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KEF Owners Thread - Page 180

post #5371 of 6020
9/8/12 at 12:40pm
Look at this

I want those smile.gif

http://www.kef.com/html/us/showroom/digital_music_solutions/x300a/images_and_video/index.html
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post #5372 of 6020
9/8/12 at 3:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyberbeach View Post

Just ordered on Amazon:
iQ90 x2 Amazon via Vann's not Prime but free-shipping courtesy of Vann's
iQ70 x2 Amazon via Premier Audio Video
iq60c x1 Amazon via Premier Audio Video
iQ70's for surrounds...wow that's what I call "go big or go home". Not messing around heh..Hope you got a bitchin sub(s) that will complement that set up.
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post #5373 of 6020
9/8/12 at 3:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sagecounsel View Post

New set up installed
Iq70s and iq60 in the front
Iq10s for surround
Old jbl sats as rear surrounds
Energy s10.3 sub
Yamaha Rx a720
Any preferable break in methods and duration ?
Thanks much
pretty straight up, the moment right after unpacking and set up I find my fav cd or XM rap station and put it on repeat when you're at work and while you're sleeping at low vol (doesn't have to play loud). I would NOT listen to them for at least a week of break-in MINIMUM. All my kef's even the eggs didn't fully open and reveal themselves at least months down the road. I would say about 6 mos is when they're fully ripen.
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post #5374 of 6020
9/11/12 at 11:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by zoey67 View Post

iQ70's for surrounds...wow that's what I call "go big or go home". Not messing around heh..Hope you got a bitchin sub(s) that will complement that set up.

Well I must admit that price was a big factor - the semi-discontinued iQ70's are cheaper than a decent bookshelf/surround or at least similar in price. And I don't need to buy stands! smile.gif
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post #5375 of 6020
9/12/12 at 11:06am
Q500s or Q700s?

I'm putting together my wishlist for my home theater build and I'm trying to decide if the 5 1/4 drivers are sufficient, or if I should go for the bigger 6 1/2s. Same with the surrounds, I don't know if the small ones are big enough, or if I should do the big ones. It seems the big center channel is the one always suggested, so I'll go with that for sure. The plan right now is dual HSU subs. I already have the receiver, a Denon 4311.

My room is medium sized at 15 x 26 with 7.5 ceiling. 15 x 15 is the main theater with the back part being open to the hallway and the bar. Seating is about 10 ft from the front right now. Hallway is about 6 x 13. I can put together a sketch if it really makes a difference, but for all intents and purposes, the room is 15x26x7.5.
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post #5376 of 6020
9/12/12 at 3:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by zatchmo View Post

Q500s or Q700s?
I'm putting together my wishlist for my home theater build and I'm trying to decide if the 5 1/4 drivers are sufficient, or if I should go for the bigger 6 1/2s. Same with the surrounds, I don't know if the small ones are big enough, or if I should do the big ones. It seems the big center channel is the one always suggested, so I'll go with that for sure. The plan right now is dual HSU subs. I already have the receiver, a Denon 4311.
My room is medium sized at 15 x 26 with 7.5 ceiling. 15 x 15 is the main theater with the back part being open to the hallway and the bar. Seating is about 10 ft from the front right now. Hallway is about 6 x 13. I can put together a sketch if it really makes a difference, but for all intents and purposes, the room is 15x26x7.5.

I have not heard them but I have a good source who says the R700s are likely the best of the R series and that is saying a lot as they all are great. With dual subs and the R600 you will have an awesome system.
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post #5377 of 6020
9/12/12 at 5:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jima4a View Post

I have not heard them but I have a good source who says the R700s are likely the best of the R series and that is saying a lot as they all are great. With dual subs and the R600 you will have an awesome system.

Unfortunately the Rs are out of the budget. They look and sound fantastic, but the Qs are about the top of what I can afford. Basically it's just a matter of whether I'd be happy with the smaller speaker setup, or if I should spring for the big ones.
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post #5378 of 6020
9/12/12 at 6:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by zatchmo View Post

Unfortunately the Rs are out of the budget. They look and sound fantastic, but the Qs are about the top of what I can afford. Basically it's just a matter of whether I'd be happy with the smaller speaker setup, or if I should spring for the big ones.

