How do they sound, and which do you prefer?
KEF owners thread
- Thread starter matteos
- Start date
I don't own the 104's. Maybe someday. I like the 103/3's very well. I have been doing the EQ with a software application on my music server PC and it works well and sounds good. A version of the EQ was plotted by another AK'er which I used in the 1/3 octave equalizer app. Now that I have the proper Kube I was curious to see how nearly it compared to the other published curve. I think I will update the Kube power supply caps sometime this winter and possibly experiment with the op amps. This next weekend I will pick up a pair of 102's including the Kube. My son has them right now. I will measure that Kube and publish it as well.
John
John
KEF C85. Anyone have any experience with these? Seems like I saw a comment on another thread that they're "the speaker God forgot". 
How much would you pay and how far would you drive for them (if at all)
?
How much would you pay and how far would you drive for them (if at all)
?
JohnnyNapalm
Active Member
I have not heard them but they look interesting. I suspect someone will of listened to them. I’m interested in the response you get. On looks alone I suspect they sound good.
HiFi in WYO
The universe is a big place, perhaps the biggest.
uteman: what's your driving range? I'd go in for a hundred to audition those, at the right price, though I'd probably cap it at a couple hundred.
It’s about a 4 hour drive each way for me. He only wants $80. I saw a set that sold in L.A. recently for $350.
HiFi in WYO
The universe is a big place, perhaps the biggest.
ugh, that's a tough one. Price is a no brainer, drive though, especially to LA, that's tough. All the reviews seem to say they're worth it, so is it worth it? I'd be tempted.
HiFi in WYO
The universe is a big place, perhaps the biggest.
Hey, btw, aren't you happy with those KEF kits you bought? Or do you just need more?
I get it. My 105s are the most easy to listen to speaks I've ever come across. I'd love to have a stable full of KEFs, think I could be very happy ... and be able to sell everything else!
I get it. My 105s are the most easy to listen to speaks I've ever come across. I'd love to have a stable full of KEFs, think I could be very happy ... and be able to sell everything else!
JohnnyNapalm
Active Member
I, for one, am slowly working on it. I have the Kef Reference 4.2’s, 3.2’s and the 1.2’s as well as a pair of Reference Model 200C’s. I will have to get the 2.2’s for the full set of this range but not too sure how the Mrs will react when another pair lands! I might be sleeping with the dog!
Since winter started here this week, I finally recapped (and new donuts) my 104/2's.Just got them back together and plugged them in.
Gustavsson
Member
I have a pair of Kef 102.2. The speakers are rated at 4 ohm. One woofer (B160 SP1261) is not working and I'm on the lookout for a replacement.
I have found two woofers on eBay coming from a Kef Q55 (B160 SP1395). But, they are rated at 8 ohm. Would it be a bad idea to use them as replacements?
I have found two woofers on eBay coming from a Kef Q55 (B160 SP1395). But, they are rated at 8 ohm. Would it be a bad idea to use them as replacements?
JohnnyNapalm
Active Member
I would think that 4 ohm units would be needed to match the other motors but if you already have them I do not believe that they will cause any damage but may sound a little light in the bass. Worth a try and you could make your mind up from there. Cheers.
Gustavsson
Member
It makes sense what you say. I haven't bought them yet though. Might not be worth the cost to gamble on.
I'd hold out for an original replacement.
mccarty350
Super Member
My thoughts:
1. The 8 ohm units are going to change the impedance of the entire speaker and crossover. I don't even know what the results would be of that scenario.
2. The 8 ohm units are going to have less output efficiency by means of being 8 ohms (and thus pulling less current then the 4 ohm versions) making your speakers sound more 'thin' and anemic as they will have more highs/mids than bass.
II would agree with Rickb119 above.
1. The 8 ohm units are going to change the impedance of the entire speaker and crossover. I don't even know what the results would be of that scenario.
2. The 8 ohm units are going to have less output efficiency by means of being 8 ohms (and thus pulling less current then the 4 ohm versions) making your speakers sound more 'thin' and anemic as they will have more highs/mids than bass.
II would agree with Rickb119 above.
HiFi in WYO
The universe is a big place, perhaps the biggest.
I replaced a pair of woofers in a set of 8 ohm speakers. Didn't realize they were 4 ohm woofers until I got them. Read on here that essentially it would make the speakers 6 ohms. Installed them and they sound fine. Running them with an old Akai integrated, about 45 wpc, and I don't get any sense the amp is being overworked.
JohnnyNapalm
Active Member
In that case then personally, I would wait until the right pair came up for sale as you will alter the balance of the speaker. Cheers
Gustavsson
Member
Thanks for all the input guys. I will hold out for a pair that is as close to the original as possible.
