AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Speakers › KEF Owners Thread
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

KEF Owners Thread - Page 56

post #1651 of 6020
12/11/08 at 8:18pm
sivadselim,


Thanks for your reply.

I initially wanted 3 iQ9s to go behind an acoustically transparent screen in a 2.35:1 widescreen format. However the costs for a good fixed AT screen is at least $3500 more than a good fixed screen. Moiree is a problem often.

The only other options is under the screen. We have 2 other Blu ray 5.1 setups with LCDs that expose all speakers but this will be a theater where all speakers will be concealed (according to my wife, I guess I agree).

The salesman who mentioned the Klipsch RB 81 said that 3 center channel speakers will generally not provide enough high bass even if a sub is used.

What are your thoughts on 3 iQ3s standing vertically in a 7.1 setup. I would have just enough room for the 3 iQ3 speakers and I would aim them towards the first row of seats ear level. Many members have spoken positively about the iQ3 and I see that the freq resp is 45 Hz to 40 khz so it goes lower than the iQ6 at 65 hz.

The iQ3 is 14.4 in tall. Any other good speakers at this heighth? The KL 525 THX Klipsch is nice but is well over a grand. The Klipsch RB 81 is 19 inch hi and that will not work vertically dimension wise.

Thank you
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #1652 of 6020
12/12/08 at 9:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bjvjs View Post

The salesman who mentioned the Klipsch RB 81 said that 3 center channel speakers will generally not provide enough high bass even if a sub is used.

I'm not sure what this means. If it is true it is only related to a specific speaker's specs. It is nothing that is inherent to a horizontal center channel speaker's design. I suspect that 3 - RC64s would provide plenty of bass.

That said, horizontal center channel speakers do usually suffer from some acoustic anomalies that are specific to the design. Most of the Klipsch centers sidestep the lobing issue somewhat in that they are 2.5-way speakers with only one of the woofers operating through the midrange frequencies where loving occurs. And with horn tweeters, their dispersion pattern is not necessarily as limited by the fact that they are horizontally oriented. In your special case, I think that they would be a reasonable solution.


Quote:
Originally Posted by bjvjs View Post

What are your thoughts on 3 iQ3s standing vertically in a 7.1 setup. I would have just enough room for the 3 iQ3 speakers and I would aim them towards the first row of seats ear level. Many members have spoken positively about the iQ3 and I see that the freq resp is 45 Hz to 40 khz so it goes lower than the iQ6 at 65 hz.

I suppose they'd work as well as any bookshelf speaker used at that height. Still, I'd be tempted to use the iQ6c. You sort or have to weight the benefit of the extra extension of the Q3 against the benefit of the UniQ driver of the iQ6c being crossed in. Theoretically, the iQ6c should be expected to have clearer, more accurate, midrange reproduction. I think that they are rear-ported, so if you need to place these against a wall, they may not be ideal.

Since you are willing to consider something unorthodox (2 horizontal iQ5s and an iQ6c), what about 3 horizontal iQ9s? You would want to center the middle one's UniQ driver. That its other drivers would not be centered would in all likelyhood not be recognizable.


Quote:
Originally Posted by bjvjs View Post

The Klipsch RB 81 is 19 inch hi and that will not work vertically dimension wise.

I thought you said you had 22" to work with.
Reply
Reply
post #1653 of 6020
12/12/08 at 3:36pm
Question for the installers in the room

I am in the process of installing a fireplace in my bedroom. I had purchased (but not yet installed) a set of the KHT 9000's to use in a 5.1 setup (large room - 18x24). I just learned that Kef has come out with the ci9000 in-wall speakers - which would be preferable for the front three channels cosmetically.

I am wondering if there would be a difference in sound quality in shifting from the on-wall to the in-wall speakers - I would likely keep the on-wall speakers for the rear channels. I am using a Velodyne dd-12 sub, and will be suing an Onkyo 906 receiver to ower them (or perhaps the sc886P pre-pro version with a jbl synthesis s650 amp I have from an old system - haven't decided yet...)

I'd appreciate any thoughts or experiences anyone can share.
Reply
Reply
post #1654 of 6020
12/12/08 at 10:13pm
I decided to go with 3 KEf iQ9 speakers placed behind an acoustically transparent screen in the normal vertical setup. I found a couple of reasonably priced AT screens.

I never liked the idea of having the speakers so close to the floor and the AT screen solves everything. I want to put a small stage under the screen and that would add to the difficulty of placing the speakers under the screen.

