KEF Q Series

LeftCoast
LeftCoast Posts: 406
edited November 2013 in Speakers
Hey Everyone

Just stumbled upon an authorized dealer in West L.A. who can best Accessories4less on the KEF Q series by hundreds of dollars. And the speakers are brand new, not refurbs!

I think I will pull the trigger on this!
Post edited by LeftCoast on

Comments

  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited November 2013
    KEF Q series has many models.
    Which ones u looking at?

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited November 2013
    Keep in mind, Accessories4less may not be an authorized seller of KEF, thus you'll have no warranty.

    10yrs ago I took a gamble on my parasound HCA-1500A amp, buying from a non-authorized seller for $725 new. Luckily, it panned out for me. Of course now that I have said that out loud, I fully expect my amp to go up in flames this evening. LOL
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited November 2013
    The current Q series from KEF sounds better than their previous Q models but don't look as nice IMO. The current line has a nice smooth and somewhat relaxed sound, so if you're looking for a more forward or bright sound they may not be for you. I personally think the current line is the speaker they've made in this price range yet, just not the prettiest.

    I had a tough call between the KEF Q series and the PSB Image series as both represent the best efforts of both companies yet in their price range. I ultimately chose the PSB due to their slightly more forward sound (sounded a bit more dynamic to me) and because of their styling, but I could have easily lived with the KEF Q.
  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited November 2013
    Authorized Dealers are a good things, so good choice and post pictures when you get them!
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2013
    The Q100 makes a great desktop monitor.
    "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
  • LeftCoast
    LeftCoast Posts: 406
    edited November 2013
    Mystery wrote: »
    KEF Q series has many models.
    Which ones u looking at?

    KEF Q900 $1,050 for a pair, out the door if I pick them up myself.

    He gave a good price on the Q800 and Q600 as well.
  • LeftCoast
    LeftCoast Posts: 406
    edited November 2013
    The current Q series from KEF sounds better than their previous Q models but don't look as nice IMO. The current line has a nice smooth and somewhat relaxed sound, so if you're looking for a more forward or bright sound they may not be for you. I personally think the current line is the speaker they've made in this price range yet, just not the prettiest.

    I had a tough call between the KEF Q series and the PSB Image series as both represent the best efforts of both companies yet in their price range. I ultimately chose the PSB due to their slightly more forward sound (sounded a bit more dynamic to me) and because of their styling, but I could have easily lived with the KEF Q.

    Thanks for the input. Hmm...Relaxed sound? I haven't gotten a receiver yet...What if the KEFs are paired with and Onkyo? I've heard that the Onkyo's are dynamic AVR and good for HT.

    The gear that I DO have already (not much) are 5 channel Sunfire amp I bought from Nooshinjohn, and have been hording, and an SVS PBS 12 plus 2.

    My very own place with no wife or gf to have to anwer to. The place has a 29 x 20 bonus room. I want to experiment with 11.1...just because I can :)

    I say that I'm more geared toward HT, but if I'm honest, I'm probably pickier about music than I usually admit to.

    Oh, btw, I listened to the Klipsch reference speakers, and don't think they are for me for a few different reasons.

    I will look into the PSB Image series.

    I listened to some Bowers & Wilkins speakers at BB. Don't remember what model, but I really liked them. But they were a bit pricey....Maybe if I research I can find a better price than BB.
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited November 2013
    Those are excellent prices. Though the new Q series is not as forward as previous series (which is a GOOD thing IMO) I would not say that they are laid back either. They would be a very good choice for HT and if I were going to upgrade my HT Polks I'd seriously consider Q towers especially at those prices! Think you're doing the right thing!

    Enjoy!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
  • drummer86
    drummer86 Posts: 441
    edited November 2013
    That's a fantastic price for those speakers! Good buy. Congrats. If you have that Sunfire amp you may want to consider just going with a pure preamp...? Onkyos have gotten a bit of a poor reputations lately for reliability issues but if you're not using the amplifiers you might be okay.
    Display: LG 47" LCD | AVR: Marantz SR5005 | BD: Panasonic BDT-210 | CD/SACD: Oppo 980 |
    Amps: Rotel RB-990bx | Marantz MA-500 | Speakers: Totem Mite : Totem Mite-C : RC60i | Sub: HSU VTF-2 MKIV

    HK AVR635 | Polk R30 | Sony DVD/SACD Player
  • LeftCoast
    LeftCoast Posts: 406
    edited November 2013
    drummer86 wrote: »
    That's a fantastic price for those speakers! Good buy. Congrats. If you have that Sunfire amp you may want to consider just going with a pure preamp...? Onkyos have gotten a bit of a poor reputations lately for reliability issues but if you're not using the amplifiers you might be okay.

