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Pioneer SX-1080 + KEF 107s - bad idea?

I

illson20

New Member
Any thoughts on is this a bad speaker / receiver pairing?

I've seen mixed feedback but it seems most would say the KEFs are super power hungry and ideally would be used in a separates setup with a power amp pushing 300 w/ch.

I've currently got my 1080 pushing Bose 901s (also extremely power hungry) with no problem at moderate power levels.

Would i be doing the KEFs a disservice with a vintage receiver?
Would i risk over-working the Pioneer by asking them to drive the KEFs?
 
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The KEF 107s do sound best with high power, high current amps. However 300 wpc is not necessary, a high current amp with 100 to 150 wpc into 8 ohms that can drive a 4 ohm load is sufficient. The more power, the better they sound. That being said, the Pioneer should drive the KEFs (assuming your Pioneer has been refurbished and doesn't require any work) although it may not be ideal. The specs for the SX-1080 state 120 wpc at 8 ohms but only 150 wpc at 4 ohms. I would prefer the power into 4 ohms to be close to double the power into 8 ohms.

I would also mention that the 107s do require the KUBE to sound their best.
 
Thanks for your response Lou!

It sounds like this *could work* but likely wouldn't be the ideal setup for them as the SX-1080 isn't really optimized to drive 4 ohm loads. I haven't done a refurb on the 1080 yet and the maintenance history for it is unclear. It sounds good as is but i'm sure it's ready for a refresh beyond my amateur deoxit work. My biggest concern would be damaging the receiver if i'm trying to push it too hard with these speakers (particularly if a clean bill of health hasn't been applied yet).

Are there any other similar quality speakers you'd suggest that pair well with the Pioneer? Trying to optimize for a few things...
- Stable floorstanders - I'm going to retire the Bose 901s for a bit because we've got an infant / aspiring toddler and the tulip stands would almost certainly spell disaster
- Mid century aesthetic - Part of the reason i've gotten away with the listening setup i've got in our small apt is my wife loves the way the Bose look and match our living room setup. I'm definitely looking to optimize form as my wife won't let anything full on huge and audiophile compromise the living room. The KEFs probably push the boundary but I think the cabinets with grill look great
 
With a toddler in the house you would probably not want a tall narrow tower that can easily tip over. I would look for a one of the old school shorter wider floorstanders. There are many that would be a good match with your Pioneer. It depends on your budget and what is available in your area.
 
I was thinking these guys might be OK at 100 lbs each and wall placement but I could be underestimating the resolve of a toddler :)
 
The KEF 107s would not tip over easily and would be a good choice because they can be placed close to a wall. I have never owned them but have listened to them numerous times at a friend’s house. They are one of the best sounding speakers that I have heard. I do prefer the original 107 compared to the 107/2. I have owned KEF speakers for over 40 years and I currently have several old school KEF speakers. If I had a chance to purchase them at a reasonable price, I would.

Something else for you to consider is the KEF 104/2. They are more readily available, considerably cheaper, do not require the KUBE and can be placed close to the wall. I have mine about 11 inches from the wall. At 72 lbs, and only 35 inches tall, they are pretty stable. They have a similar sonic signature to the 107 and are also one of my favorite speakers. However, like the 107, they require a high current, high power amp to sound their best.
 
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Sounds like these could be a good compromise. It seems i'd have better luck driving them with the Pioneer as it looks like the RMS is 200 watts / 4 ohms. Wife would appreciate the smaller footprint and they are heavy enough with a lower center of gravity.

Only issue is I only see 1 in my area and it's black (won't work for my setup aesthetically); there are however two pairs of 107s and a 105/3 :)

i'll perhaps set an alert to keep a look out for these.

Thanks for the tips!
 
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