[JazzG]

Cool, even though you say there is a clear step up I do wonder for my own use whether it is worth going up a level because just mainly TV and movie use. Like you say might just look at getting another sub instead, better use of the money! What was the r series sub like because I had been considering the monolith df up until now for the room

Also any ideas on when they might become available for purchase?

[ShanePJ]

Cool, even though you say there is a clear step up I do wonder for my own use whether it is worth going up a level because just mainly TV and movie use. Like you say might just look at getting another sub instead, better use of the money! What was the r series sub like because I had been considering the monolith df up until now for the room

I was there with Dave and can say that if you have the XQ Series you are simply going to love these speakers. In the flesh they look quite amazing and performance is likewise.

As David said the R900 have an amazing array of ports to the rear. In 2ch you could hear these speakers become more majestic as the system warmed up asserting there presence by squeezing every ounce of musical prowess from the Marantz and Chord equipment.

If you have a 5.1 or 7.2 set-up then this is where I thought Kef R-Series stepped up a gear. Going on the shear size of the room these speakers together the Panasonic, Denon, Onkyo, Sony & Chord combination was stunning.

I was completely taken in and left my seat with fright when the scene demanded it was time to frighten me!

I'm such a woos when things like this happen. Worst thing was It wasn't even scary.

I never had that experience with the XQ series. But don't take my word for it. Get yourself to your local KEF R-Series Dealer when they are instock and I'm sure you'll agree that the brand new Kef R-Series speakers are a sensational range.

As for when they will be available. I'm sure Dave will back me up on this. By the end of the month a selected about of dealers will have some stock with the others coming in throughout November 2011

Regards, Shane

[Dav1dF]

Walking into the conference room, a pair of Blades were playing at the front of the room, playing a choral piece of music accompanied by a church organ. If I'd have walked in there blindfolded, I would've swore that I was walking into a church, the soundstaging and room filling sound was that convincing.

The R series conference started with a run down of the technology behind the range. This was pretty in depth, and it's surprising how much has gone into the range, with each model sometimes having different aspects tweaked to suit it's own set of strengths or compromises. This is a completely new speaker range, and every single aspect of each model has been engineered to death to make sure it is either playing it's part in the end result, or not playing a part, as the case may be.

After a lengthy introduction to the range, we got down to listening. The room was pretty big - must've been about 6m x 15m roughly - with the models being demonstrated well into the room, which I assume was done to produce the most even response from the speakers as there were about 10/12 of us for both of the listening sessions.

I'd already had an idea of how they were going to sound in my head, and I have to say I wasn't left disappointed. Starting with the little R100's, I was very surprised by the quality level at which we were starting at, and this is a £600 bookshelf speaker, and we had another four models above these tiny little things! Immediately, I was impressed by the scale of their low end, which to me, sounded more like a bookshelf speaker of much larger proportions. Having been listening to the Blades a lot recently, I could immediately hear the Blade influence, which to my surprise was very similar tonally, and they had the same three dimensionality thanks to a very well designed cabinet which was obviously having minimal influence on the huge soundstage pouring out of these diminutive boxes.

From the R300's upwards, things are quite different. The R100 is a 2-way system, but from the R300 upwards they're all 3-way systems. These all use MF/HF UniQ arrays, and dedicated LF drivers. The ability of the R series to hang a voice or an instrument transparently in mid air in front of you in such a convincing way isn't just down to the new UniQ array - it's also down to the new cabinets being used. Everything possible has been done to minimise reflex port issues and reduce cabinet vibrations in key areas in order to let the drivers do what they're supposed to do, and it's processes like this that results in the Blade like sound of the R series.

One major thing I have found since listening to the Blades is that many other speakers now just sound disappointing and flat, the almost perfect sound of the Blades highlighting other speaker's deficiencies. While I was sitting there listening to the whole R series, I never once felt the same thing. Because they sound similar in many ways, I never once felt that they were a budget speaker. I thought that the big let down in comparison to the Blade would mainly be the cabinet and their bass performance - I thought I'd 'hear' the cabinet - I didn't. Very surprising seeing as they're essentially a box.

