KEF 105/3

[kanchi647]

I just bought a used KEF 105/3 speakers with the Kube. I already own KEF KHT2005.1 home theatre speakers (5.1) and Onkyo TX-SR805 Receiver.

I was hoping to use the KEF 105/3 as Front R and Front L in the home theatre system. Which receiver would you suggest for me.

When I am listening to mucsic, I would like to use the 105/3 by themselves. Is that configuration possible. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot

 

[lovinthehd]

Yes receivers generally offer 2.0 choices as well as a surround setup; some have a dedicated 2ch use/setup, or there's always pure/direct modes for 2.0 as well, or even stereo for 2.1. You want a new receiver more suited to 4 ohm speakers or for what other reasons do you want a receiver recommendation? Sound like nice speakers btw from what I looked up, congrats....which Kube is it?

 

[PENG]

Need more info such as room dimensions and listening distance. In a small room and sitting close to them, a mid range receiver will do but better deals are there for the multi-channel ones such as the AVR-X4300H even if you only need two channels.

In a larger room and sitting far, you may need more powerful amps that those in a receiver may not be adequate.

 

[kanchi647]

Need more info such as room dimensions and listening distance. In a small room and sitting close to them, a mid range receiver will do but better deals are there for the multi-channel ones such as the AVR-X4300H even if you only need two channels.

In a larger room and sitting far, you may need more powerful amps that those in a receiver may not be adequate.

The dimensions of the room are 14'x 40'. Height of the ceiling is 8'.

 

[kanchi647]

Yes receivers generally offer 2.0 choices as well as a surround setup; some have a dedicated 2ch use/setup, or there's always pure/direct modes for 2.0 as well, or even stereo for 2.1. You want a new receiver more suited to 4 ohm speakers or for what other reasons do you want a receiver recommendation? Sound like nice speakers btw from what I looked up, congrats....which Kube is it?

Thank you! Yes, I need a receiver for 4 Ohm speakers. I am trying to setup a 7.2 channel home theatre set up with the KEFs as front R and L speakers. When I just listening to music, I would like to use 2.0 configuration. I don't want to disconnect or reconnect wires every time I am doing this. If there is a way to integrate KEF KUBE 200 into the 2.0 setup that would be a bonus (not a must). Have 4K video capability in the receiver as well.

 

[PENG]

The dimensions of the room are 14'x 40'. Height of the ceiling is 8'.

Your Onkyo receiver is a very powerful one relatively speaking, but in a large room it is going to struggle unless you sit close. Since you want to use the Kube anyway, you may as well get a two channel power amp, something that is rated for at least 250 W into 8 ohms and 350 W or more into 4 ohms.

 

[kanchi647]

Your Onkyo receiver is a very powerful one relatively speaking, but in a large room it is going to struggle unless you sit close. Since you want to use the Kube anyway, you may as well get a two channel power amp, something that is rated for at least 250 W into 8 ohms and 350 W or more into 4 ohms.

I would like to integrate the KEF 105/3 into the home theatre system. If I get a 2 channel power amp, can I still integrate it into the system? Thanks

 

[PENG]

I would like to integrate the KEF 105/3 into the home theatre system. If I get a 2 channel power amp, can I still integrate it into the system? Thanks

Yes, that's my point. You can then hook up the Kube in between the Onkyo's preout and the power amp's inputs.

 

[kanchi647]

Yes, that's my point. You can then hook up the Kube in between the Onkyo's preout and the power amp's inputs.

It would be great if I can put it together. Pls help me understand. I will install a AV receiver which gets all the AV signal that connects to the home theatre. Only thing would be there will be a KEF KUBE after the AV receiver, then the power amp, then the 105/3?? Is this configuaration correct? if yes any recommendations for the AV receiver and power amps? Thanks a lot

 

[lovinthehd]

Thank you! Yes, I need a receiver for 4 Ohm speakers. I am trying to setup a 7.2 channel home theatre set up with the KEFs as front R and L speakers. When I just listening to music, I would like to use 2.0 configuration. I don't want to disconnect or reconnect wires every time I am doing this. If there is a way to integrate KEF KUBE 200 into the 2.0 setup that would be a bonus (not a must). Have 4K video capability in the receiver as well.

