The Kef Reference thread

[Anonymous]

guess i cant not join this thread.

I own a pair of KEF 201/2 in gloss walnut. driven by audiolab 8200CDQ with Quad 909. still trying to decide what to upgrade next.

also have a Reference model 90 and a pair of JR149.

For me, it's the imaging ability of 201/2 that I loved the most.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Cno,

Not that I'm in the market for changing the Harbeths, but I've seen a pair of Kef Reference 3 MK1 going for less than a grand at Audio Emotion in Scotland and just wondered if you have had any experience of this model and if so, what do you think of them?

Cheers

Mac

I wasn't overly keen on the Mark 1 versions (the Mark II's, like the current 200 series, were greatly improved), but it is a lot of speaker for the money. If it was Mark II's for less than £1k I'd say give them a whirl (look out for 4.2's though - monsters). I have very find memories of the 4.2's, so it'd be interesting to revisit them to see if they still hold up the way they do in my mind

 

[Frank Harvey]

guess i cant not join this thread.

I own a pair of KEF 201/2 in gloss walnut. driven by audiolab 8200CDQ with Quad 909. still trying to decide what to upgrade next.

also have a Reference model 90 and a pair of JR149.

For me, it's the imaging ability of 201/2 that I loved the most.

The 909 will drive them well, but can get a tad warm over long periods or at very high volumes. While there are reasons to change each item, the speakers will improve with the electronics, so that narrows it down a bit. If you want to improve quality, look at the 8200CDQ - but with it being such a good product for the price, it'll be a feat to improve that without spending a fair bit. If you want to hear more of what the 201/2's can do, look at the power amplification. I would probably look at the source.

Thumbs up for the JR149's - I have a couple of pairs myself. I'll probably sell a pair now I have the LS50's, but I'll keep a pair for sentimental reasons

 

[CnoEvil]

guess i cant not join this thread.

I own a pair of KEF 201/2 in gloss walnut. driven by audiolab 8200CDQ with Quad 909. still trying to decide what to upgrade next.

also have a Reference model 90 and a pair of JR149.

For me, it's the imaging ability of 201/2 that I loved the most.

Welcome aboard.....and I hope you keep us abreast of where your hifi journey takes you.

Kef Refs sound well with Plinius, Electrocompaniet, McIntosh and MF AMS amps (and of course Pathos!)

 

[Anonymous]

The 909 will drive them well, but can get a tad warm over long periods or at very high volumes. While there are reasons to change each item, the speakers will improve with the electronics, so that narrows it down a bit. If you want to improve quality, look at the 8200CDQ - but with it being such a good product for the price, it'll be a feat to improve that without spending a fair bit. If you want to hear more of what the 201/2's can do, look at the power amplification. I would probably look at the source.

Thumbs up for the JR149's - I have a couple of pairs myself. I'll probably sell a pair now I have the LS50's, but I'll keep a pair for sentimental reasons

Hi,

I do realise there are some shortcomings in my system especially on the pre-amp side. I actually have a 10 years old yamaha av receiver acting as a pre-amp because the pre-amp in 8200CDQ is, frankly, quite weak (most obvious when it comes to bass control).

Due to career instability, I couldn't spend as much money/effort on my system as i would like since i bought the speakers. However I have been doing some background reading and planning, from what i can gather from friends and google, I'm quite interested in the followings at the moment:

Front: dCs P8i or McIntosh MCD500 [Front end will be second hand, I never like how fast the front end drops in value]

Amp: 2x McIntosh MC275, Parasound JC1+2, 2x Pathos Classic One mk3

Strangely, I actually quite like the super warm presentation from my system, especially after turning on the 909 for about an hour. But as you can see, if i were to go for dCs (which I believe is a very cold player), then i will mix it with either MC275 or Pathos which should give the system some warmth. If I go for the not-as-cold MCD500 then i will go for some Parasound amplification.

But then again, all these are based on what i have read online and recommendation from friends, so the actual system matching will have to done via demo.

Funny you mentioned LS50, i had very high hopes for them. I came very close to order them for my new office, even before they are offically hit the shelf. I was so pleased with the 201/2 i was williing to buy them blind. BUT then i went to one of the hifi show in August (dont think i should mention which one), I was rather disappointed... it was in a demo room, not random open hall, so it was in some-what controlled environment. may be the LS50 were totally new, or may be i was not used to the room, but they just didn't cut it for me. In the same room there were a pair of PMC twenty 23 and they sounded quite abit better than the LS. (ok, twice the price, but I was hoping the LS would at least be able to match 80% performance of R series... ) I just couldn't find that "open the magic portal" feeling that i get from the 201/2. [the room next door had a pair of KEF blades and those are definitely something else]

Welcome aboard.....and I hope you keep us abreast of where your hifi journey takes you.

Kef Refs sound well with Plinius, Electrocompaniet, McIntosh and MF AMS amps (and of course Pathos!)

Yes, of course. I'm very tempted to experiment with Eletrocompaniet AW180 because A, Kef engineer said that's what they used when designing the Ref /2 series. B, their house sound seems to match my likings. C, there are currently a pair on ebay..... :dance: MF is also tempting, but it seems to me they change their model quite often which leads to below-average secondhand price and i'm not big fan of that.... :?

 

[Macspur]

Hi Kef/Pathos,

I like your short list of source and amplification... I would add the EMC1UP to it though. Do make sure, if you can and demo Electrocompaniet amps when the time comes.

Please keep us up to date with your

quest.

Cheers

Mac

 

[CnoEvil]

MF is also tempting, but it seems to me they change their model quite often which leads to below-average secondhand price and i'm not big fan of that.... :?

