KEF Q900's replace my LSi15's...pics

13

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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2012
    KEF's are wonderful. It's funny to see people finally coming around....even if it's a decade or so late :smile:
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited January 2012
    like my Van Wilder'esque tenure at Va Tech ... just a little slow to pick these things up ;)
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited January 2012
    PrazVT wrote: »
    Yup - that'll be the next step once the funds are replenished. Phil, are you getting these too?

    Not just yet, I'm still pretty impressed with the Polk LSi/FX surrounds. The only thing I don't like about the Q800 surrounds is that they are dipoles. I like the flexibility of the LSi/FX dipole/bipole feature. In fact I like the bipole setting for my room. I'll have to grab a pair for audition before I would consider making the move. They just might fit the bill, but for now the Polk's are staying.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited January 2012
    dorokusai wrote: »
    KEF's are wonderful. It's funny to see people finally coming around....even if it's a decade or so late :smile:

    Hey, my third set of speaks was KEF Coda III, bought them back in 1987 (I think) right after B&W DM110 and Tamon (1977)..:smile:
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • michael1947
    michael1947 Posts: 775
    edited January 2012
    To all of you previous posters. Are the LSI's ( 9's % 15's) that much more musical than the RTI series. I have some RTIA1's, A3's and some A9's and was going to use some for a little 2 channel...would something else be sweeter?
    Main Family Room: Sony 46 LCD, Sony Blue Ray, Sony DVD/VCR combo,Onkyo TXNR 708, Parasound 5250,
    Polk SDS-SRS with mods, CSI 5 center + Klipsch SC2, Polk RT2000P rears, Klipsch KG 1.5's sides, Polk Micro Pro 1000, Polk Micro Pro 2000, Polk SW505, Belkin PF60, Signal Cable Classics,Monster IC's, 2 15 amp circuits & 1 20 amp circuit.

    Living Room: Belkin PF60, Parasound HCA2200, MIT ProlineEXP balanced IC's,Emotiva XDA-1 DAC/Pre,Emotiva ERC2 transport,MIT AVT2, Polk LSI 9's.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited January 2012
    The tweeters on the LSi's are much more neutral than the RTi As. That vifa tweeter is sweet.
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited January 2012
    Not just yet, I'm still pretty impressed with the Polk LSi/FX surrounds. The only thing I don't like about the Q800 surrounds is that they are dipoles. I like the flexibility of the LSi/FX dipole/bipole feature. In fact I like the bipole setting for my room. I'll have to grab a pair for audition before I would consider making the move. They just might fit the bill, but for now the Polk's are staying.

    Well since you're using the LSi/FX, you're probably okay. I have FXi5s which, at least for multichannel music, might sound a little off in comparison. I think mine are in di-pole as they sit directly to the sides. I just followed the manual's examples .. not entirely clear on the whole thing.
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited January 2012
    PrazVT wrote: »
    Well since you're using the LSi/FX, you're probably okay. I have FXi5s which, at least for multichannel music, might sound a little off in comparison. I think mine are in di-pole as they sit directly to the sides. I just followed the manual's examples .. not entirely clear on the whole thing.

    A dipole design is where the two drivers are firing out of phase...meaning one is pushing & one is pulling. A bipole design has both drivers in phase & firing out at the same time. The dipole setting is best for speakers mounted on the side walls directly across from the rear seating. A biploe is best suited for mounting on both side walls slightly behind the rear seating. Dipoles give a more diffused sound as where the bipoles are more directional. My seating arragement has my LSi/FX's mounted on the side walls approx 3' behind my seating area. I just like the sound in bipole vs dipole. Now the KEF Q800 surrounds are designed as a dipole only. I'm still going to give them a try one of these days & who knows, I just might like them.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited January 2012
    And here we are ... obligatory snapshot! I'll give some initial impressions soon, but I can tell that these speakers need to broken in. I can already hear them mellowing out a little after a couple of hours. But so far soo good. And the bass is niiice - somewhat difference experience from the ported woofers on the A7s.

    Anyway - little tired from all the measuring / repositioning of the speakers and furniture. I had to move everything right by 3 inches so that the left speaker would clear the fireplace. Made a big difference in the MCACC calculations. Also 2 quick beers is making me sleepy lol.
    kef.JPG 482.6K
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
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  • bobsauto49
    bobsauto49 Posts: 973
    edited January 2012
    Congrats Praz! NICE! I can attest that they seemed to be tight for a short while.But the more they played,the more they relaxed,and the better they sounded! And every day,they seem more and more accurate,with tighter base! Good Grief,I'm excited for you! Mine are only 12 or so days old,and I feel they are not done improving yet! Have fun Sir!!!!
    "Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited January 2012
    Thanks man :) Awesome experience thus far - watching some Netflix and very impressed with the center!
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
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  • Tankman
    Tankman Posts: 419
    edited January 2012
    @PrazVT..How are the low end on them?..I was looking into upgrading myM70's soon..And have been looking into the Lsi15 they are going for a great price.But i did look into the Q900 that you have. The Q900 with the two 8".driver's shound have a better low end over the Lsi15.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited January 2012
    I've not heard the LSi towers so not sure what the bass is like on those. I've been listening for a few hours now (its 3:30 am that's how much I like these speakers), and just finished a couple of bass heavy Jamiroquai disco'ish tracks. I'd say bass extension is true to the specs - I have yet to feel like that last bit down low is missing in any tracks. They hard and are not boomy or overpowering. Very accurate.

