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REVIEW: KEF XQ1 Speakers

71.231.106.70


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Model: XQ1
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: 1500
Description: 3 way UNI-Q standmount
Manufacturer URL: KEF
Model Picture: View

Review by jonbee on October 20, 2007 at 08:09:38
IP Address: 71.231.106.70
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for the XQ1


Executive summary-
If you're looking for an exquisitely built and finished standmount that is fast, tranparent, open and uncolored at a bargain price, find a used pair of these! I don't think you can do better anywhere near the typical used price of around $500!
*****
That's the bottom line. These lacquer finished beauties are in my bedroom system, where I have had dozens of good standmounts. My faves among them are the Merlin TSM-M, and Silverline SR11. Honorable mention goes to MA GR10, Onix Ref 1 and Revel M20.
I've had my eye on the XQ1 for a while, as they are technologically advanced, beautifully finished (a must in my house) and have had great reviews in Europe (not in English, however). Because they have not been reviewed in thre states, the prices of used models is very low compared to B&W, Revel, Merlin, MA, and the other competitors. I've always looked for those discrepancies for opportunities.
I had high hopes fro these, and I was not disappointed when they arrived. The factory packaging is amazingly heavy and well designed, and the speakers themselves, from the lacquer (mine are gorgeous pearlescent white), to the solidly braced cabinet with bowed, irregularly shaped panels, the solid aluminum machined front baffle, and heavy chromed tweeter, feet, and connectors would make a Rolls Royce blush.
The sound is just as amazing I've been listening to all kinds of music, and I'm having a herd time finding any flaws or weaknesses at all. Bass is very fast, dynamic and defined, with no apparent bloat, and solid to around 50 hz. Truly some of the best midbass I've heard.
Midrange balance is perfect, period. I'v never heard a better, more natural balance. The soundstage is open and beautifully delineated, with remarkable depth. Top end goes on forever, with extraordinary detail, air and no grit.
What's lacking? If you hold a gun to my head, I must say that I think that the supertweeter (15khz and up) doesn't quite connect 100% spatially with the UNI-Q tweeter. (The new version of this speaker, the XQ10, drops the supertweeter.)
Also, my VMPS RM30 ribbon hybrids have yet a bit more fine detail, but unless you a/b them you may not miss it.
I must say that these shortcomings must be searched for to find. First and foremost, with getting ultra analytical, they simply sound great.




Product Weakness: Little known here, so used prices are weak. Lacquer finishes are delicate. Supertweeter not quite as integrated as the UNI-Q unit.
Product Strengths: Fast, open, uncolored, with a great soundstage. Incredible build and finish quality.


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: sony avd-500 all digital amp/player/ PS audio GCC100
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Maxed out ModWright/Sony 999
Speakers: review
Cables/Interconnects: Mapleshade Helix
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Lots, every kind
Room Size (LxWxH): 12 x 17 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: room is a bit bright
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 days
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: KEF XQ1 Speakers - jonbee 08:09:38 10/20/07 ( 0)