Well here's the thing:
how many other speakers have you listened to? Have you auditioned many (any) speakers at home?
Very often, with a post that is worded the way your first post was, folks aren't looking for "advice" so much as they just want a big "thumbs up". And hey, if you've listened to several speakers in your price range, done a few home auditions and the KEF iQ speakers are the ones you like best and they really float your boat, then by all means, have at it! KEF is a reputable brand with many fans and good quality speakers, so nobody is going to tell you that you "wasted" your money or that you made a horrible decision (unless they're a troll
).
In that sort of $800-ish per pair speaker price range, there are quite a few very impressive speakers. So it might or might not be worth your time and effort to hear and compare at least a couple of them to find out, first-hand, if there is something you like even better than the Classic Q KEF speakers. But, like I say, if you've already listened and compared and the Classic Q speakers are the ones that "do it" for you, then "Thumbs Up!"
If you're interested, just off the top of my head, I'd consider an audition of the following three speaker lines:
Infinity Primus
EMP Tek Impression E55Ti Towers and E56Ci Center
Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE Large Bookshelf Fronts and Center
The Infinity Primus speakers are fairly easy to find online for prices lower than the KEF system you're considering. They do a heck of a lot "right" for their rather remarkably low price point, including linear frequency response, very good dynamic capabilities, wide, even, but controlled dispersion, and an overall "balanced" sound that is really quite accurate and "tells it like it is". These are an excellent entry point for anyone who wants to experience accurate sound reproduction, but has a limited budget. In my opinion, this is the sort of speaker I wish more people would start with. I think if more people became used to this sort of sound reproduction, they'd be less inclined to go looking for speakers that "sound impressive" or "stand out" in a store demo. These are the sort of entry-level speakers that allow a person to learn how to listen critically, so I'm a fan of folks at least giving these speakers a try, especially when keeping the price as low as possible is a primary objective.
The EMP Tek Impression Series E55Ti and E56Ci are big, dynamic, beautiful speakers. They're an absolute steal when gorgeous looks are a high priority, and they're a great fit for anyone seeking LOUD output capabilities. These are a very "pleasing" speaker to listen to, with a very clear and slightly forward mid-range, and a more laid back top end that is never fatiguing. These are not "clinical" speakers. They are not ruthlessly accurate and revealing. These are more of a speaker that's meant to be "enjoyed" both visually and audibly.
The Ascend CMT-340 SE is probably my favorite speaker in this price range. The SEAS tweeter that Ascend uses in their SE speakers is really a cut above, IMO. It is very detailed, extended, free from distortion, precise, accurate and clear. But where I think it takes a step above the price competition is in its transient response, which I find to be faster, with cleaner decay than the competition at this price point, leading to better delineation between notes - more "air" between notes on the upper end. To me, it's a more refined sound that I don't expect at this price point.
I also happen to be a fan of large bookshelf speakers over towers. Towers are often designed just to play lower - using the larger cabinet volume to create a lower-tuned port so that the speakers sound "bigger" all on their own without a subwoofer. My personal stance is that everyone should always use a subwoofer. It's rarely the case that a tower speaker will be placed in the room such that it has good bass response at the seat. So I say, separate the bass frequencies, let a pair or quad subwoofers handle the bass so that you can place them in ideal (or at least better) locations in the room. And let the speakers handle the upper-bass frequencies above 80Hz on up, so that they can be placed for ideal imaging and soundstage, without worrying whether their bass reproduction is going to work in your given listening room.
So I really like the large CMT-340 SE bookshelf speakers. And they have a matching stand available that makes them LOOK like tower speakers
Ascend's SE speakers are very accurate - so much so that they really sound (and are often used) as recording studio monitors. For MY money, they're the way I'd go at this price point. But that is MY taste, plus I don't mind the very plain, big black box looks
Regardless, if you decide to go with the KEF Classic Q series, I'm certainly not going to berate you or say that you made a "bad" choice. Quite the opposite! I'd give you a pat on the back and say congratulations for buying some good speakers that you've auditioned and liked a lot! They're a good choice, so if they "do it" for you, there's no reason to worry about it
If you haven't heard and compared many other speakers though, I'd recommend simply giving some of the speakers I've mentioned a try. I happen to like the Ascend CMT-340 SE speakers the most at this price point. I think the Infinity Primus speakers are a superb entry-level speaker for pretty much anyone, especially if you want to keep the price down. And you can't beat the looks, pleasing sound and output capabilities of the EMP Tek Impression speakers at this price point. And it's not like those are the only other options either - they're just speakers that I've heard personally, and I think are worth a listen at this price bracket
As for the sub, it sounds as though the total volume of open air (your "theater area" plus the kitchen to which that area is open) is around 19' x 28' or so, which is definitely a "large" space, getting up around 5000 cubic feet. That can be quite a challenge for a subwoofer, particularly if you're trying to keep the price down.
Personally, I'd be pointing you towards some very capable subs that come in around the $750 price range, once you factor in shipping. These would include the SVSound PB12-NSD or PC12-NSD (cylinder version) and HSU VTF-3 MK4 as my top choices. The VTF-3 MK4 is highly adjustable and might be a better choice if you listen to more music than movies. It gives you a lot of options for tuning the very low end output that the PB12-NSD does not offer. The PB12-NSD (or PC12-NSD cylinder) is an absolute champ for movies, IMO. You won't find a sub at this price point that plays flatter right down to 20Hz and STAYS flat, even as you crank up the volume. Plus, the PB/PC12-NSD is "unbreakable" thanks to its excellent limiters and filters in its Sledge amp. Like I say though, the VTF-3 MK4 gives you more tuning options, including the option to run it as a sealed sub, if you like. So if sheer output down at 20Hz isn't your #1 priority, the VTF-3 MK4 is the way to go in your room size
Hope that helps!
