Modern day equivalent for KEF 105/3 speakers

I don't think you could get a very good full range 3 way speaker that would be close to the 105/3 for $1500 today. I had either that one or the 105/4 years ago. In fact I wanted to be a KEF dealer and offered to start by taking 3 pairs of 105/3s. The rep told me I could only have one pair but had to take all of their little ones as well; I didn't have room for them so went with B&W instead; they didn't care what I ordered. The early 801s are a natural alternative to the 105/3 and you should give them some consideration unless you strongly prefure KEF. Older speakers are one of the best buys in audio in my mind; repair costs are unlikely to be anything like the huge inflation in price speakers have gone through in recent years. But MAKE SURE spares are still avalable and the company is still supporting the model you choose. I have 8 pairs of speakers and all but one are 20+ years old and still competive at a very high level.

I have heard the KEF 105/3 and previously owned a pair of Aerial 10-T's. I much preferred the 10-T's. You might be able to find a good used pair at close to your approximate $1500 price point. But they need a lot of power and they need to be positioned at least 4 feet from the back wall to sound their best. Also, they sound better when bi-wired.

Hi Stanwal

Thanks for chiming in and sharing your thoughts. 8 pairs of speakers 20+ years old. You sound like my godfather. He has all sorts of vintage Tannoy, Klipsch, JBL and B&W speakers. I do prefer the aesthetics of the KEF 105/3s vs the early B&W 801s. KEF themselves are supportive. Corey Medley over at KEF is prompt with the inquiries I've sent and he sent me the appropriate documentation about the 105/3s. One issue is the parts. I confirmed with Corey that replacement parts for the 105/3s are not available so that leaves me open to the secondary market. I have been checking another popular auction site and parts for KEF speakers do appear often but the prices vary as does availability.

Service wise I've found knowledgeable people who can repair KEF drivers but often it requires me to take apart the speaker and mail the items in. I'm susceptible to packaging damage and my non-handiness.

I've got some thinking to do. Thanks again.