Kef iQ30 vs B&W 685

[admin_exported]

Can anybody with experience with both of these speakers offer any opinion?

They are currently in the same price band and I am wondering what people think!

Thanks

 

[chebby]

Are you able to audition them both?

 

[Big Chris]

I found this on another thread. Don't try to contact the author though, he isn't around any more.

I don't think I have ever made such an improvement to my system - or heard better music in my room - than when my KEF iQ30s arrived! They are stunning speakers for many reasons: Firstly, they have an "open", "bright" sound which allows the detail of the music to be conveyed accurately. This is an issue with many speakers - I'm thinking of my B&Ws 685s - where this detail is forced upon the listeners in a way that causes fatigue and is unnatural. The Kefs do not do this, and instead have a remarkably accurate, natural sound without any fatigue. Secondly, they have one of the most rhythmically able bass drivers I know of in a speaker of the price. It pounds along with so much gutso and verve that you can feel the drum kicks punch you in the stomach - something I certainly didn't expect of speakers that small; AND THEY GO SOOOO DEEP! Yet, unlike many other speakers, it doesn't become forced or flabby or lean or too dominant - it's about as close to perfect as I have heard under £1000 (the ProAc Studio 100s are the bee's in this department!)

Add to the mix an excellent soundstage (wide, focussed, deep and projected with excellent height - it must be noted my speakers are only 30cm off the floor) and that awsomly detailed, open treble and some good looks and you have one of the best pair of speakers I know of - you HAVE to listen to them!

Oh, and if you want speakers which go LOUD, these should be right at the top of your list - driven by my 138 watt/channel Arcam FMJ A32, they go UBER loud!

 

[SHAXOS]

Could not disagree more with the author above. The 685s are in a different league in my opinion. Midrange, bass, detail and scale all better. Not as bright to my ears either! Audition them both and make up your own mind.

 

[Big Chris]

SHAXOS:Could not disagree more with the author above.

Well he did end up being ousted........ Maybe that's why.

;-)

 

[SHAXOS]

haha!

 

[manicm]

SHAXOS:haha!

Actually I agree with the ousted one somewhat - I have the 685s as well and they're not the most 'open' or 'transparent' speakers on earth.