2. speakers
  3. 160711-151076

KEF 107.1 or B&W 802 S3 Matrix

So I’m building a system again after decades and starting with speakers. I bought Heresy 3’s but they just lack the punch of my beloved 802’s. I’m super intrigued by the KEF 107 since bottom end is what I miss listening to the Heresy’s. Still need to work on the rest of the system but would appreciate any feedback that could offer a comparison with the KEF 107 since I have not heard them yet. As a side not there are a few of the 802’s and 107’s around but the 802’s are basically twice the price. Worth it? Thanks in advance.
rhino5
erik_squires
16,325 posts
 
That kube adds some serious EQ to the speaker.

If you are OK with that route, why not try a Schiit Loki??
rhino5 OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestion Erik. I'm looking at 2 pairs and one has the kube. We'll see how it goes. 
erik_squires
16,325 posts
 
Hi Rhino,
If you can't find a kube, you can use something like a miniDSP to simulate one.  They weren't magic, just EQ. :) 
I only meant to say that if the idea of an EQ box add on does not make you feel weird, maybe you shoudl try it on your existing speakers before swapping? It might fix your problem.

Best,
E
rhino5 OP
5 posts
 
Does the kube being "matched" mean anything? Or will any eq have the same function and performance? I guess I'm wondering why so may people seem to suggest not to buy the 107's without the kube. 
erik_squires
16,325 posts
 
Hi Rhino5,

The kube came out of a generation of speaker makers (including B&W and Bose) who were experimenting with changing up what happens in the cabinet vs. the amplifier as well as allowing you to better match your room placement and personal tastes.  These EQs were very specific to each speaker model though. 

In the end though it is nothing more than an equalizer, so any good quality DSP can substitute so long as it is configured correctly. You can use the Stereophile graph to approximate the specific 107 curve:

https://www.stereophile.com/content/kef-r107-loudspeaker-1991-measurements

So, my point is, if you need more bass, but your current speakers don’t have it, and you are OK with new electronics in the system, why not try a Schiit Loki first? It’s cheap, gets good reviews here, and may make it unnecessary to switch speakers.

Best,

E
More to discover