Sorry, I did this from my phone and I guess I did not read carefully. The Q series are pretty special also, I think you will be amazed. For multi channel music matching Uni-Qs will be good but not critical. With dual subs either will be great but for two channel I would vote for Q700s. Perhaps some Q owners can weigh in. Kef seems to be rolling out class leaders, Blades, Q series, R series, LS50 and now active speakers with built in DACs, X300A. Either way you go it will be great! biggrin.gif

Edit: if you are going with the Q600c I would say definitely go with the Q700s. I would be more nervous going 5 1/4" on L/R with 6 1/2" center then the reverse. My bad on the R but a front three of Q700 and Q600c with dual subs would kick you know what!
Edited by jima4a - 9/12/12 at 6:31pm
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post #5379 of 6020
9/12/12 at 7:41pm
Since the emphasis is HT, do you think zatchmo should consider four Q300s with the Q600c since he is planning on dual HSU subs and already has a great receiver with XT32? For music I like towers but for HT monitors crossed over work great.
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post #5380 of 6020
9/13/12 at 7:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jima4a View Post

Since the emphasis is HT, do you think zatchmo should consider four Q300s with the Q600c since he is planning on dual HSU subs and already has a great receiver with XT32? For music I like towers but for HT monitors crossed over work great.

I was able to listen to a pair of Q500s and the SMALL center channel (Q200 I believe) yesterday set up with some small unknown wall hanging surrounds. I had to say, it did sound fantastic on movies. The little bit of music in the movie (It was the race car scene from Iron Man 2) did sound good, but I didn't give it a good listen on 2 channel. I'm really at the mercy if this crowd to help me out here, as I don't have the ability to listen to every combination possible, especially not in my own home. if I need the big center and LR, then I'll go for it. If I can save a few hundred $ and go for the smaller ones and be perfectly happy, I'm all for that too. I just don't want to get the small ones and wish later on I had the large ones. I know for certain that 4 Q700s is out unless they go on closeout sometime soon, so I would be looking at getting the front 3 and deciding on surrounds at a later time, likely the Q100s or 300s.

The 4 Q300 setup is something I was very interested in. I do like it loud. Not painfully so, but up near movie theater loud. if I had to guess, I'd say 105-110 db range. if bookshelfs can get me there and still keep my sub crossed at 80hz, I'm all for that. I guess I could always get that setup, and upgrade the front 2 later if it isn't enough "impact" and I could use them as surrounds and high/wides... I hate too many options!!!
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post #5381 of 6020
9/13/12 at 1:27pm
Still looking for Q owners to weigh in but I would see the following options:
1. Four Q300s and Q600c - great for HT and especially multichannel music. Good stereo.
2. Q500s L/R, Q200c and Q100s for surrounds. Great all around including stereo w/subs
3. Q700s L/R, Q600c and Q100s for surrounds. Great for HT and stereo, good for multichannel music. This might be good choice for now and add Q300s down the road and use Q100 for height or wide when going to 7.2 or get two more Q100s for back surrounds instead.
4. Q700 L/R, Q600c and Q300s for surrounds. Best all around but most expensive.
So anyone familiar with Q series, if you would pick one and explain why that would be great. I am interested in hearing your take on this as well.
Edited by jima4a - 9/13/12 at 7:12pm
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post #5382 of 6020
9/14/12 at 2:35pm
Anybody have input on Q series options for HT for zatchmo?
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post #5383 of 6020
9/15/12 at 3:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jima4a View Post

Anybody have input on Q series options for HT for zatchmo?

1 or 2. I was thinking q100s all around plus the sub as an alternative for number 1 but if he listens very loud that receiver might over-drive them in 2 channel mode. Maybe?
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post #5384 of 6020
9/15/12 at 3:54am
#1 with a sub like the PSA XS-15 or HSU ULS-15.
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post #5385 of 6020
9/15/12 at 6:26am
I have 3 Q300's for the fronts in a similar sized room. I crossed them over at 100Hz. and they seem to do the job very well. The best thing about these speakersis the large soundstage they produce.

