KEF1005.2 @ £299 or Tannoy SFX5.1 at £199

[brantome]

I know neither of these are current, but I'm looking to replace my Yamaha YSP-1 sound bar to try and get better surround sound in my odd shaped lounge - I get next to no rear surround and limited left/right from the YSP due to firing across the narrow width of half of my long lounge/dining room (i.e. no right wall to bounce sound off and a window smack bang on the left wall)

I will possibly get a new receiver to upgrade my unused Yamaha of 4-5 yrs vintage (can't recall the number and not at home as I post), so my budget on speakers is limited - £300 tops. And they need to be small and discreet - one of the reasons I got rid of floorstanders etc before I got the YSP-1.

So, Tannoy or KEF (or maybe even Jamo)? Advice appreciated.

Thanks

[everitt1984]

I was in a very similar boat until a few hours ago! Cant comment on the other 2 as I know nothing about them nor heard them, however I've just got the Kefs. Not set up yet but will post a couple of pics and let you know how they sound tomorrow for you if it helps..

[brantome]

Originally Posted by everitt1984

I was in a very similar boat until a few hours ago! Cant comment on the other 2 as I know nothing about them nor heard them, however I've just got the Kefs. Not set up yet but will post a couple of pics and let you know how they sound tomorrow for you if it helps..

Ta, that would be helpful

[dicklodge]

the Tannoy SFX 5.1 wouldn't be a good pairing with your existing Yamaha amp, as they, and your Yamaha amp are warm sounding, so could produce an overly warm sound.

KEF speakers are neutral, so, out of the two sets, the KEFs would be better with your current Yamaha amp. Also, as they're neutral, should work with any future amp purchase.

[everitt1984]

Well got my kefs up and running, so far so good. Quick blast of a bluray and a few games on the 360 and i'm impressed. I've gone from a samsung all in one box jobby and the difference is very noticable (new amp aswell though).

I understand what is meant by neutral I think thats a good description, I dont think you'll be disapointed! They are very clear and clinical, reloading a gun for instance on the 360 is incredibly clear.

They look great too, wasn't too taken by them in the shop but up I think they look good, and a bonus that they have mounts which rotate (very slightly) giving you a bit of an angle if you dont want them facing straight.

Took some photos for you, the one of the sub aint great but its very nice and sleek.

HTH Cheers

[riggsymalone]

just be careful not to blow the drivers on the kefs as i've done 3 drivers so far in 2 years.

[everitt1984]

Oh dear, how'd you do that? I'll be careful then..

One negative is after a bit more use I think the sub could be a bit better, not quite as punchy as I'd like but could just be that I've not got it quite set up right yet.

[riggsymalone]

[QUOTE=everitt1984;11095079]Oh dear, how'd you do that? I'll be careful then..

They're not too great at playing music and i listen to a lot of rock, I don't think they liked that? Anyway i replaced the two fronts with some dali lektors and just use a 2.1 system for playing music which is good enough for my lounge. The centre speaker went recently don't know how just noticed it when watching a film last week so gonna have to get that repaired.

Yeah the subs ok for a £300 5.1 system but could be improved upon, as i said before great for films, but doesn't seem to keep pace with music.

[everitt1984]

I see, for the minute it'll rarely have music played on them as its purely for films and games with those so should hopefully be alright.

What settings do you have your sub set?

[brantome]

Thanks for posting the pics.

I doubt if I'd drive the speakers hard enough intentionally to blow them given I'm in a terraced house and wouldn't want to annoy the neighbours - well, not too much ;-), but it's still a worry.

Think I'll take the plunge - I like the idea of having the rears on stands so I can move them around a bit for best surround given my sofa's right back against the wall.