Thanks for your input.
Reply
Reply
post #1655 of 6020
12/15/08 at 1:12pm
Would the iQ9's be a good match with my 3005 center speaker? How much better would the iQ6c be?
Reply
Reply
post #1656 of 6020
12/16/08 at 9:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by terminal33 View Post

Would the iQ9's be a good match with my 3005 center speaker? How much better would the iQ6c be?

They'll match well, timbre-wise, but unless center performance is not too important to you, you will not be happy with the 3005 as a center between those 2 speakers. The iQ6c would be much more suited. If you are on a budget, consider the iQ5s with the iQ6c as your front soundstage. IMO, that is probably the most matched front soundstage you can build around the iQ6c.
Reply
Reply
post #1657 of 6020
12/16/08 at 9:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sivadselim View Post

They'll match well, timbre-wise, but unless center performance is not too important to you, you will not be happy with the 3005 as a center between those 2 speakers. The iQ6c would be much more suited. If you are on a budget, consider the iQ5s with the iQ6c as your front soundstage. IMO, that is probably the most matched front soundstage you can build around the iQ6c.

Ok got it. Can you tell me in what way the iQ6c would be better than the 3005 center? How much of an improvement do you think there will be? I just want to make sure I'll hear the difference since I'm not sure if I have trained ears or not. I'd use it 95% blu ray and 5% music. Thanks!
Reply
Reply
post #1658 of 6020
12/16/08 at 8:52pm
Could somebody describe the sound of the KEF iQ90's? How is the sound character? How is the bass response? Have you ever compared it to the PSB T65 or T55?
Reply
Reply
post #1659 of 6020
12/19/08 at 2:07pm
Question for you KEF owners. I'm doing some research for my dad to help him find a decent pair of ~$300 bookshelf speakers. These will be in a smaller living room and realistically won't get a ton of use. He won't be using a sub, so he's looking for something with decent bass extension.

I've seen the KEF iQ3 for $279 and have heard good things about it. I just wanted to get some opinions on this speaker to try to find out if it might fit the bill.

I've also been looking at the Energy C-200 speakers and have found them listed for $199. Does anyone have any experience with this speaker and might be able to provide some comparison info? Thanks.
Reply
Reply
post #1660 of 6020
12/20/08 at 7:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpc View Post

Could somebody describe the sound of the KEF iQ90's? How is the sound character? How is the bass response? Have you ever compared it to the PSB T65 or T55?

I have not listened to PSB, but i was comparing the iq90's to b&w, paradigm, def tech, and energy (thats about all I have access to locally). I went with the iq90's. I am doing probably 50/50 music/2 channel ht. I do not feel any problems with the bass response. Based on listening at the store I was considering adding a sub for ht, but once I got these home I have decided not to go that route. I can feel the lows thru the floor if i turn the volume up a bit, but it is not boomy; it is pretty accurate bass.

I actually liked the b&w 703 better, but I felt that the iq90's got me probably 70-80% of the way there at less than half the cost. For me, I think that this UniQ driver is what made these speakers work. I listen to alot of pink floyd and roger water's voice seems to be in this 2kHz to 3kHz range, which is where alot of speakers have their crossover frequency; so I could hear distinct separation of his voice with most other speakers. With the UniQ setup, it gets blended back together at the output and is more seamless. This is one reason why I think I liked the b&w's better is because their crossover is much higher at 4kHz.

Overall I would say the iq90's are pretty laid back, especially compared to paradigm. Detail is pretty good, though the b&w's had noticeably more detail. These also seemed to be much easier to drive than b&w. A couple times I have felt them to be a little bright, but I think it may have had more to do with the source material (and getting the speakers broken in, I have only had them setup for a day now) and overall I would have to say these are pretty neutral.
Reply
Reply
post #1661 of 6020
12/20/08 at 8:59am
Thanks for the feedback. My PSB speakers are quite bright with my Marantz SR9600 so I'm looking for an alternative. What is your receiver?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dolamite View Post

I have not listened to PSB, but i was comparing the iq90's to b&w, paradigm, def tech, and energy (thats about all I have access to locally). I went with the iq90's. I am doing probably 50/50 music/2 channel ht. I do not feel any problems with the bass response. Based on listening at the store I was considering adding a sub for ht, but once I got these home I have decided not to go that route. I can feel the lows thru the floor if i turn the volume up a bit, but it is not boomy; it is pretty accurate bass.

I actually liked the b&w 703 better, but I felt that the iq90's got me probably 70-80% of the way there at less than half the cost. For me, I think that this UniQ driver is what made these speakers work. I listen to alot of pink floyd and roger water's voice seems to be in this 2kHz to 3kHz range, which is where alot of speakers have their crossover frequency; so I could hear distinct separation of his voice with most other speakers. With the UniQ setup, it gets blended back together at the output and is more seamless. This is one reason why I think I liked the b&w's better is because their crossover is much higher at 4kHz.

