.
However, there is an evident difference in character between the metal-dome tweeter’s high frequencies and the remainder of the frequency range, implying that treble sounds were captured in a distinct setting than the rest.
Add to that the notion that the bass is a little tubby (which can be improved by single-wiring them) and that the 685s aren’t quite enough to fight off the new competition in their current state. KEF subwoofers include a clever equalization that adjusts the low frequency output based on location near a wall, in a corner, or even in a cabinet to compensate for room layout concerns.
2. B&W 685 Loudspeaker
The main feature of B&W 685 Loudspeaker
- Design: Two-way bass reflex
- Drive Units:
- 130mm (5.2in.) aluminum Uni-Q
- 25mm (1in.) vented aluminum dome HF
- Frequency Response: 49Hz – 40kHz (±3dB)
- Crossover Frequencies: 2.5kHz
- Maximum Output: 107dB (SPL)
- Amplifier requirements: 10 – 100W
- Sensitivity: 86dB (2.83V/1m)
- Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Dimensions: 11.8″ x 7.1″ x 10.7″
- Weight: 13 lbs.
- Frequency Response49 – 22000 Hz
- Nominal Impedance8 Ohm
- Recommended Amplifier Power25 Watt
- Output Level (SPL)88 dB
- Crossover Frequency4000Hz
- Connectivity Technologywired
Size and weight of B&W 685 Loudspeaker
The B&W 685 Loudspeaker is around 7 kilograms in weight. The Loudspeaker’s dimensions are 340 mm (H): 198 mm (W): 331 mm (D). The upright form of the B&W 685 Loudspeaker not only makes it easy to stow on your desk or in small settings, but it also provides functional benefits. The 685, which can be mounted on a shelf, table, stand, or wall, is an excellent choice. The 165mm diameter Kevlar® cone bass/midrange is based on a tried-and-true Bowers & Wilkins design, but the new fixed centre bullet smooths out the response at higher frequencies.
Design
In tiny to medium-sized rooms, a loudspeaker that doesn’t take up floor space but can yet command the space is required for hi-fi or home cinema. The 685, which can be mounted on a shelf, table, stand, or wall, is an excellent choice.
The 165mm diameter Kevlar cone bass/midrange is based on a tried-and-true Bowers & Wilkins design, but the new fixed center bullet smooths out the response at higher frequencies. We also enhanced the integration and vertical dispersion of sound from the two units by positioning the bass/midrange closer to the tweeter than in comparable prior speakers.
With a 135mm (5.25in.) Uni-Q driver array, the Q100 provides all of the benefits of the Uni-Q ‘point source’ arrangement in its most recent and perfected form: a more accurate sound picture disseminated more uniformly over the room than any conventional speaker.
It makes a significant difference subjectively. Because everyone in the room is immersed in the same wonderfully integrated three-dimensional sound picture, watching becomes a more communal experience – and you don’t have to sit in the same position to get the most out of your favorite music. The importance of the 600 Series may be summed up in a one word: China. Recent tainted-toy tales have cast a negative light on items imported from that country, but there’s little doubt that, without China, the world would be a much poorer place.
Performance
B&W is particularly proud of its ability to carry technology from its most costly speakers down to its most affordable–the most apparent example being the 600 Series’ revised Nautilus tubeloaded aluminum dome tweeter, which is a direct descendent of B&W’s top-of-the-line 800 Series. It is now possible to add a basic crossover to the range for the first time, thanks to improvements to the drive units in the new 600 Series.
The neodymium magnet, which is stronger and better than the ceramic magnet used in previous versions, replaces the ceramic magnet, and the somewhat smaller diameter allows for closer alignment to B&W’s famous Kevlar midbass driver. According to B&W, the drivers’ better physical alignment results in stronger coherence and improved vertical dispersion, limiting the visual focus of the 685.
The short prelude to Act II also displayed beautiful, leaner, more grittier string and wind tones than we’re used to from modern instruments, as well as demonstrating the 685’s ability to shift its soundstage as recordings dictate. The Countess by soprano Véronique Gens, as well as the spoken-word recitatives, showcased the 685’s midrange clarity. Albeit the 685 initially sounded a little rough with female voices, this faded with time and driver breakin, though it never completely vanished.
Sound Quality
The 685 initially impresses with a nice open sound that appears to be unfettered by the boxes. The sound stage was projected well forward of the loudspeakers, bringing vocalists close to the listener, and it extended well beyond the loudspeakers, a result of good drive units and slow crossover slopes, as there was a strange almost phasey quality to the sound that cut earthly anchors to create an ethereal sound.
