Some More Thoughts on the KEF Q900s
While I gave some initial impressions on these speakers when I first got them, I've had some time to really get used to them and tweak some system components to get the sound almost perfect. I know bobsauto49 posted his thoughts recently, so I will do the same.
All this is in reference to music - which I listen to in 2 ch w/o subs, in pure direct mode and no tone adjustments. I'll just say the Q900s and Q600c are excellent with TV & movies for now.
Recent tweaks:
Swapped in the better of the 2 DACS I have - the W4S DAC-1.
Added some MIT cables (thanks to you guys for the feedback there) - Shotgun S3s and some CVT 2s for the DAC -> Pre section. Signal Analog 2s are still working the 5 pre -> amps IC connections, but they have done an admirable job carrying the improved source signals - to the extent that I don't believe swapping in MIT ICs is immediately imperative (eventually..but doesn't seem necessary right now).
I only have RTi A7s and LSi9s to compare with - tonally and bass wise, so please keep that in mind.
Looks / Build Quality:
They're not as pretty as Polk LSi Ms, I'll admit. But the UniQ 8" driver + tweeter and three 8" woofers look pretty badass. The faux cherry finish is clean, but obviously the RTi As were prettier. But I didn't buy these for their looks, so it's irrelevant to me.
Imaging / Soundstage:
The Q900s' throw out a wide 3D sound stage - it's a little eery at times. The imaging is such that ambient sounds like echoed voices or ambient musical affects are coming from the FXi5s directly to the sides of me. In fact, I was listening to The Roots' "How I Got Over" tonight and that effect was very apparent. One difference from my previous setup w/ the RTi As is that instrument and voice placement in the sound stage is also more accurate. I remember when I first got that "hey the music is coming from the center channel" feeling and how crazy it was. These speakers take it one step further - ex. The Roots' bonus track on the 'Tipping Point' album.
- piano is a little left of center
- some rappers are center and some come in from either side
- some of the drum cymbals are left of center and some are right
Now that is a cool effect.
On a related note, I was actually on a second date tonight
So we were both on the couch and I put some music on and ask said date where she heard music coming from - she pointed to the center channel. I was like good girl
Highs / Midrange:
Pre MIT cables but post speaker break in - the tweeters kind of fell in between the RTi A7s and LSi9s in terms of how neutral they were. Not as bright as the A7s but definitely not laid back / slightly recessed (in comparison) like the vifa tweeter. The detail eclipses both though - horns, cymbals, guitars sound - you hear the texture in each instrument and it's airy. Some recordings were still fell a little towards the side of bright / harsh that I don't like - it was just those recordings (my 24/96 DVD-A rip of Brothers in Arms for instance feels little brighter on some tracks than the SACD).
Post MIT cables, all tonal / timbre related characteristics were rectified. Tone and timbre sound true and the tweeters sound great with everything - I look forward to hearing all the high frequency details in my favorite music. I've got some overlapping burn in going on right now as there were a few days between the speaker cable install and the IC install, though, so I foresee things only getting better in the coming weeks.
No complaints on the midrange either. Voices & instruments are tonally accurate and rich - very impressed w/ the UniQ driver / tweeter setup.
Bass:
The active 8" woofers + passive 8" radiators kick some ****. More and more I realize I prefer the sound of sealed subs & woofers. While I'm not the bass head I was in my 20s, I need to hear and feel the bass to really enjoy a track. I prefer full range towers for simple reason that I don't have a way to run stereo subs AND high pass filter the main speakers. With the Lsi9s, I just used frequency response measurements and an SPL meter to decide where to overlap the speakers' low end and the Micropro 2K's top end. It works, but it doesn't sound natural.
I enjoyed my Rti A7s' low end. The two 7s hit hard, but at some point you could hear the where the woofers were hitting their limits. The low end on the Q900s has opened up alot in the last month - add to that recent tweaks and the bass response is even better. The Q900s give you rich, tight, deep bass, that your **** will feel even though you're sitting on a leather couch 2 feet up and 10 feet away But you never hear the woofers per say - which is the difference. Just the bass. I hope that makes some sense.
Summary:
The KEF Q900s - when set up properly - and with some system synergy, are a great value for the money. I took a slight chance when I purchased them. I got an idea of their various musical characteristics when I test drove the Q700s at the store. But that was a different room with different gear and obviously a smaller speaker. But they continue to amaze me a little more every day - so it was money well spent!!