Overall I would say the iq90's are pretty laid back, especially compared to paradigm. Detail is pretty good, though the b&w's had noticeably more detail. These also seemed to be much easier to drive than b&w. A couple times I have felt them to be a little bright, but I think it may have had more to do with the source material (and getting the speakers broken in, I have only had them setup for a day now) and overall I would have to say these are pretty neutral.
Reply
Reply
post #1662 of 6020
12/20/08 at 10:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpc View Post

Thanks for the feedback. My PSB speakers are quite bright with my Marantz SR9600 so I'm looking for an alternative. What is your receiver?

at the store I demoed marantz against pioneer elite. the pioneer elite was way more bright than marantz. based on that listening, I was going to purchase the marantz 5002 floor model but someone beat me to it. so for right now i am actually just running my tv directly into an emotiva xpa5. I thought that this was going to sound bad, but I figured I should at least try it before dropping extra money on a new receiver. At first it did sound bad but after turning off all the audio processing in my tv it sounds nearly identical to listening at the store. I am using pink floyd dsotm as my reference point to say that it sounds the same; so its not entirely arbitrary.

For whatever it is worth, I will most likely be purchasing the marantz 5003 to go with the iq90's. I was nearly sold on the pioneer elite on paper until I actually listened to it. I did not bother listening to denon because I want pre-amp out and the lowest costing denon with pre-amp out is beyond my budget. Yamaha is out for me because of btb/wtw. Onkyo is out due to quality & overheat issues.
Reply
Reply
post #1663 of 6020
12/20/08 at 12:29pm
Does anyone own KEF C3's and KEF C6LCR? I can get them for 499 but I read a bad review for the C3s so I was wondering if anyone has any impressions on these.

What would be the best front 3's I could get for 500?
Reply
Reply
post #1664 of 6020
12/20/08 at 1:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1080pee View Post

Does anyone own KEF C3's and KEF C6LCR? I can get them for 499 but I read a bad review for the C3s so I was wondering if anyone has any impressions on these.

What would be the best front 3's I could get for 500?

So far, 1080pee, I have not seen a post from anyone who has purchased from this new, entry-level C lineup.


But you can get 3 of the previous iQ series speakers on close-out now for less than $500. These are in all likelihood better speakers than the C series.

iQ1s = $200/pr. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search

iQ2c = $150/ea. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search

Vann's is selling walnut iQ2c for $100!

A pair of black iQ1s and a black iQ2c = $350! This would be a sweet little setup.

iQ6c = $270/ea. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search

The black iQ6c is more expensive from Vann's but you may be able to find it cheaper elsewhere. And iQ1s in other finishes are available elsewhere as well.


The iQ5 is also available for $179 and $199/ea.:
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search

If you could use an iQ5 vertically in the center, you could get 3 walnut iQ5s for $540.


With the closeout prices, I see no reason to consider the C series.
Reply
Reply
post #1665 of 6020
12/20/08 at 1:45pm
thanks dolamite. in another system in the house I was thinking of using an SR 5002, 5003 or a 6001 or 6003. Probably a 5002
Reply
Reply
post #1666 of 6020
12/20/08 at 2:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sivadselim View Post

So far, 1080pee, I have not seen a post from anyone who has purchased from this new, entry-level C lineup.


But you can get 3 of the previous iQ series speakers on close-out now for less than $500. These are in all likelihood better speakers than the C series.

iQ1s = $200/pr. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search

iQ2c = $150/ea. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search

Vann's is selling walnut iQ2c for $100!

A pair of black iQ1s and a black iQ2c = $350! This would be a sweet little setup.

iQ6c = $270/ea. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search

The black iQ6c is more expensive from Vann's but you may be able to find it cheaper elsewhere. And iQ1s in other finishes are available elsewhere as well.


The iQ5 is also available for $179 and $199/ea.:
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search

If you could use an iQ5 vertically in the center, you could get 3 walnut iQ5s for $540.


With the closeout prices, I see no reason to consider the C series.

Hmm, thanks first off.

