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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
the_rang
41 posts
 
Not sure how long it takes to break in these R700's. Left them on all day, probably have about 30 hours on them.
So far they're OK, not great, not bad.
Bass better than expected but that may be the amp and positioning.
One review mentions they can be a bit coarse in the vocals. I hear a bit of that.
And I agree with the Stereophile review....the highs seem slightly reticent.
Nowhere near the openess and presence of my 104.2's.
Nice speakers and though the verdict isn't in yet, I'm leaning away from them so far. Too bad, I doubt I'll get the Revels anywhere near the same price
tdacquisto
34 posts
 
My R300's took about 100 hours or so to break-in.. They now sound WONDERFUL.

Yes, they are relevant.. and their new reference series is awesome.. LS50 is class a rated..
the_rang
41 posts
 
I must be getting close to that 100 hour threshold. I think they sound a bit better, the highs seems more prominent though not necessarily as airey as I'd like.
Bass performance continues to impress. The dealer said "they don't have much bass" but maybe that's what happens when you run them with a middle of the road AVR in a big noisy demo room
quincy
349 posts
 
Interesting thread. Lots of replies and for a long period of time; so I'll chime in. I purchased a set of Kef 3-2 Reference speakers back in 1995. They replaced my JBL L-65 speakers purchased in 1978. I've been content with the sound quality, although, I'm not sure I would do a repeat purchase of this specific model design with the 'opposed firing' bass speakers (woofers). I've ran them bi-wired, single wired, solid state and tubed. They are holding up well after, my goodness, 20 years already.........
the_rang
41 posts
 
Still not sure about the R700's I have home on demo. The dealer will take them back, as agreed but isn't keen to so they are offering to knock off another 10% on an already very good price.
They are sounding better as they break in.
Tried the Revel F206 this weekend and though I liked them in the store, I knew within 30 seconds of listening at home that they were a no-go. Supposedly "smooth" treble but my immediate thought was " ouch...metal dome tweeters".
The KEFs, despite also having a metal tweeter, are much sweeter.
Just wish they had more midrange presence.
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