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KEF Reference 1 vs. Olympica 1

I’ve been a music lover and DJ for decades and have bought tons of DJ gear over the years but now I’m focusing more on my family/listening room and need help with comparing some speakers.
Ive owned B&Ws for most of my adult life and as I got older, the diamonds became fatiguing and I decided to change things up. After reading many reviews, I decided to go with either Kef Reference 1 or Olympica 1. I’m buying them used and currently am using B&K 200.7 to drive them.
Any help and experience would be greatly appreciated.
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itzhak1969
515 posts
 
I think the big problem with the Kef Reference series are its aluminium twitter and drivers their sound can be harsh, bright and over analytical so it’s very hard to tune them to sound correct .I am not a big fan of metalic made drivers.
snoopdallydall's avatar
snoopdallydall OP
3 posts
 
I ended up with the KEF Refrence 1’s. As stated above, the bass from these stand mounts are unbelievable. The sound stage is some of the best I’ve ever heard. I was listen to some flac files the other day, and my dog couldn’t figure out where the sound was coming from. I’m still waiting to get a center...
Compared to B&W which was harsh at times, KEF definitely are neutral and takes time getting used to.
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viethluu
90 posts
 
I agree with audiotroy. 

I have demoed both KEF ref1 and Sonus Faber Olympica 1, and I personally prefer KEF ref1. 

Nothing wrong with Sonus Faber, it is just too warm for my taste. I like a little bit of a "spicy" sound. 

By the way, the KEF ref1 goes very well with McIntosh MC452 + Audio Research LS27. That combo gives the most holographic and pleasant sounding signature from the KEF.
fstone
2 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. Any feedback on color? I'm leaning towards the rosewoods.
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