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KEF Owners Thread - Page 193

post #5761 of 6059
2/26/13 at 4:24pm
Hi all

Today I bought a pair of 203/2 in racing red from your local dealer in Singapore (not that the color actually matters)
They informed me that these speakers were brought into Singapore in 2009 for an exhibition..
I fell in love with this set the minute I saw it and had to have them
I listened to a different 203/2 showroom set before I purchased the red ones.. The other showroom set sounded amazing.
When we plugged in the red ones,I was terrified how flat and stiff they sounded compared to the other set. The gentleman at the dealer told me that they have never been used and only been in the showcase for display purposes. He said they need to be driven in before they will sound equally as good...

Question: can the situation that they have never been used for 3 years and standing in the showcase for 3 year (no direct sunlight,inside shopping centre, see photo below) harm the drivers? Will anything get stiff or otherwise damaged? Or are they just "stiff" from standing unused for so long.

It has been a significant investment and I want them to sound amazing..

Please be so kind and ease my worries.

Regards from Singapore

Marcus
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post #5762 of 6059
2/26/13 at 5:38pm
My 205/2s were run in a couple days before I heard them but if they don't start sounding good in four hours I would worry. Should be under warranty.
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post #5763 of 6059
2/26/13 at 5:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcus Holz View Post

Hi all

Today I bought a pair of 203/2 in racing red from your local dealer in Singapore (not that the color actually matters)
They informed me that these speakers were brought into Singapore in 2009 for an exhibition..
I fell in love with this set the minute I saw it and had to have them
I listened to a different 203/2 showroom set before I purchased the red ones.. The other showroom set sounded amazing.
When we plugged in the red ones,I was terrified how flat and stiff they sounded compared to the other set. The gentleman at the dealer told me that they have never been used and only been in the showcase for display purposes. He said they need to be driven in before they will sound equally as good...

Question: can the situation that they have never been used for 3 years and standing in the showcase for 3 year (no direct sunlight,inside shopping centre, see photo below) harm the drivers? Will anything get stiff or otherwise damaged? Or are they just "stiff" from standing unused for so long.

It has been a significant investment and I want them to sound amazing..

Please be so kind and ease my worries.

Regards from Singapore

Marcus

It should not matter just sitting there for a few years. If they sound bad, then something is wrong.
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post #5764 of 6059
2/26/13 at 9:10pm
Couldn't return my kef t205, 14 day return on electronics expo, thinking about getting the q900 for fronts and using the rest as surrounds, w the kef t301 as center, the other 301 as surround and the 201 as side, its now powered by a denon 791, medium to large room. What do u guys think, or dump the t205 , take the loss and start over,
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post #5765 of 6059
2/26/13 at 9:46pm
^^^ IMO a phantom center would be preferable in that situation - the Q900's and the T series are a huge mis-match. All the Q series (or any KEF speaker with a Uni-Q driver) have excellent imaging so they are particularly good candidates for a phantom center setup.
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post #5766 of 6059
2/27/13 at 1:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AcuDefTechGuy View Post

It should not matter just sitting there for a few years. If they sound bad, then something is wrong.
Thank you very much guys for the replies. I definitely feel a bit better now. Delivery is on Friday MAR 1st smile.gif I will give a good 30 hours run-in!!

I have also send this question directly to KEF. Hope that they will reply soon. Once I have their comments I will post it here..
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post #5767 of 6059
2/27/13 at 7:27am
If you do end up having a problem ( i thought i did too but i personally believe burn-in had a bit to do with my problem) then i suggest calling the support number for kefdirect.com. I have talked to the same guy before and after buying my speakers and couldn't ask for a more informative and well spoken person.

