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KEF Owners Thread - Page 202

post #6031 of 6059
5/26/13 at 2:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dharel View Post

I just scored a brand new pair of iQ70s for a great price!!!!! They will be replacing my iQ30s for surround duty. The 30s will be relegated to back surrounds. I also have a pair of iQ10s that will either be used as front wides or front heights. My iQ90s will remain as my fronts and my iQ60c remains as the center.

Needless to say, I'm a happy camper!! smile.gifbiggrin.gif

Congrats - that's a nice 7.1 system!
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post #6032 of 6059
5/27/13 at 7:43am
Hi all,

I am trying to decide whether to become a Kef owner.... I see what seems to be a good price ($150) for KHT6000 in silver. I gather these are relatively older, but I don't see why they wouldn't work for me as part of a 5.1 setup. I wonder, however, if I get these for the fronts, what would I use for the center (can i just use another one of these as center? I seem to recall that they used to have a specific center speaker), and whether it makes sense to also use them for the rears. My rears will be placed on the same wall where the seating is, so I do not know how well these will disperse. So, for all five speakers, it would be $750. Given my budget, that leaves $1,500 for sub(s). Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Frogster
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post #6033 of 6059
5/27/13 at 10:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by frogville View Post

I am trying to decide whether to become a Kef owner.... I see what seems to be a good price ($150) for KHT6000 in silver. I gather these are relatively older, but I don't see why they wouldn't work for me as part of a 5.1 setup. I wonder, however, if I get these for the fronts, what would I use for the center (can i just use another one of these as center? I seem to recall that they used to have a specific center speaker), and whether it makes sense to also use them for the rears. My rears will be placed on the same wall where the seating is, so I do not know how well these will disperse. So, for all five speakers, it would be $750. Given my budget, that leaves $1,500 for sub(s). Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I do not know how different the center speaker may have been. It looks like it was simply a toppled version of the same speaker. They do not come with stands, so I would think you would just mount it horizontally, if that is what you need. Even if it is not the same speaker as the center, it will work just fine, and maybe even better, as a matched front soundstage is ideal. And there is no reason you can't use 2 more for your surround speakers. In fact, many, myself included, would argue that matched speakers all the way around is even more ideal.
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post #6034 of 6059
5/27/13 at 11:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by frogville View Post

Hi all,
I am trying to decide whether to become a Kef owner.... I see what seems to be a good price ($150) for KHT6000 in silver. I gather these are relatively older, but I don't see why they wouldn't work for me as part of a 5.1 setup. I wonder, however, if I get these for the fronts, what would I use for the center (can i just use another one of these as center? I seem to recall that they used to have a specific center speaker), and whether it makes sense to also use them for the rears ... Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Frogster

At accessories4less the price for the Q100 is only $200 ($400 a pair). For that price difference I would recommend the Q100 over the KHT6000. The Uni-Q concentric drivers are a big part of what KEF brings to the table (point-source sound, excellent imaging, etc.) and the Q series speakers have that driver while the KHT6000 does not.

The Q200c is the matching horizontal center for the Q100. Or, many people in the thread use a third Q100 as their center. If your space for a center speaker won't allow the Q100 to stand vertically then, unlike most speakers, you can lay the Q100 on it's side (because it has a single concentric driver). On it's side it is only 7.1" tall, same as the Q200c. Having three identical speakers LCR makes for a very nice, even and cohesive front sound stage. (All this also applies to the other single concentric driver KEF speakers - Q300, R100 and LS-50.)

Five Q100's all the way around would make for a very, very nice HT/surround-sound listening experience wink.gif
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post #6035 of 6059
5/27/13 at 12:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sdg4vfx View Post

At accessories4less the price for the Q100 is only $200 ($400 a pair). For that price difference I would recommend the Q100 over the KHT6000. The Uni-Q concentric drivers are a big part of what KEF brings to the table (point-source sound, excellent imaging, etc.) and the Q series speakers have that driver while the KHT6000 does not.

Not that that isn't a reasonable recommendation, but the KHT6000 does have a UniQ driver. And it retailed for $600, btw. For someone who needs that sort of slender speaker, it is a good deal @ $150.
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post #6036 of 6059
5/27/13 at 2:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sivadselim View Post

Not that that isn't a reasonable recommendation, but the KHT6000 does have a UniQ driver. And it retailed for $600, btw. For someone who needs that sort of slender speaker, it is a good deal @ $150.