The quality of the build and finish of this range is amazing. There's nothing here that is the same as the Q series, everything has been redesigned. I was quite surprised by the weight of the R100, but when I picked up the £999 R300, it actually seemed a little heavier than the equivalently priced ATC SCM11's, and they're no lightweights! (edit: they're 50% heavier) Some interesting comparisons await...


I'll leave you with a quote from KEF's founding member, Raymond Cooke, which I feel is particularly apt for the R series as well as the Blade:

"When KEF returns music to its rightful habituation, your ears and mind, they aim to do so in the most natural way they can … without drama, without exaggeration, without artifice"

[Gixer1970]

Originally Posted by Dav1dF

Walking into the conference room, a pair of Blades were playing at the front of the room, playing a choral piece of music accompanied by a church organ. If I'd have walked in there blindfolded, I would've swore that I was walking into a church, the soundstaging and room filling sound was that convincing.

The R series conference started with a run down of the technology behind the range. This was pretty in depth, and it's surprising how much has gone into the range, with each model sometimes having different aspects tweaked to suit it's own set of strengths or compromises. This is a completely new speaker range, and every single aspect of each model has been engineered to death to make sure it is either playing it's part in the end result, or not playing a part, as the case may be.

After a lengthy introduction to the range, we got down to listening. The room was pretty big - must've been about 6m x 15m roughly - with the models being demonstrated well into the room, which I assume was done to produce the most even response from the speakers as there were about 10/12 of us for both of the listening sessions.

I'd already had an idea of how they were going to sound in my head, and I have to say I wasn't left disappointed. Starting with the little R100's, I was very surprised by the quality level at which we were starting at, and this is a £600 bookshelf speaker, and we had another four models above these tiny little things! Immediately, I was impressed by the scale of their low end, which to me, sounded more like a bookshelf speaker of much larger proportions. Having been listening to the Blades a lot recently, I could immediately hear the Blade influence, which to my surprise was very similar tonally, and they had the same three dimensionality thanks to a very well designed cabinet which was obviously having minimal influence on the huge soundstage pouring out of these diminutive boxes.

From the R300's upwards, things are quite different. The R100 is a 2-way system, but from the R300 upwards they're all 3-way systems. These all use MF/HF UniQ arrays, and dedicated LF drivers. The ability of the R series to hang a voice or an instrument transparently in mid air in front of you in such a convincing way isn't just down to the new UniQ array - it's also down to the new cabinets being used. Everything possible has been done to minimise reflex port issues and reduce cabinet vibrations in key areas in order to let the drivers do what they're supposed to do, and it's processes like this that results in the Blade like sound of the R series.

One major thing I have found since listening to the Blades is that many other speakers now just sound disappointing and flat, the almost perfect sound of the Blades highlighting other speaker's deficiencies. While I was sitting there listening to the whole R series, I never once felt the same thing. Because they sound similar in many ways, I never once felt that they were a budget speaker. I thought that the big let down in comparison to the Blade would mainly be the cabinet and their bass performance - I thought I'd 'hear' the cabinet - I didn't. Very surprising seeing as they're essentially a box.

The quality of the build and finish of this range is amazing. There's nothing here that is the same as the Q series, everything has been redesigned. I was quite surprised by the weight of the R100, but when I picked up the £999 R300, it actually seemed a little heavier than the equivalently priced ATC SCM11's, and they're no lightweights! Some interesting comparisons await...


I'll leave you with a quote from KEF's founding member, Raymond Cooke, which I feel is particularly apt for the R series as well as the Blade:

"When KEF returns music to its rightful habituation, your ears and mind, they aim to do so in the most natural way they can … without drama, without exaggeration, without artifice"

Very informative read there. You say there is nothing from the Q, is the new single / bi connection we saw on the Q's and the new floor stands not the same? not being piccy but looked very similar. Might try a pair of 900's in the spare room as a avid KEF fan it will be interesting to hear the difference from the Q900.

Alan / Gixer1970

[Gixer1970]

Oooh that gives me an idea with works due to finish soon, buy one get one free....... yes sir thats a pair of Blades and get a pair of R900's free. Sounds pretty fair to me. Any takers....

Alan / Gixer1970

[Dav1dF]

You know where I am Alan

Even though the R series uses simile looking 'stands' and the same layout of the back panel, it's all been re-engineered. Most of my pics turned out naff, but I'll see if I have a closer one of a back panel - all new binding posts, better quality feet etc.

