I would say jump! But it's hard to say jump into which pool since you didn't share any budget.
Advice on making a speaker change
I am looking for thoughts and members experience when it comes to making a speaker change in their systems. I am not looking for any specific speaker recommendations.
I am using KEF Reference 107-1 speakers that I purchased new in 1987. They are the only speakers I've used for 38 years! The speakers were refurbished professionally 4 years ago with new surrounds, tweeter maintenance, and upgrades to crossover components and wiring. Everything else is original, including the KUBE outboard bass equalization, that was part of the speaker design.
Over the past few years, I have upgraded my amplification and digital front end to my "end game" electronics of CODA16 amp and CODA 07X pre-amp, Playback Designs DAC, and Innuos Statement NG Streamer. My speakers are the last components from my original system. I love many attributes of these KEF 107 speakers, but also recognize their weakness. They are 38 year old technology after all.
My dilemma is twofold. I still think my speakers sound great in many ways. They are musically involving and still dazzle me on occasion. They have some weak points as do ALL speaker designs. Secondly, auditioning new speakers is difficult at best, as it is so dependent on associated equipment and listening rooms. I know my ears are the ultimate decision maker, but getting a realistic comparison to my current speakers from shows or sessions at audio shops is not easy.
Am I crazy to consider replacing these speakers? Have other members had the same dilemma and what was your outcome? Regrets or audio bliss? Talk me off the ledge or should I jump? Thanks!
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- 30 posts total
What a fun journey! I had the R 107/2 in 2014-17 and while it’s a bargain at used prices for everything it does so well the tweeter really does hold it back by modern standards. The Meridian DSP8000 with the se upgrade might be the natural successor to the R107 because of how similar their tonal balance is, but the se tweeter in the meridian does integrate well and improves resolution without adding any brightness or hard edges. The DSP7200’s are likely practical for most rooms and used prices are great. |
@steve59 Appreciate the comments coming from someone who knows KEF well. You are spot on. The R 107 is endearing in many ways, imaging and soundstage is fabulous, tonal balance is easy to live with. I always thought the driver configuration with the modular "head unit" gave it the imaging of a monitor with the bass output and full sound of a big floor standing speaker. Pretty good design. However, as you pointed out, it is definitely lacking high frequency detail and dynamics compared to modern speakers. The crossover and wiring upgrades I did helped that considerably, but it is still the KEF house sound! Thanks for the feedback. |
You have a high level of electronics relative to your speakers so yes, agree speakers should be upgraded. A speaker that can give too to bottom performance. Maybe add Magico A5 to your list as it’s in the same price point as Rockport Atria. These 2 were on my short list- I demoed both at AXPONA 2022 but ended up purchasing the Vimberg Mino D demo for a good price. Also, maybe demo current KEF speakers including the Blades |
- 30 posts total