Aha - I missed that! Thanks for the clarification.

In that case ... nevermind wink.gif
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post #6037 of 6059
5/27/13 at 6:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sivadselim View Post

[Not that that isn't a reasonable recommendation, but the KHT6000 does have a UniQ driver. And it retailed for $600, btw. For someone who needs that sort of slender speaker, it is a good deal @ $150.

True, but assuming it's the KHT6000 uses similar driver to the one in the HTS1000-series (the specs, and measurements of both from HTMag, tell me the assumption is reasonable) then the current generation with the Tangerine phase plug are just much, much better performers. Considerably cleaner midrange response. (I don't have the KHT6000, but do have several of the HTS1001.2 and the Q100).

If a thin column speaker is needed, I'd be looking for a set of the old Infinity TSS4000 probably. Squeaky-clean speakers within their dynamic limits, and similar looks to the KHT6000. (Though sound-wise I prefer the KEF 3005SE to the Infinity.)

If the size isn't an issue, the Q100 is IMO as good as it gets at that size/price.
Edited by DS-21 - 5/28/13 at 7:23am
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post #6038 of 6059
5/27/13 at 7:13pm
Thanks. It sounds like there isn't a lot of love for the KHT6000 here, even in the KEF owners forum, so I will keep looking. It did seem like a great deal, though. The Q100 wouldn't work for us, as it is a bit too much of a profile, and it really wouldn't work for the back. Thanks.
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post #6039 of 6059
5/29/13 at 10:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by frogville View Post

Thanks. It sounds like there isn't a lot of love for the KHT6000 here, even in the KEF owners forum, so I will keep looking. It did seem like a great deal, though.

I don't think many people here have any experience with them. I think it IS probably a good deal, though.
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post #6040 of 6059
5/30/13 at 8:51pm
I can get open box pair of Q700 and a Q600C center channel speaker for a total of $1250 with full manufacturer's warranty. Am I getting a good deal?

I use my system for 99% HT/1%Music. Currently I have JBL E90/EC35 combo. Will I see a big upgrade in my movie watching experience?
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post #6041 of 6059
5/30/13 at 9:23pm
That's a nice price on the Q700 pair and Q600c. The accessories4less price is $1570, the Kefdirect price is $2100.

I'm not familiar with the JBL speakers you mention so I can't offer a comparison.
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post #6042 of 6059
5/30/13 at 9:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sdg4vfx View Post

That's a nice price on the Q700 pair and Q600c. The accessories4less price is $1570, the Kefdirect price is $2100.

I'm not familiar with the JBL speakers you mention so I can't offer a comparison.

Thanks a lot.
Let me ask a question about JBL's in another way. The MSRP of JBLs was $350each ($1000 total) 10 years ago. I know it is a long stretch to base sound quality on price. But, is there anything in today's $1000 MSRP range that would have comparable sound quality to the KEFs.
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post #6043 of 6059
5/31/13 at 11:07am
I finished my rear speaker install of my Kef 3005's. Front on the other hand I still cant decided what I should do. The TV is in a corner and the mounts that come with the 3005's do not turn sideways enough to be mounted on the wall to have them point at my seating area.

I was thinking bout stands but still cant decide. I sit about 18 feet from the TV so the hight they current sit at inst horrible. Should I go with stands, can I leave them they way they are or any other ideas?


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post #6044 of 6059
5/31/13 at 11:50am
There are speaker mounts that "mount" on the back of the TV using the TV's VESA mounting holes and then you can mount your speakers to the speaker mount for an elevated left and right speaker. You can also DIY-it using local hardware store to buy metal rods, bolts and other items to make a VESA speaker mount.
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post #6045 of 6059
5/31/13 at 12:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EpiKing View Post

There are speaker mounts that "mount" on the back of the TV using the TV's VESA mounting holes and then you can mount your speakers to the speaker mount for an elevated left and right speaker. You can also DIY-it using local hardware store to buy metal rods, bolts and other items to make a VESA speaker mount.

Do you have a link by chance? I cant find anything like that on Amazon.

