Quote:
Originally Posted by
fistofsouth 
Just to be clear about a few things.
1. XQs can be had from A4L for very reasonable prices a pair of XQ-10s run less than $900/pr, XQ-20s are $1250/pr and XQ-30s are about $1900/Pr
"like new, open box" - I would want to see pictures of the specific speakers based on the very loose definition of "like new" that was seen at a4l in another thread. Like I said, I'm sure the $4500 list (if you could get someone to sell a single XQ20 to make three) could be significantly reduce. My iQs were probably all about 60% of list or so.
Quote:
2. The XQ series use crossovers that are supposedly much closer to those used in the KEF Reference (Some speakers in that series are over $25,000/pr) than those used in the iQ series. Since the crossover is considered the most critical part in speaker design by many the upgrade in that area might be worth it to you.
Yeah, the impact of crossover design on overall speaker performance is something I need to learn more about...
Quote:
3. Not to step on any toes, but fit and finish can be a big issue. When I was in my teens and 20s and had ikea furniture in my house faux wood vinyl tape was fine for my speaker enclosures. I had compressed fiberboard furniture that I put together with hex bolts and it also featured fake wooden vinyl tape. At some point I decided it might be nice to have some real furniture, you know heirloom/antique quality stuff;real solid wood, solid brass fixtures, the type of stuff you can pass down to your children and grandchildren. The only problem is when you have REAL WOOD in the room vinyl becomes glaringly obvious. That being the case I won't even look at speakers that don't feature either real wood veneer or a high-gloss finish. That's why speakers finished in such a fashion are referred to as "furniture grade". The XQ series features both high gloss finishes and real wood veneers. Perhaps that isn't worth two or three times the price for many, but for others there is no other way to go.
Aesthetics absolutely make a difference. And in some houses a HUGE difference. And in every case (and frequently depending on the week) that will have a different value to each of us.
Quote:
That's over $14K before I even get a sub so we're talking about enough money to buy a car or put a down payment on a house and I just can't do that. Although I'm proud to report that my wife would go along if I decided to do so.
Lucky you. My wife couldn't understand why i wanted to go from a JVC HTIB to KEF iQ1/iQ2 fronts and 2001 rears let alone when I went to iQ3 fronts and moved the iQ1 to the rears.
Quote:
See even I have my limits so if your limits are around $1000 to $1500 for a pair of towers then the iQ series is a great value, but I just can't do vinyl any more and others just can't settle for anything less than the best.
No, I'm not a tower guy, always been a bookshelves plus sub thinker.
I like my iQ3/iQ1 setup, but always have to think of what's next.
My first plan (based on spec and appearance) was Tannoy Revolution Signature DC-6/DC-4.
Since then I've been thinking towards Vienna Acoustic Haydn Grand and Salk Sound HT2/HT1.
As I really like my KEFs I have to include XQ in the pondering equation. Just trying to understand the true value of the upgrades (as listening to all in my home environment is likely impossible).
I have a number of Kef speakers in my stable from past and present, including the iQ10's(Modified),XQ10's,XQ20's(Modified),Kef Reference Model 2's(Modified),Model 1's,Model 3's(Still have the model 2's, rest sold off),201/2's(Solf off),104's(Sold off),PSW2500's,PSW3500's(retired, going to sell),PSW4000(About to be retired and sold off).
