KEF reference 4s

[bonzo75]

Hi, the KEF r500s are available at £1500. I am getting the Reference 4s at 1200, used. Also, the Reference 205/2 are available at 2500. Are these worth it, if I liked both the R500 floorstanders and the R300 bookshelves, which were my favourites?

Also, I have an Arcam AVR360, is it good enough to drive these in a normal 15 ft *15ft room, or should I upgrade?

 

[CnoEvil]

Welcome to the forum.

I'm a little confused as to what you are getting (or considering).

IMO. The AVR360 won't do any Kef Reference speakers justice, whether 4s or 205/2s (which at £2500 are great value btw)....but it will handle the R Series.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Seconded.

 

[bonzo75]

Thanks guys, as a forum newbie, missed your reply on this thread earlier.

What about the Reference 4s, are they a good value at 1200?

 

[CnoEvil]

You have given 2 different room sizes.

The Ref 4s need space behind them, a big room, and a very powerful amp to stop them sounding lead footed and boomy.

They are warmer and less accurate than the 205/2s, which at £2500 are better value imo, provided you like the way they sound and drive them properly.....the AVR600 sounds very well with them (bi-amped), but they would not be ideal if mixed with B&Ws at the front.

 

[bonzo75]

So, would you rule out all floorstanders if they had their back to a wall, and actually, a wall (or furniture) on either side too. So only the front is out into the open. Should I then just settle for bookshelves?

 

[CnoEvil]

Most speakers need a bit of space behind them, and work best when not in corners. If you are in a room 16' x 18', there should be reasonable room.

 

[bonzo75]

When you say AVR 600 sounds very well with them bi-amped, you mean using two 600 amps to drive the two speakers (1 each)? That's a lot. Can amps be used that way, for example, if I want to upgrade from AVR 360, can I add another 360 and get the power a higher amp would give?

 

[CnoEvil]

When you say AVR 600 sounds very well with them bi-amped, you mean using two 600 amps to drive the two speakers (1 each)? That's a lot. Can amps be used that way, for example, if I want to upgrade from AVR 360, can I add another 360 and get the power a higher amp would give?

No, I mean using the 2 spare rear channels (ie. if not going 7.1), and setting the AVR to "bi-amp mode" in the menu. Most AV amps can do this, though it's more worthwhile for 2 channel.

Bi-amping doesn't give more power, but "can" allow it to sound a little better.......the 360 will still not be good enough for the Refs, not matter how many you get.