Will the AVR-S970H damage the Q250c?

No. The AVR-S970H is rated for the Q250c's 8 Ω load as it comes.

What impedance setting should I use for the Q250c on the AVR-S970H?

None: the Q250c is 8 Ω, and the AVR-S970H needs no change for it.

Is the AVR-S970H powerful enough for the Q250c?

More than you need. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 26 W per speaker, and the AVR-S970H is rated 90 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 253 W.

Does the KEF Q250c work with the Denon AVR-S970H?

Verdict

Yes

The Q250c is 8 Ω, and the AVR-S970H is rated for speakers down to 4 Ω, so it drives them as is.

Speaker load

8 Ω speaker, rated down to 4 Ω

Power

90 W

More than you need. About 26 W gives 95 dB peaks at 2 m

How to connect them

Connect the Q250c speakers to the AVR-S970H's front terminals with speaker wire.
Run Audyssey MultEQ with its microphone at your seat.

Plan the Q250c and AVR-S970H in your own room.

Draw your room in 3D, place both, and see every connection checked and how loud they play at your seat. Designing is free.

Build it in your room

The specs that decide it

KEF Q250c

Impedance: 8 Ω
Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.83 V, 1 m)
Recommended amplifier power: 10–100 W
MSRP: $600 each (MSRP, October 2025)

All Q250c specs and pairings

Denon AVR-S970H

Amplifier channels: 7
Height formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Lowest speaker impedance: 4 Ω
MSRP: $949 each (MSRP, September 2026)

All AVR-S970H specs and pairings

Questions about the Q250c and AVR-S970H

Does the Q250c work with the AVR-S970H?: Yes. The Q250c is 8 Ω, and the AVR-S970H is rated for speakers down to 4 Ω, so it drives them as is.
Will the AVR-S970H damage the Q250c?: No. The AVR-S970H is rated for the Q250c's 8 Ω load as it comes.
What impedance setting should I use for the Q250c on the AVR-S970H?: None: the Q250c is 8 Ω, and the AVR-S970H needs no change for it.
Is the AVR-S970H powerful enough for the Q250c?: More than you need. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 26 W per speaker, and the AVR-S970H is rated 90 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 253 W.

Swap one of them

References

Specs verified against the manufacturer's published data. Last checked September 15, 2026.

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