KEF Blade 2 as replacement for Reference 107/2

Stick to the 107/2. The Uni-Q driver doesn’t sound integrated at all SPL levels with the bass - maybe they cross it over to low and it runs out of steam - don’t know but that is what I hear on the KEF R700.

Anyway it is a strange beast. Normally a driver has a good setup and crossover point but KEF seem to vary the lower crossover points on the UNi-Q a lot between various models.

From what I heard, the Uni-q is great at female vocals but NOT quite there on male vocals! I think the lower mid range is not right for some reason - especially when cranked. This means large orchestral or rock may not sound integrated across deep bass through to lower mid range - especially at higher realistic levels...

Not saying this is so , I didn’t hear it my self .
But, a friend , mostly a jazz listener, told me that was true on R700 but not on R500.
If I had a good KEF made in England I would keep it .
KEF was my go-to brand for 20 years .

I've never heard a KEF speaker of an earlier vintage than the last 5 years so I don't know what the Ref 107/2s sound like. I have had the chance to listen to the Blades a number of times and they're probably the second best speaker I've ever heard (second to Wilson Audio Alexx). I personally found no fault in the Blade in terms of coherence, dynamics, detail, and ease. The Blade is universally acclaimed in the audio press. Go find a place where you can listen to them and decide for yourself.

There is a very slight compromise in the Blade 2 and even Blade speaker in regards to the point where the bass/mids from the side firing drivers crosses in the UniQ mid driver. Its a small compromise gives in trade an optimized baffle shape that allows the Blade series to have an improved image and sound stage as compared to the Reference 5 model, which shares some similarities in driver complement.

Honestly, its not something your would really notice unless you carefully compared the two side by side. Either speaker is very well sorted out and you have to option to the Reference 5 if you so choose.