Though the 685 S2s have a noticeable boost in the vocal ranges and a sweeter treble than the original 685s, they are still well balanced speakers that benefit a broad range of musical genres while still being acceptable for home theater use. The bass was well-balanced, tuneful, and credible, but with a mild tone.
In Goldfrapp’s Lovely To See You, synthesised hand claps were finely defined in the time domain and lingered in space. Alison Goldfrapp’s voice was clean and uncolored, although her timbre was light. Unfortunately, the speaker was always noticeable, making subpar recordings like Within Temptation Live sound cluttered and harsh; others fared better.
These are stereo speakers, therefore they’re meant to be used with music. The B&Ws are terrific at low volumes, but they demand to be turned up high. Even the tiniest hint that the treble sounds were captured in a different context than the rest
Add to that the notion that the bass is a little tubby (which can be improved by single-wiring them) and that the 685s aren’t quite enough to fight off the new competition in their current state.
What should be considered before buying a Loudspeaker
Before buying any new device, it is essential to know what features actually need to be present to get the best result. In the same way, before buying Loudspeaker, you need to be sure whether the feature should be there comes to the perfect cook. So let’s check what should be considered when you buy any Loudspeaker machine.
Consideration 1: Power output
The quantity of power generated is roughly equivalent to the maximum volume at which music may be played. The larger the speakers or the room, the more electricity you’ll require (much to your neighbors’ and housemates’ disgust!). You may not, however, require as much authority as you believe. In average, 10W will blow the roof off most parties, while 100W will blast the roof off most parties!
Consideration 2: System matching
The interaction between a loudspeaker and stereo speakers is crucial, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure they complement each other as well as Wensleydale cheese and wheat crackers. An Loudspeaker’s power output (the amount of watts it can convey to each channel of a music signal) is essential, but so is impedance (measured in ohms) and sensitivity (measured in decibels) (dB).
The resistance of a loudspeaker is a measurement of how difficult it is for it to drive the speaker. The sensitivity of a speaker, on the other hand, is a measurement of how loud it can go for a specific input.
Consideration 3: Classes of Loudspeakers
Classification of loudspeakers is based on their underlying circuitry, with the majority of applications falling between Class-A and Class-D. As a rule, audio quality is highest in Class-A models and gradually degrades as you travel down the alphabet. On the other hand, Class-A loudspeakers preserve the complete linear audio signal at the sacrifice of power efficiency. While audio quality may degrade as you move from Class A to Class B, C, and D, efficiency and operating costs will increase.
Consideration 4: Inputs & Connections
Is it possible to connect to anything? Make sure you have enough inputs to accommodate everything you’ll be plugging in. It’s also crucial to consider how you’ll link them. Stereo audio (RCA), HDMI Optical, and digital coax are just a handful of the available options. Stereo audio has two channels of sound; it does not allow 5.1 surround sound or digital audio. The 5.1 surround signal is sent using an RCA cable over a digital coax connection. Light is used to transmit a 5.1 signal through optical links. RCA cables are “unbalanced” in compared to the somewhat balanced TRS and XLR connections. A balanced cable is less prone to interference and can transport low signals over longer distances.
FAQs:
- Question: Are B and W speakers any good?
Answer: They provide a great sound, with clarity and openness over the frequency spectrum, thanks to B&W’s Continuum cone technology (which has trickled down from its more premium models). They’re also an energizing and passionate listen, with a fast speed, accuracy, and a fun sense of rhythm.
- Question: Are Bowers and Wilkins worth it?
Answer: It is crystal clear all of the time and with any style of music. The costly Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system in the 5 Series and 7 Series is certainly worth the money for serious audiophiles who can pick up on the exquisitely subtle distinctions in sound quality across high-end speakers.
- Question: How long do quality speakers last?
Answer: High-quality speakers can last up to 40-50 years before displaying signs of wear and tear, depending on the materials they’re composed of and the location in which they’re utilized.
- Question: Do speakers improve with age?
Answer: The good news is that after the initial break-in time, your speakers will sound far better. Your new speakers will not be as dynamic until they have had a chance to move and become more flexible, due to their rigidity.
Conclusion
Today, we’ve gone through every aspect of the Kef Q100 and the B&W 685. As you will see, both gadgets have advantages and disadvantages. It’s now up to you to choose which one will best satisfy my requirements and fit into my culinary lifestyle.
However, if you want our opinion, we believe the Kef Q100 has more features than the B&W 685. B&W 685, on the other hand, is not ineffectual in our opinion. Check it out first to see whether it’s a good fit for your lifestyle.
