Kef 201/2 your impressions and comparisons

Iblieve, I listened to these on a tube amp and I did not hear anything remotely warm about them. If anything they were bordering on too much detail. To my ears my Ushers are are the warm side. I guess we all hear differently. Just curious what was powering these when you heard them? The old Reference series 1 I have heard were warm but series 2 are one of the most neutral speakers available according to measurements. The Ushers for sure are great sounding speakers but IMO only on certain types of music (not rock music). I cannot speak for the other models only the BE 718.

Stay on USHER AUDIO and try the CP-777 speakers.

Before buying my BE-10, i tried the KEF. Even if those speakers are better than B&W 800 serie or other high-end speaker, there were no contest facing the Usher...

@Mofojo :

I heard the KEF serie 2 with pass labs integrated amplifier and a exposure CD player. May be the electronics were too warm but when i tried those electronics on other speakers, the warmth was gone...
The USHER CP-777 is far better than the BE-718. The MINI-ONE is more neutral than the BE-718. The 718's monitor shape is probably the one to blame. The new MINI-X is more neutral. If you're able to try the CP-8571, you'll be amazed by the impact of this speaker. It shakes your guts!
Anyway i can't find the same level of precision on highs without the DMD tweeter from USHER. It's sharp and smooth at the same time. harshness it's a big issue on many other tweeter technology. I think USHER created probably the best driver ever...

Interesting that the OP found the 50W Cayin A100T had enough juice to drive the KEF 201/2. I have had a pair for about two months and found it a difficult load to drive. They like power and high current, with lots of reserve to maximize dynamics. When I switched to Pass X250.5, the 201/2s snapped to life. The 201/2 puts out a very clean and hall forward presentation. Bass, however, is not a standout feature of the 201/2, and I use them with a sub (but then, IMHO, all monitors need a sub). I am currently A/B'ing the Linn Akurate 212 (a super monitor that plays huge and musical) and the KEFs. I still can't quite get used to KEF''s uni-q tweeter -- its not that I don't like it, I do, but at times (i.e., with some recordings) it gets a bit hard/fatiguing. That said, I'm liking the speaker overall.

The Cayin is 100W per channel. I had heard it pushing B&W 802N at the dealer with plenty of headroom and tight bass. Pretty balsey amp actually. Not real tubey sounding. Went ahead and bought the 201s. So far very happy with them. Love the detail. Lots more detail than my Usher BE 718 and edges out the paradigm in detail also. Mating with JL F113. Still trying to get them synced up a little better but for most music sounds excellent.