When I was looking at them, I thought the KEF badge on the front was plastic, but I touched it found it was metal - none of this range has been the result of corner cutting.

[danoliver1]

Is the silver ring around the drivers metal also?
When are the official specs coming out?

[Dav1dF]

We haven't had spec sheets yet, but as soon as I get something, I'll post it up.

And yes, the trim rings are metal. Basically, anything silver is metal, along with the dedicated LF drivers.

[fayeanddavid]

Originally Posted by Dav1dF

I know, it is pretty foul isn't it!!

For movies, you don't necessarily need large speakers. Depending on the size of the room, I'd rather invest that extra cash in using two subs rather than one to fill it properly. You are right in saying that the difference between the nature of the speakers will be more apparent with music than movies. Except for one thing...

Usually, when you pass through each model in a range you'll get a slightly different sound depending on the driver arrangement/driver size/cabinet volume etc, and you'll sometimes find the better standmount in the range can outperform the entry level floorstander. Not so in this case. As the R series was demonstrated to us, I noticed that each one was justifiable over the previous model - even moving from the R300 to the R500. The next model up never sounded like it lost out in any single area - it was a genuine step up each time.

For me, there was no stand out star of the range. I don't mean that in a negative way, it's just that usually with most speaker ranges there's usually a couple of models that stand out above the rest, or behave quite differently to the rest, needing far better amplification. With the R series, they were all worthy of being in the same range, and none were left trailing behind because they were inferior.

I'll be writing up a piece on the evening later.

Looking forward to it, interesting observation so far as regards step increase throughout the range.
When will you be taking delivery for a proper listen (as it were)??

[Dav1dF]

Originally Posted by fayeanddavid

Looking forward to it, interesting observation so far as regards step increase throughout the range.
When will you be taking delivery for a proper listen (as it were)??

Already wrote it!

Depending on which finishes we order for each model, you're looking at maybe a week to three weeks.

[JazzG]

Now I'm even more confused as to whether I should step up to the bigger ones or not! Even though I want to I am just not sure whether it is worth it for me considering what it will be used for. Another issue I have is height as the speakers have to go under the tele because of space restrictions to the side where the TV is and I am hesitant to put the TV too high, it is at 850mm at the moment and will have to put it up to around 1100-1200 to get the bigger speakers under it.

I am confused

[Dav1dF]

Well, you can either go for the best ones you can afford, or the ones that will fit

All I said earlier was that usually, the increase in quality of most speaker ranges aren't consistent with the price, which can be due to a number of factors. In the case of the R series, from what I experienced the other night, did follow a consistent path i.e., the next one up in the range did sound better

[DodgeTheViper]

Originally Posted by JazzG

Now I'm even more confused as to whether I should step up to the bigger ones or not! Even though I want to I am just not sure whether it is worth it for me considering what it will be used for. Another issue I have is height as the speakers have to go under the tele because of space restrictions to the side where the TV is and I am hesitant to put the TV too high, it is at 850mm at the moment and will have to put it up to around 1100-1200 to get the bigger speakers under it.

I am confused

I wouldn't be confused. For your purposes i wouldn't bother with them, far too expensive for your use. Just my opinion of course, but surely your money could be spent elsewhere.

[Dav1dF]

Bit of an odd statement DTV?

Ok, let's find out more - JazzG, which AV amplifier are you using? Are you watching movies from TV broadcasts, DVD's or Blurays?

[DodgeTheViper]

Apologies if it appeared that way. I was focussing too much on JazzG's mention of them being used for TV use

[danoliver1]

Originally Posted by Dav1dF

Bit of an odd statement DTV?

Ok, let's find out more - JazzG, which AV amplifier are you using? Are you watching movies from TV broadcasts, DVD's or Blurays?

Hes got a pioneer lx-85 from what i read on the owners forum.

[Dav1dF]

Nice combo. I'll be using R300's with my LX85 some time very soon....

[JazzG]

Originally Posted by Dav1dF

Bit of an odd statement DTV?

Ok, let's find out more - JazzG, which AV amplifier are you using? Are you watching movies from TV broadcasts, DVD's or Blurays?