My Denon has amp assign modes similar to the 4300 suggested, think that will accommodate you well enough; for 2.0 sources in direct or pure direct are easy ways to go 2.0, stereo mode to go 2.1. The avr has pre-outs should you wish to separately power your L/R speakers whatever mode you're listening in; that's a very large room and your spl needs haven't been mentioned.

 

[PENG]

It would be great if I can put it together. Pls help me understand. I will install a AV receiver which gets all the AV signal that connects to the home theatre. Only thing would be there will be a KEF KUBE after the AV receiver, then the power amp, then the 105/3?? Is this configuaration correct? if yes any recommendations for the AV receiver and power amps? Thanks a lot

To be clear, I assume you mean the Kube 200 active equalizer and not the Kube subwoofers.

http://www.kef.com/uploads/files/en/museum_pdf/90s/Reference_Series_Model_KUBE_200_Installation_Manual.pdf

If so, then you can simply connect the L/R preouts to the Kube 200's signal inputs, and connect the Kube 200's signal outputs to the power amp's signal inputs, and then of course the power amp's speaker outputs to the speaker inputs.

You already have an Onkyo receiver, why would you need another one. If it is the latest features you are after, there was a good deal on the Denon AVR-X4300H not long ago that you just missed, the next best deals are:

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVRX6300H-technology-featuring-Bluetooth/dp/B01KZRPPFW/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511295594&sr=1-1&keywords=avr-x6300h

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-X3300W-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01HL8KYAY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511295618&sr=1-1&keywords=avr-x3300h

https://www.amazon.com/Marantz-SR7011-technology-featuring-Bluetooth/dp/B01LPP7ZT2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511295642&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=marantz+sr7011&psc=1&smid=A21759W3TJTNCB

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-A3060BL-Channel-Aventage-Receiver/dp/B01EV0GX14/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511295681&sr=1-1&keywords=yamaha+rx-a3060

 

[kanchi647]

To be clear, I assume you mean the Kube 200 active equalizer and not the Kube subwoofers.

http://www.kef.com/uploads/files/en/museum_pdf/90s/Reference_Series_Model_KUBE_200_Installation_Manual.pdf

If so, then you can simply connect the L/R preouts to the Kube 200's signal inputs, and connect the Kube 200's signal outputs to the power amp's signal inputs, and then of course the power amp's speaker outputs to the speaker inputs.

You already have an Onkyo receiver, why would you need another one. If it is the latest features you are after, there was a good deal on the Denon AVR-X4300H not long ago that you just missed, the next best deals are:

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVRX6300H-technology-featuring-Bluetooth/dp/B01KZRPPFW/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511295594&sr=1-1&keywords=avr-x6300h

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-X3300W-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01HL8KYAY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511295618&sr=1-1&keywords=avr-x3300h

https://www.amazon.com/Marantz-SR7011-technology-featuring-Bluetooth/dp/B01LPP7ZT2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511295642&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=marantz+sr7011&psc=1&smid=A21759W3TJTNCB

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-A3060BL-Channel-Aventage-Receiver/dp/B01EV0GX14/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511295681&sr=1-1&keywords=yamaha+rx-a3060

Yes, it is the KEF KUBE 200 Equalizer. How much was the Denon AVR-X4300H for?? Also, any recommendations for power amps? Thanks

 

[lovinthehd]

The recent sale on the 4300 was $800. If you don't mind the aesthetics the Crown XLS1502 would be my choice.

