KEF speaker suggestions

[sailor234]

Hello

I emailed KEF to ask for suggestions - for additional speakers to expand my pair of 1033's into a 5.1 system.

The KEF suggestion:
1033 front L/R
XQ50c center
a pair of XQ10 or XQ20 in the rear
HTB2 or PSW2150 for a subwoofer

Please provide your comments on this plan.

Also, please identify your choice for a receiver/amplifier to drive this speaker system.

Thanks!!

Ray

 

[sailor234]

OK, I'm the original poster and have no replies but still need advice.

Is there a general dislike of KEF speakers?

Can someone suggest an alternate brand or brands I should consider to complement the 1033's I already own?

Or should I move on to a complete 5.1 system with all new speakers?

Thanks

Ray

 

[TLS Guy]

OK, I'm the original poster and have no replies but still need advice.

Is there a general dislike of KEF speakers?

Can someone suggest an alternate brand or brands I should consider to complement the 1033's I already own?

Or should I move on to a complete 5.1 system with all new speakers?

Thanks

Ray

KEF are very good speakers, but I don't think many forum members use them, probably because it is hard to find dealers. I agree with KEFs suggestions, but I would use an American sub. Europeans have to curb the bass because so few homes are free standing. An American sub would likely result in a call to the police, and the charge: "Causing a disturbance likely to result in a breech of the peace!"

 

[dorokusai]

I'd echo that statement as well. I'm a KEF fan although they sorta lost me with the newer lineup but that's fine. A pair of C15's are staring at me right now, since they're part of my computer rig.

I'm still on the prowl for a pair of 107's and when the right pair comes around, I'll be on them like a fat kid on cake.

Mark
Polk Audio CS

 

[no. 5]

Is there a general dislike of KEF speakers?

Certainly not!

I have a pair of iQ1's, but have no experience with the model you mention.

 

[jostenmeat]

I am somewhat considering the idea of a KEF center in the future. Should bring some PSBs over to the local dealer and see how mis-matched they may appear to me. AFAIK, they make the shortest height with decent horizontal center speakers that do not provide mid-range lobing. (BW, Revel, AV123 well-designed centers are all too tall for my setup).

The perfect marriage of center speaker performance and WAF?

 

[WRMc]

I have KEF SP3235 Satalites and KEF 20 B Sub, with Bose for the rear and center. great sound.

 

[AVKommonsense]

Well I'm a fan of Kef speakers and I would argue that they are on par (i.e. same class) with offerings from PSB, NHT, Canton, and etc. They have British roots and have a tendency to be more laid back in comparison to Klipsch, MB Quart, and other speaker brands that I have auditioned. For those that don't know, Celestion and Kef are owned by the same holdings company. Depending upon your budget, room size, key features you're looking for (i.e. DTS-MA and etc)... I would suggest looking into Marantz or Denon for your AV-receiver duty. If you have coin to spare... Separates are always nice... From Rotel, Adcom, NAD, and so forth... As for the subwoofer, I would do like the guys here suggested... Go with SVS, HSU, or Velodyne... But please note I've only had experience with Velodyne, M&K, JL Audio, Polk, Bic America, Athena, and a few others in regards to subs.

ps: Kef speakers + Rotel Amps = very good experience (for me) Just my opinion though

 

[lsiberian]

Well I'm a fan of Kef speakers and I would argue that they are on par (i.e. same class) with offerings from PSB, NHT, Canton, and etc. They have British roots and have a tendency to be more laid back in comparison to Klipsch, MB Quart, and other speaker brands that I have auditioned. For those that don't know, Celestion and Kef are owned by the same holdings company. Depending upon your budget, room size, key features you're looking for (i.e. DTS-MA and etc)... I would suggest looking into Marantz or Denon for your AV-receiver duty. If you have coin to spare... Separates are always nice... From Rotel, Adcom, NAD, and so forth... As for the subwoofer, I would do like the guys here suggested... Go with SVS, HSU, or Velodyne... But please note I've only had experience with Velodyne, M&K, JL Audio, Polk, Bic America, Athena, and a few others in regards to subs.

ps: Kef speakers + Rotel Amps = very good experience (for me) Just my opinion though

I would agree that KEF speakers are more laid back, but the main appeal is their appearance. I would actually suggest a KEF3000, 2000, or 1000 series for most people. Because they have the aesthetics, sound, build quality and size to satisfy most people's speaker needs. Getting down to 80hz isn't bad for a speaker that's about the size of a Bose cube, but with a much higher quality. For an audiophile i suggest the iQ series. But the eggs work great for surrounds.

accessories4less is kind of the kef outlet these days, but Vanns is good as well. Sometimes better on price.

 

[Porschetech]

i love kefs.......use to own their Q-series. Q55's and Q95c up front, with Q35's in the rear. i bought these in 1998 and they are still going strong. i gave these to my brother @ 3-4 yrs ago.

i don't know how well their current range sounds today.......either they've improved or gone down in quality

 

[lsiberian]

They are still making great speakers IMO. I think the newer onese are actually better. But that's my opinion