Eventually all the surround speakers will be the 300s except the heights which will be the 100s or the eggs 3001se's.

Tom
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post #5386 of 6020
9/16/12 at 2:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt34 View Post

#1 with a sub like the PSA XS-15 or HSU ULS-15.
Just want to add a word of caution for the ULS-15. Last year I finally caved in on the Hsu mystic and got a pair of the ULS-15 and 1 VTF 2.3 and they were decent for movies. And this is very important, if you're not watching a heavy bass film like War of the worlds or Resident evil...those subs are nearly non-existent and became very quiet with little or no mid-bass at all. The VTF's were not so bad but the ULS were like elephants, they can go really low and deep but every thing else you can forget about it.

So after having nearly 3k of subs in my room, I just sold them on craigslist and thank god Hsu have very good resale value and was able to sell them quick. I reverted to my trusty friend Velodyne and found an old CHT-10 for $125 and all in the bass world is well again...accurate, fast, powerful, low and punchy mid bass all covered. A great sub is a must and IMO the glue that ties in all the pieces but you don't have to spend an arm & leg as I found out.

I also got a Velo DLS-3750 and these things are a beast and hits even harder and deeper than CHT but this series has a history of amp problems and I got one so becareful there. The replacement series like the DEQ I think may have solved those issues. Same with the SPL series, amazing little subs but my SPL 1000 went bad after a year when I had it back in 05 and it also had a history of failed amps and since these guys are very expensive if you go there make you buy extended warranty.
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post #5387 of 6020
9/16/12 at 3:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by zoey67 View Post

Just want to add a word of caution for the ULS-15. Last year I finally caved in on the Hsu mystic and got a pair of the ULS-15 and 1 VTF 2.3 and they were decent for movies. And this is very important, if you're not watching a heavy bass film like War of the worlds or Resident evil...those subs are nearly non-existent and became very quiet with little or no mid-bass at all. The VTF's were not so bad but the ULS were like elephants, they can go really low and deep but every thing else you can forget about it.
So after having nearly 3k of subs in my room, I just sold them on craigslist and thank god Hsu have very good resale value and was able to sell them quick. I reverted to my trusty friend Velodyne and found an old CHT-10 for $125 and all in the bass world is well again...accurate, fast, powerful, low and punchy mid bass all covered. A great sub is a must and IMO the glue that ties in all the pieces but you don't have to spend an arm & leg as I found out.
I also got a Velo DLS-3750 and these things are a beast and hits even harder and deeper than CHT but this series has a history of amp problems and I got one so becareful there. The replacement series like the DEQ I think may have solved those issues. Same with the SPL series, amazing little subs but my SPL 1000 went bad after a year when I had it back in 05 and it also had a history of failed amps and since these guys are very expensive if you go there make you buy extended warranty.

That's what happens when you don't measure what you have and don't bother to dial the subs in. The Velodyne subs you mentioned are not going to be a match for the ULS subs in any performance metric. The Velodyne subs you talk about are the equivalent of Hsu's entry level subs, they are going to have a lot less headroom with a lot more distortion. The fact that you would mix a mid-level ported sub with higher end sealed subs indicates you didn't really understand how to handle these subs to begin with.
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post #5388 of 6020
9/16/12 at 12:43pm
Whatever mr know it all. Don't speak before you know your info. I started with the VTF 2.3 by itself and later added a pair of ULS but never used all 3 at the same time except one time just out curiosity for fun. It didn't matter anyways ok, not every sub is for everyone. The VTF 2.3 bass was just too soft for my liking and that's the main reason why I sold it. And yes I've tried with all the options...ported and plugged, extension and low, etc and while it does go low fine I felt the bass wasn't as tight and punchy as I'm used to. And as for distortion, Velodyne pioneered the game on that topic. But regardless, this is all subjective so don't get all hot and bothered because you don't hear everyone crying the amazing praises on your fav brand.

