Is KEF no longer relevant?


It seems to me that 20 years ago Kef was quite a respected speaker manufacturer. Granted I knew far less back then about audiophilia, but for someone just starting out, that was my impression at the time.

Although Kef still makes speakers in the $5,000 - $15,000 range, they never seem to be the subject of serious discussion here on the 'Gon. These discussions are dominated by a group of the usual 20 or so suspects that we hear about over and over again. And no disrespect meant against that group - they are mostly, if not all, great speakers to be sure. But Kef certainly at one time was a pioneering and extrememly respected brand. What happened? Is this because they lost their "sound" after Raymond Cooke died? (an accusation I remember reading somewhere) Or are they just perceived as a "yesterday's news" brand?

No doubt there are many happy Kef owners out there who may answer this thread telling me how great their speakers are, even by today's standards, and I have no argument with them - I am a former Kef owner and very fond of the brand - but they clearly are not "darlings" of this forum. What happened?
studioray
I'm about to bring a pair of R700's home for an audition so I'll be in a better position to answer the question this time next week.
As a KEF owner for 29 years I am cautiously optimistic
Just noticed one of the anular donuts is shot on my 104.2's. Which means all 4 woofers should be fixed.
Not sure I want to sink a ton of money into these 29 year old speakers.
If these R700's pass the test I may just have to keep them.
But I also want to hear the Revel F206 before making any decisions