KEF Owners & Discussion Thread

[tane0019]

Hi,

 

From all the posting, seem not so much discussion & interest about KEF speakers.

 

Therefore start this thread for current & potential owner(s) to share info like what amp, source(s) and cables are being use to run your speaker(s).

Of course if possible to include helpful tips & tricks for the current & potential owner(s) as well.

 

http://www.kef.com

 

 

[tane0019]

;D Let me start the ball rolling  ;D

 

Used to run KEF KHT3005SE with Onkyo 608 for 5.1 setup in my living room of about 12 fts by 12 fts.

Didn't quite like the bass (not solid enough).  Got myself a Rythmik F12SE sub.

Didn't quite like my old BR player (not detail enough for HT & music).  Got myself a Oppo BDP93.

 

But there is still lacking something - the soundstage was not that "wide" & the music is not that "full".

Went out to listen to tradition bookshelve & floorstander speaker.  Found out that what I'm looking for can only be coming out from floorstanding speakers.

But there are so many makes/models to choose from + not all are that easy to drive (at least from an AV amp).

 

Finally landed myself with Kef Q700 & the Q600C thinking of using the Kef 3005 egg speakers for the 7.1 setup.

Was also considering then to get the Q500 i.s.o. Q700 because of my relative small listening space.  But lucky decided on the slightly bigger Q700 which to me sound better & suprising not boomy in my living room.

 

Recently, sold my Onkyo608 (the 2nd hand mkt for this amp is quite good because of the high demand) & get myself a Onkyo3008.

The 3008 together with the Q700 - the SQ move up by another step.

Am now quite happy with my setup (at least for now) - until the next upgrade ........ maybe an intergraded amp with HT bypass + a DAC ??

[Doggie Howser]

My friend got the iQ9 to replace his front Eggs and upgraded the Center to the Q600C. Damn good speakers. Also coaxial in design like Thiels.

[tane0019]

Some reviews of the Kef speakers to share.

Although the Q700 didn't get good review from "What HiFi" :'(, but who care ..... I still like the SQ from my current setup  ;D

 

http://hifireviews.posterous.com/tag/kef

 

http://www.whathifi.com/search/apachesolr_search/?filters=tid%3A368%20type%3Ahcmproduct%20tid%3A880&solrsort=created%20desc

 

There are really many good reviews on the Kef 3005 Egg Sat. & Snail Sub 5.1 system  ;D :o ;D

 

[lstdennis]

I had just upgraded my Wharfedale 9.1 diamond last month. Got the Q300 instead + Q200C due to size constraint of my 3m x 4m bedroom. Also switched my AVR from Denon 2309 to 4311. Sticking with Velodyne CHT-12Q sub and Wharf 9.SR for surrounds. Happy with the SQ so far from this setup.

 

Considering to switch the surrounds to some KEF speakers later but not sure if there will be any major differences.

[Ultradaddy]

Have anyone use the KEF HTF7003 Soundbar?? Looking for soundbar solution as it match well with Flat Panel LCD/LED TV.

 

[Quest88]

Heard the KEF 201/2 at the shop.. sounded pretty decent but no idea of the price.

Actually pretty curious about the Blade but probably never going to hear it in Singapore.

[tane0019]

Now I'm officially 9.2 since last weekend  ;D ;D

Yet to calibrate the system - but think will do it this weekend.

 

A DIY power amp (2x250W into 8 ohms - class D).

KEF 3005SE minus the center SAT for the surround + 1 sub.

1 pair of Emotiva UAC 6.2 ceiling speaker for the extra surround (actually the SQ is quite good, surprisingly).

 

Front view :-

 

Back view :-

[JT]

Im using KEF eggs but my subwoofer psw2000 spoiled. Whats the recommended sub for these speakers?

 

I plan to get B&W PV1 but really ex.

 

 

[tane0019]

Im using KEF eggs but my subwoofer psw2000 spoiled. Whats the recommended sub for these speakers?

 

I plan to get B&W PV1 but really ex.

 

I'm using Rythmik F12SE - local new set cost more than 1.5K (but the bass is deep, clean & tight :) )

Think that there is one selling as 2nd hand on this forum.

 

or

 

can try Hsu Research VTF 10' or 12' sub (but have to buy on-line).

 

If you want a more nicer + less boxy/smaller sub but with a good tight bass - then maybe have to go to KEC to get MiniVee range (got 8' & 10', I think).

 

 

[Waddle]

I'm loving my 3005se set up with a pioneer amp and an Oppo BDP

 

My first foray into home theatre so am naturally very happy!

 

 

[tane0019]

NEW KEF - R Series.  Between XQ & References range.

Still no detail info yet, but can read general info at the web : http://www.kef.com/gb/newrelease/rseries

 

 

From the web:-

 

Featuring many of KEF’s latest innovations in premium hi-fi and home theatre loudspeaker technology, the all-new R Series makes genuine audiophile standards of entertainment more affordable than ever before. Stunningly fluent new Uni-Q driver arrays combine with potent new bass drivers and many ingenious refinements to create a rich, spacious sound image of such accuracy that it approaches the benchmark standards of KEF’s legendary Reference Series.

 

The new Uni-Q MF/HF driver array is a masterpiece. Midrange response is amazingly fast and clean, thanks to a braced magnesium/aluminium alloy cone, with KEF’s Z-flex surround smoothing the transition to the front panel and a sturdy die-cast aluminium chassis that prevents resonance being transferred to the cabinet. At the acoustic centre of the midrange cone is the sophisticated vented tweeter that endows KEF Blade with such startlingly pure HF response. With a large neodymium magnet and a computer-optimised dome structure so stiff that it operates pistonically over its entire working range, the upper registers are articulated with flawless precision – and to capitalise on Uni-Q’s point source characteristics, KEF’s ‘tangerine’ waveguide helps to disperse the higher frequencies evenly across a wider angle to flood the room with an intricate and refreshingly natural soundfield. Operating together as a single, perfectly integrated voice, the array as a whole delivers a sweet, accurate sound of unprecedented clarity.

