KEF Hi-Fi System Wins 2025 Award, Outshining Any Soundbar

Experience the KEF Hi-Fi system’s cinematic sound that outperforms any soundbar with rich, dynamic audio and award-winning design.

Oh man, there’s something truly magical about our annual acoustic sound testing ritual! Sure, lugging around subwoofers and speakers is a bit of a workout, but the payoff? Absolutely worth it. The sheer quality of sound we get—way beyond any soundbar—keeps us hooked year after year.

This 2025 round-up has been especially thrilling. After a rather stagnant 2024, a fresh champion has emerged: a stunning setup from KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 speaker system. That’s right, this newcomer now proudly stands alongside the heavyweights like Wharfedale, Dali, and Bowers & Wilkins!

What’s fascinating about these speaker systems is their flexibility. Each is essentially a 5.1 setup, but the beauty lies in swapping out components. Add a pair of overhead speakers, and voilà, you get a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos system. Or, double up your surround speakers and you’re looking at a 7.1 setup for truly immersive sound.

KEF’s Stunning Acoustic System Takes Center Stage

KEF made an impressive return to our AV testing lab shortly after dropping one of the year’s best Dolby Atmos soundbars—the XIO soundbar. Their Q Concerto Meta 5.1 system features a pair of five-star floor-standing speakers, a powerful subwoofer, a central channel, and top-notch bookshelf speakers that deliver a lush, powerful, and downright cinematic audio experience.

This set costs more than the previous “Product of the Year” winner by Bowers & Wilkins (more on that soon), but its sleek design, tight integration, and most importantly, exceptional cinematic sound more than justify the premium.

In our full review, we raved about its "rich, warm, and captivating sound," especially highlighting how the Kube 12 MIE subwoofer elevates the listening experience with controlled yet impactful bass.

The synergy across components is remarkable: the center channel crisply delivers clear, emotional dialogue filled with detail, while the Q Concerto Meta speakers—front left and right channels—offer rich, powerful soundscapes.

Overall, the system sounds vibrant and dynamic, never falling into dryness or analytical coldness. Honestly, we were pleasantly surprised by how full-bodied and lively its sound remained throughout our tests.

It’s a clear step ahead of the B&W setup, which is why it earned the title of “Best Speaker System Over $3,000.”

Wharfedale, Dali, and Bowers & Wilkins Still Hold Their Ground

The rest of the list features previous award winners, each a shining example of what makes a surround sound system truly spectacular.

• Wharfedale DX-3 HCP: The most budget-friendly model here, this compact system is perfect for those craving first-rate cinematic sound in smaller rooms. Don’t let its size fool you—it delivers wide, immersive, crisp, and punchy sound with ease. A fantastic starter 5.1 system, it comes packaged conveniently for hassle-free setup.
• Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 HCP: Recently snagging its fifth award, this system is spacious, insightful, and embodies Wharfedale’s trademark warmth and depth. Our original review found it nearly flawless, and it remains a compelling option in the $600–$1,200 range.
• Dali Oberon 5 5.1: A perennial favorite, this stylish setup boasts rich, detailed, and dynamic sound without breaking a sweat. The harmony across its speakers is impressive, and when weighing its few downsides against the price, it’s clear: "There’s nothing better at this price point."
• Bowers & Wilkins 606 & 607 S3: This powerhouse, twice crowned “Product of the Year,” features two pairs of five-star stereo speakers backed by the ASW610 subwoofer delivering mighty bass. It blends clarity, warmth, and punch with finesse, making this our awards list mainstay for the third year running.

The big question remains: Who will snag the coveted “Product of the Year” crown? Will Bowers & Wilkins score a hat-trick, or will KEF steal the spotlight? No spoilers here, but the answer is just days away!

“The Kube 12 MIE subwoofer elevates the listening experience with controlled yet impactful bass.”

Wrapping It Up: Hi-Fi Systems Still Reign Supreme

If you’re a fan of truly immersive, cinematic sound, these award-winning speaker systems prove that Hi-Fi is far from dead. KEF’s latest entry not only challenges but surpasses many traditional soundbars, bringing theater-quality sound right into your living room.

Whether you’re a newcomer dipping your toes with Wharfedale or a seasoned audiophile eyeing KEF or Bowers & Wilkins, there’s something on this list to elevate your audio game.

FAQ

• What makes KEF’s Q Concerto Meta system stand out?
  Its combination of rich, warm sound, a powerful subwoofer, and detailed dialogue clarity across channels creates an immersive cinematic experience.
• Can these systems be expanded beyond 5.1?
  Absolutely. Many systems can be upgraded with overhead or additional surround speakers for Dolby Atmos or 7.1 setups.
• Is the Wharfedale DX-3 HCP suitable for small spaces?
  Yes, it delivers high-quality surround sound despite its compact size, making it ideal for smaller rooms or beginners.
• How does Dali Oberon 5 compare in terms of price and performance?
  It offers excellent value, with rich, detailed audio often considered unmatched at its price point.
• Why does Bowers & Wilkins keep winning awards?
  Their consistent blend of clarity, warmth, and dynamic bass ensures their systems remain fan favorites year after year.

Looking to bring this award-winning sound into your space visually? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store for a perfect music-inspired décor piece that complements any Hi-Fi system: Architeg Prints.