I checked the store that sells the C3 and the C6LCR and they had the speakers you listed except the iQ5s and I could knock another 20-30 easily off the listed prices to atleast match what you posted. Here is a list of them

You can see the iQ3s and the C3s are the same price (299 after discount). I guess the Q3 is the better deal? The Q2 kind of looks weak, I will check out some reviews though.
Reply
Reply
post #1667 of 6020
12/20/08 at 2:35pm
Does anybody know if the dimensions of the iQ90 are 37" with the plinth? Or are they 37" and then you add 1" for the plinth?

thanks

Reply
Reply
post #1668 of 6020
12/20/08 at 2:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1080pee View Post

I checked the store that sells the C3 and the C6LCR and they had the speakers you listed except the iQ5s and I could knock another 20-30 easily off the listed prices to atleast match what you posted. Here is a list of them

You can see the iQ3s and the C3s are the same price (299 after discount). I guess the Q3 is the better deal? The Q2 kind of looks weak, I will check out some reviews though.

Yes, the iQ speakers are the better speakers. The iQ3 has a 6.5" driver. The C3 has a 5.25" driver. As does the iQ1. The iQ2c is the perfect match for the iQ1s. You'd have 3 absolutely identical 5.25" drivers with that combo.

Why do you think the iQ2c "looks weak"? Because it has only one driver as opposed to the 2 drivers that the C6LCR has? The iQ2c is actually a better design than the MTM C6LCR. But, yes, the iQ2c would give you a smaller center speaker if paired with the iQ3s. If you could get them to sell you a single iQ3 (maybe a floor model), that would be the perfect center channel for the iQ3s.

Will you be using a sub or not?
Reply
Reply
post #1669 of 6020
12/20/08 at 2:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sivadselim View Post

Yes, the iQ speakers are the better speakers. The iQ3 has a 6.5" driver. The C3 has a 5.25" driver. As does the iQ1. The iQ2c is the perfect match for the iQ1s. You'd have 3 absolutely identical 5.25" drivers with that combo.

Why do you think the iQ2c "looks weak"? Because it has only one driver as opposed to the 2 drivers that the C6LCR has? The iQ2c is actually a better design than the MTM C6LCR. But, yes, the iQ2c would give you a smaller center speaker if paired with the iQ3s. If you could get them to sell you a single iQ3 (maybe a floor model), that would be the perfect center channel for the iQ3s.

Will you be using a sub or not?

Well I ment weaker compared to the Q6, that thing is a beast. I do have a klipsch sub so no worries there.

You make a good point about matching speakers, I mean I could get the iQ3s but im not sure what I would pair it with. If I were to get the iQ1s and match them with the iQ2c, it would be less than 400 after I negotiate but I feel as I could get something grander, you know? Maybe KEF isnt the best way to go with my budget?
Reply
Reply
post #1670 of 6020
12/21/08 at 9:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpc View Post

thanks dolamite. in another system in the house I was thinking of using an SR 5002, 5003 or a 6001 or 6003. Probably a 5002

also for your reference: for my listening style, i did not care for the paradigms at all, too forward and way too muddy and boomy in the bass.
Reply
Reply
post #1671 of 6020
12/21/08 at 9:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpc View Post

Does anybody know if the dimensions of the iQ90 are 37" with the plinth? Or are they 37" and then you add 1" for the plinth?

thanks


with the plinth attached, and on my carpet, it is roughly 37 11/16 inches from the bottom of the plinth to the top of the speaker cabinet. it is 38 3/16 inches to the top of the driver housing thing that is at the front of the speaker. i did not attach the spikes either.
Reply
Reply
post #1672 of 6020
12/21/08 at 2:15pm
Hi,

I am new to the HT world. I am in the process of putting together a 5.1 system. Probably 40% music and 60% Tv/movies in a Living room setup. I have only had a chance to listen to the Def tech Bp's and to the Icon series Klipsch. I don't know anything about the sound of the KEF iQ's but I sure like the way they look.
What speakers would you recommend? I like the IQ9's or IQ90's for L/R.

Thank you for any input.

Merry Christmas
Reply
Reply
post #1673 of 6020
12/21/08 at 4:46pm
The iQs are half off now at Vanns and One Call.
Reply
Reply
post #1674 of 6020
12/22/08 at 6:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dolamite View Post

with the plinth attached, and on my carpet, it is roughly 37 11/16 inches from the bottom of the plinth to the top of the speaker cabinet. it is 38 3/16 inches to the top of the driver housing thing that is at the front of the speaker. i did not attach the spikes either.

Thanks
Reply
Reply
post #1675 of 6020
12/25/08 at 5:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpc View Post

Could somebody describe the sound of the KEF iQ90's? How is the sound character? How is the bass response? Have you ever compared it to the PSB T65 or T55?

