I am looking at all my options for a bookshelf 5.1 system, still. The sub I have an answer for already.

They fit all my criteria for size and appearance. They are also forward firing which is a plus as the front 3 channels will be in a cabinet.

What I haven't done is heard these. Plus there are no reviews anywhere on the web. Not even on this website.

Has anyone played with these new KEF's. Any comments on the sound? They do appear a tad pricy.

These KEF XQ are also on my short list. I once heard the previous XQ series and I was very impressed, especially with the imaging, they put up an excellent soundstage.

I'm also putting these in a cabinet and I'm worried about boundary conditions. I started another thread here for some opinions on that. I have the Audyssey capability in my Integra DTC-9.8 which will likely compensate for the boundary conditions.

I am looking at all my options for a bookshelf 5.1 system, still. The sub I have an answer for already.

They fit all my criteria for size and appearance. They are also forward firing which is a plus as the front 3 channels will be in a cabinet.

What I haven't done is heard these. Plus there are no reviews anywhere on the web. Not even on this website.

Has anyone played with these new KEF's. Any comments on the sound? They do appear a tad pricy.There are a few (very few) of the new XQ series owners' posts in the "KEF Owners Thread". Nothing approaching a review, though. I have the older XQ series speakers and am very happy with them. I have never seen (or heard) the newer series.

The major beneficial feature that is unique to KEFs relative to most other speakers (Tannoy and Thiel utilize similar designs) is the coincidental array UniQ driver. You can read about its advantages at the KEF website.

By forward-firing, I presume you mean the port. But even with a forward-firing port, placing any speaker in a cabinet will present issues. And it'd be a shame to hide the beautiful finish that these speakers feature (particularly the wood veneers).

What percentage of music versus movies will you be using these for?

Yes, they are pricey. KEFs are. I would not recommend buying them sight unseen (hearing unheard).

I did mean the port on the front. I will probably use them 70% movies. The rear speakers will be showing and I imagine eventually they front ones will see some light if I move. For now they will be housed in an entertainment center. I will try to get an audition somewhere but was even wondering if the price/performance ratio would be great enough to even warrant them a spot on my list.

.................was even wondering if the price/performance ratio would be great enough to even warrant them a spot on my list.They ARE expensive. For 70% movies, have you considered the iQ series?

I have. Era d5 for fronts and d4 rear combo is high on my list as well. None near me to try though (calgary, canada).

I just wondered why such good looking bookshelfs which seem widely available had no reviews. I guess there are just a lot of good little speakers in this class with much lower pricing. I find these really pretty though.

I just wondered why such good looking bookshelfs which seem widely available had no reviews. I guess there are just a lot of good little speakers in this class with much lower pricing.Yeah, there just aren't many higher-end KEF owners, here. I have the older XQ series and have very few cohorts in the forums. They market their speakers poorly, if you asked me. Their satellite systems seem to sell well, and the entry-level iQs are finally getting some recognition and use, but there may actually be more owners of the Reference series than of the XQ series around here. I think the XQs are sold at both too high AND too low a price point, if that makes any sense.


I find these really pretty though.Gorgeous. I still have not seen any of the new XQs, but look forward to it. The wood veneers with the curved cabinets look really nice in the pictures.

I saw the XQ40 and XQ10 at Anderson's Big Screen in the mahogany finish and they are absolutely gorgeous! The front bezel is made of polished aluminum. Amazing build quality.