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Question on KEF speakers

does anyone know what changes this company has gone thru in the past 10 years, supposedly there quality had gone down hill and now they are coming back as a quality name once again???? The reason I ask is, im looking at some of there cheaper bookshelves, the Q1's, I want to find a great sounding bookshelf that is made by a speaker company that is all proprietary. Any names out there that make there own cabinet, drivers, tweeters and have excellent quality? I have looked at KEF, M&K and a few others that i can afford. Im looking to spend around 500.00 for the 2 fronts in a 5.1 system. Please reccomend some speaker companies that have been around forever that make there entire product from start to finish. thanks much for the feedback
mikebu
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
Kef is back, big time. I can't speak for their bookshelve speakers, but the Referance has, in my opinion, the acoustic quality of Tannoy(well, almost...) and the presance of B&W.

They land somewhere in between, with more than enough of both to warrent a real good listen.
teebone
2 posts
 
I own a pair of KEF 105/3 and have yet to depart from them. The only draw back is replacing the foam surrounds on the inclosed woofers, major hassle in two regards- getting them out of the enclosures, and finding a qualified tech to re-cone them properly.
They have given me a solid six years between this maintenance, thank goodness.
I also own the B&W Matrix 802/3, no maintenance there, butle surrounds! They are a little more acurate in the mids and highs but definitely lack the power and impact of the 105's. The KEF's fill larger spaces much better too. Very robust.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
In your range...the interesting Mirage Omni 60s...great reviews...although I have yet to audtion..good luck
mavilla
14 posts
 
Hello.

I have a 7.1 surround system made with Kef Q series. I use Q5 for the main speakers, Q1 for surround, Q2ds for back surround and Q9c for the central channel.

It is not a high end home theater, but is is fine for the price.
mghcanuck
116 posts
 
It appears to me that Kef has been trying to make a modest comeback over the last couple of years, with re-designed and expanded product lines. The Q-series are a very good deal IMHO. I was very pleased with my Q5's until I caught the upgrade bug, although I still have them and may use for home theatre or trade for the smaller Q1. Avoid the Q3, which is a poor compromise between Q1 and Q5.

Paradigm and Energy continue to make very good speakers also. Try to audition several brands.
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