KEF IQ90 Black Ash (Black Ash)

Single 3-way black ash Q series floorstanding speaker

542082593

Defining KEF's new Q Series speakers . . . the iQ90. Uni-Q technology places the 0.75" tweeter at the acoustic center of the 6.5" midrange driver, delivering a broad audio soundstage that fills your listening area, and reproducing the nuances of your favorite movie's dialogue or your favorite album's audio. Further, dual 6.5" woofers combine with a bass-reflex, ported enclosure to offer controlled, low-distortion, high-efficiency bass.

Sold as a single speaker.

The new Q Series, exemplified

The folks at KEF describe the three-way iQ90 floorstanding speaker as "exemplifying" the new Q Series of loudspeakers. We, however, up the ante — the iQ90 defines the new Q Series. Newly designed low- and high-frequency drivers minimize distortion and other unwanted sources of coloration, while also improving upon the depth and purity of audio reproduction. KEF's innovative Uni-Q driver array broadens the soundstage created in your listening area, and the wood-grain veneer cabinet delivers performance enhancement and style. Whether used as part of a stereo pair or a 5.1- or 7.1-channel home theater system, the iQ90 charters the course for the new KEF Q Series.

Focused audio

Traditional speaker-driver arrays often project sound in such a way that a full audio effect can only be experienced in a small and limited space within your listening area. Such a configuration might be great if you and at most two other people ever watched movies or listened to music in your home theater area, always sitting in the same places within the designated audio "hot spot". But this couldn't be further from the truth. You invite multiple friends over for movie night; you entertain guests, expecting your audio system to fill the room with music. Where traditional driver configuration fail, KEF's Uni-Q driver array forges success. By placing the tweeter at the acoustic center of the bass or midrange driver cone, the Uni-Q array allows the tweeter and woofer to work in unison as a single, focused sound source, dispersing audio both widely and evenly throughout the room. The result is a broad, enveloping audio soudstage that transforms your entire listening area into an audio "hot spot." The KEF iQ90 sports a 0.75" tweeter in uni-Q array with a 6.5" midrange driver, reproducing the nuances of the human voice in movie dialogue and the subtleties of any performance from your favorite album.

A high-frequency medley: tweeters and tangerines

As just noted, KEF's Uni-Q driver array transforms loudspeaker driver performance by greatly broadening the soundfield achieved by a tweeter/woofer driver pair. But what if that soundstage could be widened even further, while still preserving the integrity of high-frequency audio reproduction? With its new "tangerine" waveguide, the iQ90's 0.75" aluminum-dome tweeter delivers both a smoother, clearer high-frequency response and an even more expansive audio dispersion, leaving even further behind the notion of an audio "hot-spot." An appropriate first song: Led Zeppelin's "Tangerine", what else?

"Lavish" bass

The use of the word "lavish" to describe the iQ90's dual 6.5" low-frequency drivers might be an understatement. While KEF's new "labyrinth" damping system delivers controlled bass free of the distortion that so often impairs low-frequency reproduction from tall speakers, the use of roll rubber surrounds allows for longer throw, increased bass extensions, and greater power handling. Further, magnetic shielding lets you safely place this speaker to the side of your TV without fear of damage to the screen.

More than just a stylish package: performance-minded enclosures

Whether it's coming from the soundtrack on your favorite movie or from your favorite album, the audio reproduced by your speaker system involves as much the production of sound as the prevention of the production of sound. At the same time that a speaker driver is reproducing the audio you want to hear, the movement of the driver's parts and resonance in the speaker's cabinet can result in the production of additional sounds that might not be desired. With its MDF construction and ported, bass-reflex design, the iQ90's enclosure minimizes sources of resonance and distortion while also taking advantage of that very resonance to enhance your audio experience. First, Medium Density Fiberboard provides extra bracing that dramatically reduces vibration and, hence, distortion. Second, the bass-reflex cabinet design with dual front-firing ports takes advantage of the resonance at the rear of the iQ90's woofer drivers, extending low-frequency reproduction and improving bass efficiency. Better bass performance means a fuller, richer home audio experience.

Write A Review

Kef IQ90 (April 01, 2012)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: janewit k. - Arlington, Tx

I ve been looking forward to have these awesome speakers since I know KEF, finally,I got these speakers from Vanns few days ago with very very best deal. They are being broken-in so far and I am waiting to hear natural and details sound from them.Thank you Vanns.