I find it very difficult to "describe" a sound. I'll try anyway. I bought a pair of iQ90s together with an iQ60c (center) and a PSW 2500 (sub) from KEF just a few weeks ago. My main intention was to get better bass from the main speakers when listening to stereo only. I went for the KEFs because they did sound so much better i.e. "fuller" than any comparable set I tested in the same price range (Magnat, Nubert, Teufel).

What I like especially about the iQ 90 is that a) for their size they deliver a full bass while at the same time crisp highs and volume from the middle. This is very important for me since I use them in a very large loft-ish living room.

Listening to the KEF set especially with surround SACD and DVD-A I love that the music "leaves" the speakers and creates an almost 3 dimensional sound in my living room. With my previous speaker set, the music kind of stuck to the speakers.
Reply
Reply
post #1676 of 6020
12/25/08 at 11:23am
I have a 5.1 setup with iQ9 as fronts. So far everything sounded perfect, but on one multichannel 5.0 SACD recording played at high volume I noticed crackling high-frequency sounds coming from the direction of the left front speaker. The speakers are driven by Onkyo 875, which was almost at full power (the signal is coming in as DSD). If the volume is reduced by 10-12 dB from the maximum, the crackling seems to disappear. I tried swapping the L/R speakers, and the crackling still comes from the left. The recording was Beethoven's 7th symphony with violins bursting from the left, which may explain this. Is this "clipping"? I didn't expect this to happen with an Onkyo 875. Even at full volume, this recording didn't sound loud enough to me, which also seemed strange. Any thoughts?
Reply
Reply
post #1677 of 6020
12/25/08 at 11:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jurukk View Post

The speakers are driven by Onkyo 875, which was almost at full power.................. Is this "clipping"?

Probably. Or you are just driving the speakers beyond their capability. But it doesn't matter what it is. If you hear something untoward, you are obviously asking too much from either your speakers and/or receiver. So, TURN IT DOWN! Don't keep trying to reproduce the same "phenomenon"! Hopefully you have not damaged your speakers, already. But if you keep trying to do what you are doing, YOU WILL. KEFs are just not meant to be driven like that. They are quite delicate speakers.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Jurukk View Post

I didn't expect this to happen with an Onkyo 875.

Why? It is only an AV receiver. Even with fine, high-end equipment, no one runs their stuff at "full power". Sorry, but that is just foolish.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Jurukk View Post

Even at full volume, this recording didn't sound loud enough to me, which also seemed strange. Any thoughts?

If the recording has a very wide dynamic range, as is the case with many classical recordings, the soft passages can seemingly be too soft, and likewise, the louder passages be REALLY loud. A wide dynamic range is desirable with classical recordings but it comes at a price. If you have a high level of ambient noise in your listening environment, or are not seated in the prime listening spot while listening, you can have problems.
Reply
Reply
post #1678 of 6020
12/25/08 at 1:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sivadselim View Post

Why? It is only an AV receiver. Even with fine, high-end equipment, no one runs their stuff at "full power". Sorry, but that is just foolish.

Thanks for your response. Maybe it's foolish, but I thought that if the speakers are rated for 15-200W, and the amplifier is rated at 145 W/channel (I believe), the speakers are supposed to hold up to full volume. But see below.

Quote:
Originally Posted by sivadselim View Post

If the recording has a very wide dynamic range, as is the case with many classical recordings, the soft passages can seemingly be too soft, and likewise, the louder passages be REALLY loud. A wide dynamic range is desirable with classical recordings but it comes at a price. If you have a high level of ambient noise in your listening environment, or are not seated in the prime listening spot while listening, you can have problems.

Absolutely right. But! This particular recording didn't sound loud enough even at tutti fortissimo. This is the first time I had this impression - for most others 15-20 dB below was loud enough. A movie at this nominal level would be deafening. No ambient noise either, and listening at the prime location.
Reply
Reply
post #1679 of 6020
12/25/08 at 2:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jurukk View Post

Thanks for your response. Maybe it's foolish, but I thought that if the speakers are rated for 15-200W, and the amplifier is rated at 145 W/channel (I believe), the speakers are supposed to hold up to full volume.

But, based upon your post, you DO seem to know what clipping is, right?

There is not much of anything that can really be driven to "full power", especially for any length of time.
Reply
Reply
post #1680 of 6020
12/25/08 at 4:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jurukk View Post

elee, I believe you have to screw the IQ1 wall-mounting bracket to the speaker.

Thanks Jurukk. I assume I use the shorter of the included screws for mounting the bracket to the speaker? Does it matter where on the back of the speaker I mount the bracket? Thanks!!
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Speakers

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Speakers › KEF Owners Thread