 

[PENG]

Yes, it is the KEF KUBE 200 Equalizer. How much was the Denon AVR-X4300H for?? Also, any recommendations for power amps? Thanks

It was $799.99 brand new as recent as last week at amazon.com, but appeared to be sold out now. For the same price you can still get the refurbished ones from https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx4300h/denon-avr-x4300h-9.2-ch-x-125-watts-networking-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

For power amp, you may consider the following:

https://www.crownaudio.com/en/products/xls-1502
https://images.monoprice.com/productlargeimages/155931.jpg
https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/series=mca-series-gen2/model=mca-225/page=overview
https://emotiva.com/product/xpa-5-gen3/
https://www.ebay.com/p/Parasound-A-21-2-Channel-Power-Amplifier/66797623
http://www.ati-amp.com/AT4000.php

 

[KenM10759]

Is the Kube 200 capable of "pass through"? I ask because when using the AV receiver in a digital surround sound mode it shouldn't need to be used. For stereo music I would switch the receiver to a "pure direct" or "direct" mode and only then engage the Kube 200.

 

[kanchi647]

It was $799.99 brand new as recent as last week at amazon.com, but appeared to be sold out now. For the same price you can still get the refurbished ones from https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx4300h/denon-avr-x4300h-9.2-ch-x-125-watts-networking-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

For power amp, you may consider the following:

https://www.crownaudio.com/en/products/xls-1502
https://images.monoprice.com/productlargeimages/155931.jpg
https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/series=mca-series-gen2/model=mca-225/page=overview
https://emotiva.com/product/xpa-5-gen3/
https://www.ebay.com/p/Parasound-A-21-2-Channel-Power-Amplifier/66797623
http://www.ati-amp.com/AT4000.php

The denon 4300H supports video of 4K at 60hz. How about 120Hz? Does it not support 120Hz?

 

[PENG]

The denon 4300H supports video of 4K at 60hz. How about 120Hz? Does it not support 120Hz?

Not 60 Hz, it is 60p, that is 60 frames per second. It doesn't matter because HDMI 2.0 is good for up to 60 frames per second only, and there are no available film contents that the AVR has to pass through to the TV. Even if there are, unless you have a TV set that has HDMI 2.1 it will not make a difference.

 

[TLS Guy]

I just bought a used KEF 105/3 speakers with the Kube. I already own KEF KHT2005.1 home theatre speakers (5.1) and Onkyo TX-SR805 Receiver.

I was hoping to use the KEF 105/3 as Front R and Front L in the home theatre system. Which receiver would you suggest for me.

When I am listening to mucsic, I would like to use the 105/3 by themselves. Is that configuration possible. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot

You will not be able to use the KEF KUBE with a receiver as there is no tape loop.

You can use the speaker without the KUBE, but you will loose an octave of bass extension. If you are using the speakers with a sub crossed around 60 Hz that will not matter.

Those speakers have two drivers inside the speaker as a coupled cavity bass system. In these speakers it is not isobarik, and so there are three internal cavities.

That bass system had a vogue about the time that speaker was built. I was also smitten with the concept and I have a pair of speakers with a similar bass arrangement I built. However I did not use a system like the KUBE for the bass, but a separate amp, so I don't use a tape loop.

That speaker was also the first KEF speaker to use a coaxial driver.

If you want to use these speakers properly by themselves you will need a pre/amp power amp combo that has a tape monitor loop. I would not drive these speakers from a receiver, you will likely keep blowing it up with those speakers.

These speakers have held their value and fetch good prices on eBay. The bass was excellent on these speakers, and they are truly full range with good output to 20 Hz and do not need a sub if used with the KUBE.

There is a lot of interest in these speakers in the DIY community to turn these speakers into ones with a fully active power amp, and powering the coupled cavity bass section with a separate power amp. That is probably the optimal solution.

Do not use those speaker with that Onkyblow receiver. It will be toast fast. Even back in the day these speakers were hard on all but the most robust amps.

 

[PENG]

You will not be able to use the KEF KUBE with a receiver as there is no tape loop.

I assume he is planning on using it with not just the AVR but also a separate power amp. The Kube will be sandwiched between the two, like a tape loop in a sense.

 

[TLS Guy]

I assume he is planning on using it with not just the AVR but also a separate power amp. The Kube will be sandwiched between the two, like a tape loop in a sense.

I have not checked if his receiver has preouts. That would be a solution though. You would want to run the speakers full range though and not cross them over.