Thanks for the suggestion Erik. I'm looking at 2 pairs and one has the kube. We'll see how it goes.
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.
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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 |
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 |
I used 107/2s for years with Parasound JC-1 monoblocks, a great combination. I loved the sound. As I understand it, KEF chose not to use internal circuitry and instead rely on KUBEs matched to specific speakers. KEF claims reproduction is not accurate without the associated KUBE. Unfortunately the KUBE is single-ended, not balanced. I got hooked on the Ayre sound, and the KUBE was not compatible inserted between the Ayre preamp and amp -- according to Charles Hansen, nothing is. I use KEF Reference 1s now that may be a bit superior above 50 Hz, but I miss the LF extension of the 107/2s. Somehow supplementing the Reference 1s with a pair of Velodyne HGS-15s just doesn’t sound quite the same. My advice is to buy 107/2s with the KUBE. The JC-2s really made a difference, so I’d go with amps that can deliver lots of current. A pair of rosewood 107/2s is a handsome addition to most rooms. db |
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