Mainly from TV and blu rays. 75:25 split I'd say. I was considering the old GS series as you may recall but think might just spend a bit more and get these. During the day is just casual tv but in the evenings do sometimes watch movies and with it being 3D capable as well I'd like the speakers to be have decent

I do have a lx85 but my apex speakers are hooked up to those at the moment and have a 3067 which I might return and upgrade to something a bit better like the lx75 or maybe another lx85! Was thinking of getting the arcam avr500 but I have the Vt30 and need 3D capabilities and I could a lx85 for the money it would cost me to get the arcam upgraded to 1.4 specs.

[Dav1dF]

R100
Design Two-way bass reflex
Drive Units Uni-Q driver array:
HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome
MF: 130mm (5.25in.) aluminium
Frequency range (-6dB) 49Hz - 45kHz
Frequency response (±3dB) 56Hz - 28kHz
Crossover frequency 2.5kHz
Amplifier requirements 25 - 100 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 86dB
Harmonic distortion
2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m) <0.4% 150Hz-20kHz
Maximum output 107dB
Nominal impedance 8Ω (min. 3.2Ω)
Weight 6.6kg (14.5lbs.)
Dimension (H x W x D)
(with grille and terminal) 280 x 180 x 289 mm
(11 x 7.1 x 11.4 in.)

R300
Design Three-way bass reflex
Drive units Uni-Q driver array:
HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome
MF: 125mm (5in.) aluminium
Bass units: LF: 165mm (6.5in.) aluminium
Frequency range (-6dB) 42Hz - 45kHz
Frequency response (±3dB) 50Hz - 28kHz
Crossover frequency 500Hz, 2.8kHz
Amplifier requirements 25 - 120 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 88dB
Harmonic distortion
2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m) <0.4% 130Hz-20kHz
Maximum output 110dB
Nominal impedance 8Ω (min. 3.2Ω)
Weight 12kg (26.4lbs.)
Dimension (H x W x D)
(with grille and terminal) 385 x 210 x 345 mm
(15.2 x 8.3 x 13.6 in.)

R500
Design Three-way bass reflex
Drive units Uni-Q driver array:
HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome
MF: 125mm (5in.) aluminium
Bass units: LF: 2 x 130mm (5.25in.) aluminium
Frequency range (-6dB) 39Hz - 45kHz
Frequency response (±3dB) 46Hz - 28kHz
Crossover frequency 500Hz, 2.8kHz
Amplifier requirements 25 - 150 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 88dB
Harmonic distortion
2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m) <0.4% 120Hz-20kHz
Maximum output 111dB
Nominal impedance 8Ω (min. 3.2Ω)
Weight 21.8kg (48lbs.)
Dimension (H x W x D)
(with grille and terminal) 1015 x 180 x 305 mm
(40 x 7.1 x 12 in.)
Dimension (H x W x D)
(with grille, terminal & plinth) 1066 x 299 x 328 mm
(42 x 11.8 x 12.9 in.)

R700
Design Three-way bass reflex
Drive units Uni-Q driver array:
HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome
MF: 125mm (5in.) aluminium
Bass units:
LF: 2 x 165mm (6.5in.) aluminium
Frequency range (-6dB) 37Hz - 45kHz
Frequency response (±3dB) 42Hz - 28kHz
Crossover frequency 500Hz, 2.9kHz
Amplifier requirements 25 - 200 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 89dB
Harmonic distortion
2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m) <0.4% 100Hz-20kHz
Maximum output 113dB
Nominal impedance 8Ω (min. 3.2Ω)
Weight 25.9kg (57lbs.)
Dimension (H x W x D)
(with grille and terminal) 1070 x 210 x 345 mm
(42.1 x 8.3 x 13.6 in.)
Dimension (H x W x D)
(with grille, terminal & plinth) 1121 x 329 x 368 mm
(44.1 x 13.0 x 14.5 in.)

