KEF 103/4 loudspeakers; any comments


Hi. I just bought a pair of KEF 103/4 on ebay for $123.00 (plus $90.00 shipping). The foams need to be replaced on the 4 internally mounted 6-1/2" woofers, but otherwise they seem in nice shape. Anyone out there have any experience with these speakers? I didn't have much time to research, as the auction was almost over when I found them. I have a pair of KEF C-95 towers, and I love them. I've always heard that the reference series sounds even better. What do you guys think? Thanks. -KlipschKing
klipschking
Yes, I think I may be able to re-foam them myself. Midwest Speaker Exchange sells foam kits for these speakers, including the center "doughnut" that mates the "vibration-balancing rod" to the two 6-1/2" drivers. I've had great luck replacing the foam on my old Boston Acoustics A-100 and EPI speakers, so I think it may work well. Thanks for the feedback on these speakers!
I have the 104s since 1987. A gift from Pink Floyd out of A & M Studios.

They still sound wonderful, especially around commanding male and female vocals and mid-range instruments--very hard to match even by today's high standards. Think Jazz (Art Blakely) and female (Joni) on vinyl. Very warm and rich, much like current British speakers such Harbeth.

You will want to make sure they have the KEF Cube, which was sold in tandem with this series, which provided a more precise way to redirect and conform sound to a room.
There is a very good brochure that came with these to tune them to any room.
Bongofury: You're kidding about the Floyd thing, aren't you?? Yes, I want the Kube 200, just haven't been able to find it yet. I'll keep scouring eBay and Audiogon & I'm sure it will turn up. I've heard the bass response from the Reference Series isn't great without the Kube. How do you hook the blooming thing up? It looks like it only has RCA plugs on the back... Thanks for the info. -KlipschKing
No, I am not kidding. There were several systems that they played the final mix on. The other speakers I believe from memory were ATC and Yamahas. The studio engineer gave it to me after the sessions were over.

Post a fax number. I have the Kube manual. I can fax it to you.
I have a KEF Kube 200 sitting in its original box on a shelf in my closet. I've never tried it, because I use a Velodyne HGS-15 with my 104/2s, crossing over at 80 Hz, although the full range 104/2s without sub provide a very satisfying sound, just not the subtle vibration from the lowest pedal notes of pipe organ that I so enjoy. I supplement my 104/2s with a 200C and a pair of 102/2s for HT duty. The 104/2s remain among the best speakers I've heard.

I have no idea what a reasonable price for the Kube 200 might be. I've bought a number of items through Audiogon, but never sold anything.

db