Kef 107 vs 107/2


I recently a pair of KEF 107's with a Kube. I drive them with a McIntosh MA6500 integrated (which could be slightly underpowing them in demaning passages). Now I am curious how they compare to the 107/2. Is the 107/2 much of an upgrade, and if so, how or in what area?
stollenwerk32e5a
I've had 107/2s since the early nineties (replaced my AR9s). I think the differences between the 107 & 107/2 is mostly attributable the KUBEs each use. I listened to both versions when I was shopping (the dealer had older ones still in stock), and I recall thinking the /2 was worth the price difference (around $500, IIRC). KEF claimed the only changes were a new tweeter, bi-amp ability, and the design of the KUBE... my suspicion then, as now, is that the KUBE makes the biggest difference. I listened to each, with, and without their KUBEs, and the older model sounded worse in the mids & highs, with the KUBE. The newer model sounded almost exactly the same with, or without it's KUBE... except for the improved base, of course. I wouldn't use my 107/2s without the KUBE, if I had an older model, I'd look for a newer KUBE!
Also, it should be mentioned that any 107s are going to need new woofer surrounds by now, even the last of them are certainly cracking. I just redid mine a few weeks ago, and I should have done it a couple of years ago! A properly working pair of 107s (with the KUBE) have AMAZING base that IMHO can't be beat for less than $10k.
responding to Kenwood700cmt:

recently I have upgraded the MF/HF xo to Solen caps, replacing the stock Alcaps and adding a bit of Cardas Quad Eutectic solder to all contacts: as expected, the sound stage widened and everything is clearer. Maybe I should replace the internal wiring with something better. I am sure replacing the caps in the LF xo will tighten up the bass but I am pretty happy with that already.

After so many years, I suspect that the fluid in the T33 / SP1210 tweeters have started to dry out (havent noticed the drop but it may happen so gradual that I didnt notice or I am just getting more deaf). I wonder if anyone has tried to upgrade the existing ones to ScanSpeak 9300 or 9500 (which have a very similar frequency plot as the T33) with satisfactory results. If anyone has new old stock of a pair of Vifa MG27 and want to sell them, please email me, thanks!
I recently inherited a pair of KEF Ref 107 II's and I think they sound amazing. I do not believe I have ever heard any speakers like them :-) However, I understand from this thread that I should probably do something with them to make them sound better (change woofer surrounds?). I do not know anything about this, but I would really like to learn and could use some advice on how to get started, where to buy spare parts, what to look for etc. Could you help me please?
BR,
Erik
Since my previous post, I have replaced the 104/2s with 107/2s and 107/2 KUBE. The 107/2s had the surrounds professionally replaced shortly before I bought them. I cross them to the subs at 80 Hz, but in the setup I'm using (analog for an Oppo 95 to Cary 11a in bypass mode to KUBE to Proceed HPA 3) there is no bass management with DSD. It's obvious the 107/2s don't need to be supplemented by the subs for music. They are amazing speakers.

db
I stumbled into the audiokharma forum and found a thread that walks you thru recapping and replacing the ferrofluid in the tweeter. they also replace the 'opamp'? in the kube. I know this thread is ancient but the speakers remain favorites.