Are you looking for the best amp for KEF Q150? Then you are in the right place. We found and reviewed the top five amplifiers for your speakers.
The KEF Q150 works best in a smaller space when used as a rear surround speaker or stereo playback speaker. Though the Q150 is very small in size (in fact, it’s the smallest amongst all speakers in the KEF’s Q Series), this bookshelf speaker reproduces premium sound.
Audiophiles and music enthusiasts strongly recommend pairing the KEF Q150 with a stereo-integrated amp with DAC to enable it to fire on all cylinders. So without further ado, let’s take a look at our list of the best amps for Q150.
The 5 Best Amplifiers for KEF Q150
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Reisong A10 (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | NAD C 316BEE (Close Runner-Up) | Check Price |
 | S.M.S.L AO200 | Check Price |
 | ELAC EA 101EQ-G | Check Price |
 | Audioengine N22 | Check Price |
1. Reisong A10 Amplifier (Editor’s Choice)
The Reisong A10 amplifier has been specially designed to work with ultra-compact bookshelf speakers. To put things in perspective, this hi-fi stereo vacuum-tube amp works seamlessly with bookshelf speakers having a small footprint and sensitivity of 89dB or higher. So you can bank on this Reisong tube amp that is guaranteed to bring out the best in your bookshelf speakers.
This is a vintage-style tube amp that’ll go a long way in enabling your powerful bookshelf speakers to achieve their full potential. At the same time, the A10 EL34 audio stereo Class-A tube amp is remarkably energy-efficient, consuming less power but delivering more. With a frequency response range of 20Hz-28,000Hz, 4.8ῼ output impedance, and SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) of 88dB, A10 pairs well, particularly with small speakers.
The A 10 Hi-Fi stereo tube amp from Reisong features a framework crafted out of top-quality mirrored stainless steel, while the corner columns have been chiseled out of CNC-machined high-grade aluminum. The output block or panel has also been created from superior-quality material and comes with a crystal-clear cover. In addition, the potting-type output transformer ensures that the component continues to perform with consistency, especially in hot and humid climes.
This amp is integrated with two classy and heavy-duty knobs, one for controlling the volume level and the other for power. The amp is delivered to you in the unassembled state in a robust package comprising five tubes and four small boxes.
Pros
- Designed to work with bookshelf speakers with a sensitivity rating of 89dB or beyond
- It comes with 2 x EL34 diodes, 2 x 6N2J tubes, and 1 x 5Z4PJ diode
- Audiophile-grade manually welded output transformer that switches to 76 x 40 higher-end output transformer
- The black knob at the rear for shifting to CD from AUX and vice-versa
- Natural, spacious, and ultra-wide soundstage with tightly focused bass, a clean midrange, and clear highs
Cons
- Weighing 26.4 pounds (11.97 kgs), this amp is hefty
2. NAD C 316BEE V2 Amplifier (Close Runner-Up)
NAD enjoys a universal reputation and goodwill for making top-quality performance-driven stereo-integrated amps designed to work with monitors and bookshelf speakers.
The C316BEE integrated amplifier with phono input perfectly embodies NAD’s high craftsmanship, quality, and performance levels. The advanced circuitry of NAD C 316BEE effortlessly blends high overload boundaries with low noise to keep out distortion and noise.
This NAD stereo-integrated amplifier is extremely efficient in accomplishing RIAA equalization and also comes with an infrasonic filter for eliminating airborne sound/noise that could bring about parasitic oscillation.
The C 316BEE PowerDrive Circuit furnishes an extraordinary blend of high current drive essential for outputting high levels of brilliant dynamic power and handling complicated loudspeaker loads. In addition, the PowerDrive function helps monitor the operation of this amp with precision, automatically optimizing the power supply settings for offering maximum power and consistently low distortion.
The PowerDrive circuit makes the most of a sophisticated ‘analog computer’ for figuring out the settings for the power supply. The NAD C 316BEE takes optimum advantage of all NAD technologies starting from hardwearing distinct output transistors to the oversized toroidal power transformer and everything in between. No wonder the C 316BEE stereo amp tends to be as chic, performance-driven, and advanced as all other NAD amps.
You bet the 316BEE will be the pivot of your home stereo setup thanks to the five line-level inputs, a separate smartphone/tab input, tone defeat circuits, and a MM Phono input. And to top it all, the C 316 comes with an IR remote, which allows you to take advantage of the amp’s features. While the RMS throughput is a standard 40W, the peak power output is a whopping 100W. This amp will get your groove on.
