KEF owners thread

[Lou G]

I just realized that the two B160 bass drivers inside the cabinet also have foam surrounds. So they may need replacing along with the donuts. There are kits available for both the surrounds and the donuts.

 

[Lavane]

The KUBE was an option and I think they sound fine without it. The surrounds on the front facing B160 midrange drivers are rubber so should be fine. I believe the two interior B160 bass drivers also have rubber surrounds but they might have foam donuts that go around the coupled cavity rod and, if they are foam, might need replacing. Foam kits are available for this. Also the NT25 tweeters will probably need their ferrofluid replaced. All in all, very nice sounding speakers.

The foam is just a seal around the rod then? Also, how do you remove the old ferrofluid if it had dried out and hardened? I've always passed on speakers with ferrofluid because of this.

 

[nerdorama]

Ferrofluid is pretty easy in T33 tweeters. I've done a few for my 103/2, 102 and C80 tweeters which are all the same. There are some good videos on Youtube. That's where I started.
John

 

[leray1]

There's a few threads here on AK too. here's one.

 

[hcanning]

After loads of research I'm still none the wiser as to whether the ferrofluid in my Reference 3.2s is an issue. They still sound as wonderful as they always have done - crisp clear highs with no audible distortion or harshness.

 

[slimecity]

Kef model 103/4 reference series, what say you?

Epic speakers Lavane & my fave KEFs. I like them better than even my restored 104/2s.

I've also redone ferrofluid in both a T33 and concentric tweeter - and each time it was a 10 minute job per tweeter

 

[JohnnyNapalm]

After loads of research I'm still none the wiser as to whether the ferrofluid in my Reference 3.2s is an issue. They still sound as wonderful as they always have done - crisp clear highs with no audible distortion or harshness.

I opened my 4.2 tweeers and they looked fine. I would leave them for now and have a go in 5-10 years.

 

[Alex58]

I opened my 4.2 tweeers and they looked fine. I would leave them for now and have a go in 5-10 years.

if you did check/open the tweeters, why did you not replace the FerroFluid immediately ?
was the "old" FerroFluid stil there and liquid ?
may I ask how old your 4.2's are ?

 

[Lou G]

@JohnnyNapalm

How old are your 4.2s? How often do you play them and at what level?

 

[JohnnyNapalm]

Hi both. I bought my 4.2’s in 2017 and was initially happy with them but the one speaker sounded less detailed than the other. I decided to pull the motor and check the tweeter. Found that the tweeter had been replaced. Spoke to Kef UK and managed to get a pair of replacements. Installed those and put the 4.2’s back together. Ended up pulling the two tweeters apart and cleaned and installed new FF. The tweeters were still both wet when I dismantled them and very little in the way of crud. I put them back together and now have a spare pair. I now own the 4.2’s, 3.2’s and 1.2’s and keeping an eye out for the 2.2’s. I also have two 200C’s and a spare 10’’ low driver for the 4.2‘s. As you can tell I love this range of speaker and don’t think I will ever change. In answer to the OP it sounds like his are still in good condition so no point in doing the maintenance imo. I believe my 4.2’s are from 2001 but was worth it for me as I thought I had an issue which turned out that I did. I hope this makes sense? Cheers.

 

[JohnnyNapalm]

@JohnnyNapalm

How old are your 4.2s? How often do you play them and at what level?

Hi Lou G, my usual listening level is 80-85db but when everyone is out I go up to 95-100db at my listening position. I do enjoy feeling the music if you know what I mean. They theoretically can go louder but 100 is enough for me. Cheers.

 

[Lou G]

@JohnnyNapalm

Thanks for the info. I was curious regarding your listening levels because of correlations between listening levels and ferrofluid lifetime. However since you purchased your KEF speakers in 2017, it is a moot point. You do listen at louder levels than I do. Typically my levels are between 60 to 70db at my listening position.

I agree that the KEF Reference series are some of the best produced by KEF. I only have the Reference Model Ones but I also have KEF104/2s and KEF Calindas.

 

[JohnnyNapalm]

Update: Finally I have found a mint pair of Reference Model 2.2’s. As of yesterday I now own the complete range, 1.2’s, 2.2’s, 3.2’s, 4.2’s and the 200C. It has taken me 20 years to get here but you can’t rush a good thing. Cheers.

 

[Ken Mitchell]

Need a Reference Model 100 center speaker? I got one I don't need. BTW, it's the latest version, SP3191.

 

[Lou G]

@JohnnyNapalm
The KEF Reference Model series are wonderful sounding speakers. Do you have them in separate systems?

 

[JohnnyNapalm]

Need a Reference Model 100 center speaker? I got one I don't need. BTW, it's the latest version, SP3191.

Technically I have as I purchased one of those and pulled it apart and used the tweeter in my 1.2’s. I have a spare 200C boxed up downstairs along with a pair of new replacement tweeters, new 10” motor for the 4.2’s and a pair of nos 1.2/2.2 speaker grills from Kef UK, I would love to have your 100C but live in the Isle of Man which would cost allot for shipping? Cheers.

 

[JohnnyNapalm]

Hi Lou G I currently have the Black 4.2’s, 2.2’s and 200C in the Lounge. The 4.2’s are on 2 channel and AV front duties. The 2.2’s are on rear AV duties. The 3.2’s (Albino Burr) and 1.2’s (Rosewood) are connected to my bedroom 2 channel system on Speaker A/B selection. I just now need to amass more spares for that just in-case scenario. Cheers.

 

[Ken Mitchell]

Technically I have as I purchased one of those and pulled it apart and used the tweeter in my 1.2’s. I have a spare 200C boxed up downstairs along with a pair of new replacement tweeters, new 10” motor for the 4.2’s and a pair of nos 1.2/2.2 speaker grills from Kef UK, I would love to have your 100C but live in the Isle of Man which would cost allot for shipping? Cheers.

Yeah, not worth trying to ship. Thanks for getting back to me on that.

 

[JohnnyNapalm]

Well, with the 4.2’s and 2.2’s in the Lounge I have just about finished repositioning my Bedroom system. 1.2’s and 3.2’s looking lovely and the Mrs is happy to boot. Result in anyone’s book me thinks. I am happy with it. Cheers.

 

[mccarty350]

I love the looks of your room/listening area. Looks super cozy.