2. speakers
  3. 192902-138465

Advice on making a speaker change

I am looking for thoughts and members experience when it comes to making a speaker change in their systems.  I am not looking for any specific speaker recommendations. 

I am using KEF Reference 107-1 speakers that I purchased new in 1987. They are the only speakers I've used for 38 years! The speakers were refurbished professionally 4 years ago with new surrounds, tweeter maintenance, and upgrades to crossover components and wiring. Everything else is original, including the KUBE outboard bass equalization, that was part of the speaker design.  

Over the past few years, I have upgraded my amplification and digital front end to my "end game" electronics of CODA16 amp and CODA 07X pre-amp, Playback Designs DAC, and Innuos Statement NG Streamer. My speakers are the last components from my original system.  I love many attributes of these KEF 107 speakers, but also recognize their weakness. They are 38 year old technology after all. 

My dilemma is twofold. I still think my speakers sound great in many ways. They are musically involving and still dazzle me on occasion. They have some weak points as do ALL speaker designs.   Secondly, auditioning new speakers is difficult at best, as it is so dependent on associated equipment and listening rooms. I know my ears are the ultimate decision maker, but getting a realistic comparison to my current speakers from shows or sessions at audio shops is not easy.  

Am I crazy to consider replacing these speakers? Have other members had the same dilemma and what was your outcome? Regrets or audio bliss? Talk me off the ledge or should I jump? Thanks!

dmiller01

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,569 posts
 

I would just go out auditioning. See if you are seduced by some other speakers There has been huge jumps in speaker technology. So, it should not be hard. Should be fun planning a few short trips... maybe some to local audiophile’s homes.

For me, after over thirty years with planar speakers. I started sampling all acoustic venues for music... single piano... small jazz. Then ten years 7th row center of the symphony and the result was I realized that my system did an incredible job of bringing out the details of the venue and the recording, could sound spectacular for certain pieces... but the emotional connection was gone. I’d get bored and go do something else after 45 minutes. I realized I had taken a wrong turn along the way. I found Sonus Faber Speakers and optimized my electronics. I haven’t lost the details, but got the music back and emotional connections. The details are presented in the properly perspective. I now have a music system. Now I have to drag myself away after two or three hours of listening. Well worth the effort.

More to discover