Pros
- Bare-bones yet sophisticated: Low-key yet striking exterior with full-function remote, one headphone jack, one speaker set, and six inputs
- Toroidal power transformer
- Low ESR (equivalent series resistance) flattening capacitors
- Multi-way speaker binding posts
Cons
- Other similar models from Denon, Marantz, and Cambridge offer better clarity, metrical accuracy, and subtler dynamics throughout the audible spectrum
- Many audiophiles will feel the need for a distinct subwoofer out
3. S.M.S.L AO200 Amplifier
The S.M.S.L AO200 is a digitally-powered amp that sweeps you off your feet thanks to its versatility and drop-dead gorgeousness. The AO2020 is an intensely budget-friendly amp that replicates the sound of a vintage vacuum-tube amp that ruled the roost not so long ago. Given the AO200’s price point and its compact size, the amp puts out an excellent hi-res sonic.
This super compact and sleek amp features a Bluetooth wireless receiver and offers a maximum of 90W of power output. The AO200 is packed to the hilt with tons of functional features that most amp twice its size don’t have. S.M.S.L deserves many eulogies and tributes for effectively developing a beefy Class-D yet comparatively neutral amplifier with oodles of detail.
The AO200 has everything going for it as the amp’s specs almost match up with those of a top-class stereo-integrated amp. In addition, this S.M.S.L amp comes equipped with premium components, including low noise MELF resistors, ERO audio capacitors, and an NJW1194 volume-control chipset for maintaining channel equilibrium.
Additionally, the AO200 is reinforced with a Class-D amp chip within the Infineon MA12070 that is fully configured for providing a balanced layout inside the framework.
The MA12070 capitalizes on MERUS technology enabling 4 MOSFETs for delivering a PWM signal having three states rather than 2 in standard Class-D. This technicality goes a long way in smoothening out this amplifier’s output signal.
Despite being a compact amp, the AO200 offers plenty of input options, including Bluetooth, USB A to USB A input option for readily connecting with a desktop.
Alternatively, the outputs are straightforward, comprising two sub outputs and two 5-way bind posts for connecting a pair of speakers.
Pros
- CNC-milled aluminum chassis which also doubles as a high-quality heat sink
- The USB port allows the playing of MP3 files and also serves as an input for connecting a smartphone or PC
- 2-way interaction via the remote and volume knob
- Eight distinct EQ settings including direct, clear, tone, soft, rock, super bass, bass, and rock
Cons
- Basse bass is somewhat muddy
- The remote is not quite user-friendly
4. ELAC EA 101EQ-G Amplifier
The EA 101EQ-G is ELAC’s first integrated stereo amplifier designed with meticulous care by company engineers. As a result, this ELAC EA Series amp comes across as an incredibly versatile, ultra-powerful, and intensely user-friendly integrated amp guaranteed to impress even the most fastidious audiophiles.
Lying at the core of this amp is an innovative BASH Tracking Amp that puts out 80-watts of power per channel into 8ῼ or 4ῼ speakers.
Using a modulated SMPS linked to a traditional Class-AB amp, it switches over 4, 00, 000 times per second. Consequently, the SMPS effortlessly tracks audio signals to ensure that EA 101EQ-G receives just the right power for handling modern-day digital music content.
Users of this stereo-integrated amplifier can download ELAC’s proprietary Android and iOS apps for free for customized installation and monitoring of their audio rig.
These easy-to-use straightforward apps gauge the near-field responsiveness of subwoofer and channel speakers to identify the sub’s optimal crossover frequency. While ‘Room Calibration’ fine-tunes your setup for smoothest response across the frequency band, ‘Auto Blend’ ensures excellent incorporation of spotless expressive bass.
The EA101EQ-G integrated amp tactfully gets around two flagrant problems that continue to plague two-channel audio.
This amp features DRC or ‘digital room correction’ technologies where digital filters help alleviate a room’s acoustics’ undesirable effects. So this amp adjusts itself as per the spaces (the setting where you install it) dimensions for top-quality sound output.