    Midrange is liquid... guitars, horns, voices sound live - more details are revealed with these speakers. Tweeters are similarly detailed - and warming up slowly.
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
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  • Tankman
    Tankman Posts: 419
    edited January 2012
    PrazVT Thanks for the reply.They sure are a nice looking speaker.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited January 2012
    Very nice!

    Is that also your BF3 rig?
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited January 2012
    Sweet setup , sorry Ive been so busy lately but I do want to get over and listen bro.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited January 2012
    Very nice!

    Is that also your BF3 rig?

    Thanks. Actually no - oddly enough the PC & XBOX gaming happens on the bedroom LSi9 rig (monstrosity below). I have a hard time playing FPS on a huge screen ... 27" Dell Ultra sharp is a good compromise.
    room.jpg 195.3K
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
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  • Brasiliaflyer
    Brasiliaflyer Posts: 67
    edited March 2012
    You guys with the Q900's... still glad you went with them?
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  • bobsauto49
    bobsauto49 Posts: 973
    edited March 2012
    Every second of them!:cheesygrin:
    "Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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  • Stilly74
    Stilly74 Posts: 194
    edited March 2012
    I don't like to post prices but I live in Canada . What is a good price for the Q900's ...I can get them up here for around $1700 on sale
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited March 2012
    You guys with the Q900's... still glad you went with them?

    Hell yes. I look forward to just cranking them up every day when I get home from the office. Plus tweaking some components (cables, DAC) and letting everything burn in has resulted in a near perfect experience for me.

    @ Stilly74

    That's about $100 < MSRP for a pair so not too bad. I purchased from a local authorized dealer, so I paid a little more to support that shop. But you're in Canada, so not sure how limited your choices are.
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
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  • bobsauto49
    bobsauto49 Posts: 973
    edited March 2012
    Hey Praz,Mit's are due in today! I'd like to say i'm getting a cough,but i'm the boss,and no one else here does what i HAVE TO DO!
    But i'm excited for tonight!
    "Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,782
    edited March 2012
    I have found a few sets of Q900 for a grand... just waiting for when the time is right :)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited March 2012
    You're gettin some too Trey? Awesome :) Perhaps that is when I'll let you talk me into modding these lol.
    Hey Praz,Mit's are due in today! I'd like to say i'm getting a cough,but i'm the boss,and no one else here does what i HAVE TO DO!
    But i'm excited for tonight!

    Awesome! Just remember they need 2 days of burn in to get 75% there, and 2 weeks to get 100% there. But you'll notice a difference immediately. Let us know your thoughts!
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,782
    edited March 2012
    Chances are I will end up with Q700 when my Super Towers sell. It will take quite a speaker to sell me on an 8" midrange driver...

    Shall see - I have a few other options... the Tyler Taylo 7u would be awesome - I have seen some of those go very inexpensive used. I use to own a set so I know what I am getting into...

    Just looking to downsize either way! :)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,782
    edited March 2012
    Modding the Q series would be a piece of cake... they have like two parts! The tweeter cap is right in line though so it has a pretty important role...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2012
    VR3 wrote: »
    Chances are I will end up with Q700 when my Super Towers sell. It will take quite a speaker to sell me on an 8" midrange driver...
    Nothing wrong with a large mid as long as the tweeter is crossed low. Being that the tweeter is horn loaded(mid acts as a horn), it shouldn't be an issue.
    VR3 wrote: »
    Modding the Q series would be a piece of cake... they have like two parts! The tweeter cap is right in line though so it has a pretty important role...
    Parallel components can be just as important, if not more important, it depends on the circuit.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,782
    edited March 2012
    If I can find the Q900 for the same price as the Q700 I will most likely go that route simply because it would not make sense not to but it would be an odd change. Then again the Super Towers are only 1" smaller...

    Good point on the crossovers - looking at a set right now that fall under that category...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Brasiliaflyer
    Brasiliaflyer Posts: 67
    edited March 2012
    Has anyone compared the sq of the Q700s? I like the price better :-). Would the difference be more than additional spl? Q700 vs q900.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,782
    edited March 2012
    I imagine you would gain a little SPL and a little bass

    I have contemplated getting the Q300 + dual subs too... ponder ponder ponder
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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