One thing I have not tried - but I may just for the hell of it, is to run the Q900s off of the SC 57s class D amps. These are supposed to be relatively efficient speakers. I am curious how they would sound compared to the NAD M25. I know they got close w/ the A7s, but not all there.
Thanks to pearsall001 and bobsauto49 for putting these speakers on my radar and to the usual suspects for your suggestions, advice, and patience w/ my inane questions.
- Praz
All this is in reference to music - which I listen to in 2 ch w/o subs, in pure direct mode and no tone adjustments. I'll just say the Q900s and Q600c are excellent with TV & movies for now.
Recent tweaks:
Swapped in the better of the 2 DACS I have - the W4S DAC-1.
Added some MIT cables (thanks to you guys for the feedback there) - Shotgun S3s and some CVT 2s for the DAC -> Pre section. Signal Analog 2s are still working the 5 pre -> amps IC connections, but they have done an admirable job carrying the improved source signals - to the extent that I don't believe swapping in MIT ICs is immediately imperative (eventually..but doesn't seem necessary right now).
I only have RTi A7s and LSi9s to compare with - tonally and bass wise, so please keep that in mind.
Looks / Build Quality:
They're not as pretty as Polk LSi Ms, I'll admit. But the UniQ 8" driver + tweeter and three 8" woofers look pretty badass. The faux cherry finish is clean, but obviously the RTi As were prettier. But I didn't buy these for their looks, so it's irrelevant to me.
Imaging / Soundstage:
The Q900s' throw out a wide 3D sound stage - it's a little eery at times. The imaging is such that ambient sounds like echoed voices or ambient musical affects are coming from the FXi5s directly to the sides of me. In fact, I was listening to The Roots' "How I Got Over" tonight and that effect was very apparent. One difference from my previous setup w/ the RTi As is that instrument and voice placement in the sound stage is also more accurate. I remember when I first got that "hey the music is coming from the center channel" feeling and how crazy it was. These speakers take it one step further - ex. The Roots' bonus track on the 'Tipping Point' album.
- piano is a little left of center
- some rappers are center and some come in from either side
- some of the drum cymbals are left of center and some are right
Now that is a cool effect.
On a related note, I was actually on a second date tonight
So we were both on the couch and I put some music on and ask said date where she heard music coming from - she pointed to the center channel. I was like good girl Highs / Midrange:
Pre MIT cables but post speaker break in - the tweeters kind of fell in between the RTi A7s and LSi9s in terms of how neutral they were. Not as bright as the A7s but definitely not laid back / slightly recessed (in comparison) like the vifa tweeter. The detail eclipses both though - horns, cymbals, guitars sound - you hear the texture in each instrument and it's airy. Some recordings were still fell a little towards the side of bright / harsh that I don't like - it was just those recordings (my 24/96 DVD-A rip of Brothers in Arms for instance feels little brighter on some tracks than the SACD).
Post MIT cables, all tonal / timbre related characteristics were rectified. Tone and timbre sound true and the tweeters sound great with everything - I look forward to hearing all the high frequency details in my favorite music. I've got some overlapping burn in going on right now as there were a few days between the speaker cable install and the IC install, though, so I foresee things only getting better in the coming weeks.
No complaints on the midrange either. Voices & instruments are tonally accurate and rich - very impressed w/ the UniQ driver / tweeter setup.
Bass:
The active 8" woofers + passive 8" radiators kick some ****. More and more I realize I prefer the sound of sealed subs & woofers. While I'm not the bass head I was in my 20s, I need to hear and feel the bass to really enjoy a track. I prefer full range towers for simple reason that I don't have a way to run stereo subs AND high pass filter the main speakers. With the Lsi9s, I just used frequency response measurements and an SPL meter to decide where to overlap the speakers' low end and the Micropro 2K's top end. It works, but it doesn't sound natural.
I enjoyed my Rti A7s' low end. The two 7s hit hard, but at some point you could hear the where the woofers were hitting their limits. The low end on the Q900s has opened up alot in the last month - add to that recent tweaks and the bass response is even better. The Q900s give you rich, tight, deep bass, that your **** will feel even though you're sitting on a leather couch 2 feet up and 10 feet away
But you never hear the woofers per say - which is the difference. Just the bass. I hope that makes some sense.Summary:
The KEF Q900s - when set up properly - and with some system synergy, are a great value for the money. I took a slight chance when I purchased them. I got an idea of their various musical characteristics when I test drove the Q700s at the store. But that was a different room with different gear and obviously a smaller speaker. But they continue to amaze me a little more every day - so it was money well spent!!
