My first system and I already have KEF XQ5 speakers

kevin b -- Wed, 03/04/2009 - 00:06

I have a set of Kef XQ5 speakers and the center channel that go' s with them. l also have the Kef book shelf speakers for the back. Did I make a mistake? I am also looking at a Macintosh ampand is that what I should be looking at? I would like to have home theater surround but do not want to compromise the audio. Is that something I should consider with the Kef speakers?

Robert Harley -- Wed, 03/04/2009 - 17:05

You can build a system around the KEF speakers. You should read the thread:

http://www.avguide.com/forums/building-complete-system-25000-emphasis-music-1

It goes into some detail about combining a home-theater system with an uncompromised two-channel system. After you read the thread come back with specific questions and I'll try to help (which MacIntosh amplifier, for example).

Kevin ba (not verified) -- Thu, 03/05/2009 - 20:09

I want to make sure that I get great sound when listing to music. What I have now is a set of Kef XQ5 front speakers with the XQ2 center channel and the XQ1 for the back. I have the Yamaha RXV 990 receiver and a Velodyne mini v 8 inch sub. When I listen to music it doesn't sound good to me. I have an opportunity to get a new Macintosh MC205 Amp for just under $4,000 and a used Macintosh MX136 processor that is in mint condition from a reputable source for around $3,700. I can also get a new MC252 for around $3,500. For $500 does it make since to get the MC502 amp? Budget is a factor but I am tempted to get the used processor if it makes that much difference. Is going used a good option? Maybe Macintosh is not a good match. Any sugestions on a two cannel high end amplifier and make use of the true bypass with a inexpensive controler Any suggestions to help me get great sound out of the kef Speakers. I read that a 3dB increase in speaker sensitivity is identical to doubling the amplifier power. Does that mean the higher dB the more efficient the speakers and the less amperage needed from the amp. What factors do you use in choosing an amplifier? Also can someone explain cross over? Thanks

tweeter (not verified) -- Fri, 03/06/2009 - 03:40

What do you not like about the sound? How is it set up right now, esp room size, positions & avr settings?

Robert Harley -- Sun, 03/08/2009 - 10:16

An increase in speaker sensitivity of 3dB is exactly the same as doubling the amplifier power in terms of how loudly the system will play. I'm not familiar with those specific MacIntosh products, but they generally made very good gear.
Is you question about how crossovers in loudspeakers work, or the crossover in controllers and AVRs?

I'd also like to know what you don't like about the sound.

kevin b -- Tue, 03/10/2009 - 20:41

I read the article that you suggested and I am interested in the inexpensive controller and a high quality preamp with a true bypass. My Yamaha RX-V990 is older and has the Dolby Pro logic surround and my CD player is broke and it was very inexpensive. Thats why I don't believe that I'm getting the sound that my KEF XQ speakers are capable of. I want to make sure that I get good surround for movies with the latest format but sound is the most important when listening to music. What is a good piece to get to play CD's. My room size is 14 feet wide and 23 feet long. My center speaker is above my T.V and my right and left speakers are 8 feet apart with 30 degree toe in. My listening chair is 17 feet from the center channel with the rear speaker two feet behind the chair and 7 feet apart. My Velodyne sub is to the left of my left front speaker. Any suggestions on what to buy for my KEFs?
Thanks for the explanation on dB and I was referring to cross over on the speakers. Thanks I am a rookie looking to learn and I don't want to throw away good money. You help is greatly appreciated.

kevin b -- Tue, 03/10/2009 - 20:41

Gilles R. D. (not verified) -- Wed, 03/11/2009 - 12:40

I have Kef XQ5 with the rest of the XQ family in my home theater-audio room, with excellent results, given their range in the audio spectrum, even when compared with setup worth twice their value.
The one detail I noticed was the 30% toe-in, my speakers are 10' apart, 8' feet away from my chair but I have about 5% toe-in and have an incredibly great audio image.
It's my suggestion, reduce your toe-in.

Good luck

Mr Plus -- Thu, 03/12/2009 - 20:21

I go along with this entirely. The wide dispersion of the KEF UniQ drive unit works best with a minimal toe-in. I've recently reviewed the iQ50 for Hi-Fi+ and found it best with no toe-in whatsoever. I also find KEFs benefit from a wider placement compared to most speakers. Try placing the speakers about a foot farther apart and pointing straight down the room - if it doesn't work, all it cost you was an evening's playtime; it it succeeds... free upgrade!

Alan Sircom
Editor, Hi-Fi Plus Magazine
London, England
editor [at] hifiplus [dot] com

Robert Harley -- Thu, 03/12/2009 - 22:13

Toe-in has a huge effect on tonal balance, soundstage width, and image focus. You can independently adjust each of these variables with a combination of speaker-placement width and toe-in. For more on this, see our booklet "Robert Harley's System Set-Up Secrets" available as a free download here:

www.avguide.com/hifibooks

I'm not familiar with the KEFs, but Gilles R.D. seems to have done his homework and is happy with their performance. I would start by getting an up-to-date AVR.

kevin b -- Fri, 03/13/2009 - 00:33

Mr. Plus and Robert Harley thanks so much. I'm beginning to think that I could become a hi fi junkie. I 'm tempted to go on a speeding spree which would be throwing away good "hard" earned cash as I don't know what I'm doing. Looking at a Argon 2002 by Klipsch with a Sunfire TGA 7200. Any reviews on the Argon as a good two channel amp and how does one determine AVR that matches? Looking for high end on a budget. I'm having a blast and trying to suck all the hi fi info in and make sense out of it .