Grottyash:On a more serious note, how do you think the Kefs compare with the other speakers mentioned in the thread? I'm thinking dynamic range, soundstage, bass, detail without too much treble, and, above all, the midrange.
The Q300's, for me, are just a wonderfully balanced loudspeaker. With most speakers, there always an aspect that let's them down - this might be an overpowering bass, a recessed midrange, a tizzy, unconvincing treble, or an overall boxiness to the sound. I find it hard to criticise the Q300's. Of course, they'll have limitations, but they don't seem to be the limitations of the average budget stand mount speaker.
It's a case of getting from them what you put in - in the right system, the bass is fast and agile, the treble is energetic without being overzealous, and neither of these aspects impounds on the midrange, which is extremely open and clear. Once you stop listening to the individual aspects of the speaker, you find that there is an openness and three dimensionality to the sound that belies their price point - I've heard speakers four or five times their price sound unable to match these Q's in this respect.
You may find one or two speakers in this thread will give the KEF's a run for their money, but I've yet to hear a similarly priced speaker compete against all of the Q300's strengths.