    Well, the Sunfire is a 5 channel amp, and I'm going for more than a 5.1 system. Maybe if another Sunfire popped up, I'd consider the pre pro. :)

    So it's a toss up between the Onkyo 5010 and the Denon 4520. I want to try the full deal with Audyssey DSX and DTS Neo X. Dan (Mantis) says I don't need it. I'm sure he's right, but since I have the place all to myself and can do what I want, why not try it out and see? I'll probably invite some of the local Polkies for a listen just to see what everyone thinks, then do a write up.

    Just a little bit more info - The guy is also an authorized Denon dealer and said he'd give me a good price on that.
  • drummer86
    drummer86 Posts: 441
    edited November 2013
    DSkip wrote: »
    Doubt it. Most of the issues I've seen them have is overheating of the HDMI board. I don't think not using the amp is going to prevent that from happening. I don't see those issues pop up as much as they used to though.

    That's a good point. I haven't heard much about it as of late either. I have heard though that the new amps are considerably lighter and not quite as stout in the power department.

    TX-SR805 51lbs TX-NR828 33lbs (less than my 2 channel Rotel amp). Yikes.
    Display: LG 47" LCD | AVR: Marantz SR5005 | BD: Panasonic BDT-210 | CD/SACD: Oppo 980 |
    Amps: Rotel RB-990bx | Marantz MA-500 | Speakers: Totem Mite : Totem Mite-C : RC60i | Sub: HSU VTF-2 MKIV

    HK AVR635 | Polk R30 | Sony DVD/SACD Player
  • drummer86
    drummer86 Posts: 441
    edited November 2013
    LeftCoast wrote: »
    Just a little bit more info - The guy is also an authorized Denon dealer and said he'd give me a good price on that.

    Well with deal you got on the KEFs I'd say you can't go wrong with that Denon.
    Display: LG 47" LCD | AVR: Marantz SR5005 | BD: Panasonic BDT-210 | CD/SACD: Oppo 980 |
    Amps: Rotel RB-990bx | Marantz MA-500 | Speakers: Totem Mite : Totem Mite-C : RC60i | Sub: HSU VTF-2 MKIV

    HK AVR635 | Polk R30 | Sony DVD/SACD Player
  • -Stanley-
    -Stanley- Posts: 44
    edited November 2013
    I found a used pair of two month old Q900's for 8 bills. After listening to them I'd have no problem paying that price for them. Well worth the money IMO. Very nice sounding speakers. I'm not saying it just because I own them. The highs are nice and detailed without being harsh and the mids/bass is very good. I think you'll enjoy them.
  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,092
    edited November 2013
    The KEF Q series are fantastic sounding speakers. You will note be disappointed in their musical performance for both HT & 2 channel listening. The Uni-Q driver really fills the room no matter where you're sitting. I say go for it.
    "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.
  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited November 2013
    That tangerine wave guide in the middles is fantastic for HT, especially the clarity for dialogue. I had a full 5 ch setup and just loved them so I say go for it, for the money your going to be hard pressed to find anything else comparable.
  • LeftCoast
    LeftCoast Posts: 406
    edited November 2013
    drummer86 wrote: »
    Well with deal you got on the KEFs I'd say you can't go wrong with that Denon.

    Thanks, drummer. Yes, this is making total sense. I don't know if I stated this but will be using a 5 channel Sunfire amp for the front soundstage, and use the Denon to power the rest. From what I read, it seems easier to do with the Denon. And with the money saved, it helps justify adding the Darbee Edition Oppo 103.
  • LeftCoast
    LeftCoast Posts: 406
    edited November 2013
    The KEF Q series are fantastic sounding speakers. You will note be disappointed in their musical performance for both HT & 2 channel listening. The Uni-Q driver really fills the room no matter where you're sitting. I say go for it.

    Phil, It was your center speaker shootout thread from a couple of years ago that influenced this decision. I never forgot it. haha.
  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,092
    edited November 2013
    LeftCoast wrote: »
    Phil, It was your center speaker shootout thread from a couple of years ago that influenced this decision. I never forgot it. haha.

    Yep, I remember that. There were 3 center speakers involved...the Axiom VP150, Polk LSiC & the KEF Q600. They were all great but the KEF with it's tangerine wave guide & the Uni-Q driver really stood out as being the best for dialog & dynamics. With the KEF there isn't a bad seat in the house.
    "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.
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2013
    cnh wrote: »
    Those are excellent prices. Though the new Q series is not as forward as previous series (which is a GOOD thing IMO) I would not say that they are laid back either. They would be a very good choice for HT and if I were going to upgrade my HT Polks I'd seriously consider Q towers especially at those prices! Think you're doing the right thing!
    I would say they're dead neutral.
    "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