And don't talk to people in your condescending tone alright, I've been playing around with subs since the late 80's so spare me your preaching.
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post #5389 of 6020
9/16/12 at 1:02pm
What you think you hear as tight and punchy is just a peakish upper bass frequency response with harmonic distortion rolling upward into higher frequencies. That is what you are used to, and that is what you are going to get with a 10" modestly powered, slot ported Velodyne. The VTF is going to have cleaner bass then the Velodyne, and the ULS will be much cleaner than both. By the way, the Hsu subs are perfectly capable of creating that kind of sound but they have to be EQ'd to do it.
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post #5390 of 6020
9/17/12 at 8:41am
Thanks for all the input guys. You are all being very helpful. What I'm hearing so far, is that the bookshelfs may be plenty. That being said, I may go for Q300s L-R, Q600 C, and Q100s for surround. If I find I really like that setup, I can always get another pair of 300s for surround at a later date and move the 100s to high-wide duty. Or if I want more, go for the Q700s, move the 300s to surround, and 100s for high-wide. I'm still planning to run dual subs, my only concern with bookshelfs is I'm somewhat obsessed with crossing them at 80hz. Has anybody done this, and driven them fairly hard? If they can handle it, then I'm all in.
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post #5391 of 6020
9/17/12 at 1:25pm
I can't find any online third party FR measurements for the q300, but I would guess, based on the specs, those bookshelfs should do 80 hz very easily. KEF rates them down to the low 40s. I'm sure you won't have any problems at the 80 hz crossover point.
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post #5392 of 6020
9/18/12 at 8:30am
Unusual question....

Hello there, I currently own a XQ 7.2 setup (well, kind of, as my XQ30's came pretty banged up--- Thanks for that A4L!!! ):

-XQ40's Front
-XQ30's Wides
-XQ20's Surround
-XQ50c Center
-HTB2SE
-Rythmik Audio F15HP

And I've got the upgrade bug and looking to add a little more detail to my setup, so I first wanted to replace the XQ30's (which sound a little harsh for my taste) with another pair of XQ20's, but then I've read about the KEF LS50's and now I'm thinking of adding 4 LS50's and replacing the XQ30's and XQ20's and using them on another setup I'm building.

So, for the very few of you that have really heard the LS50's, anyone compared them with the XQ20's?? Am I that crazy to considering on replacing them?

Any input is greatly appreciated

- EDIT - Forgot to add that, due to my geographical location, auditioning or listening to any of the speakers is not an option for me
Edited by romeo_214 - 9/19/12 at 7:25am
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post #5393 of 6020
9/18/12 at 11:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ View Post

I can't find any online third party FR measurements for the q300, but I would guess, based on the specs, those bookshelfs should do 80 hz very easily. KEF rates them down to the low 40s. I'm sure you won't have any problems at the 80 hz crossover point.

I think I'm going to try them. Thanks again for everyone's help. I think I will be quite happy. I plan to order the front 3 to begin with, then decide if I want to add another set of 300s for surrounds, or 100s. The hardest decision now is going to be, a 3rd Q300 for the center Or go with the Q600? A pair of 300s is about the same price as the single Q600, so I could have a backup just in case. if I go that route.
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post #5394 of 6020
9/18/12 at 3:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by zatchmo View Post

I think I'm going to try them. Thanks again for everyone's help. I think I will be quite happy. I plan to order the front 3 to begin with, then decide if I want to add another set of 300s for surrounds, or 100s. The hardest decision now is going to be, a 3rd Q300 for the center Or go with the Q600? A pair of 300s is about the same price as the single Q600, so I could have a backup just in case. if I go that route.

If your setup allows three q300s across the front then that would be great for multichannel and HT.
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post #5395 of 6020
9/20/12 at 11:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by zatchmo View Post

Q500s or Q700s?
I'm putting together my wishlist for my home theater build and I'm trying to decide if the 5 1/4 drivers are sufficient, or if I should go for the bigger 6 1/2s. Same with the surrounds, I don't know if the small ones are big enough, or if I should do the big ones. It seems the big center channel is the one always suggested, so I'll go with that for sure. The plan right now is dual HSU subs. I already have the receiver, a Denon 4311.
My room is medium sized at 15 x 26 with 7.5 ceiling. 15 x 15 is the main theater with the back part being open to the hallway and the bar. Seating is about 10 ft from the front right now. Hallway is about 6 x 13. I can put together a sketch if it really makes a difference, but for all intents and purposes, the room is 15x26x7.5.

