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KEF 107.1 or B&W 802 S3 Matrix

So I’m building a system again after decades and starting with speakers. I bought Heresy 3’s but they just lack the punch of my beloved 802’s. I’m super intrigued by the KEF 107 since bottom end is what I miss listening to the Heresy’s. Still need to work on the rest of the system but would appreciate any feedback that could offer a comparison with the KEF 107 since I have not heard them yet. As a side not there are a few of the 802’s and 107’s around but the 802’s are basically twice the price. Worth it? Thanks in advance.
rhino5

Showing 2 responses by dbphd

dbphd
1,632 posts
 
I think the tweeter is what differentiates the 107/2 from the 107.  I've never heard the 107s, but JA's review in Stereophile claimed they were bit lacking in the high end and the 107/2 cured that.  You might want to read his review of the 107/2s.

db
dbphd
1,632 posts
 
I used 107/2s for years with Parasound JC-1 monoblocks, a great combination. I loved the sound. As I understand it, KEF chose not to use internal circuitry and instead rely on KUBEs matched to specific speakers. KEF claims reproduction is not accurate without the associated KUBE. Unfortunately the KUBE is single-ended, not balanced.

I got hooked on the Ayre sound, and the KUBE was not compatible inserted between the Ayre preamp and amp -- according to Charles Hansen, nothing is. I use KEF Reference 1s now that may be a bit superior above 50 Hz, but I miss the LF extension of the 107/2s. Somehow supplementing the Reference 1s with a pair of Velodyne HGS-15s just doesn’t sound quite the same.

My advice is to buy 107/2s with the KUBE. The JC-2s really made a difference, so I’d go with amps that can deliver lots of current. A pair of rosewood 107/2s is a handsome addition to most rooms.

db
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