 

The new bass driver is equally impressive. The combination of a massive vented magnet assembly and a large, lightweight aluminium voice coil driving a light, stiff and strong hybrid cone assures clean, deep and uncompressed bass output with superb dynamics and power handling.

 

Inside the cabinets (in a choice of classic Piano Black and real wood veneer finishes in Rosewood or Walnut) every single component confirms KEF’s technology leadership. Computer-designed crossovers allow the level of each driver to be fine-tuned for a smoother, flatter response. Constrained layer damping panels prevent cabinet vibration from muddying the mid-range and bass – even the airflow through the reflex ports is managed using computational fluid dynamics to optimise acoustic integrity.

 

With nine timelessly handsome models including three assertive floorstanders, two bookshelf speakers, two fully-specified centre channels, dipole surrounds and a matching subwoofer, the all-new R Series represents a decisive step forward in the enjoyment of music or film. By incorporating the high end technologies of KEF Blade in a classically elegant format, it gives serious audiophiles phenomenally accurate reproduction that neither adds to nor subtracts from the original recording: refined, spacious and exquisitely detailed. For those whose appreciation of true audio excellence outstrips their bank balance, it’s the perfect buy.

[drazic]

hi guys, just got my KEF 3005SE to pair with the Pioneer LX75.

Are the monoprice speaker cables good enough? Thinking of ordering their 12AWG OFC ones...

[tane0019]

hi guys, just got my KEF 3005SE to pair with the Pioneer LX75.

Are the monoprice speaker cables good enough? Thinking of ordering their 12AWG OFC ones...

 

I think I still have quite some amount left from the surround wiring earlier - but have to find where exactly I store them to :(

Another one for your refereces - try Blue Jeans Cable.  http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/

IMO, should be good & cheap as well.

[drazic]

any of you running this as 7.1? thinking of adding 2 more satelites..

[tane0019]

any of you running this as 7.1? thinking of adding 2 more satelites..

 

Rather than 2 more satelites, maybe can get 2 more bookshelve for the front L/R.

Maybe Q100 or the bigger Q300 ?

 

I've the Q700 + Q600C as the front 3 channels.

The 4 satellites use for the surround back & front.

2 x ceiling speakers as surround.

 

Now has the center satellite speaker storage somewhere.

[deaf.eye]

Is the BLADE here already?  ???

[malsound]

Congratulations on your Fifty Anniversary  :)

 

http://www.kef.com/thefifty/

 

See whether you remember some of this speakers.  ;)

 

 

[Guest ruzhyo]

Are the Classic Q any good for HT?

 

Any idea of local SG price?

 

I am thinking of replace my Q accoustics (1030 and 1010) with the KEF Classic Qs if $$$$ permits.

 

Not sure how they sound but I like the looks...

 

Gonna just power em of a Denon 3810.  Not sure powerful enough... 

 

Perhaps iQ90 for front, iQ70 side, iQ50 for rear and iQ60c for ctr with my SVS PC Ultra

[tane0019]

I think classic Q is slightly lower than the Q series (maybe about 10-20% down ??)

Q500 about 1.5K+

Q700 about 2.0K+

Q600C about 1.0K+

Q900 ??

Has to bargain hard + as a package with GP.

 

Personally, think KEF iQ & Q series is good for HT.

I really like the center speaker.

 

Go & try it out & let us know :)

[drazic]

Any good KEF installer/tuner? Does GP Acoustic do KEF installation if you do not buy it from them?

[tane0019]

Latest Review by AVForums "KEF Q700 Surround Sound Speaker Package "

http://www.avforums.com/reviews/KEF-Q700-Surround-Sound-Speaker-Package_257/Review.html

 

 

 

 

[kenkim]

50th anniversary LS50 arriving GP.

listened to r100, not enuf bass for me.

then heard r300, bass issue settled (3way vs r100 2way)

 

reserved a piano black r300.

however, will wait for LS50 to make comparsion before commit.

 

[Mikeyz]

Rather than 2 more satelites, maybe can get 2 more bookshelve for the front L/R.

Maybe Q100 or the bigger Q300 ?

 

I've the Q700 + Q600C as the front 3 channels.

The 4 satellites use for the surround back & front.

2 x ceiling speakers as surround.

 

Now has the center satellite speaker storage somewhere.

 

Since u got the Q700 & Q600C, a Q300 would definatly blend in nicely with it's bigger driver then Q100, love my Q300 very much cause of it's wide soundstage performance for a bookshelf.

[tunster]

Just went in to do an audition of the q500 & q700.

 

Q500 was really pleasant. Reproduced my andrea bocelli and santana discs beautifully.

 

Q700 was more of the same musically but provided a much warmer bass reproduction.

 

THEN the kind sales rep hooked up the R100...........

 

Musically it felt much more open and clearer to me, just that it wasnt much to shout about in the bass department (being a bookshelf speaker it was understandable).

 

THEN the same knid gentleman hooked up the R300........

 

OMG..........knocked the socks off me.....could not believe they are bookshelfs!! I thought the type of music i needed could only be reproduced by floor standers, which was why i went for the Q500 in the first place.

 

Got caught hook, line and sinker. Now after coming home to do some more research, i am going back to audition the R500 and R300 again before making my decision.

 

Anyone got the same experience?