2. speakers
  3. 130904-2164

KEF Blade 2 as replacement for Reference 107/2

A former owner of KEF Reference 107/2s posted that he moved to Blades, and that it is the obvious progression. I really love the sound of my 107/2s, and John Atkinson and Tom Norton raved about them in their reviews a few decades ago, but I'm wondering if it's time to move on. I haven't heard either the Blade or Blade 2s. Anyone had the opportunity to compare 107/2s with Blade 2s? I've had a lot of opportunity to compare the sound of the 107/2s with LS50s supplemented by Velodyne HGS-10 subs. The LS50s are amazing speakers, but not quite 107/2s, especially for large orchestrations.

db
dbphd
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,491 posts
 
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...
schubert
7,386 posts
 
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 .
blang11's avatar
blang11
37 posts
 
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.
Post removed 
More to discover