Kef Shoot Out: 107 vs 107/2

[BilboBaggins]

I'm thinking of buying a pair of Kef 107s. In my searches, I see 107 and 107/2s.

I thought, why don't I do something novel and find out which is best before I buy the speakers instead of afterwards?

Hence, this thread. First let me give you some back ground. It seems I like large speakers, because I always seem to gravitate towards them. I have had a few Kef, so I know what they sound like. I even did a shoot out a few years back between a pair of Kef 104/2s, 105s, and ESS AMT 1aMs. I have plenty of power with 2 restored Bose 1801 power amps, and perhaps a Phase Linear PL400 in the future.

My intent is to replace the 105s with the 107s. We live in a fairly small high ranch bungalow. Intended room is in the basement with carpet covered concrete floor and sound insulated walls and ceiling. I listen to most any kind of music, but I've been enjoying blues, jazz, and 70s soul lately. And lots of classic rock.

So the aim of this thread? Help me decide which I should get, should I be fortunate enough to have a choice. I'm leaning towards the 107 vs the 107/2, but I really have no idea which is better or why one is better than the other.

 

[Lou G]

I haven’t owned either model but did have the opportunity to listen to both many years ago. At that time I preferred the 107. To me the 107 sounded smoother than the 107/2. The difference may be due to the Al dome tweeter introduced in the 107/2 compared to the T33 soft dome tweeter in the 107.

 

[rickb119]

I've not heard either, but found this on the KEF site.
"The updates incorporated into the 107/2 included a new aluminium dome tweeter, a revised midrange/tweeter enclosure assembly and refinements to the equalisation applied in the KUBE."

Personally, I'm not a fan of metal dome tweeters as they aggravate my tinnitus. Therefore, my vote goes to the 107.

 

[BilboBaggins]

I haven’t owned either model but did have the opportunity to listen to both many years ago. At that time I preferred the 107. To me the 107 sounded smoother than the 107/2. The difference may be due to the Al dome tweeter introduced in the 107/2 compared to the T33 soft dome tweeter in the 107.

I've not heard either, but found this on the KEF site.
"The updates incorporated into the 107/2 included a new aluminium dome tweeter, a revised midrange/tweeter enclosure assembly and refinements to the equalisation applied in the KUBE."

Personally, I'm not a fan of metal dome tweeters as they aggravate my tinnitus. Therefore, my vote goes to the 107.

Interesting observations of the same things through different lenses. I tend to favour soft-domed tweeters myself, so that would be another check for the 107s.

 

[Hawkeye83]

Interesting experiment (even if just a thought experiment for now).

Personally the only reason I would go for the 107/2 is IF you REALLY wanted to bi-amp. The 107/2 has two sets of terminals. You could run tube amps to the upper mid/tweeter and a BIG solid state amp for the bass.

With that said - I generally favor simplicity these days. So I own 107's.

I actually kind of want another set to mess with. I want to try out a ribbon tweeter in place of the original. Although I have no complaints with the original design. I don't need the highest of highs. I was actually using a Townshend Audio maximum super tweeter at one point, on top of the head unit. They are easy to install and require no modification. Really nice little units. Difference with them on/off was subtle yet once you heard it, also kind of not subtle. Hard to explain. I might need to end up trying them again LOL. If only they would fit underneath the cloth grille tops. I'm not a huge fan of the "add-on" look they have when visibly sitting on top of the 107 heads. May have to dig up a picture (if I have one) so you can see what I mean. It doesn't look BAAAD just not as good as without them. Another reason I wanted to try swapping in a ribbon for the T33. Sorry for the aside!

 

[Oliver2000]

i owned 107s for quite a while. very nice speakers indeed. sound wonderful on large tube amps. incredible low end i thought back then even though i think my current active setup is better.

 

[BilboBaggins]

Yeah, I would change the title to be more reflective of reality, but it seems I can't. This is all good information though. I am not considering tubes. I too am at the age where I don't want to get much more complex than my systems already are, and I need to be conscious that I won't be bringing any of the big heavy stuff to my next home, hopefully in 20 years or so.

 

[ernieS]

I'm thinking of buying a pair of Kef 107s. In my searches, I see 107 and 107/2s.

I thought, why don't I do something novel and find out which is best before I buy the speakers instead of afterwards?

Hence, this thread. First let me give you some back ground. It seems I like large speakers, because I always seem to gravitate towards them. I have had a few Kef, so I know what they sound like. I even did a shoot out a few years back between a pair of Kef 104/2s, 105s, and ESS AMT 1aMs. I have plenty of power with 2 restored Bose 1801 power amps, and perhaps a Phase Linear PL400 in the future.

My intent is to replace the 105s with the 107s. We live in a fairly small high ranch bungalow. Intended room is in the basement with carpet covered concrete floor and sound insulated walls and ceiling. I listen to most any kind of music, but I've been enjoying blues, jazz, and 70s soul lately. And lots of classic rock.

So the aim of this thread? Help me decide which I should get, should I be fortunate enough to have a choice. I'm leaning towards the 107 vs the 107/2, but I really have no idea which is better or why one is better than the other.

It’s an older thread. I bought a pair of neglected 107/2. I did a full restore, four new inner/outer surrounds, new center cap mids, service tweeters (scary. Never have seen used for sale), recap crossovers, acquired a 107/2 EQ, manufactured a power supply, recapped

They are in a class alone in my extensive collection. It’s an amazing design. How they get such a massive soundstage from the head unit?

 

[BilboBaggins]

It’s an older thread. I bought a pair of neglected 107/2. I did a full restore, four new inner/outer surrounds, new center cap mids, service tweeters (scary. Never have seen used for sale), recap crossovers, acquired a 107/2 EQ, manufactured a power supply, recapped

They are in a class alone in my extensive collection. It’s an amazing design. How they get such a massive soundstage from the head unit?

Welcome to the Kef 107 club!

I did end up buying a pair of Kef 107 and not the 107.2s. I love them! They are in my living room system, and I never worry about cranking up the power those rare occasions I want to. The speakers and amp can handle it, and sounds phenomenal while doing so. One night my step-daughter and future son-in-law were over so I showed them this record I recently picked up.

https://www.discogs.com/release/301248-Cevin-Fisher-Ill-Make-You-Come

So I put it on, and I have to say that Electronic House music sounds pretty great turned up on the 107s! Impressive to say the least. They told me if I ever decide to let it go, they would love to have it.

 

[Dony]

It’s an older thread. I bought a pair of neglected 107/2. I did a full restore, four new inner/outer surrounds, new center cap mids, service tweeters (scary. Never have seen used for sale), recap crossovers, acquired a 107/2 EQ, manufactured a power supply, recapped

They are in a class alone in my extensive collection. It’s an amazing design. How they get such a massive soundstage from the head unit?

Welcome ernieS,

I have a pair of 107 in my collection as well. My 107 have had the woofer surrounds and donuts replaced, the tweeters serviced, and the Kube upgraded and recapped. I have not recapped the crossovers as I think the speakers sound fine. Currently I am running the 107 without the Kube but using a MiniDsp with a EQ file created within REW to tune the response to suit my listening room.

I am driving them using a WiiM Pro + or my Thorens TD-160 connected through my rebuilt/recapped APT Holman pre-amp connected to my Chord SPM-800 amp. I have to say overall I am very impressed with my vintage system. My listening room isn’t very large at about 20’x20’ so the amount of power being used is more than adequate.

Enjoy the music!