R900
Design Three-way bass reflex
Drive units Uni-Q driver array:
HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome
MF: 125mm (5in.) aluminium
Bass units:
LF: 2 x 200mm (8in.) aluminium
Frequency range (-6dB) 35Hz - 45kHz
Frequency response (±3dB) 40Hz - 28kHz
Crossover frequency 400Hz, 2.9kHz
Amplifier requirements 25 - 250 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 90dB
Harmonic distortion
2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m) <0.4% 80Hz-20kHz
Maximum output 115dB
Nominal impedance 8Ω (min. 3.7Ω)
Weight 29.5kg (65lbs.)
Dimension (H x W x D)
(with grille and terminal) 1130 x 240 x 365 mm
(44.5 x 9.4 x 14.4 in.)
Dimension (H x W x D)
(with grille, terminal & plinth) 1181 x 359 x 388 mm
(46.5 x 14.1 x 15.3 in.)

R200c
Design Three-way bass reflex
Drive Units Uni-Q driver array:
HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome
MF: 125mm (5in.) aluminium
Bass units: LF: 2 x 130mm (5.25in.) aluminium
Frequency range (-6dB) 52Hz - 45kHz
Frequency response (±3dB) 65Hz - 28kHz
Crossover frequency 500Hz, 2.8kHz
Amplifier requirements 25 - 150 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 87dB
Harmonic distortion
2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m) <0.4% 120Hz-20kHz
Maximum output 111dB
Nominal impedance 8Ω (min. 3.2Ω )
Weight 14.4kg (31.7lbs.)
Dimension (H x W x D)
(with grille and terminal) 170 x 530 x 305 mm
(6.7 x 20.9 x 12 in.)

R600c
Design Three-way bass reflex
Drive Units Uni-Q driver array:
HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome
MF: 125mm (5in.) aluminium
Bass units: LF: 2 x 165mm (6.5in.) aluminium
Frequency range (-6dB) 50Hz - 45kHz
Frequency response (±3dB) 60Hz - 28kHz
Crossover frequency 500Hz, 2.9kHz
Amplifier requirements 25 - 200 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 89dB
Harmonic distortion
2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m) <0.4% 100Hz-20kHz
Maximum output 113dB
Nominal impedance 8Ω (min. 3.2Ω)
Weight 17.2kg (37.9lbs.)
Dimension (H x W x D)
(with grille and terminal) 200 x 630 x 335 mm
(7.9 x 24.8 x 13.2 in.)

R800ds
Design Three-way dipole
Drive Units Uni-Q driver array:
HF: 2 x 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome
MF: 2 x 130mm (5.25in.) aluminium

Frequency range (-6dB) 90Hz - 45kHz
Frequency response (±3dB) 100Hz - 28kHz
Crossover frequency 300Hz, 2.5kHz
Amplifier requirements 25 - 100 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 85dB
Harmonic distortion
2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m) <0.4% 150Hz-20kHz
Maximum output 107dB
Nominal impedance 8Ω (min. 3.2Ω )
Weight 7.4kg (16.3lbs.)
Dimension (H x W x D)
(with grille and terminal) 180 x 350 x 184 mm
(7.1 x 13.8 x 7.2 in.)

R400b
Design Powered Subwoofer (Sealed)
Drive Units Bass units:
LF: 2 x 225mm (9in.)
Frequency range (-6dB) 26Hz - 140Hz
Maximum output 111dB
Amplifier 2 x 250W (500W)
integral Class-D
Low pass filter Variable 40Hz - 140Hz, 4th-order
Low level signal inputs RCA phono sockets
Internal volume 22 litres
Power requirements 100V - 120V / 220V - 240V
~ 50 / 60Hz
Power consumption 600VA
Weight 21.5kg (47.4lbs.)
Dimension (H x W x D)
(with grille, terminal & plinth) 365 x 330 x 351 mm
(14.4 x 13 x 13.8 in.)

Taken from KEF UK's website:

Featuring many of KEF’s latest innovations in premium hi-fi and home theatre loudspeaker technology, the all-new R Series makes genuine audiophile standards of entertainment more affordable than ever before. Stunningly fluent new Uni-Q driver arrays combine with potent new bass drivers and many ingenious refinements to create a rich, spacious sound image of such accuracy that it approaches the benchmark standards of KEF’s legendary Reference Series.

