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KEF 103.2 - what to expect?

I was looking through my father's basement and discovered his old KEF 103.2 speakers gathering dust. From what I have read on the web, these are great speakers.

My current system uses an Arcam CD73 player, paired with an Exposure Super XV integrated amp, hooked up to a pair of Wharfedale Pacific Evo 8 speakers. I've spent a while developing that budget system and like it very much for listening to classic jazz.

I was thinking of using the KEFs on my "second system." I have a NAD 320BEE integrated amp laying around, along with an Exposure CD player (don't know the model, doesn't say) or a NAD 521 CD player.

3 questions:

(1) Is the NAD integrated amp powerful enough to run the KEFs? I noticed the KEFs are 8 ohm speakers, which I believe means they are harder to drive.

(2) One of the KEF speaker tweeter's looks slightly damaged. Not torn, but there is a fold/crease in the tweeter fabric. I haven't listened to them yet, but is there anything I should listen for to see if the tweeter is damaged?

(3) Anyone ever used an Exposure CD player (probably from the same time-era as the Exposure Super XV integrated amp I have)? I presume it is a step up from the entry level NAD 521 which served me well for many years.

Thanks,
David
dmloring
esteborino's avatar
esteborino
39 posts
 
I have a pair of these in a second system and they are wonderful. They're not perfect cosmetically but they sing beautifully. The 103.2 are an amazing set of speakers. They rival a lot of high end monitors today. I believe that the drivers were made by Vifa.
esteborino's avatar
esteborino
39 posts
 
correction, just did a quick google search and the drivers are KEF not Vifa. I was misinformed.
bongofury
1,160 posts
 
A trick, set your electronics to 4 ohm and power the Kefs accordingly. Better bass in tandem with the cube.

KEF made the drivers. They were the true BBC monitor. Vocals sound great.
roundmoundofsound
74 posts
 
I know this site is 2 years old but just saw it. I have alot of experience with 103.2's as I sold alot of the new and continue to own a pair.

A couple of things you need to know.

1. Kef made all of their own drivers. No outsourcing at that time.
2. The Cube mentioned was for a later version of the 103's. The 103.2 did not come with or had as an option, a bass cube.
3. If your 103.2's start sounding dull or lifeless the crossover needs to be recapped. Very common problem as speakers were from 1979-1981. Be sure to use good caps with proper value. There are a number of vendors to use. If you can solder, you can do it yourself.
4. Speakers sound best off the floor at least 12-15" and you might consider tilting them back to get proper sweet spot.
5. The 103.2's used 2 different speaker cable terminals depending on when they were made. They used push pin terminals for a short time (very cheesy quality that does not allow thicker cables nor are they able to secure cable properly for a good connection. Most 103.2's however used threaded terminals that allow better cable, spade terminal if spade wide enough, and banana plug ends as well.
6. They were mostly available in walnut with teak and rosewood as options througout their time.
7. If speakers are kept out of extreme heat and direct sunshine the drivers, because of the butyl surround should last for many, many years.

Hope this helps. They were great speakers in their day and if given quality power, still sound great today!
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