Impressive (January 19, 2012)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: John H. - Mission, KS

Having owned a set of Paradigm 7se MkIIs and Klipsch RF-3s before, and having an interest in KEF since the late 80s, I decided to spring for a pair of the iQ90s. I luckily got them for half price through the clearance section, and one speaker has evidence of never even being powered terminal inserts still in place. Needless to say, both units were in excellent to pristine unused condition - even better. Vanns is a top-notch retailer! The very first thing I noticed with these over any other speaker Ive heard is the crystal clarity of the high end and realistic tonal presence - they dont sound like speakers. They sound like music being generated live before you. Another welcome trait is their brute power handling at high volume. While many speakers, even ones Ive auditioned outside of the full retail price of these, start sounding hard or stressed when the wattage is poured on, these iQ90s deliver every bit of detail without breaking a sweat. I didnt realize how loud I had the music cranked on these until I couldnt hear my phone ringing right next to me. But all the while, no harshness... just music. Loud and crystal clear. Youll back down before these speakers do! GET A PAIR!!

KEF IQ90 (January 12, 2012)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Roy M. - Bakersfield, CA

Very happy with this purchase. Speakers replaced 30 year old Cerwin Vega HED speakers that I thought provided good sound but these speakers a fantantc. Great range from lows to highs. Highly recommended!!

KEF IQ90 (November 25, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Nicholas - Vienna, VA

Picked these up to replace a set of C95s. Very nice speakers, create lovely vocals and HF while mid range is also very pleasant. Low range is a bit weaker than I would have liked but as long as you have a sub, no problem. I am using a Marantz SR6005 to drive them and it does the job very nicely, they do not seem to be power hungry like some other people like to suggest about KEF in general. Cabinets are nice and sturdy and look beautiful in our family room. Very nice set of speakers at the discontinued price they are currently at here at Vanns. Pick a set up and give them a shot, you will not be disappointed. And mine arent even broken in yet!

Sound fantastical (September 03, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: AHMAD A. - Sarasota, FL

Sound fantastical

KEF IQ90 Speakers (June 21, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Lurette B. - Albuquerque, NM

What an amazing sound from these speakers. No more surround sound is needed with the KEF IQ90s. They are slim and fill the room with excellent sound quality. I highly recommend them to anyone who appreciates superior sound systems.

IQ90 Speakers (May 11, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Don C. - Scottsdale, Arizona

hese speakers sounded great at a local electronics store. Great quality at a reasonable price. To get a better sounding sspeakerI bought two would have cost a great deal more money.

Kef IQ90 (May 05, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Deepak - Sunnyvale, CA

Previously had an Infinity Primus setup P362 and PC350. While they sounded decent, there was no WOW factor.

Had auditioned various speakers locally in the $1k to $2.5k package range, including Martin Logan, Polks, Bowers and Wilkins, Def Tech. To my ears the Kefs sound was what I wanted. Of course coming in at the lower of my price range helped too 2x IQ90 and 1xIQ60C

Hooked up the IQ90s and IQ60C to a Denon 3311 receiver, and have been enjoying this setup for the past week.

One thing I noticed immediately is that these Kefs are incredibly clear and have a greater presence to them, then compared to the Infinitys.

Lot of reviews indicate that these are lacking in Bass. I would agree if reviewing the IQ70, but for me the IQ90s have more then enough.

Mostly listen to Indian Bollywood songs and watch movies. My TV room comes alive now with some great sound.

Vanns is an awesome company to deal with, and have great pricing too. First place I come to now for all my audiovideo purchases.

Solid set of speakers (February 07, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Mark - Chicago, IL

I found these to be a very fine set of speakers. I had a set of Klipsch which I had liked for the past 10 years, however I found that they never sounded great in my lofted ceiling condo. They dropped in fidelity significantly when they were turned down and also never sounded REALLY detailed. Well, thats all resolved with these. The details are truly impressive with these. I like the sound and would say it is comparable to other $1000 speakers. I also like that these can be bi-amped, but I have not yet done this as my receiver can not do that, but its a nice feature for the future. I feel they can be a bit harsh at time, depending on the input, but am hoping that they may warm up with some time as well as some better EQ. Some things I would note with these 1. These are very revealing speakers so if you have a bad input, they will have a bad output. Case in point, my receiver is not up to snuff with these and you can tell. My friend has the same speakers and they sound AMAZING on his Marantz 5005. If you plan on hooking these up to marginal equipment, youll be disappointed. 2. A sub is still a good idea even though these have nice base. The base is solid and detailed, but not rumbling and wouldnt be what I consider these speakers strong point, they are much better in their detailed, sound than anything else.

