KEF Reference 1 bass response?


Just wondering if anyone owns or has listened to the KEF Reference 1 bookshelves? I hear they are amazing speakers, but wondering if they will still have good bass response in my apartment or if I’d need a sub. Of course the answer is subjective but I’m keen to hear what everyone thinks. I’d be pairing them with a Hegel H390 and a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+

andyboom

First of all, the Ref 1s are not "bookshelf" speakers.  They are pretty decent sized monitors and would not work in any bookshelf.

I have Ref 1s for my main system in a fairly large room in my house.  They have a surprising amount of bass for their size.  I think they might be perfect for an apartment. 

I have 4 subs in use with mine, but my neighbors can hear my system at times, so subs are probably not a good idea in an apartment. 

Detail, imaging and soundstage are fantastic and they are pretty neutral, maybe just a tad on the warm side.

Although I do not own them, I have heard the Ref 1s and they are fantastic speakers. The advice you have been given above is spot on. Live with them for a while and maximize their positioning before adding a sub. Be aware that the addition of a sub may be problematic for your neighbors in your living situation.

Add a couple subwoofers depending on the room size. If not, you will be missing at least 1.5 octaves on the low end.

Possibly the most disappointing speaker I have ever heard. Such great expectations but it did nothing right when I heard them.  Blown out of the water by the Legacy Calibre for example.