You're a lucky guy to have all those! I also consider myself to be lucky enough to own Reference 1's, they're in my small listening room.
KEF owners thread
- Thread starter matteos
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You're a lucky guy to have all those! I also consider myself to be lucky enough to own Reference 1's, they're in my small listening room.
I don't know of anyone actually using them on a bookshelf, they're pretty deep and front-heavy. Stand-mount is the term I use, and I have the bespoke KEF stands that they offered up until the Meta version came out.
Hawkeye83
Super Member
I'd love to someday hear the Reference 1's and maybe replace my LS50's with them...PRETTTAAY BIG price difference though LOL. I have great credit and all, but other hobbies have been taking priority. But I still have a search up for "KEF Reference" on hifishark and still see Reference 1's pop up and am tempted! Would be for my office system, where honestly I do most of my listening, working from home and all. For now, LS50's are pretty great for the purpose they are serving...and match the blue/silver/white color scheme of my PS Audio Sprout, which is driving them, which is a bonus.
Having owned both the original LS50's and LS50 Meta (at the same time, BTW) and having sold them both to fund getting my 2019-2021 Reference 1's, I can tell you there's been ZERO regrets!
If you were anywhere near south-central Massachusetts you'd be welcome to come over to hear mine.
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Hawkeye83
Super Member
Appreciate that! Did you find the META a worthwhile upgrade to the original LS50, or not?
I do like LS50's quite a bit. I could live with them in a main system if I HAD to, but...glad I don't LOL. But I enjoy them quite a lot for desktop speakers. Really liked the 103.2's also...better in some ways...but larger and uglier (subjective).
I've had a weird relationship with LS50's. Bought a pair in 2017 or so...sold them to get some money to buy Quad 57's.
Bought another pair, thinking I was REALLY downsizing, and DONE. I'd just run a Peachtree integrated amp and LS50's. But when compared to my 107's, I just couldn't do it. The 107's smoke the LS50's in dynamics and bass. Not even remotely the same league. So sold the LS50's again.
Then tried out some LS50W's on my desktop, but got "freaked out" about stories of frying electronics, so got rid of those too.
Then my brother basically got out of the hobby - he had some LS50's he sold me cheap. I plan on keeping those for quite a long time, unless my "META" curiosity gets the best of me...or I luck into some really, really, nicely-priced Reference 1's.
107's aren't going anywhere either!
I did NOT think the upgrade from original LS50's to the Meta version was worth the cost at list, but a friend had sold me the 'extra pair' he had for $1100 so I jumped on it. Some folks who have far more critical ears than mine would beg to differ though, so let your own ears be the judge.
KarmaNomad
New Member
Picked up a pair of 103/3s with Kube. Silly questions, but how do you hook the cube up? I thought it was banana plugs, but seems more like RCA. What connector type do I need to connect the speaker wire to the cube? Tried looking for RCA to speaker wire, and just got a bunch of pictures of people splicing and electrical taping.
@KarmaNomad
Your speakers do not get connected to the KUBE. The KUBE is connected between the preamp and amp or in a processor/tape monitor loop.
Google is your friend here. You’ll need four RCA cables.
Also, at 35+ years old they will need servicing if it hasn’t been done. Don’t take this lightly. There are hours of reading on AK pertaining to all the models that use a KUBE.
They are 4ohm speakers the need an amp with some stones. Don’t jeopardize the tweeters with poor underpowered electronics. Expensive when new they are worth the effort to get right.
Good luck!
Your speakers do not get connected to the KUBE. The KUBE is connected between the preamp and amp or in a processor/tape monitor loop.
Google is your friend here. You’ll need four RCA cables.
Also, at 35+ years old they will need servicing if it hasn’t been done. Don’t take this lightly. There are hours of reading on AK pertaining to all the models that use a KUBE.
They are 4ohm speakers the need an amp with some stones. Don’t jeopardize the tweeters with poor underpowered electronics. Expensive when new they are worth the effort to get right.
Good luck!
KarmaNomad
New Member
So just hooked up like a normal equalizer? Interesting, but makes so much more sense. How would someone who already has an equalizer run a pair with a cube?
Currently pushing them with a Pioneer A-90, which I imagine would be enough.
KarmaNomad
New Member
Got the 103.3 hooked up and have the Kube running. Must say they sound good. Definitely can hear a difference between the Kube on or off, especially with some music. If I didn't have the Kube, while the sound would be different, not sure if I would think it sounded bad. Which is likely why the previous owner said he never used the Kube.
Paid $175 for the Kef's w/ kube and original stands. Must say I feel I've gotten my money worth.
Running them through a Pioneer A-90 on the tape loop. The A90 has a switch for speaker impedance, so bumped it to 4-6ohm.
Paid $175 for the Kef's w/ kube and original stands. Must say I feel I've gotten my money worth.
Running them through a Pioneer A-90 on the tape loop. The A90 has a switch for speaker impedance, so bumped it to 4-6ohm.
@KarmaNomad
$175.00? With KUBE and stands? Give your seller a wet kiss on the lips!
Congrats. Just pay attention to the ferrofluid in the tweeters. When the search function is back read all the threads.It’s ten dollars and two hours work. Videos about ferrofluid replacement are on YouTube.
Also, forget about what the previous owner said about the KUBE. It’s an integral part of the speaker.
$175.00? With KUBE and stands? Give your seller a wet kiss on the lips!
Congrats. Just pay attention to the ferrofluid in the tweeters. When the search function is back read all the threads.It’s ten dollars and two hours work. Videos about ferrofluid replacement are on YouTube.
Also, forget about what the previous owner said about the KUBE. It’s an integral part of the speaker.
KarmaNomad
New Member
Yea, I almost passed b/c he originally didn't think he had the Kube, and I was unsure about finding one anytime soon. Guessing since it was never really used, it was stashed away.
I plan on looking into the Ferrofluid and other issues people seem to comment with at a later date, when I'm a little less busy.
One thing I'm curious about. Since the Kube has its own power supply, is it ok to just leave it plugged in all the time (essentially on)?
Just pulled the trigger on a restored pair of Walnut 107 ref. No KUBE but the price was too good to pass up. We have ample EQ to do the job. Pics to come when they get here. The very reputable seller is delivering tomorrow morning.