Thanx (February 02, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Bill M. - Phoenix, AZ

Just received and set up the IQ90 Other than the BIG Boxes - Easy set up. Been playing a number of sources CD, DVD, Games, movies, MP3s ,tuner
and Im extremely impressed by the natural & neutral sound. Cant wait until they break in.
Anticipating a long & happy listening history
Vanns Thumbs up for great price and service too

Very high quality speakers (January 31, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Mathieu M. - Richland, WA

I bought these speakers along with IQ10 rear and IQ60 center channel, Klipsch Rw10d for the sub. I am extremely happy with my purchase, this was the combo deal offered by Vanns, all the speakers work very well together. I use a NAD T747 for receiver. The sound is great both for movies but also for 2 channel sources CDs... KEFs sound is is very clear and crisp, I love it ! KEFs packaging can be tricky but there is no issues and it works out pretty well if you follow the directions. Vanns also added extra boxes to protect the speakers, great attention.
Vanns was awesome ! Ordered on Wednesday afternoon, shipped Thursday and delivered Friday for free !

Excellent (January 28, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Bob M. - The Villages, FL

I was very pleased with the sound and depth of the presentation of bothh music and film.

Great speaker for the money. (January 26, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Kevin H. - Kennewick, WA

I am very happy with these IQ90 speakers. The bass response is very good for having only 6.5 woofers. How ever, for home theater use you would still want a good quality sub-woofer. The imaging is very good, and the highs articulate. The whole tonal balance is very good, but, like most good speakers, good source material sounds very good, but bad source material not so good. Dire Straights sounds great on these! And they are working very well for my home theater. I am using these for my mains, the IQ60C for the center, the IQ10s for surrounds and a Klipsch Reference RW-12d. All from Vanns. This system really rocks for home theater. Driven by my Onkyo TX SR805

kef speakers (January 20, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: robert p. - haddonfield, NJ

these are amazing speakers the sound is so crisp and clear .im using as fronts in home theater setup.7.1 they really make all the difference.

Awesome! (January 19, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: A.J. M. - Lawrence, KS

The speakers sound amazing. The sound is full and rich, and really adds to the movie-watching experience, and in addition, music sounds outstanding. Great lows and highs. The value is outstanding, and these speakers are some of the best components I have ever bought for a stereo.

Kef IQ90 Great HT and Stereo Speakers (January 17, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Gordon Z. - Philadelphia, PA

For a great bang for the buck, I bought a pair of Kefs IQ90 floor standing three-way bass reflex speakers to use as the front L and R home theater surround and stereo system powered by an Onkyo 120 W ch AV reciever. I have been extremely satisfied with the performance of these quality speakers. They integrate well with my 7.2 system. The coaxial midrange with tweeter driver and twin woofers delivers a broad spectrum of quality sound. Anyone looking to purchase speakers with crisp clarity and dynamic range should consider the IQ90s. Ive been a Kef fan since 1985. Also a fan of Klipsch and Polk, the Kefs out-shines.

KEF iQ90 (December 16, 2010)

Ease of Use		(3/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(4/5.0)

Reviewed By: Mauricio A. - Alameda, CA

My Set Up Yamaha RX-V1800 receiver Panasonic DMP-BD35K Blu-ray player Denon DVD-2930CI universal player Audiquest speaker cable bi-wired all purchased from Vanns BTW First off, one of my speakers had some missing components and Vanns was great about exchanging it for me. First impression I got from these speakers is that the black finish actually makes these speakers less dramatic than the others dark apple, walnut. I saw the walnut at a audio shoppe and was smitten. Unfortunately, it doesnt blend with the rest of my gear all that well so had to go with the black. The black that i got goes well but doesnt give off that wow factor. Second thing I noticed was that these are the first speakers I had to assemble. They have a base that, in turn, comes with carpet spikes to help prevent movement that can potentially hinder sound. These were a bit tricky to install because the cabinets are contoured on all sides so had to get inventive to stabilize the cabinets while I installed these. As far as the actual audio is concerned, these are my first tower speakers so my point of reference are my still nice sounding Infinity Primus bookshelf speakers. Ill be honest, the sound coming out of these was a bit exhausting on my sensitive ears. The bass is a lot better than expected and the mids are quite detailed. The highs, however, are whats contributing to the exhaustion. They have been breaking in a bit more but still seem a bit too bright. I generally listen to CDs and SACD on the Denon with both it and the receiver on Pure Direct. Again, the music is very detailed and the bass is booming in a god way, but cant help but notice that they sound better when Im not directly in front of the speaker. Hopefully, these break in some more. Just to be clear the issue is not severe but needs to be noted. When viewing movies, the issue is far less pronounced and is actually quite enjoyable because of the detail these extract from every nuance. I will update my review if any changes occur. Happy listening!

