I’ve posted before about my KEF Reference 5 speakers. I’ve been experimenting with placement and found that moving them farther apart made a big improvement. I also am trying the suggestions—I believe by Audiotroy— to toe the speakers inward some more to tame the treble. I love how the KEFs reproduce piano and cello music but violins sound too harsh and screechy for my taste. I think the toe in helps. Also, the violin sound may just be a result of the digital (CD) source. I will see how violins sound on vinyl.
One question. I’ve been considering the Isoacoustics Gaia or pucks. My speakers are on a hardwood floor, currently resting on the included spikes. I’ve been in contact with Isoacoustics and they can provide a threaded rod to fit the outrigger of the KEFs if I go withnthe Gaia. Has anyone tried these Isoacoustics products with KEF Reference 5s? If so, I’d appreciate your thoughts. Audiotroy, I woud be very interested in your experience. I know that these products probably won’t impact the treble but may tighten up the bass.
I’m supprised at that, as the Blades cabinet isolation is incredible. not doubting what you say, just surprised it was noticeable with the Blades as I found the supplied accessory pack fantastic on the Blades. Will have to look into that
I got them for my Kef Blade 2s from Crutchfield on 60 day return ability. They are staying. I can't say they blew my mind like I was hoping but they make a nice improvement and I also like how they grip the speaker to my hardwood floor and make the speaker much less tippy. Not such an easy thing to A-B with the factory spikes but overall I got a sense of improvement across the board. Get a set from somewhere that allows returns and see for yourself.
I got them for my Kef Blade 2s from Crutchfield on 60 day return ability. They are staying. I can't say they blew my mind like I was hoping but they make a nice improvement and I also like how they grip the speaker to my hardwood floor and make the speaker much less tippy. Not such an easy thing to A-B with the factory spikes but overall I got a sense of improvement across the board. Get a set from somewhere that allows returns and see for yourself.
Personal experience with our own KEF Reference 5 display reveals them to be a touch on the mellow side, more than bright. The electronic chain ahead of them is a very neutral one. A speaker cable choice brought about a proper balance, along with, to a lesser degree, DAC filter choices. Regarding IsoAcoustics our experience is a focusing of the sound, more than tonal alterations.
The Kef Ref ranges cabinets are some of the best in their price point, there is a believe a white paper online for them explaining how they are made. Personally I’d be looking elsewhere in the system especially as you already have them sat on a hardwood floor.
They Can’t do any harm, I’m not sure it will address the above mentioned issues.
I can't comment on the KEF speakers, but I just installed GAIA IIs under my Martin Logan Expression 13as yesterday, and after one night of listening I've determined they are staying there. I'd agree that the two areas I noticed an improvement were better image focus and tightened bass. I'm going to be getting a set for my subs now too. very happy.
As I'm sure you know, there are so many variables. SS Pre amps, tube pre amps, kind of tubes, age of tubes, amps , cables , lions and tigers and bears, Oh my! Each can change what we hear.
What cables are you using? Silver? Worth a check. Toe in May help, biggest changes to my Ref system was, cabling, source and material played (resolution etc) then amplification. Nordic Amps partner well as well as other UK kit. To be fair as long as the amps drop down low with a bit of current they drive fine. i be lived with Kef Ref 3/5’s for many years, other than a few of overly bright recordings they have always sounded sublime and never shrill or harsh. Porting does help also.
my system sits on polished floors, other than a rug and few wall pics, sofa etc.. not overly treated.
keep us updated, you have a fantastic set of speakers by the way!
OP - might i suggest before spending a pile of money ( which may well be warranted later ) invest in Jim Smith excellent book and buy a few simple but hyper effective precision setup tools: Leica Disto 2 is just $59 excessive toe is likely going to make your problem worse.
D2girls-if there were a rule about off topic posts then you would be gone too!
I was hoping for some advice about using the Gaias with my KEF Reference 5 speakers. Instead, this has turned more into rants about dealers, who should post where, and other unrelated things. How about this idea: people should be free to post what they want and people are free to read—or not read—whatever they want? D2, I personally don’t want you deciding what I can and can’t read and I doubt that others want you to be the judge of such things. That’s the end result of your proposals. Also, as I’ve mentioned, maybe you need to chill out a little. This is supposed to be fun!
As for Audio Doctor, I also have found them to be very helpful. I don’t really blame a dealer for recommending products he sells. Hopefully he sells them because he likes them. I don’t blame a dealer for trying to attract customers as long as he is not too aggressive about it.
@fast A couple of recommendations... 1st, put a rug or 2 on the floor in front of and in between you and the speakers. Next, I strongly recommend the triangular type set up... Meaning your distance between the center of your speakers is the same as the distance from your speakers to your ears. In this case, you can normally get that full width distance before your soundstage will collapse, this gives you a large spacious stage. Next, What you stated for tow in is reverse.... a full tow in (pointed at your ears) will give you the fullest most detailed presentation, but can show peaks in the room or any abnormalities... So, start with a full tow, then turn the tow outward a few degrees at a time, until you have tamed your response or in this case the harshness or screeching sound. I use a cheap laser pointer along the side of my speakers to get alignment correct between left and right channels.... This should help, Good Luck, Tim
One question. I’ve been considering the Isoacoustics Gaia or pucks. My speakers are on a hardwood floor, currently resting on the included spikes.
Definitely give the GAIAs a try, especially since your speakers are spiked onto hardwood flooring.
I know that these products probably won’t impact the treble but may tighten up the bass.
I have a feeling you will be surprised at how much of an impact they will have. Isoacoustics offers return privileges via it's dealers, if you don't find them helpful.
Pardon me D2girls, why the rancor directed against us? There have been numerous other posters who have talked with us who will blatently disagree with you.
As a dealer with one of the largest collections of gear on the East Coast, of course we are going to recommend brands we work with as we have chosen them against many other brands of products and either prefer their sound or found them to be a better value, or both.
As per us only endorse our brands poppycock, you will see in our replies on the Elac’s we actually recomnmended Prima Luna, we aren’t a Prima Luna Dealer, on speaker threads we have praised Rockport, we aren’t a Rockport dealer.
We do a lot of testing, and work with each client on a one to one basis, we haven’t worked with you but your attitude so far leaves us little doubt that you would not be open to our suggestions.
Also we usually start to work with a client via adding or changing cables, power conditioners, vibration isolation components, and room tuning, before making a change in components unless the poster has products which really don't work well together from the begining.
Our approach is not to thow out the baby with the bathwater, while too many dealers will recommend component changes first, we prefer to work with where we perceive a system's weaknesses are.
We are an Isoacoustics dealer and the product so far has proven to work very well and is reasonably priced. The Isoacoustics improve image focus and do tighten up the bass while improving macro dynamics.
One of the greatest endorsements is that Harry Wiesfeld of VPI fame is using the Isoacoustics with his personal set of Blades.
Fast please feel free to PM us and we can give you some pointers on how to get the best out of the Ref 5.
D2girls you really need to grow up and analyize the facts before you speak.
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