BTW looking for a response to my question if devices like routers and computers can cause interference in the signal if put close to a speaker and cable
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post #5768 of 6059
3/1/13 at 1:48am
Hi all,

i am using a KEF 3005 K2 with an AV Onkyo 616 and i was wondering how big the difference would be, with the new LS50. I was thinking buying a pair and hook them to a stereo receiver and test them for a while and maybe replace my 3005 System. I suppose my Onkyo 616 should also be replaced since it cant bring the most out of the LS50`s.
Any opinions about comparison between the 3005 and the LS50?
Maybe later today i will go for a demonstration of the LS50s, then i can build also one opinion of my own and share it with you

Much appreciated :-)
Cheers,
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post #5769 of 6059
3/1/13 at 6:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ddamski View Post

Hi all,

i am using a KEF 3005 K2 with an AV Onkyo 616 and i was wondering how big the difference would be, with the new LS50. I was thinking buying a pair and hook them to a stereo receiver and test them for a while and maybe replace my 3005 System. I suppose my Onkyo 616 should also be replaced since it cant bring the most out of the LS50`s.
Any opinions about comparison between the 3005 and the LS50?
Maybe later today i will go for a demonstration of the LS50s, then i can build also one opinion of my own and share it with you

Much appreciated :-)
Cheers,

New LS50 + new SVS Subwoofer + new AVR seems like a great idea to me. wink.gif
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post #5770 of 6059
3/1/13 at 8:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ddamski View Post

Hi all,

i am using a KEF 3005 K2 with an AV Onkyo 616 and i was wondering how big the difference would be, with the new LS50. I was thinking buying a pair and hook them to a stereo receiver and test them for a while and maybe replace my 3005 System. I suppose my Onkyo 616 should also be replaced since it cant bring the most out of the LS50`s.
Any opinions about comparison between the 3005 and the LS50?
Maybe later today i will go for a demonstration of the LS50s, then i can build also one opinion of my own and share it with you

Much appreciated :-)
Cheers,

The main differences you'll hear right off will be three:

1) The LS50's will have less upper bass strain. Much bigger driver with longer throw.
2) The LS50's will have less lower-midrange strain. Much bigger and more capable tweeter crossed over at about the same place.
3) The LS50's should be more efficient.

But don't write off the 3005's - they're astoundingly good little things.
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post #5771 of 6059
3/1/13 at 9:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DS-21 View Post

I would love to see an updated "egg" with their up-to-date Uni-Q. Though the 3005 is still the best speaker I've heard in its size class. (The Paradigm 1000er is voiced very differently, as is the NHT Absolute Zero. All three are objectively excellent, getting the big things in loudspeaker design right, and it comes down to a matter of taste. The Tannoy Arena is comparatively colored in the midrange listening to them side-to-side.)

Hi DS,
I was surprised to see you include the NHT Absolute Zero in the same league as the Paradigm's and Kef's. I know you're a proponent of waveguides enabling the tweeter match the directivity of the mid/woofer. The Kef Eggs and the MilleniaOne's both use their own form of waveguide but the NHT Absolute Zero's do not. Is it the tight spacing of the small mid woofer to tweeter that allows good off axis response without the "mushroom cloud"? Or something else in its design?

Thanks,
Dan
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post #5772 of 6059
3/1/13 at 10:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dftkell View Post

I was surprised to see you include the NHT Absolute Zero in the same league as the Paradigm's and Kef's. I know you're a proponent of waveguides enabling the tweeter match the directivity of the mid/woofer. The Kef Eggs and the MilleniaOne's both use their own form of waveguide but the NHT Absolute Zero's do not. Is it the tight spacing of the small mid woofer to tweeter that allows good off axis response without the "mushroom cloud"? Or something else in its design?

Tight spacing, small midwoofer, lowish and steep mid-tweet crossover.
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post #5773 of 6059
3/2/13 at 9:20am
Hi DS,

thanks a lot for your input.

Today i tested the LS50s and i can say in comparison with the 3005s they sound more detailed and crisp. The midrange were also better, the sound was more full.
Next week i will test the LS50s with my DAC and my Onkyo NX 616 so i can see if my components can keep up. Maybe later i will afford a new AV or just buy a used Stereo Amplifier.