Go for Q900s for that size of room, those are great. I had those running with a single HSU VTF-2 MK4 in 15x16 room and my sofa was jumping on good movie scenes. And it was on -10 on a Marantz SR6005, imagine what a 0 would do. I ran those full range with sub eunning up to 60 HZ. and btw, really happy with ability to go sealed/ported and variable Q with HSU sub
I had Q900s for a couple months, too bad I had to downsize to R500s:).

I'll give you my order number from Vanns so you can price match and get 5.0 setup with Q900 mains for $2K delivered.
Edited by yveletnik - 9/20/12 at 11:30pm
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post #5396 of 6020
9/20/12 at 11:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by romeo_214 View Post

Unusual question....
Hello there, I currently own a XQ 7.2 setup (well, kind of, as my XQ30's came pretty banged up--- Thanks for that A4L!!! ):
-XQ40's Front
-XQ30's Wides
-XQ20's Surround
-XQ50c Center
-HTB2SE
-Rythmik Audio F15HP
And I've got the upgrade bug and looking to add a little more detail to my setup, so I first wanted to replace the XQ30's (which sound a little harsh for my taste) with another pair of XQ20's, but then I've read about the KEF LS50's and now I'm thinking of adding 4 LS50's and replacing the XQ30's and XQ20's and using them on another setup I'm building.
So, for the very few of you that have really heard the LS50's, anyone compared them with the XQ20's?? Am I that crazy to considering on replacing them?
Any input is greatly appreciated
- EDIT - Forgot to add that, due to my geographical location, auditioning or listening to any of the speakers is not an option for me

I wouldn't get LS50 without listening first, just a guess, it will sound very different from XQ series. If you are far from civilization just try to buy and return if you don't like them...
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post #5397 of 6020
9/21/12 at 8:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by romeo_214 View Post

Unusual question....
Hello there, I currently own a XQ 7.2 setup (well, kind of, as my XQ30's came pretty banged up--- Thanks for that A4L!!! ):
-XQ40's Front
-XQ30's Wides
-XQ20's Surround
-XQ50c Center
-HTB2SE
-Rythmik Audio F15HP
And I've got the upgrade bug and looking to add a little more detail to my setup, so I first wanted to replace the XQ30's (which sound a little harsh for my taste) with another pair of XQ20's, but then I've read about the KEF LS50's and now I'm thinking of adding 4 LS50's and replacing the XQ30's and XQ20's and using them on another setup I'm building.
So, for the very few of you that have really heard the LS50's, anyone compared them with the XQ20's?? Am I that crazy to considering on replacing them?
Any input is greatly appreciated
- EDIT - Forgot to add that, due to my geographical location, auditioning or listening to any of the speakers is not an option for me

I'm surprised you want to replace the xq30's. The xq50 has the same components as the 30's and it doesn't sound harsh, but the 30's do? Do you plug the ports in the 30's? If so, try it with the ports open. Or vice versa.
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post #5398 of 6020
9/22/12 at 11:16pm
I would need a amp with balanced XLR inputs for the Q300 what would be good? I was looking into the crown XLS series.
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post #5399 of 6020
9/24/12 at 9:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jima4a View Post

If your setup allows three q300s across the front then that would be great for multichannel and HT.

Just an update, I was able to get a back to back listen, same movie, same receiver, etc. with the Q300s and the Q500s this weekend. All I can say is wow. Even with the 300s sitting on top of the 500s (way too high and not properly placed), they sounded a great deal better. There is no question in my mind, I will be going with those.
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post #5400 of 6020
9/28/12 at 10:28am
Hi to all!

I want the best AV Receiver for the Q Series.

Iam thinking on:

Onkyo NR1009


Is the Onkyo the best partner for Q Series....???

I sold today my Denon 3311, I did not like it at all...(I went from Onkyo SR608).


Please help!!
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