Quote:
Hi Frank,Originally Posted by fmaz 
Hi all -
Been struggling to find that perfect 5.1 set up to work with a family room renovation that we are doing. Like everyone else, trying to combine performance with cost and something that will not stick out like a sore thumb. My wife would say that cost is the main factor, I'd vote performance.. but we both agree they need to work with the room design. Room is a 20x25 room with no back wall (it's an open floor plan, into the kitchen)... and the entire front wall (where the TV, centers and fronts will go) will be shelving. So floor standing speakers are out. And in reality... the main viewing area doesn't use the last 10 feet... so it's more like a 20x15 space, I suppose.
I've been looking at the KEF-KHT3005BL set. Or at least at all the reviews. I haven't read the whole 178 page thread yet, but can someone speak from personal experience on these? Are they powerful enough to really serve that space? We watch a lot of movies, but we will also listen to music... and I don't want to skimp... I want to do this right. I'll be getting a new receiver to go along with it... but for now I'm trying to settle on speakers so I can integrate that into the final plans.
Any input on this set, or perhaps some comparables to look at, would be great.
Thanks,
Frank
Hi all -
Been struggling to find that perfect 5.1 set up to work with a family room renovation that we are doing. Like everyone else, trying to combine performance with cost and something that will not stick out like a sore thumb. My wife would say that cost is the main factor, I'd vote performance.. but we both agree they need to work with the room design. Room is a 20x25 room with no back wall (it's an open floor plan, into the kitchen)... and the entire front wall (where the TV, centers and fronts will go) will be shelving. So floor standing speakers are out. And in reality... the main viewing area doesn't use the last 10 feet... so it's more like a 20x15 space, I suppose.
I've been looking at the KEF-KHT3005BL set. Or at least at all the reviews. I haven't read the whole 178 page thread yet, but can someone speak from personal experience on these? Are they powerful enough to really serve that space? We watch a lot of movies, but we will also listen to music... and I don't want to skimp... I want to do this right. I'll be getting a new receiver to go along with it... but for now I'm trying to settle on speakers so I can integrate that into the final plans.
Any input on this set, or perhaps some comparables to look at, would be great.
Thanks,
Frank
I have a similar room layout to yourself. Originally used the Kef 2005.3's for a while, which are a great little movie package but I got a great deal from Best Buy on the 3005SE's after they went bust in the UK last Christmas. 3005's will fill your room space without any issues whatsoever, and the dedicated Centre is a very strong performer. I watch 75% movies vs 25% music and the 3005's suffice in both areas, but they are designed primarily as a movie speaker so do have bass limitations with music.
Would score them 9/10 for movies and 7/10 for music compared to the 2005.3 - 8/10 movies and 5/10 for music. The 3005's are more 3D sounding compared to the 2005.3, integrate better with each other in a 5.1 set up. (Better tweeter design). HTB2SE is a great looking sub and handles music and movies beautifully.
3005's are solid built and are wife friendly looking. Nice design, small and they blend into furniture background well.. Can use them with front covers on or off, also available in black and white versions. Bare wire or banana plug fixing.
Regarding your amp, hi fi specialists over here suggest that the Kef's are best suited to Yamaha amps. I'm not overly keen on the Yamaha internal sound processing features so I have partnered mine with the Onkyo 709 amp, and they sound great together. Kef UK suggest that the 3005's will perform better with more powerful amps in the $1000+ bracket. Onkyo 7,8+ series - Denon 3313, Yamaha A1020 + etc.
Hope this info is of help.
Cheers,
Rob
