Kef RDM3

[tonyk]

Anyone have experience with this particular pair of speakers?

I robbed this pic from fellow Ak'er Mortis, I hope you don't mind.

 

[MORTIS]

tonyk: I just came across your thread from last November. I'm not surprised you've not had any replies. The RDM3 is an extremely rare speaker and there's practically no info on the net about them; I might actually be the only member on AK with a pair. I don't know if you were considering finding a pair or have since acquired your 2.7QR's, but if you're still wanting to know more about them, I may be the only person to comment.

 

[baco99]

I used to have a pair of RDM2 and my only complaint with them was they really strained to produce convincing bass. The 3s probably remedy that. In all other aspects, the RDM line is exceptional.

 

[MORTIS]

bacon99: There are at least a couple professional reviews of the RDM1 and 2 but only a few from owners of the 3 on that site 'audioreview'. No doubt the RDM3 projects a more complete range than the 1 and 2, and I was mostly happy with the 3 for several years but always felt the bottom octave never quite matched the superb mids and highs. After I got the SVS SB2000 sub I now feel like I've arrived in audio heaven. This SVS sub blends beautifully with the KEF's, and the combination projects a thoroughly complete and massively powerful wall of music.

 

[nclh77]

I purchased a pair of Kef Reference 1's in rosetta burr finish in the early 90's. Great speakers, I still have them. Shortly after they came out, the RDM line came out. I thought they were outstanding, and quite frankly, for the money, a better deal then the Reference line. Except for the bass, I would rank the sound equal to the Reference line. And they should be, the 6.5" uni-q driver used in the RDM line is the same as that used in the Reference line. Also, considering the RDM3 seems to have a 6X9 woofer, probably better bass than my Ref 1's, for less than my Ref 1's. And I really like the wood panel the RDM line has.

 

[baco99]

I also have a set of Ref One and I agree, it's a very complete package. That Nt25 tweeter in the UniQ arrangement is very well balanced.

MORTIS - your listening room is HEAVEN!!!

 

[canuckaudiog]

I also have a set of Ref One and I agree, it's a very complete package. That Nt25 tweeter in the UniQ arrangement is very well balanced.

MORTIS - your listening room is HEAVEN!!!

Ditto!! Very warm and cozy and clean. Love the speakers, too!

 

[MORTIS]

4 years I was looking for a pair or Reference 2 from the '90's and posted a want-ad on Canuck Audiomart. I got a reply from a guy with a large collection of speakers and was within driving distance. He said he didn't have any of the Ref line but did have a rare pair of RDM3, hardly used and in new condition. He believed they sounded at least as good as the Ref line and are a simpler, more reliable design. I picked them up the next day and haven't yearned for any other speaker since.

bacon99 and cancuckaudiog: thank you. yes that is a dedicated music room in my basement and I've since added significant room treatment; and yes it feels like heaven to me as well. It's quite a large rectangle shape, and these KEF's need a lot of room to open up. I feel very fortunate in that this room will likely be the best acoustic environment I will ever have.

 

[Donkey Karma]

The race track drivers always seemed to under perform in the bottom end to me.

I agree with fellow posters. They should be MAGIC with the correct sub.

 

[baco99]

I'm in the process of designing a listening room/ workshop in my basement. Not as grand as yours but I'd be interested in more images if you are willing to post some.

 

[tonyk]

Mortis, I did end up passing on the Kefs, only because I thought they might be sonically similar to my Snells, and I wanted to try something different.

They are beautiful speakers for sure, and I'm sure sound wonderful.

Your listening room looks fantastic btw.

 

[baco99]

I would definitely not put Snells and KEFs in the same sound category. Very different sound signature.

 

[MORTIS]

Man this speaker forum is extremely active; a thread can get bumped to page 2 in only a few hours.

bacon99: other than what's visible in the previous pic, what aspects of the room are you wanting to see?

Here's a few old shots from when setting up the room:

I really wanted to have a service galley behind the system, and fortunately the room was large enough to accommodate it. With around 1500 albums along with my components loaded into the shelving units, there is possibly a ton of weight that could easily topple the units over, so I braced the top of the units to the back wall which stabilized it well from tipping and vibrations.

There's another third of the room behind the seating which has a wet bar and my office area. I'll soon get some current pics of the acoustic treatment and a view from the opposite direction.