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Aerial 10t or KEF 107 for "vintage" speaker?

I'm considering picking up a pair of Aerial 10t or KEF 107 for my main set up and am hoping a'gon members can help me with a few questions.

I can hear the 10t before purchase, but not the KEF, and while the designs seem similar, my research found only general comments of "they sound great" or "are great speakers" with not much detail on how each speaker sounds.

I tend to prefer a smoother, laid back sound, and generally, most of my critical listening is done at lower volume, so the ability to sound good at lower volume is key for me. My Mc pre has adjustible loudness control (gasp) and I've used it despite being viewed as a heretic.

As for amplification, I understand the Aerial " needs a bazillion watts" and enough current to power a monorail, so I'd probably be looking to amp swap if I go that route. I'm currently using a Conrad Johnson MF2250 (125w into 8ohm, close to 200 into 4ohm, but probably not enough current).

My main reservation on the KEF is the Kube reliabilty after all these years. It seems to be a critical component, and since most pairs don't have a Kube included, I'm assuming they've failed.
I do like that they vent out the top and not rear like the Aerial, since I'll only have a foot from the back wall to place. I have loads of space to either side.

Can anyone share thoughts on how either of these speakers sound?
yakbob
yakbob OP
469 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback Rrroberts,
I ended up taking a chance on the KEF 107. They were about a grand less, and will need some minor refurbishment that's within my ability.

I really hope to get a pair of 10Ts into my system some day. My main concern with their design at this point is the rear facing port combined with their total depth. I'd have to keep these jammed up against my front wall to keep from disrupting foot traffic, and I was worried about bass boom for that placement. If I move into a space with a room better suited to the Aerials, they will be at the top of my list.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
The 10t always impressed me when it was driven well and placed a few feet out from the wall. One concern is that I recall hearing of many instances of the head enclosure cracking and that the material was more susceptible to cracking as it aged, so at least ask about that if you ever head in that direction. Cheers,

Spencer
rrroberts
21 posts
 
Yakbob, I do see how you could have an issue if the speaker is within 1 foot of the back wall...mine sit out approx. 30-34 inches and any closer the bass can get a bit muddy and resonant...sounds like you made a good choice for your situation...but the 10T's are excellent at any age...I also have a set of Energy Veritas 1.8's I use as rear channels but these also over drive the room if too close and have actually packed 2 of the 4 bass ports on these as they do sit a bit close to the wall. Happy listening... Russ
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Aerial 10T was sounding great with 150wpc, but with 300wpc they sound much better.
steve59's avatar
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steve59
1,764 posts
 
Congrats, I picked up a pair of 107/2's with the kube and you are right about placement, I can put them against the wall parallel to the back wall and turn the heads in for great imaging. and they sound good with anything. go to audiokharma website and folks there will talk you thru any concerns ou may have because of their age.Steve
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