The new Uni-Q MF/HF driver array is a masterpiece. Midrange response is amazingly fast and clean, thanks to a braced magnesium/aluminium alloy cone, with KEF’s Z-flex surround smoothing the transition to the front panel and a sturdy die-cast aluminium chassis that prevents resonance being transferred to the cabinet. At the acoustic centre of the midrange cone is the sophisticated vented tweeter that endows KEF Blade with such startlingly pure HF response. With a large neodymium magnet and a computer-optimised dome structure so stiff that it operates pistonically over its entire working range, the upper registers are articulated with flawless precision – and to capitalise on Uni-Q’s point source characteristics, KEF’s ‘tangerine’ waveguide helps to disperse the higher frequencies evenly across a wider angle to flood the room with an intricate and refreshingly natural soundfield. Operating together as a single, perfectly integrated voice, the array as a whole delivers a sweet, accurate sound of unprecedented clarity.

The new bass driver is equally impressive. The combination of a massive vented magnet assembly and a large, lightweight aluminium voice coil driving a light, stiff and strong hybrid cone assures clean, deep and uncompressed bass output with superb dynamics and power handling.

Inside the cabinets (in a choice of classic Piano Black and real wood veneer finishes in Rosewood or Walnut) every single component confirms KEF’s technology leadership. Computer-designed crossovers allow the level of each driver to be fine-tuned for a smoother, flatter response. Constrained layer damping panels prevent cabinet vibration from muddying the mid-range and bass – even the airflow through the reflex ports is managed using computational fluid dynamics to optimise acoustic integrity.

With nine timelessly handsome models including three assertive floorstanders, two bookshelf speakers, two fully-specified centre channels, dipole surrounds and a matching subwoofer, the all-new R Series represents a decisive step forward in the enjoyment of music or film. By incorporating the high end technologies of KEF Blade in a classically elegant format, it gives serious audiophiles phenomenally accurate reproduction that neither adds to nor subtracts from the original recording: refined, spacious and exquisitely detailed. For those whose appreciation of true audio excellence outstrips their bank balance, it’s the perfect buy.

[tim68]

Hi all. i am currentlly running a pair of Q900 main speakers, but i like the look of the R300 speakers, would even the R300 be a step up from the Q900 ?. appologies if its a stupid question lol. Thanks very much

Tim

[Dav1dF]

What amplifier are you using Tim?

[tim68]

Originally Posted by Dav1dF

What amplifier are you using Tim?

Hi Dav1d. i have a marantz SR7005. Just used for movies

[Dav1dF]

An SR7005 will be fine Tim.

Originally Posted by tim68

Hi all. i am currentlly running a pair of Q900 main speakers, but i like the look of the R300 speakers, would even the R300 be a step up from the Q900 ?. appologies if its a stupid question lol. Thanks very much

Yes, I personally would say that the R300 is a better speaker. I do like the Q900, but the technology of the R series is surprisingly close to the Blade - it's overall sound is not too dissimilar to them. They may not quite compete with the overall bass response of the Q900, but the UniQ itself, which will deal with treble and midrange, is miles ahead. The cabinet is in another league in comparison to the Q's, and intrudes far less on the overall sound of the R series.

The SR7005 will drive them fine, and I think if you went for a demo of the R300 against the Q900, you'll find for yourself that the R300's sound far more expensive than they are - I've heard speakers at twice the price that don't sound this good. You'd even notice the difference for normal TV use, especially if you watch HD channels, which are normally broadcast in Dolby Digital, albiet a more compressed version of the standard Dolby Digital used for DVD's.

[fayeanddavid]

Originally Posted by Dav1dF

An SR7005 will be fine Tim.


Yes, I personally would say that the R300 is a better speaker. I do like the Q900, but the technology of the R series is surprisingly close to the Blade - it's overall sound is not too dissimilar to them. They may not quite compete with the overall bass response of the Q900, but the UniQ itself, which will deal with treble and midrange, is miles ahead. The cabinet is in another league in comparison to the Q's, and intrudes far less on the overall sound of the R series.

The SR7005 will drive them fine, and I think if you went for a demo of the R300 against the Q900, you'll find for yourself that the R300's sound far more expensive than they are - I've heard speakers at twice the price that don't sound this good. You'd even notice the difference for normal TV use, especially if you watch HD channels, which are normally broadcast in Dolby Digital, albiet a more compressed version of the standard Dolby Digital used for DVD's.

Interesting pitch David......................really are they that good?

Suggestion is then that the stand mounts are about as good as any stand mount speaker, would that be a fair summary?
And where does that leave the floor standers.......................if each step of the range is better than the previous then that is a serious wow!!!

