2. speakers
  3. 1030978314

How old is too old ?....

Over the last year I've been updating my system,that was long over due.
Replaced a 16 year old cd player..mission DAD 7000
Hafler 110 pre..Blue Circle 3.1
Hafler DH 500...Bryston 4B ST( currently replacing again)
Various cables,too numerous to mention.
However I still have my old speakers Kef 104.2 and continue to like the sound.
These speakers are 16 years old.
My question...has technology marched on and left me and my Kefs behind?
I will replace at some time but for now I would like to keep these.
What improvement can I expect with newer speakers..a little ..alot....WOW...
Am I upgrading in the right order?
I've been told that all the upgrades ,to date,are wasted unless I replace the speakers ..VERY SOON.
Is a true statement?
thefalls1117
jgstephenson4060
1 posts
 
I have a pair of 104/2's and had them rewired and had the caps replaced in the crossovers. The foam baffles were a tough thing for my repair shop but they solved this too.

They now sound wonderful. I know that they are a bit "looser" than modern sets, but I am very pleased.
rrodmanr
9 posts
 
I have had two pairs of Kef 104/2's. I agree with alot above in regards to the"parts" of good sound. The bass may be better in newer speakers(you can add a Rel Sub) Te trebel may be sweeter and the soundstaging and imaging better.
But one thing the newer speakers can't do- and I've tried the following NHT 2.9, Audes Blues, Revel F30's, VonSweikhart Vr-4 JR Triangle CLeius, B&w 802/3,4. The one thing they can't beat is the soul of music which the Kefs do beautifully. And I think you know that.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
hammy
176 posts
 
I upgraded to Silverline Sonatas. They have the warm musical soul of the Kef, but the Dynaudio drivers are much more accurate. Bass is better, more defined, without he midbass bloat. Kef 104.2 was ahead of it's time, but computer aided design and new materials has greatly improved speakers. Used Sonata II's are 2k used, and a beautiful speaker. Please auditon the Sonata III, or sonatina III. You will be impressed.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
hammy
176 posts
 
“The Silverline Sonata is an outstanding bargain and one of the most musically satisfying speaker systems on the market … a compelling musical rightness from top to bottom … superbly finished … Buy these, just listen to the music, and forget about hi-fi forever.”

- Paul Bolin / the absolute sound
Issue 133 (Dec. 2001 / Jan. 2002)
Quoted with permission from the absolute sound

Old sonata II review. Originally $6500
the_rang
41 posts
 
I am in the same position as a few others here. Upgraded the front end a year ago and am now not sure I'm getting the best from my 104.2's. The opinion here, ever so slightly, seems to be in the "get rid of 'em" camp.
Am trying to find someting that has a similar character with more openness.
My favourites thus far, in no particular order:

Linn Ninka
Dynaudio Audience 72
Totem Forest

First two in the same price range, the Totems 1K more but I like them the best. The Dyn closest to the KEF sound.

Will also audition Monitor Audio Silver and Gold lines. Can get them for near cost so can afford to go higher up the range.
The same dealer will also give me highly discounted pricing on B&W. Have never been a B&W fan but he recommends the new 704?

Amy comments on Monitor Audio and/or the B&W 704?
More to discover