One thing I have not tried - but I may just for the hell of it, is to run the Q900s off of the SC 57s class D amps. These are supposed to be relatively efficient speakers. I am curious how they would sound compared to the NAD M25. I know they got close w/ the A7s, but not all there.
Thanks to pearsall001 and bobsauto49 for putting these speakers on my radar and to the usual suspects for your suggestions, advice, and patience w/ my inane questions.
- Praz
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
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
Post edited by PrazVT on
Comments
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Nice review. Congrats!
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I've always enjoyed KEF speakers. It's a shame they don't more love in the states. Great review.Display: Sony 42" LCD
Sources: Harman Kardon DVD-27,
Panasonic DMP-BDT110 blu ray player
AVR: Sony STR-DA2400ES
Amps: Sonance Sonamp 260(fronts),
Kenwood KM-894(surrounds)
Fronts: NHT 2.5
Center: NHT VS-1.2A
Surrounds: NHT Super One
Subwoofer: SVS PB10-ISD -
Did ya get any?
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George Grand wrote: »Did ya get any?
That's what I wondered too. Where are the pictures of said date so we here @ CP can approve your choice. :razz: -
Very nice write up Praz! I feel your assesment is spot on with my feelings on these gems! These speakers feel accurate/spot on detail! I read in a review,that these were a bit bright,until full break-in,and thats exactly what i found! These will be staying in my rig for quite awhile! Congrats,and very well done! And answer George's question!"Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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All of the above comments are dead on. The Q900's make you rethink the whole "Sweet Spot" topic. The whole room is pretty much now the "Sweet Spot". The dynamics, vocals, midrange, top end, bass are simply outrageous for both HT & two channel enjoyment. I'm just about ready to pull the trigger on a pair of Q800S surrounds to round out the system."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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^Interesting Phil!^ I was thinking of pulling the trigger on the Q300's today,but have given some thought to the Q800's. Whats your take?"Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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bobsauto49 wrote: »^Interesting Phil!^ I was thinking of pulling the trigger on the Q300's today,but have given some thought to the Q800's. Whats your take?
It all depends on where you're going to use them. I have side surrounds (presently LSi/FX) mounted about 3' behind the listening area & about 6.5' high. The concensus is that side surrounds should be a dipole/bipole speaker for better sound dispersion. The Q300's would be perfect for rear surrounds because they should fire directly forward. As side surroundss the Q300's would be too much of an in your face sound. You would know exactly where the sound in coming from. Whereas the Q800's are a dipole & the sound would be diffused & not as easy to pinpoint. That is the job of side surrounds...the effects are there but they don't draw attention to themselves."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. -
Did ya get any?
I write like a 1 page review on my speakers everyone focuses on the one line about my date lol. Let's just say 2 dates in 24 hrs = things are moving in the right directionThat's what I wondered too. Where are the pictures of said date so we here @ CP can approve your choice.
LOL. Yeah - my next review right?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 -
It all depends on where you're going to use them. I have side surrounds (presently LSi/FX) mounted about 3' behind the listening area & about 6.5' high. The concensus is that side surrounds should be a dipole/bipole speaker for better sound dispersion. The Q300's would be perfect for rear surrounds because they should fire directly forward. As side surroundss the Q300's would be too much of an in your face sound. You would know exactly where the sound in coming from. Whereas the Q800's are a dipole & the sound would be diffused & not as easy to pinpoint. That is the job of side surrounds...the effects are there but they don't draw attention to themselves.
Good insights Phil. I recall when I was using RTi a1s as surrounds, they were very directional and I've enjoyed the FXi5s as surrounds much more - even with multichannel music. If you and bobsauto pull the trigger on the Q800s, do post your thoughts. The surrounds are next on my list.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 -
HTguru1982 wrote: »I've always enjoyed KEF speakers. It's a shame they don't more love in the states. Great review.
Thanks! Actually I recall seeing the previous Q series at Frys when I was shopping for speakers at the very beginning. But I didn't know much about them (well didn't know much about anything at the time lol).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 -
LOL. Yeah - my next review right?
We shall ALL hold you to that.
You have 30 days to conduct your next review. Go. :razz: -
She might ask questions if I start writing notes while I'm with her. Ah well, I'll tell her it's poetry. :cheesygrin: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
