• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

KEF c80's

EvilDingo

EvilDingo

Active Member
Was hoping someone would have some experience with C80's. I picked up a real nice pair from the OP. Consecutive serial numbers. They sound great, but I am going to replace the fero fluid in the t33 tweeters as the are over 30 years old. Reason for the post is they ohm at 8ohms and are supposed to ohm at 4. The drivers that are in there are b139 1044's (8 ohm) instead of the b139 TS1212 (4 ohm). The original owner stated he never had them serviced and brought them new in the 80's. Guy has no reason to lie. I paid for 40 bucks for them. So my question is if there are any knowledgeable KEF followers who could give me a bit of insight. My guess is the factory put what they had in there.....
Would love to hear some input.

Thanks
 
Register to hide this ad
KEF C80s should have the 4 ohm version of the B139 in them. They have a unique crossover that keeps the impedance as close to 4 ohms across the range as was possible. I would think you would lose some bass efficiency with an 8 ohm B139 in there, compared to what should be in there. My advice would be to seek out a pair of the 4 ohm ones.

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/kef-c80-recap-and-restoration.823453/
 
My C80's have the 1212 4 ohm woofers. An 8 ohm woofer would through off the crossover performance and the blend with the mid.

And yes, do the tweeter ferrofluid. It isn't difficult. I've done 7 T33's. They were all pretty cruddy when I opened them up.
 
Last edited:
Thanks, I was wondering about the bass response. I'm guessing they were replaced once upon a time.

I found a ts1212 that ohms at 2.75. haven't hooked it up yet to test, but from my experience 4 ohm drivers tend to read low. Anyway, I need one more Ts1212. I'll be keeping an eye out for one and just run what's in there for now.
 
nerdorama said:
My C80's have the 1212 4 ohm woofers. An 8 ohm woofer would through off the crossover performance and the blend with the mid.

And yes, do the tweeter ferrofluid. It isn't difficult. I've done 7 T33's. They were all pretty cruddy when I opened them up.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks. Yep, going to do the ferrofluid this week. I guess I'll be on the hunt for another ts1212. (I have one)
I have to say, they sound pretty darn good even with the 8ohm drivers in there.....
 
Last edited:
So I did the ferrofluid in one tweeter. Wow, the old fluid was like tar in there. Hooked the speaker up and wow... What a difference!

So I'm gonna run one speaker with the 8 ohm bass driver and the other one with the 4 ohm bass driver. And adjust balance.

Should I put the 4 ohm in the corner location or in the open area of the room? I'm thinking corner ...

If anyone knows where a b130 ts1212 is hiding.

Thanks
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20241001_195049.jpg
    IMG_20241001_195049.jpg
    77.5 KB · Views: 5
  • IMG_20241001_192510.jpg
    IMG_20241001_192510.jpg
    75.2 KB · Views: 5
Be gentle when you pull out the voice coil. I read of some folks having the voice coil separate from the dome because of the solidified tar in the gap.
 
nerdorama said:
Be gentle when you pull out the voice coil. I read of some folks having the voice coil separate from the dome because of the solidified tar in the gap.
Click to expand...
Totally agree. I took my time with it. It seriously was like tar. I'll do the other one tomorrow night.
They are nicely designed tweeters. Overall very happy with the C80's. For consumer level line, they might be my new daily driver. Just need to find that other 4 ohm bass driver
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom