I'm a big fan of KEF, so please let me clarify that these were just rough designations - B110, T27, etc. They also assigned SP numbers to all the variations, and often had multiple versions in production simultaneously.
Help Identifying Vintage KEF Speakers
Hi. I’m new to the forum and am hoping someone can help or at least point me in the right direction.
I lost a pair of 1960s/70s KEF speakers in a fire recenlty and need to make a claim on my insurance, but don’t know which model they were. However, If I saw the back of the speakers, am pretty sure I’d be able to identify them.
Having looked at the photos on KEF’s online archive (I know the grilles covered 100% of the front of the speaker), I’ve narrowed it down to the following:
| Cresta (1970s) |
| Chorale |
| Celeste |
| Cadenza |
| Duette |
| Cantor |
| Coda |
I’m pretty sure the speakers were from the 1960s, but it is just possible early 1970s
The rear panel of the speakers was not made of the same wood as the sides. For some reason, I though chipboard, but am not sure KEF would have used it. I do remember it had a ’mottled’ pattern to it. There was also a paper label.
The speakers were possibly bi-wireable and the sockets/connectors were in the centre on the horizontal axis and possibly in the centre or above centre on the vertical axis.These were in a round cut out with a rounded edge and recessed into a black material with a switch, possibly to change the impedance (?) value.
If anyone is able to help (especially with a photo), I’d be extremely grateful.
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@boomerbillone - Thanks. these were a gift and not even new to the person who gave them to me, so no idea where they came from. @petaluman - I never took the grilles off, though I think I may have tried to once, but as they seemed to be fairly stuck, didn't go any further for fear of damaging them. I've seen other people mention KEF speaker grilles are difficult to remove. As for their size, I must admit, that hadn't occured to me. I'll give it a go. @falconquest - Thank you for your concern and good wishes, it's much appreciated from a stranger. @crustycoot - Thanks for the advice |
I know what it’s like to go through a fire. On my last day of high school I approached my home to see fire trucks. It was burned to the ground. The only things I owned were the clothes on my back and the stuff in my car. If you have never been through that, you can’t possibly understand it. It’s like having children. Unless you’re a parent you don’t get it. My deepest sympathies for your loss. Hang in there and eventually the trauma will fade away. Good luck to you! |
You should be able to narrow it down quickly if you ever pulled the grills off. KEF drivers are specified by type & approximate diameter in mm (25.4mm/inch). A B200 is an 8" bass driver, a B110 a bit over 4". This also works for the T27 1" tweeter and the T15 1/2" tweeter. The oddball B139 is the legendary oval 13" x 9" woofer; the BD139 is the passive radiator version. If not, try to remember the rough box dimensions. A speaker using a 4" woofer will be noticeably smaller than the one with an 8" woofer & 13"x9" drone. If you can narrow it down to 2 or 3 options, I'd assume you had the most expensive ones. |
Hello sidneyr. Is the dealer you bought them from still in business? They may have a detailed reord of the sale. Other long term KEF dealers may be able to help. The insurance company may not need more than the spproximate $$ you bought them for. They are just going to depreciate that figure anyway. Good Luck! |