2. speakers
  3. 184505-179767

Kef and McIntosh

any thoughts on matching Kef R3 or an older 103/3 with an MC2255 and C33 pre? I’m trying to decide if I keep the Mac gear long term but don’t really have any adequate speakers for them right now and these 2 options are available locally for pretty good price.

 

edit: should add that the Kube equalizer would be coming with the 103s

kidcreole123

Showing 2 responses by james633

james633
897 posts
 

Personally I find the Kef/Mac combo pretty dull (not rolled off just lacking air). Specifically in the highs. I am a MC462 owner so no hate here. If you like Kef and like Mac they are probably fine together. But I could think of a lot of speakers I would rather have but speakers are personal for sure. 

james633
897 posts
 

Honestly just have a pretty lukewarm feeling about Kef. They do nothing wrong but nothing great IMO. You should just listen yourself and see, maybe you will love them as many people do. $2k can go a long way if you are open to speakers that are used. Older speakers that are not the hot item right now are cheap too. I have seen Revel 208s for sale around $2k which is silly good at that price. I would go to audio mart and sort by price and see what is in your area. Also some good stuff local on Facebook market place.

In the $2000 price point the big names (Kef, B&W, Focal, Sonus Faber, etc) all make under performing speakers that are cost driven. I think you are better off with direct sale brands like, Arendal, Q Acoustics, etc.

you can get a pair of JBL 580s for $558?!?!!! Direct from JBL. These are plain out good and almost free! Free shipping both ways with a risk free trial. Blows my mind. A few of my local friends have these and they are great.

https://www.jbl.com/loudspeakers/STUDIO+580.html

More to discover