Thinking then that the R300s with a R600C is a significant step up from my Q700s and Q600C???.....................although I do like floor standers??

[Wavod]

Originally Posted by fayeanddavid

Interesting pitch David......................really are they that good?

Suggestion is then that the stand mounts are about as good as any stand mount speaker, would that be a fair summary?
And where does that leave the floor standers.......................if each step of the range is better than the previous then that is a serious wow!!!

Thinking then that the R300s with a R600C is a significant step up from my Q700s and Q600C???.....................although I do like floor standers??

........ So..........I wonder what my next purchase shall be??......

1) The Kef Model Fours I have spied in Norway

2) The Walnut BK Monolith from Essex

3) The Kef Q700's and Q600c from Maidstone??

Fate will tell sometime in the not too distant future.............

[Dav1dF]

It would be silly of me to sing the praises of a range if it was only mediocre at best, so yes, I'm sticking my neck out and saying the R series really is that good. Like I said, the UniQ of the R series is completely different to that of the Q series, and heavily based on the Blade UniQ (the R series uses the same tweeter). Their cabinets have been heavily worked upon to intrude as little as possible on the sound reproduced - this range has been influenced in numerous ways by the development of the Concept Blade.

While the Q series, like most speaker ranges, has their stand out models, the R series doesn't seem to - they all perform strongly, and even moving from the R300 to the R500 was quite a step up - going from the Q300 to Q500 would quite clearly split opinions. I know it might seem straight forward to expect the next model up in the range to sound better, it's usually been the case that moving up from a standmount to a floorstander will usually divide preferences.

I would agree that the R300 with an R600c would be a step up for you, but you have the option of going for R500's without having to accept the limitations of the smaller drivers. Don't forget that the R series has no ABR's - all drive units are driven, and the d'Appolito speaker arrangement (BTB) also adds positively to the overall result too.

I don't throw praise at a speaker range for nothing. I did so with the Q range, which was a major step forward for KEF, and those that have invested in them have found how good they are, and I stand by that recommendation. But this R series is a totally different monster. I think most people have expected an upgraded Q series - this is not the case.

[fayeanddavid]

Originally Posted by Dav1dF

It would be silly of me to sing the praises of a range if it was only mediocre at best, so yes, I'm sticking my neck out and saying the R series really is that good. Like I said, the UniQ of the R series is completely different to that of the Q series, and heavily based on the Blade UniQ (the R series uses the same tweeter). Their cabinets have been heavily worked upon to intrude as little as possible on the sound reproduced - this range has been influenced in numerous ways by the development of the Concept Blade.

While the Q series, like most speaker ranges, has their stand out models, the R series doesn't seem to - they all perform strongly, and even moving from the R300 to the R500 was quite a step up - going from the Q300 to Q500 would quite clearly split opinions. I know it might seem straight forward to expect the next model up in the range to sound better, it's usually been the case that moving up from a standmount to a floorstander will usually divide preferences.

I would agree that the R300 with an R600c would be a step up for you, but you have the option of going for R500's without having to accept the limitations of the smaller drivers. Don't forget that the R series has no ABR's - all drive units are driven, and the d'Appolito speaker arrangement (BTB) also adds positively to the overall result too.

I don't throw praise at a speaker range for nothing. I did so with the Q range, which was a major step forward for KEF, and those that have invested in them have found how good they are, and I stand by that recommendation. But this R series is a totally different monster. I think most people have expected an upgraded Q series - this is not the case.

Oh dear oh dear.............all sounds very exciting especially at the price point.
Now we need some extended considered listening, jeez I just so want to see and listen!!

[fayeanddavid]

Originally Posted by Wavod

........ So..........I wonder what my next purchase shall be??......

1) The Kef Model Fours I have spied in Norway

2) The Walnut BK Monolith from Essex

3) The Kef Q700's and Q600c from Maidstone??

Fate will tell sometime in the not too distant future.............

Hey, you never know..................

Watch this space!

[Dav1dF]

R500's kicking in the demo room at the moment...

[Crispyduck]

Originally Posted by Dav1dF

R500's kicking in the demo room at the moment...

Cool, have you got the 700s too, side by side? Or the 900s even?