Best in class for the price (December 14, 2010)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Agostinho Faria Cardoso - Belo Horizonte, Brazil, MG

If you are looking for a 3 way sound speakers, that reproduce from classic to rock, from plays to lounge, pure sound, natural, as if the musicians were in front of you, those are the floor stand ones you should have!

Kef IQ 90 Speakers (November 09, 2010)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Gary S. - Las Vegas, NV

I bought Kef IQ90s in Costa RIca. I fell in love with the smoothness of the ranges. Earlier I had Klepsch and traded up. When I moved to Las Vegas I couldn't afford to ship them, and then couldn't find Kefs so I went to a high-end stereo store and listened to several speakers, but none had that special Kef sound. I also was on a tighter budget. It costs much more to live in the USA than Costa Rica. Now living in an apartment I bought a high-end headset....but that didn't do it for my ears and soul....When I saw the great price at Vonn's, I couldn't resist....In just three days I was back in audiophile heaven. The Kefs give off a heavenly sound....

Awesome Speakers (October 05, 2010)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Jason M. - San Francisco, CA

As a first time 5.1 owner, I spent about 3 months researching, listening and fretting over things I didnt truly understand. Based on some recommendations from a friend and a listening session with some higher end KEF speakers I chose the iq90 bundle on vanns. It arrived quickly, setup easily with great instructions, they look great and I am amazed with how well the speakers sound. The only worry I have now is the person living below me

The best inversion for audiophiles (August 30, 2010)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Alberto V. - Cypress, TX

The IQ90 is the best choice for price $499, quality and design, if you are a lover music.
Is the perfect complement for my the home theater.
Thanks Vanns for your excelent service and price.

Best sound for the price (April 19, 2010)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(4/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(4/5.0)

Reviewed By: Ileen Z. - New York, NY

Ive had my Kef Q floor speakers for 9 years, and I have yet to find anything under $2500 that comes close to comparing. The upper ranges of these speakers are the distinctive advantage. From the tiniest finger cymbal in the back of an orchestra up to the upper range of a viola section or Steven Tylers harmonica, this speaker really shows everything accurately.

Even more appealing is the fact that they are no directional - there really isnt any sweet spot. But its wise to also consider the room youre planning to place these speakers in. Dont go too large Ive liked them best in a 15X18 but no larger and place them facing a short wall for some very nice sound circulation.

Comparison Specifications

Power rating: 15 - 200W
Input impedance: 8 ohms
Tweeter: One 0.75" aluminum tweeter in Uni-Q array with midrange driver
Midrange: One 6.5" driver in Uni-Q array with high-frequency tweeter
Woofer: Two 6.5" low-frequency drivers
Crossover: 180Hz - 2.5kHz
Cabinet design: Bass-reflex, ported cabinet / Laminated MDF construction
Magnetic shielding: Yes
Mounting options: Designed for floor placement, plinth base shown but not included.

Additional Specifications

Sensitivity: 91dB
Maximum output: 113dB
Frequency response: 33Hz - 40kHz
Terminals: Bi-wire or bi-amplification terminals / Fully shrouded / Oxygen-free-copper linking wires

Dimensional Specifications

Dimensions: 8.7" W x 37.0" H x 12.9" D
Weight: 36.6 lbs

KEF IQ90 Black Ash Warranty Details

5-year parts and labor warranty

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Grab one of our customer returned open-box KEF IQ90 Black Ash from our clearance center.

Conditions: Open box item. Packaging is rough but product is guaranteed to be in full working condition. Serviced by factory authorized technician. All original accessories included. Full manufacturers warranty.

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