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Kef Ref 3 or Focal Kanta 2

Hello all,

Been demoing speakers for 6 months or so and am torn between the above two. Im looking at these for the towers and center channel for incorporation into my existing room, about 500 sq ft. I am currently running a 7.1 set up with MartinLogan 60xt towers, ESL C center, SVS SB16 Ultra with GIK sound panels and base traps and decent amplification/prepro/cables. (NAD M22V2, M27, M17V2, AQ Castlerock speak cables and AQ Water interconnects).  

Not really looking for alternatives just opinions.  Pricing is within 15% of each other from my negotiations with dealers, unfortunately they arent anywhere close to each other so A to B listening isnt possible. 

Which would you do?  
laskakj

Showing 1 response by mzkmxcv

mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
https://www.stereophile.com/content/focal-kanta-no2-loudspeaker-measurements 
https://www.stereophile.com/content/kef-reference-5-loudspeaker-measurements 
https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1668:nrc-meas... 
 
The KEF Reference Line has better imaging, but the Kanta has a wider soundstage. 
 
The bass in Kanta decays quicker, whereas treble in the KEF decays quicker; and since long decay is more noticeable in the treble, I’d give the nudge to the KEF in terms of “tightness”.
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