In the past, I would agree; but I now feel they have come with a great sounding, well thought range, that should be around for a little longer (hope I don't have to eat my words).

The AMS 35i sounds so good with my Refs (and a decent source), that you shouldn't rule it out.

 

[gregvet]

MF is also tempting, but it seems to me they change their model quite often which leads to below-average secondhand price and i'm not big fan of that.... :?

In the past, I would agree; but I now feel they have come with a great sounding, well thought range, that should be around for a little longer (hope I don't have to eat my words).

The AMS 35i sounds so good with my Refs (and a decent source), that you shouldn't rule it out.

How do you like your words Cno, baked fried or boiled?

 

[CnoEvil]

How do you like your words Cno, baked fried or boiled?

As far as I know, they haven't discontinued the 35i (maybe the 35p)...just checked their website. They are apparently waiting till it's worth doing a run of 50, which is not the same thing.

 

[Neuphonix]

What, in ten years time? You'll just have to get out there and bang the drum a little louder.

I wouldn't worry about it. Even though your share price will dip you are now the head of a particulalry exclusive group of owners. A real collectors piece!

Don't listen to Greg, he's just jealous! Bet he wishes he got in before the curtain came down :cheers:

 

[CnoEvil]

What, in ten years time? You'll just have to get out there and bang the drum a little louder.

Jeez, the drum broke....but I've got a bigger (Lambeg) one! :twisted:

Now go back to listening to your exceptional system and "give my head peace".

 

[plastic penguin]

You'll just have to get out there and bang the drum a little louder

Not if it has "Boom tiz". :twisted:

 

[Neuphonix]

:rofl:

It's still to early in the morning over here for hifi! Especially if the piece has big drums

 

[gregvet]

Don't listen to Greg, he's just jealous!

I wont deny it lol

 

[CnoEvil]

Don't listen to Greg, he's just jealous!

I wont deny it lol

I'm very tenacious and in it for the long game.....you'll end up seeing I'm right in the end.

You'll end up with MF AMS or Sugden Masterclass (possibly Electrocompaniet) yet...especially if you fancy the Fact.8.

 

[gregvet]

You might be right.

Im still toying with the Kef reference too. Need bigger stand mounts for my second system (Cyrus based) and the 201/2s are in the mix

 

[CnoEvil]

You might be right.

Im still toying with the Kef reference too. Need bigger stand mounts for my second system (Cyrus based) and the 201/2s are in the mix

FWIW. I think Cyrus with 201s would be too forward and analytical with Cyrus (for my taste anyway).....maybe the Dali Epicon 2s that Nick (Home cinema centre) was on about, or my favorite, Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M (since you like the SA1s, which imo are superb).

 

[gregvet]

I would be inclined to agree on paper, although I did have a demo of the 205/2s on cyrus years ago that really blew me away. I will have another listen before making any decisions.

I quite fancy the Dali's I must say, but no dealers have them in the southeast yet. Apparently next year according to Dali.

I have never heard Sonus Fabers, must try and hear some, as they look beautiful!

 

[CnoEvil]

I have never heard Sonus Fabers, must try and hear some, as they look beautiful!

I know exactly what you like about the SA1s, as I nearly bought a pair - but my room was just too big and overwhelmed them.

It is these same characteristics that I believe you will find in the SFs: http://www.whathifi.com/review/sonus-faber-cremona-auditor-m

or possibly these Opera Callas might fit the bill as well:
http://www.whathifi.com/review/opera-callas
and:
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/hi-fi-and-av-speakers/opera-callas-429144/review

I think the 201s being much smaller than the 205s "might" sound too lean with your Cyrus...but I'm guessing here. As always, keep us up to date.

Cno

 

[CnoEvil]

For those who haven't seen it, here is the the review from HiFi+ :

http://www.4audio.rs/upload/File/KEF/hi-fiPlus_kef%20250_lowres.pdf

 

[gregvet]

Hi Cno, I'm looking at some second hand 201/2's at the moment. Do you think £2600 for a perfect condition pair in gloss black complete with stands sounds like a fair price?

planning to demo them with my amp before buying (plus I need to convince my other half of course :O )

 

[Frank Harvey]

Seems fair, as that would be £3900 rrp.

 

[gregvet]

Thanks David. Out of interest, do you think my X power will struggle to drive them? Will of course be demoing myself, but you have spent more time with them with a variety of amps, and I know you like them with Cyrus.

Thanks for your help

 

[CnoEvil]

Hi Cno, I'm looking at some second hand 201/2's at the moment. Do you think £2600 for a perfect condition pair in gloss black complete with stands sounds like a fair price?

planning to demo them with my amp before buying (plus I need to convince my other half of course :O )

Like David, that looks fair, especially as the stands (Kef?) are included....how old are they?

I would have a few thoughts:

- Is this to replace the SA1s?....if so, it will be a very (very) different sound.

- Be careful they don't sound a little lean and forward with your Cyrus.....for my taste (may not apply), Kef Ref need a touch of warmth as in Electrcompaniet, Classe, Plinius, McIntosh and MF AMS. IMO. They should sound quite good (bi-amped) with your Arcam AV9/P7 + DS. :twisted:

- Are you planning to change your amp, and if so, when....and are you happy to spend what it takes to drive them to a high level?

- If you're not changing your amp, I think the SA1s would sound nicer with your Cyrus, as they complement each other beautifully.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Thanks David. Out of interest, do you think my X power will struggle to drive them? Will of course be demoing myself, but you have spent more time with them with a variety of amps, and I know you like them with Cyrus.

It will drive them to a point, but they do need a bit of driving as they're not the most efficient speaker around (like most standmounts). Higher volumes will require something like the Mono X200's or Mono X300's, although you'll also reap benefits at more normal listening levels too.