KEF iQ3 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers (Dark Apple, Pair)
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List Price: $499.99
Features
• Two-way bass reflex design; rich dark apple wood finish
• Drive units: 165mm (6-1/2 inch) Uni-Q, 19mm (3/4 inch) aluminum dome HF
• Frequency response: 45Hz - 40kHz
• Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 89dB
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 14.4 x 8.7 x 12.9 inches |
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KEF iQ3 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers (Dark Apple, Pair) Customer Reviews
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♥♥♥♥♥
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Awesome Presence of sound! Great Imaging, Bass and Trebble!
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I have studied speaker design for 18 years now. My Grandfather worked for Marantz/Craig/Fisher in the 70's. I have never built any speakers myself. Why? Because the technology out there today is so terrific at a great price point to boot.
KEF really know their stuff when it comes to loudspeaker design. First of all, they utilize a rounded speaker cabinet. Why? Because, when the sound waves hit the back wall of a speaker it can create distortion called standing waves(resonance and echo). Using a rounded speaker design the standing waves are virtually eliminated. It would be very difficult for anyone to build a rounded speaker with this engineering.
Next, KEF uses concentrically placed drivers (this means the trebble and bass sound eminates from the same plane, and sometimes the same voice coil). In terms of imaging, this configuration makes sense. Trebble frequencies travel at higher speeds than lower frequencies. If you think about it, a conventional speaker system has the Tweeters (and voice coils) closer to the listener because the voice coils are on not on a true vertical line above the woofer. The standard speaker configuration can also lead to "lobing". This is when the shared frequencies of the woofer and tweeter (around the crossover point) enter the listeners ears at different times causing muddiness. This is not so with the KEF IQ's and it really shows. The Mids and highs are crisp and realistic.
Next, the IQ speakers are constructed of poly and aluminum materials not paper. This lends itself to better response in the midrange frequencies (Woofer) and greater extension in the high frequencies (tweeter). KEF claims a frequency response of 45hz-40Khz. This is terrific for reproduction of SACD and DVD-Audio formats.
Finally, KEF decided on a "fluted" port. This is a port that is flared, thus reducing port noise associated with bass reflex designs.
So how do they sound?...
The imaging of these speakers is terrific. They virtually "dissappear" leaving the listener the effect of being totally "enveloped" in sound. Off-axis response is terrific too. This means that you don't need to be sitting in the "sweet spot" (Center) to hear both channels at equal sound levels. No matter where the listener sits they are "enveloped in equal sound.
Bass extension is terrific too. This gives the listener the impression that these speakers are larger than they really are. A subwoofer would be a nice compliment for a large room, but for a small to medium room these speakers do just fine alone. There is a slight warmth in the mid-trebble range with an accentuated high trebble range. In the mid to low midrange, there is a real sence of "forwardness" especially in voices.
I would like to see KEF design this speaker with more internal damping material to minimize some of the internal reflections. Keep in mind, enjoyment of sound is subjective, and that is why I have an equalizer.
I would place these speakers on 24" stands and place them about 8-10 Feet apart, and about 1-2 feet from the back wall.
These are really enjoyable speakers to listen too. And, engineering to this degree usually cost much much more. KEF really knows how to perfect great sound at an affordable price. Thanks KEF |
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KEF iQ3 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers (Dark Apple, Pair) home electronics.