Excellent score. I just got some minty 104/2s myself. They have been recapped, refoamed, donuts replaced and tweeter fluid changed. I’d have that all looked at too if I were you. Mine sound excellent, just like I remember back in the day and I have always wanted a pair. Took me 30+ years to get them...lol. The manual is available on KEFs site and they do say to use the grills if you can:
https://us.kef.com/explore-kef/kef-museum/1980s/reference-series-model-1042-1984-96
I’m using a Parasound A23 (125w) with them and again, they sound excellent. With that being said, if I spot a deal on a more worthy amp, I’ll probably upgrade. I have the KUBE with mine too but haven’t set that up yet. I remember the ones I listened to long ago with the KUBE did sound great/better but I’ve since read in some places to skip the KUBE. They do have enough bass for me sans the KUBE so I dunno what I’ll do yet.
Hope this helps.
https://us.kef.com/explore-kef/kef-museum/1980s/reference-series-model-1042-1984-96
I’m using a Parasound A23 (125w) with them and again, they sound excellent. With that being said, if I spot a deal on a more worthy amp, I’ll probably upgrade. I have the KUBE with mine too but haven’t set that up yet. I remember the ones I listened to long ago with the KUBE did sound great/better but I’ve since read in some places to skip the KUBE. They do have enough bass for me sans the KUBE so I dunno what I’ll do yet.
Hope this helps.