So much for the extremes; what do the lessons learnt mean for everyday listening? By not pushing the bandwidth down into the nether regions, KEF have kept the 207/2 both drivable (91dB with a 3 Ohm minimum but 8 Ohm nominal impedance) and responsive. There’s absolutely nothing turgid or constipated by the bottom end. Instead, dynamic demands are met with gusto, low bass detonations delivered with sudden impact, more agile bass lines with life and a natural flow. That combination of agility and presence right across the range is what makes this speaker so musically satisfying, and ultimately what enables it to overcome the flaws outlined above. Given a choice between ultra resolution and vivacious presence I’ll take the latter every time. More to the point, relative to its price peers, the KEF delivers as much or more detail, and makes much better use of it. Anything that’s more transparent doesn’t go as loud or as deep, nothing I’ve heard that matches its bandwidth and dynamic range is anywhere near as refined or natural. This speaker goes loud gracefully, without congestion or hardening at the top-end (that new tweeter again) but it also does delicacy and the more calming, seductive side of music. The driver count, bold styling and glossy finish are in some ways misleading – because inside the 207/2 lurks a consummate all-rounder.

Conclusion

I liked the original 207. Add its matching sub and I loved it. Now the 207/2 does much more (musically speaking) in two boxes than that system did with three. It has far better finish and more coherent styling, better sorted ancillaries and performance potential that’s far easier to realize. And its best, thanks to its far more accurate and natural tonality, is way better than its predecessor ever managed – sub or no sub. KEF’s Reference speakers have long been underrated and underappreciated, but don’t let that fool you. The 207/2 establishes a new benchmark for floorstanders at this price-level, combining useable bandwidth and a manageable load with superb musical coherence and timing. For once, the term “Reference” isn’t being abused…