AR3a vs KEF 104/2
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The KEF's walking backward ..
In my opinion they're really not in the same league ..
AR has made some very good speakers, some of which could be considered classics .. the LST's, the AR9's
The KEF's are classics ..
I think nostalgia might be bending the value of the 3's ..
In my opinion they're really not in the same league ..
AR has made some very good speakers, some of which could be considered classics .. the LST's, the AR9's
The KEF's are classics ..
I think nostalgia might be bending the value of the 3's ..
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I’d go with the 104/2 KEFs also. But, but, but I’d want to be sure of the condition of all the drivers, especially the tweeters.
Replacements are common and severely effect the price. Originals are becoming hard to find and expensive.
I’m a long time KEF owner. Anything not original would be a red flag for me. Assume nothing.
Good luck.
Replacements are common and severely effect the price. Originals are becoming hard to find and expensive.
I’m a long time KEF owner. Anything not original would be a red flag for me. Assume nothing.
Good luck.
milanomike
Well-Known Member
104/2 you won't be sorry if you are looking to buy but follow advice above.
Thank you guys - I recently was trying to decide whether to sell a perfect pair of KEF's or the AR-3a's. I was having sellers remorse as the AR-3a's sold first - but now that you guys tell me the KEF was probably a better speaker I feel better. I just wasn't sure - both went on the market at the same time and the AR-3a's sold first. I did, however, keep my original AR-3's from 1966 that I bought when I was 11. Keeping the KEF's (which do sound really nice).
The KEF's come alive with higher end electronics and sources ..
They can sound a little flat, and maybe a bit dry if they're underpowered, and they're accurate enough to reflect the qualities of the amp that's driving them...
GD70
Lunatic Member
Different sounding speakers. Ideally, you could have both. The 3/3a when fully and properly restored is still an amazing sounding speaker. I’ve restored two sets of 104.2s and had the opportunity to A/B them with my 3s. To my ears, the 3s go deeper, no question. Mids and highs are very good, maybe the edge for high end sizzle goes the the KEFs, but not by much. They are not a forward in your face sounding speaker. I’d still choose the 3 over the KEFs. Power is from my Victor(JVC) M-7050.
I liked my AR3A better than my 104/2. I felt that they went lower and had a more engaging midrange.
Sums it up perfectly. AR’s indeed go lower but that is not really significant with the music I listen to. The KEF’s are far more dynamic and have much better detail and imaging.
BilboBaggins
Addicted Member
I ABCed my Kef 104/2s, 105s, and ESS AMT 1a Monitors. I found the the 105s played Sk8tr Boi better than the other two, but it was really close. I found each of them had music they excelled in, and music they were not as strong in. I still have the 105s, but they have been displaced by 107s.
You could afford AR3's when you were 11???
Must have been one hell of a paper route
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
Yes, hell of a paper route. I split the subdivision with my brother but still was only able to grab a pair of AR-5s from that deal. Well I actually decided the 3a was just too much as I had to save for the preamp, power amp kit, tuner, turntable, base, dust cover and cartridge which came a bit later.