I was looking at the KEF stands but they are hard to find online and they are expensive.
Edited by lemonslush - 5/31/13 at 12:26pm
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post #6046 of 6059
5/31/13 at 1:54pm
Just google "vesa speaker mount" or "vesa speaker bracket"

Here is one: http://www.surroundsolutions.com/Sanus-Systems-LAS1A
Here is another: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10903&cs_id=1082804&p_id=9900&seq=1&format=2

...and if you're looking just for stands here: http://www.parts-express.com/cat/speaker-stands/2017

Good luck
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post #6047 of 6059
6/1/13 at 6:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ratamacue View Post

Thinking about changing things up a bit and looking for some thoughts. Currently have IQ90 mains, IQ60c with cambridge surrounds and two PSA XS15 subs. Real happy with this setup thus far but thinking about changing the mains out. I'm most critical of music and find if I get that sounding proper then HT is easy. I run a macmini (alac) via optical through a Marantz 6006.

I'm interested in the the following:

Q700
R700
LS50 (3x)

and considering:

Sonus Faber 2.5 or 3.0

I maybe able to audition the Sonus at home but there is no one that carrys the R series locally so it would be chance (though coming from the IQ's I'm not too worried about the R's sucking smile.gif )

Any thoughts or things to consider would be appreciated (room dims attached)

Bumping this.

I auditioned the Sonus 3.0 and really, really like them. Immediately drawn to them. Totally diff then KEF (IQ), especially the high freq (softer) as well as much more bass.

I am curious about the size of the 3.0 and or other floorstander's with similar footprint in so far as my space (size) is concerned. Is there a general rule of thumb per se (based on cu ft.) or is it really personal preference and room (acoustic) dependent to go with floortander's or bookshelf's? I haven't tried bookshelves in my space before and am interested in the LS50's (better on wallet as well) but worried I will lose a certain freq bands with books v.s. floorstander's.
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post #6048 of 6059
6/1/13 at 8:55am
Have not heard the Sonus but the R are quite a bit different than the IQ, better tweeter (&mid) and more focus on bass. R700s are quite good but I have not heard them. Your space looks small ( can't read on phone) so LS50s with a fast sub (or two) would be my recommendation, they are just phenomenal speakers. I heard a pair crossed at 80 Hz and thought 5.2 would be hard to beat in a small to medium room.
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post #6049 of 6059
6/2/13 at 6:25am
Well at a little over 1700 cu \ ft (not sealed), I'm not sure what is considered small and am wondering if monitors are something to consider. Music is what I'm most critical of. I have two PSA x15's so bass is covered. Really looking for considerations per my space as $3.5k isn't chump change. The thing that stands out with the 3.0 is they are much more meaty and smooth but I don't know if something of this size (or floorstander's) are better off in a larger space and if so what is that number (cu / ft) so to speak?
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post #6050 of 6059
6/2/13 at 6:56am
Suggest posting your questions on the R series and LS50 threads on the UK AVForum as some have experience with both the R and the LS50 and likely the Sonus. 1700 cuft would be great for LS50s. Jules, Dav1dF, and fayeandavid and others can provide more first hand advice. I like Kef, Revel, B&W and perhaps Sonus Faber given the chance to hear them. Kef has been hitting on all cylinders lately so the are strong in most categories.
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post #6051 of 6059
6/2/13 at 9:27am
Lemonslush, you have your gear backed up against a baseboard heater, and adding heat to your electronics is a bad idea. Can you disconnect the heater or move the gear a little?
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post #6052 of 6059
6/2/13 at 11:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jima4a View Post

Suggest posting your questions on the R series and LS50 threads on the UK AVForum as some have experience with both the R and the LS50 and likely the Sonus. 1700 cuft would be great for LS50s. Jules, Dav1dF, and fayeandavid and others can provide more first hand advice. I like Kef, Revel, B&W and perhaps Sonus Faber given the chance to hear them. Kef has been hitting on all cylinders lately so the are strong in most categories.

Thanks. I know the LS50's have received nothing but exceptional praise and getting three for the fronts is appealing for sure. I'll post in the general spkr area as well.
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post #6053 of 6059
6/9/13 at 7:07pm
Hi everyone,

Don't know if this has been covered but how big of a difference is there between the R300's and LS50's? I'm about to pull the trigger on the LS50's but I've read some people that think the LS50's could benefit from more bass... which the R300's apparently have. I will be using these speakers for 80% music (Electronica, Rock, Jazz, basically everything except country) and 20% movies.

Any input?

