KEF Folks - What Model Should I Start With?
- Thread starter SiliconTi
- Start date
Superampman
AK Member
I should mention my focus is vintage so odds are always in my favor. Cost of equivalent or competitive in new gear is way out of my league.
Oh, the Kappa 9s are also better than the 105.2 due to the top end.
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BilboBaggins
Addicted Member
I had a pair of 104/2, 105s, and ESS AMT 1aMs all at the same time for a little while. I already had the ESSs and found a pair of 104/2s, which were my second choice dream Speakers. Then I got the 105s. ABed them all together and kept the 105s. I found the bass was better on the 105s than either of the others. But there were multiple reasons I decided on the 105s.
1) the 104/2s were in mint condition and made of very fine quality teak, and I knew I would be cursing myself every time one of them got a ding.
2) the 105s were less expensive and had a comfortable wear to them
3) I found over time, that although the ESSs sounded stunningly good, I got ear fatigue sooner with them. I could listen to both sets of Kefs as long as I wanted without ear fatigue.
4) the 104/2s needed the donuts and the ferro-fluid. The 105s didn't need anything.
5) bass was best on the 105s.
I've read all kinds of critiques online about all these speakers, and I found the majority were not true in my experience. However, I am always reminded of a pair of Bose 901s I auditioned that were being driven by a 30 watt receiver. They didn't sound so good with that amp, but plug them into a high current amp and they came to life! All three of the speakers I mention above need some pretty good current to sound as they were designed to sound. I sold the 104/2s to a friend of mine, and he is running them on a 30 watt per channel Onkyo. I know what they should sound like and I told my friend they need more power to sound their best, but he just won't do it. He keeps insisting they sound fine as they are. Too bad, because they could sound so much better!
I guess my point to all this is, your own hearing will tell you what you need to know, whether you like them or not. But make sure you have the right amplification before you decide. Otherwise, you may end up making a decision based on bad information.
Btw, I keep the covers on all my speakers, the better to prevent little fingers from being tempted to touch things they shouldn't be. I think the ESS had the most unique look, and my wife did really like how they looked. Good luck with your hunt.
1) the 104/2s were in mint condition and made of very fine quality teak, and I knew I would be cursing myself every time one of them got a ding.
2) the 105s were less expensive and had a comfortable wear to them
3) I found over time, that although the ESSs sounded stunningly good, I got ear fatigue sooner with them. I could listen to both sets of Kefs as long as I wanted without ear fatigue.
4) the 104/2s needed the donuts and the ferro-fluid. The 105s didn't need anything.
5) bass was best on the 105s.
I've read all kinds of critiques online about all these speakers, and I found the majority were not true in my experience. However, I am always reminded of a pair of Bose 901s I auditioned that were being driven by a 30 watt receiver. They didn't sound so good with that amp, but plug them into a high current amp and they came to life! All three of the speakers I mention above need some pretty good current to sound as they were designed to sound. I sold the 104/2s to a friend of mine, and he is running them on a 30 watt per channel Onkyo. I know what they should sound like and I told my friend they need more power to sound their best, but he just won't do it. He keeps insisting they sound fine as they are. Too bad, because they could sound so much better!
I guess my point to all this is, your own hearing will tell you what you need to know, whether you like them or not. But make sure you have the right amplification before you decide. Otherwise, you may end up making a decision based on bad information.
Btw, I keep the covers on all my speakers, the better to prevent little fingers from being tempted to touch things they shouldn't be. I think the ESS had the most unique look, and my wife did really like how they looked. Good luck with your hunt.
Because nobody keeps gear that long I reckon. people get bored and want the next thing.
Whatever decision you make. all the speakers you're considering if you buy used will hold their value. you can buy one set listen a while then sell it for another set and you probably will lose little money in doing so. if it were me I'd get the LS50 first. I think they'd be the easiest to sell. if they don't do it. then sell them and get the more vintage KEFs. I've found it's really easy to move gear up until you start paying more than $1k after that it's harder finding buyers.
Rogers was purchased in the late 90's by a Chinese conglomerate who then shifted production to China. Some decent speakers are still being produced under that name, and their modern 50th and 60th Anniversary LS3/5a speakers were designed by British designers but from Chinese supplied but spec'ed drivers. Interesting that they still proudly proclaim British Audio on their labels though.
As for the LS50, its primary emphasis is on phase coherence and pinpoint imaging with the Uni-Q tweeter design. It's a bit larger than the LS3/5a for a stand mounted speaker so it can fit into decors and smaller rooms easily, and sounds really good with those attributes in mind. But even KEF cannot beat the laws of physics so those needing much fuller range of frequencies, low bass, or just "bigger" sound will opt for more or something else.
Same applies for the LS3/5a design, a great speaker for what it can do, but it can't do everything.
The audition is a big part of purchasing, especially if major time and decent money is being contemplated. Tough decision, wish you best of luck in deciding.
steve59
Active Member
My .02 and I may be double dipping here but, I have kef 105/3, 107/2, and a bookshelf pair of c-10's all working, all refoamed, in fact the 105/3 have a butyl rubber surround that will never rot, $100 per driver but those baby's sing and you're welcome to try any of them. KEF reference speakers are really fussy about electronics, even the big cuddly 107-107/2 really are at their best with upstream amplification, say used krell, ML, JR...then they need to play nice in your room. good luck bro.
SiliconTi
Super Member
I have not.
I decided there was no rush, so I'll wait until a pair I really want comes up close enough to me to be able to try them first. I really wanted the Model 3s, but they were A) a full days drive round trip and B) they were only in "pretty good shape". That's a long trip to potentially arrive home empty handed.
arts
Addicted Member
You may have dodged a bullet; I'd forgotten how big these Model 3's were while in the boxes
SiliconTi
Super Member
Why?