KEF XQ40GB GLOSS BLACK 3-way gloss-black XQ Series floorstanding speaker

A handsome throwback, with modern technology

KEF knows that some of us are tired of the same old boxy speaker. They themselves admit that their architectural-looking designs are somewhat of an extravagance — but if you're going to invest in a set of great speakers, you'll want to admire them in every way! Especially since these speakers are going to last a long time: With a new hybrid titanium Uni-Q driver, and a "crown-waveguide" device that protects the tweeter from damage, its easy to see that impressive function is just as important as dynamic form. These XQ40 floorstanding speakers' handsome design will warmly remind you of classic cars or vintage furniture, yet the technology will make you know that your sound system is prepared for the future.

It doesn't take much experience to know great sound

If you have ever been a teenager with a mid-grade shelf system, you know what its like to listen to music on a less-than-perfect speakers. The sound is usually okay, and you can use your imagination to fill in missing details or ignore tinny undertones. . . but this is just a survival mechanism until you can finally treat yourself to real speakers. I mean, who wants to keep churning though set after set of mediocre speakers that just burn out after a while? People who invest in KEF find the long-time dream of sublime, lasting sound finally coming true. KEF's 'tangerine waveguide' device not only improves the HF dispersion but it also protects an otherwise fragile tweeter dome. So you'll get to live out that dream for a long time to come.

The new Uni-Q...no hypertweeter?

KEF's Uni-Q Array, which offers distinct 'vocal intelligibility,' brings crisp transparency to all dialogue even when competing with ambient noise. Originally developed for KEF's legendary high end loudspeakers, the Uni-Q Technological Concept has been using aerospace materials to create an aluminum tweeter small enough to mount in the acoustic center of the 3" midrange driver so that both act as a single point source. This disperses the sound over a much wider area, so everyone in the room enjoys the same clear, warm, realistic sound instead of just those listeners positioned in the small 'sweet spot' that you get with conventional speakers. However, now KEF has developed a device, called a 'crown-waveguide' that surpasses the previous Uni-Q technology. This helps the speaker be future-ready and instantly able to handle HD formats without the need for a hypertweeter.

Don't forget the cables!

If you are using an HD DVD player, a receiver, or anything else that is capable of high definition, don't forget to purchase the right cables. Many people don't realize what a significant difference the right cables make, and when they get their new high definition equipment home, they think the equipment itself is to blame when the picture isn't as good as it should be. This is because most components (HD-DVD, Blu-ray, receivers, etc) don't come with cables, so people often use whatever they have around the house, or buy cheap cables, thinking "it will do." Another reason people don't buy the right cables is because trying to figure out which cables you need can be daunting, and it's hard to know where to start. Our sales representatives are there to explain all your options, so you can make the best purchase and get the most out of your speakers.

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Can't be beaten (January 20, 2012)

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

Reviewed By: Romeo - Guatemala, Guatemala

Well, I had the misfortune of buying the KEF XQ30s from the sell for less online seller . The speakers were sent in such bad shape that I had to replace them with the XQ40s. Fortunately I found the great deal that Vanns had on them and I just have to say WOW!. If you have experienced some of KEFs speakers Q, iQ, eggs, etc., it means that you know what to expect from them, well, multiply it by 10 and maybe youll get the idea Great build quality It has been said before that these speakers will embarrass your finest furniture. Ive never seen a speaker so well built, but.. Is it just looks? NO! I mean, the XQ30s sounded fine, but the XQ40s blew me away in every way. You have to definitively pair them with proper amplification as they are power hungry. The bass that it produces is so deep and tight that you dont even have to bother with a sub, additionally these speakers fire to the front, so the room reflection isnt a factor here. But the best part about these speakers is the midsvocal. I mean, every detail of the song is there, indeed very revealing speakers, you will hear things that you didnt know were there, very articulate, clear vocals and treblehighs... Their sound is just awesome, 2 Channel Stereo was superb. I would definitively recommend these speakers for the true audio audiophiles out there that are looking for an accurate refined sound but if you are more fund with a more bassy boomy sound Cerwin Vega, PSB you will be better looking somewhere else. Thanks Vanns for the great deal on them!

Great! (December 08, 2011)

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

Reviewed By: Craig - Cedar Rapids, IA

Great speakers! Build quality is excellent as is performance. These have a very wide soundstage and are able to handle any type of music from classical to rock seamlessly. The treble can be a bit in your face but if you position them properly and follow a good break-in period they will amaze you with clarity. On a side note Vanns was very good with shipping these, they used Fedex freight which was a welcome change from the usual no name shippers used for freight. Shows that they want the product to arrive as intended. I would recommend these to anyone. If you are on a budget, the iq90 would also be a good choice, as they use the same drivers, but with a lesser finished,still nice, cabinet and different crossovers. The cutoff points on the xq40s are set to open up more mid and treble, making them sound fuller and more refined. Short version, invest in the xq40s if you can, and keep them for many years, you wont regret it. Very exceptional speakers! Thanks to all the Vanns team for offering them!

KEF XQ40 and XQ50 (October 11, 2011)

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

Reviewed By: Brad F. - Fair Oaks, CA

After listening to several speaker mfgs , I received a pair of the XQ40s and the center chanel from Vanns and have been testingcompairing these for the past three weeks. After a good burn in period, these speakers came alive. Compared to my B&W CDM-704NTs, these just shined in every area especially the bass and midrange over my B&W. I have to say that my B&Ws still have an edge on the highs, being what I call airy or transparent. Another area where the KEFs stood out was in the midrange which I was missing not known until listening to the KEFs with the B&Ws.. Now, to review the XQ50 which is the center channel. Again, same characteristics as the floor standings and very good. Though, I have to say that my B&W center gives off more of a non directional soundspaciousness than the KEF but the KEF is more in sync with their towers than my B&Ws. Vanns gave me an excellent price which made it a steal in my eyes and I can say Im keeping these!!!! Great speakers but you need great equipment to go with them.

Kef XQ40s (May 15, 2011)

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

Reviewed By: James A. - Pace, FL

The KEFs have fantastic detail and superb bass response. They are incredible for two channel music and work awesome in home theater. I have an Onkyo TX-NR1008 receiver which I biamp the Kefs and a Velodyne Optimum 12 sub with this system. The watch out is they can be a bit forward but this can be addressed by placement - not toeing in - and they seem to get better as they break in. I am now looking to find the perfect dedicated amp to match up with these. They also look great.

kef xq40 speaker (January 10, 2011)

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

Reviewed By: dennis - maple falls, WA

i had owned a pair of kef iq90 speakers and wanted to expand my system. i purchased the kef kef xq40 speakers and they are just i wanted in sound performance which is great.