KEF Reference 1 vs 201/2

[ErwinC]

Has anybody been able to compare the newer KEF Reference 1 against the older 201/2? Except having a deeper, more powerful bass than the 201/2, are there other significant differences?

Do they both have similar amplifier requirements or placement restrictions?

 

[CnoEvil]

In case it's of help, I described the differences between 203/2s and Ref 3s....it may not be the exact models you were after, but sonic traits, especially in the upper mid and treble, will be the same. http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/if-i-was-starting-again

Having heard the Ref 1s, I would expect them to have considerably more scale....in fact the specs of them are very similar to my 205/2s.

Amp wise, the quality would need to be similar, but the new Refs are sweeter, so imo match with a wider variety of sonic characteristics. I always felt the previous Refs needed an amp that had a touch of warmth, to stop them sounding a bit forward and lean.

I suspect, if you compared them on a decent system, you would walk away with the Ref 1s.

 

[ErwinC]

Thanks for the useful feedback!

Do the Reference speakers have a grille?

 

[Q5]

Thanks for the useful feedback!

Do the Reference speakers have a grille?

according to the Kef website yes.

 

[CnoEvil]

Thanks for the useful feedback!

Do the Reference speakers have a grille?

As far as I know, they are available as an extra....though you may be able to convince the dealer to throw them into the deal.

 

[Frank Harvey]

They haven't made any grilles for the new Reference. My suggestion would be to have a "sock" made to cover the front, elasticated to stretch over the front metal panel.

 

[CnoEvil]

They haven't made any grilles for the new Reference. My suggestion would be to have a "sock" made to cover the front, elasticated to stretch over the front metal panel.

Are you sure?

When Kef did a demo evening in Belfast, I asked Jonathan about Grilles and I'm sure he said they were an optional extra for something like 100 GBP.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Dunno, I've not been told anything - although I can't remember the last time I saw a rep. The last I heard they were wondering what type of grille to go with...

 

[CnoEvil]

Dunno, I've not been told anything - although I can't remember the last time I saw a rep. The last I heard they were wondering what type of grille to go with...

I'm sure they are not advertising the fact because everyone would want them thrown in....I know they aren't included in the box.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Not advertising the fact is one thing, but not telling the dealers is quite another! 🙂

 

[CnoEvil]

Not advertising the fact is one thing, but not telling the dealers is quite another! 🙂

You should be able to find out....tread carefully though, in case I got the wrong end of the stick.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Next I'll be finding out they've been making grilles for LS50s for the last 6 months. Not that I'd use them 🙂