I am still thinking if i can combine the LS50s with the 3005s in one 7.1 System, or start from scratch with only LS50s.

cheerz
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post #5774 of 6059
3/2/13 at 11:00am
If you had three LS50's LCR across the front the 3005's would make very good surrounds/rears ; )
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post #5775 of 6059
3/4/13 at 7:05am
Today i bought the LS50s and in combination with my Onkyo Receiver 616 they sound amazing.
In the moment i set them up as front speakers in my 5.1 System and i am listening in Stereo Modus. Either i use my cdplayer over my DAC playing or playing directly with the receiver from the network i am speachless enjoying ths marvelous sound! smile.gif
I will also test them with some other audio components hoping that my poor ear will notice little difference not worthing one upgrade rolleyes.gif
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post #5776 of 6059
3/4/13 at 8:37am
That sounds like quite the ideal system you have there ddamski. What do you use for a sub?
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post #5777 of 6059
3/4/13 at 9:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ddamski View Post

Today i bought the LS50s and in combination with my Onkyo Receiver 616 they sound amazing.
In the moment i set them up as front speakers in my 5.1 System and i am listening in Stereo Modus. Either i use my cdplayer over my DAC playing or playing directly with the receiver from the network i am speachless enjoying ths marvelous sound! smile.gif
I will also test them with some other audio components hoping that my poor ear will notice little difference not worthing one upgrade rolleyes.gif
Much congrats !! I'm also enjoying my LS50's what incredible speakers . I'm using mine strictly for 2ch and there amazing with there spaciousness and detailed sound . But be aware they get even better with time : ) I've had mine for a little over a week not sure how many hours on them but they sound even better !! Enjoy your new Kefs I am !!
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post #5778 of 6059
3/4/13 at 11:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheFactor View Post

Much congrats !! I'm also enjoying my LS50's what incredible speakers . I'm using mine strictly for 2ch and there amazing with there spaciousness and detailed sound . But be aware they get even better with time : ) I've had mine for a little over a week not sure how many hours on them but they sound even better !! Enjoy your new Kefs I am !!
thanks theFactor, you have a stereo amplifier? if they will sound even better then now.. just incredible
Quote:
Originally Posted by bthrb4u View Post

That sounds like quite the ideal system you have there ddamski. What do you use for a sub?
thanks bthrb4u, its not quite ideal...Yet. Today first day they were just hooked in stereo modus. My SUB ist the KEF K2, not ideal, but as long i am living in this appartment i will not buy something better, since i have troubles with my neighbours wink.gif I am planning to buy one more LS50 for a center speaker and probably i will sell two speakers from the 3005 System. In the end i will have 5.1= 3 LS50 and 2 3005 with the K2.
A future upgrade will be the OPPO 105, and then i will sell my DAC, my Blueray and my Popcorn Hour biggrin.gif
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post #5779 of 6059
3/4/13 at 11:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AcuDefTechGuy View Post

New LS50 + new SVS Subwoofer + new AVR seems like a great idea to me. wink.gif

ADTG! How are ya? Have you bought a pair of LS50 yet? If you need a place to store your Reference 201/2 I have space for them biggrin.gif

I just purchased a pair of Q300 for a new space (my first Kef speakers), couldn't quite justify any other of Kef bookshelf speakers. Looking forward to their arrival this week (if snowstorm doesn't impact Fedex).
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post #5780 of 6059
3/4/13 at 12:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nethawk View Post

ADTG! How are ya? Have you bought a pair of LS50 yet? If you need a place to store your Reference 201/2 I have space for them biggrin.gif

I just purchased a pair of Q300 for a new space (my first Kef speakers), couldn't quite justify any other of Kef bookshelf speakers. Looking forward to their arrival this week (if snowstorm doesn't impact Fedex).

Doing well, thanks. Believe it or not, I have not added any more speakers for a few months now. You might even catch up to me. biggrin.gif

Since I already have the 201/2, I won't be getting any other KEF. That's my policy. Diversify. biggrin.gif

I think the Q300 is great enough. I bet a 5.2 system w/ Q300 x 5 & dual subs would be great.
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post #5781 of 6059
3/4/13 at 12:56pm
Kind of shocking, but then you do already own the best...

