Kef 103.2.......good buy for £120?

[castleview11]

Hello all,

So I just picked up a pair of Kef 103.2's locally from a friend of a friend who needed some money for his holiday......They are in perfect cosmetic condition, and also sound pretty awesome too (briefly demo'd on his system to show they worked.....I thought for £120 if they worked what the hell, as I remember reading a little about them last year.

They will be replacing some Kef Cresta 1's on sand-filled stands. I currently have a Pioneer A400 which I LOVE......what are your opinions on these oldies as a combination and whether you think I have a good deal?

 

[KidKomet]

I recently purchased a pair of KEF 103.4's which also sound fantastic. I've been informed by many people more knowledgeable than I that they need a very competent amp to drive them properly. I considered an A400 but it seems nowhere near capable enough. Save some money and set your sights higher. Like an Audiolab 8000 pre/power combo for example.

 

[castleview11]

They do sound AMAZING, but I can tell the A400 doesn't have enough balls to power them properly; Mind you, first time I have anaged to go past 9 o'clock on the amp's volume control!!

Any other recommendations for amps?

 

[KidKomet]

Oh yeah, they completely out-class the Cresta's. I have no experience with 103.2's so I can't recommend anything with 100% confidence. Are you looking to buy second hand or are you able to take them to a local dealers and try out some amps? (Don't do the latter if you don't intend on buying anything from there). Also, what's your budget and what do you like about your Pioneer, sonically?

 

[castleview11]

The Crestas were just a stop-gap, but still had a nice clear midrange. Will probably keep hold if them as may use as rears in the future. The 103.2's are obviously in a different league both in build and sonically. I like the fast sound, and it's imiging abiities. I won't ever let her go! Lucky enough to have enough rooms in the house for more thanone system. I've never gone down the route of Pre-Power amp so know little about them. My budget is around £300 (used)...not a lot I know...maybe I'll stick with the A400 til I have a bigger spend!

 

[KidKomet]

Definitely listen to your own advice, wait and save. It'll yield much better results. Do plenty of research in to what others have achieved, those speakers have been around for a while so there's bound to be plenty of people who have tried different things.

 

[KidKomet]

Definitely listen to your own advice, wait and save. It'll yield much better results. Do plenty of research in to what others have achieved, those speakers have been around for a while so there's bound to be plenty of people who have tried different things.

 

[castleview11]

Definitely listen to your own advice, wait and save. It'll yield much better results. Do plenty of research in to what others have achieved, those speakers have been around for a while so there's bound to be plenty of people who have tried different things.

Sound advice!