Pros
- Integrated heavy-duty headphone amp
- Compact Class-AB stereo amp delivering 22W per channel (40W peak power) into 8ῼ (20Hz-22kHz) at 0.02% THD
- Works mainly with desktops, iPods, passive bookshelf speakers, headphones, vinyl players, DAC, and sub
- Comes with installation hardware including ext power supply with removable power cord, integrated stand, and 16AWG power cord
Cons
- Buttons are not quite user-friendly
- The power button has to be pushed repeatedly for powering on (and doesn’t switch off automatically as claimed)
5. Audioengine N22 Amplifier
The N22 Mini Desktop Audio Amplifier from Audioengine has been explicitly designed to work with desktops installed in smaller spaces. As a compact analog Class AB integrated-stereo amp/headphone amp, Audioengine N22 pairs perfectly with your PC, headphones, passive speakers with a sub, and music streamer for a small Hi-Fi music system.
This stereo amp-cum-headphone amp features a super compact design housed in solid wood and a hand-polished cab.
Most importantly, you can modulate and control the audio output of this Audioengine amp, which adds to the unit’s versatility. On the other hand, you don’t need a driver or software for pairing the N22 with any audio device confirming this amp’s user-friendliness.
Featuring top-notch 5-way binding posts, N22 comes in supremely handy for hooking up this amp with your passive KEF or Klipsch bookshelf speakers.
You can also add a sub to your mini Hi-Fi stereo system via the subwoofer line-out of the Audioengine N22 amplifier. This rock-solid stereo amp provides 22-watts output per channel, more than adequate for driving most bookshelf speakers in tight enclosures.
You can connect your premium headphones with this low-noise headphone amp and enjoy blissful music when not using your passive speakers.
Setting up and operating the Audioengine N22 amp is a breeze. This amp comes with all essential installation hardware, one knob each for power and volume, and inputs for two analog audio sources. If you prefer watching Hollywood thrillers and enjoying songs with bass-heavy soundtracks, then the N22’s preamp output lets you connect a sub.
Pros
- Compact vertically-oriented stereo power analog Class-AB amp/headphone amp
- Ideal for mounting on the kitchen counter, mantelpiece, or tabletop
- 22 watts per channel into 8ῼ (20Hz-22kHz) at 0.02% THD
- Power-saving idle mode
- Low-noise OPA-2134 based amp for driving a variety of headphones
Cons
- There’s no selector switch for switching between the two line-level (audio) inputs, so both will be live if the amp is on.
How Much Difference Does an Amp Make for Q150?
The KEF Q150 is a cute little passive bookshelf speaker designed and created to work best in smaller rooms. At the same time to exploit the Q150’s features to the hilt using this compact bookshelf speaker as a rear surround- or stereo playback speaker. Many music fans and audiophiles want to know whether connecting the speaker pair to a stereo-integrated amp will be essential.
Yes, you’d be better off pairing a powerful stereo amp with a pair of Q150 as these are passive speakers. Hooking up the Q150 with a stereo-integrated amp lets you enjoy the warm, deep, flowing low-end, scooped-out midrange and the ultra-detailed high-end. Once you connect these speakers with a top-notch amplifier, you’ll feel the sound is realistic, as if it’s coming from live events and shows.
Alternatively, if you look at the Q150’s specs, you realize that using a suitable amp helps bring out the best in this compact wooden bookshelf speaker. Following are some of the specs of Q150 that matter:
- Drive units: Uni-Q driver range (1” vented aluminum dome tweeter and 5.25” aluminum cone driver)
- Sensitivity: 86dB
- Frequency response: 51Hz-28kHz (±3dB)
- Amp requirement:10W-100W
- Maximum output: 108dB
- Impedance (resistance): 8ῼ
- Size (dimensions): 12.09” x 7.08” x 10.9”
Given the speaker’s size, its punches are much above its weight, substantiated by its frequency response range (51-28,000Hz). On the other hand, the Q150’s amp requirements (10W-100W) imply that a wide variety of amps can drive it.
But that flexibility comes with a caveat: you’ll require a very powerful amp to achieve a high volume as the amp’s sensitivity (86dB) is abysmally low.
Though the KEF Q150 comes with an output for subwoofer, you’ll not need one unless you’re a movie buff.
So, The Best Amplifier to Pair With KEF Q150 Is…
The sweeping versatility of KEF Q150 lets you use this speaker as a rear surround-, stereo playback- or desktop speaker. Before choosing a suitable amp for Q150, ensure that the audio specs correspond, especially the impedance, RMS (continuous power output), and sensitivity. All amps listed above have been reviewed in detail and therefore match up smoothly with Q150.
Our winner is the Reisong A10 amplifier. It’s the best amp for the Q150 available on the market at the moment.