[Ken Stokes]

I have been shopping for speakers for the last few months. I'd like to stay around 6k for three front speakers. I've listened to Sonus Farber, NHT, B&W, and KEF.

Two B&W 804s and an HTM1 were leading the pack but I can't get the KEF model three-two speakers out of my head. The B&Ws had a much cleaner sound and I found them very pleasing. The KEFs weren't as clear, seemed to be a little "muddy", for lack of a better term. But the soundstage was fantastic, I felt like I was in the middle of sound. I also really liked the Albina wood. I haven't tried them in my home yet but I'm tempted.


I know nothing about these speakers or the company. Any information you can give would be greatly appreciated.


Ken Stokes


PS I'll be using whatever I buy with a Velodyne HGS18

 

[rv]

Well...this is just my opinion only....the B&W's are your best bet...besides...I think Alma's or the Stereo Shoppe treat you better than the Gramophone.


To me the Kef's are nice and clean, but the depth and naturalness of the instruments are not there, and they are last in my opinion of the ones you should be looking at. Soundstaging IMO is dicated more by the room and speaker placement, especially when you're demoing in the dealer showroom. Personally, the dark cherry B&W's look fantastic, and similar to the Kef's in that regard. I don't think you'll find anyone on this board that will say the B&W don't give a great soundstage.


I like the Sonus Faber concerto's, but they don't have the bottom end, and fullness of the B&W. Haven't heard the NHT really, so no opinion there. Many people say they are good, but tend to be a bit sharp and bright.


Just my opinion, and of course full disclose....I currently own B&W 805's, HTM2, and ASW3000.


RV

 

[Ken Stokes]

Thanks for the reply. I'm surprised that you know the dealers in the area.Are you from the Detroit area? I wish I was more knowledgeable in this area but I have to trust my ears. I still have to listen to Ariel and Thiel and then I will try some in my home. I am swinging back to B&W mostly for the center channel. KEF has nothing that comes close to the HTM1. The wood on the KEFs was outstanding but I'm not buying furniture.


I have a feeling that this home theater hobby that I am now in is going to be very costly!

 

[scottyb]

Hey Ken, I used to own KEF 103/4s and enjoyed them imensly(sp?). I auditioned the new KEF 3s and 4s. To my ears they were still really good but I came across some speakers (purely by accident) that had some of the KEF qualities but other things I enjoyed even more. Have you listened to Dynaudio's at all?In my opinion they are some of the best speakers I've heard. I started with the countour 3.0s and now own the Confidence 3s. Dyn makes drivers for alot of high end speaker companies. Check out their web site for more info. If you liked the KEFs I think you will enjoy the Dyns even more. Send me an email if you want more info. Happy listening!!!!!!!!!
www.dynaudiona.com www.dynaudio.com


Scott

[email protected]


PS I have no financial interest in any of this I'm just sold on the dyns

 

[Laurence]

Try the Totem Acoustic Forest.


Here are spectacular reviews from people:
http://www.audioreview.com/reviews/S...uct_8509.shtml