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KEF 107 and Kube setup

T

toadtech

New Member
I ran into some problems helping my parents connect their new TV to their old unused home theater system. The KEF 107's fill the room very well but vocals from both music and movies sound muffled.

I also found the corresponding Kube which they never used but I'm having trouble getting it to work. The only audio source the TV connected to a Sony V555ES via digital optical audio. Connecting the Kube to the Pre Out (Front) nor the tape in/outs work. There doesn't seem to be a tape monitor button or a pre amp in so I can't figure out how to get the signal into the Kube and then back to the receiver. Thanks!

Here's a link to the receiver's manual for reference:https://docs.sony.com/release//STRV555ES.PDF
 
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if using surround sound, you need a center channel speaker as that where vocals will be sent
try the receiver in 2 channel stereo mode
 
It still sounds muffled. Is there any way for me to diagnose problems without equipment? Or if it is even worth spending money to fix.
 
The 107's and Kube are very much worth it, and then some. Not sure why the issue. So many possibilities when dealing with HT connections etc. If the 107's have reduced or odd output they may be in need of service. Do not use them until they are as they can be damaged, especially with movie sound. You say "old stereo system" so maybe the speakers were sitting idle for a long time?

To troubleshoot, simplify by taking the home theater aspect out of the mix for a minute and connect the speakers and Kube the way they are typically in a stereo configuration only and test them.
 
Likely not relevant to your situation but to me, powering KEF 107's with a receiver seems a mismatch. From being with a KEF dealer for a good number of years, there were few power amps on hand at that dealer which were up to the task. The term "power sponge" was a bit of an understatement.
 
The 107's have been sitting in their living room for 10-15 years, mostly unused. The original receiver/amplifier they were purchased with broke a long time ago and was replaced by the Sony V555ES receiver.

I have tried setting the receiver to stereo but my receiver doesn't appear to have a tape monitor function or a pre amp input for the Kube. Seems like my best option is to contact a dealer or repair shop.
 
orsen said:
try a different amp, or use a tube, like from plastic wrap, and listen to the tweeters thru the tube
they may have dried out
Click to expand...

What he said ^^^ I think the Kube is primarily to enhance the bass response. From your description of the sound quality the Kube probably won't help that much. If you do a search here on AK for KEF tweeters ferrofluid you should be able to find a thread or two that discusses what happens to the ferrofluid over time. Basically the liquid becomes a tacky goo that prevents proper tweeter operation-- giving the muffled sound quality. I would try to find- or borrow- a decent two-channel receiver or integrated and hook up a known good source for input, i.e., CD player, tuner, whatever. That way you can rule out the electronics that are driving the 107's as the issue. The 107's with the Kube have a good reputation here on AK and other places. They are worth pursuing getting serviced IMHO. If you're handy you can do some or all of the service yourself.
 
Thanks for the tip! I took the top hat cover off and gave it a listen and there isn't any sound coming from the tweeter. I guess I'll look into repairing or replacing the tweeter.
 
All good suggestions here! Don't give up on the 107's, they are great speakers. If you do give up, give me a call, I'll take them (and I already have a pair)!

Sounds like you found out the tweeters need re-filled. Personally I would go that route and try to keep them original, rather than replacing them, but they are your speakers. If you do replace them, keep the originals...I would think having those would increase re-sale value should you decide to sell them. There are threads here about re-filling the tweeters if you decide to go that route. I have not done it yet, as I purchased mine "restored" 4-5 years ago now. They may need re-filled in 5 years, we'll see.
 
What part of the country are you located in? Maybe there is a local member that can trouble shoot them for you.

Dan
 
Absolutely clean out the old ferro-fluid and replace with new.

I am sitting in front of my 107's all evening. I have heard a lot of speakers, some in the $250k range. I have never heard a more natural and musically satisfying presentation to every type of music. Imaging and soundstage are stellar. It is true that the tweeters can be a little harsh with some amplification. It took me a little while to find the complimentary components. So far the best amp I have found is the humble pro audio amplifier, the AB International Precedent Series 600a. Got it for a hundred bucks on Ebay.

Restoring the KEFs was a lot of work but I am so glad I did. They are very special speakers.
 
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