Thanks.
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post #6054 of 6059
6/9/13 at 7:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aiml3ss View Post

Hi everyone,

Don't know if this has been covered but how big of a difference is there between the R300's and LS50's? I'm about to pull the trigger on the LS50's but I've read some people that think the LS50's could benefit from more bass... which the R300's apparently have. I will be using these speakers for 80% music (Electronica, Rock, Jazz, basically everything except country) and 20% movies.

Any input?

Thanks.
Both great choices but with a fast sub or two I would go with the LS50s unless your room is quite big. To be honest I have yet to hear the R series but the LS50s were simply phenomenal. A 5.2 of LS 50s would be amazing.

Edit: ask this on the LS50 and R series threads on the UK AVForum as several have experience with both.
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post #6055 of 6059
6/10/13 at 6:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jima4a View Post

Both great choices but with a fast sub or two I would go with the LS50s unless your room is quite big. To be honest I have yet to hear the R series but the LS50s were simply phenomenal. A 5.2 of LS 50s would be amazing.

Edit: ask this on the LS50 and R series threads on the UK AVForum as several have experience with both.

Thanks for the reply! My room would be small since I am moving into an apartment soon. I'll check out the UK Avforum.
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post #6056 of 6059
6/10/13 at 9:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aiml3ss View Post

Thanks for the reply! My room would be small since I am moving into an apartment soon. I'll check out the UK Avforum.

I would get the LS50 for a small room they are amazing
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post #6057 of 6059
6/11/13 at 7:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aiml3ss View Post

Don't know if this has been covered but how big of a difference is there between the R300's and LS50's? I'm about to pull the trigger on the LS50's but I've read some people that think the LS50's could benefit from more bass... which the R300's apparently have. I will be using these speakers for 80% music (Electronica, Rock, Jazz, basically everything except country) and 20% movies.

The LS50 and R300 are fairly different speakers.

The LS50 has KEF’s current most sophisticated wideband concentric driver. Also, it has a cabinet designed for low diffraction. It also has the psychoacoustic advantage that one knows "all the music" is coming from one spot.

The R300’s concentric driver is a dedicated mid-tweeter that does not cover the bass range. That configuration has some benefits in treble reproduction at high volumes, just because the waveguide/cone will move significantly less than one playing an additional couple octaves of bass. The R300’s dedicated woofer will also allow it to play louder without strain. However, unlike the LS50 the R300 has a cabinet seemingly designed without regard for diffraction: sharp corners, no felt on the baffle or other diffraction-mitigating measures. So it may be more a fatiguing speaker over time. (It won’t be as bad as a speaker with a sharp-edged cabinet and flush-mounted tweeter, just because the tweeter's output will be less when it "hits" the corner of the cabinet.)

Which is better? Honestly, no idea. Between the two, my personal pick would be the R300 on entirely different grounds: it has a grill, whereas the LS50 does not.
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post #6058 of 6059
6/11/13 at 8:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DS-21 View Post

The LS50 and R300 are fairly different speakers. The LS50 has KEF’s current most sophisticated wideband concentric driver. Also, it has a cabinet designed for low diffraction. It also has the psychoacoustic advantage that one knows "all the music" is coming from one spot.

The R300’s concentric driver is a dedicated mid-tweeter that does not cover the bass range. That configuration has some benefits in treble reproduction at high volumes, just because the waveguide/cone will move significantly less than one playing an additional couple octaves of bass. The R300’s dedicated woofer will also allow it to play louder without strain. However, unlike the LS50 the R300 has a cabinet seemingly designed without regard for diffraction: sharp corners, no felt on the baffle or other diffraction-mitigating measures. So it may be more a fatiguing speaker over time. (It won’t be as bad as a speaker with a sharp-edged cabinet and flush-mounted tweeter, just because the tweeter's output will be less when it "hits" the corner of the cabinet.)

Which is better? Honestly, no idea. Between the two, my personal pick would be the R300 on entirely different grounds: it has a grill, whereas the LS50 does not.

So to be honest the best answer is go and demo both speakers and choose the one you like best, that's all my preference is the LS50 smile.gif
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post #6059 of 6059
6/14/13 at 9:42am
Hi folks, I'm new to the group. I'm a Kef nut since 1990. I'm trying to find a set of KB200 speaker brackets that were used on the C200SW to set a pair of C15 or C25 speakers onto. Would anyone in this community have a set of these brackets for sale? Thanks for your time smile.gif

Cynthia
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