Kef Reference Model One Advice.

mad4jags · 4 Oct 2013 at 21:34

Evening all.
I'd be interested in hearing anyone's views on the Kef reference model one loudspeaker system.
How do these fair by today's standards?
I've been given the opportunity to purchase a pair of these,so before allowing my heart to rule my head I would truly appreciate any pointers on what to expect from them,which amplifiers are best suited to them,are they easy to position etc.

Thanks in advance.

lucid · 4 Oct 2013 at 23:33

Reference series from that vintage have a lovely midrange and very wide dispersal. They're also reputed to image very well too. The caveat is they need an amp with the ability to produce a lot of current in order to get the best from the speakers. It's the bass in particular. With weaker amps the bass won't sound its best.

I've heard Reference Three's briefly at a clients on the end of a pretty potent Naim system. Unfortunately the room was very minimalist so much of the benefit was lost to room echo off hard surfaces.

I've installed the current R500's, and they're an easier load and less demanding on the electronics. Buying used very-high-performance speakers is a bit of a mixed blessing. The price is great but the rest of the system has to be up to the task to get the full benefit. The saving grace is that with used speakers if you buy at the right price then you can move them on with no financial penalty.

mad4jags · 6 Oct 2013 at 18:34

Many thanks for your input Lucid.
I managed to demo them with my own amp and they sound superb,so needless to say I bought them!
I own the Kef TDM 5.1 home theatre speaker system,which paired with my Marantz AV 8004 pre/power amplifiers,sound incredible with film,however I felt the need for something more musical to handle stereo duty.
With the Marantz in pure direct mode and the Kef model ones hooked up I'm delighted with the sound quality.You're spot on about the midrange,very open and detailed(something the TDM's are also well known for),but its the bass that instantly grabbed my attention,being very powerful, clean,fast and well controlled.
Considering I parted with the grand sum of £350 for them,it's money well spent me thinks!!

lucid · 6 Oct 2013 at 19:38

Glad you are pleased. The Reference Ones have an isobaric bass driver arrangement, so as long as the amp delivers the power and control then the bass is very clean, tight and controlled too.