The Q300 will go into a small 2-channel only system. I wasn't able to audition, one of the disadvantages of choosing a life in a remote location. They sounded good on paper!
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post #5782 of 6059
3/4/13 at 1:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by AcuDefTechGuy View Post


I think the Q300 is great enough. I bet a 5.2 system w/ Q300 x 5 & dual subs would be great.

How would the R300s compare with the Q300s?
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post #5783 of 6059
3/4/13 at 7:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ddamski View Post

thanks theFactor, you have a stereo amplifier? if they will sound even better then now.. just incredible
thanks bthrb4u, its not quite ideal...Yet. Today first day they were just hooked in stereo modus. My SUB ist the KEF K2, not ideal, but as long i am living in this appartment i will not buy something better, since i have troubles with my neighbours wink.gif I am planning to buy one more LS50 for a center speaker and probably i will sell two speakers from the 3005 System. In the end i will have 5.1= 3 LS50 and 2 3005 with the K2.
A future upgrade will be the OPPO 105, and then i will sell my DAC, my Blueray and my Popcorn Hour biggrin.gif
Yes I'm running them with a NAD 326bee and its a great combo . I have a halo A52 I might run threw them just for kicks but for 2ch the Nad does a great job.
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post #5784 of 6059
3/5/13 at 3:14am
thinking about purchasing the KEF KHT1005.2SE. Is this worth my money or should I get the Definitive technology pc60 or the martin logan mlt-2?
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post #5785 of 6059
3/5/13 at 6:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nethawk View Post


The Q300 will go into a small 2-channel only system. I wasn't able to audition, one of the disadvantages of choosing a life in a remote location. They sounded good on paper!

I'm confident the Q300 will sound great in person as well. wink.gif
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post #5786 of 6059
3/5/13 at 6:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by audio1246 View Post

How would the R300s compare with the Q300s?

The R300 is better built than the Q300. The R300 will have better measurements - less distortion, better FR, better off-axis, less cabinet resonance, etc.

But when you place them side-by-side in the same room and setup, the gap in SQ will narrow significantly, and I think most people won't be able to tell the difference in SQ. The R300 may still sound a little better to some, maybe not to some. The Q300 is equivocally the better value.
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post #5787 of 6059
3/5/13 at 7:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AcuDefTechGuy View Post

The R300 is better built than the Q300. The R300 will have better measurements - less distortion, better FR, better off-axis, less cabinet resonance, etc.

But when you place them side-by-side in the same room and setup, the gap in SQ will narrow significantly, and I think most people won't be able to tell the difference in SQ. The R300 may still sound a little better to some, maybe not to some. The Q300 is equivocally the better value.

Thanks!
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post #5788 of 6059
3/5/13 at 10:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AcuDefTechGuy View Post

The R300 is better built than the Q300. The R300 will have better measurements - less distortion, better FR, better off-axis, less cabinet resonance, etc.

But when you place them side-by-side in the same room and setup, the gap in SQ will narrow significantly, and I think most people won't be able to tell the difference in SQ. The R300 may still sound a little better to some, maybe not to some. The Q300 is equivocally the better value.

On paper (online and personal reviews - I am terribly anal retentive in my research) high frequency extension seems to be the big differentiator, which might be attributed to cabinet build and quality. Other than this there seems to be very little difference with regard to enjoyment. Interestingly, high frequency transients in the Q300 were highlighted as being extremely pleasant.

I haven't seen frequency response graphs for R300, those for Q300 are very accurate for speakers below $500.

I would have preferred 3-way speakers and the R300, but there is quite a difference in price and these are going into a room that will probably not get 10 hours a month of listening time. Q300, I think, will do just fine.
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post #5789 of 6059
3/6/13 at 8:13pm
Anyone give me some insight into the KEF REFERENCE 2 SPEAKERS?

I know they are not new speakers...but there is set for sale near me...was thinking of picking them up.
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post #5790 of 6059
3/6/13 at 8:26pm
If in good shape and good price I'd say go for it. I had 103/4s which were the predecessor to the 2s and very good speakers. Need a good amp and sub to take advantage as guessing true 4 ohm. Open up the coupled cavity to ensure the woofer surrounds are not gone. They can be redone but not if totally gone. If gone the driver would likely be damaged.
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