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KEF 107 without Kube

I'm about to buy a set of KEF 107s without the Kube. My understanding is the Kube basically bumps up the bass to make the speaker more flat and lacks bass/body/punch without it.  Then I also hear that the Kube negatively affects the mids/highs according to many owners.  Is fixing this as easy as just bumping up the bass knob or do I really need to employ my miniDSP that I don't want to put in the chain?  Actually, I'll be using my Mcintosh ma7900 integrated so I don't think I can put the miniDSP in the chain anyway.

Woofers have been refoamed and tweeters have new fluid.. Nothing else has been done as far as wiring and crossovers.  

Thoughts on these without the Kube?  Or any other good mods?


dtximages
dtximages OP
364 posts
 
@mofojo no because we were walking back to the car when I thought to ask. I've never auditioned speakers before where they EQ'd them so I didn't think to ask.  

Also, I'm getting such a good deal that they're easily worth the money even if I'm not happy with the sound.. I KNOW what they're capable of and it's pretty dang special.
erik_squires
16,006 posts
 
Based on a picture of the rear, you certainly can use an EQ between the pre and power amp.  Remove the jumpers on the back.

If you happen to be streaming with Roon you can substitute the EQ's built in there instead.
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,174 posts
 
According to John Atkinson ’s 1991 measurements, the KEF107 definitely need kube in circuit or some sort of EQ for bass extension.

https://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/10791FIG09.jpg
dtximages OP
364 posts
 
@erik_squires Thanks for that info, I might look into that.  I don't have as much time and know how (or willingness to experiment) as many on here so I appreciate your help.
yakbob
462 posts
 
The Kube 107.2 is not the best option for a 1st gen 107 speaker. It may work, but the crossover is different.
However, the claims (I've read them too) that the Kube is serial matched for each pair of speakers is a bit of hogwash, I could not tell a difference in the 3 Kube's I ran with my 107s.
The 107 is still a fantastic speaker. I would have kept mine if I didn't need to fund another speaker purchase. Don't be put off by the extra piece of electronics to run them, many speakers are tied to extra bits as part of their design including the new $30k Jubilee. I wish I has the room and the funds for that one. :-)
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