Kef Blade 1 Meta or Kef Blade 2 Meta

[John Kettlewell]

Hello all,

My first post.

I currently have a pair of Epos ES-22 Loudspeaker integrated with a pair Rel-31 subwoofers. My amps are Exposure 5010 mono blocks AB design--200 watts into 8 Ohms, 370 watts into 4 Ohms and 800 watts into 2 Ohms. My source is a Linn Klimax DSM. I have a fair amount of room treatment --DYI OC R-19 in wooden frames ---2 feet thickness---covering back wall and partial front wall. My room is 20 feet by 28 feet by 9 feet. I use xtz-room-analyzer for measuring 20HZ to 200HZ with the parametric eq function from my Linn to obtain a flatter bass response.

I am currently very happy with the system--brings me smiles daily. ; ) However, I believe my beloved Epos ES-22 could be bettered for they are twenty-year-old design.

I just found this site and the philosophy is outstanding! Proof of why it sounds better. ; ) Thus.... I have been thinking of purchasing either the Kef Blade 1 Meta or Kef Blade 2 Meta. Within the next couple of weeks, I will listen to a pair of Kef Blade 1 Meta at my local Best Buy.

Question: Which should I buy? Kef B1M or Kef B2M? I would like to integrate my Rel's for two reasons. 1. The Rel's at a very low setting volume-wise bring a better bass frequence response--great for purity of the sound. 2. Fun factor--sometimes I just want to rock-out and feel the bass ---Primus-- Conspirania for example. Thanks everyone!

 

[Avp1]

Hello all,

My first post.

I currently have a pair of Epos ES-22 Loudspeaker integrated with a pair Rel-31 subwoofers. My amps are Exposure 5010 mono blocks AB design--200 watts into 8 Ohms, 370 watts into 4 Ohms and 800 watts into 2 Ohms. My source is a Linn Klimax DSM. I have a fair amount of room treatment --DYI OC R-19 in wooden frames ---2 feet thickness---covering back wall and partial front wall. My room is 20 feet by 28 feet by 9 feet. I use xtz-room-analyzer for measuring 20HZ to 200HZ with the parametric eq function from my Linn to obtain a flatter bass response.

I am currently very happy with the system--brings me smiles daily. ; ) However, I believe my beloved Epos ES-22 could be bettered for they are twenty-year-old design.

I just found this site and the philosophy is outstanding! Proof of why it sounds better. ; ) Thus.... I have been thinking of purchasing either the Kef Blade 1 Meta or Kef Blade 2 Meta. Within the next couple of weeks, I will listen to a pair of Kef Blade 1 Meta at my local Best Buy.

Question: Which should I buy? Kef B1M or Kef B2M? I would like to integrate my Rel's for two reasons. 1. The Rel's at a very low setting volume-wise bring a better bass frequence response--great for purity of the sound. 2. Fun factor--sometimes I just want to rock-out and feel the bass ---Primus-- Conspirania for example. Thanks everyone!

You have big enough room to accommodate large speakers. With speakers size does matter. Get biggest one you can afford. Subwoofers will not only help with very low bass, but can be used to compensate some room modes where you have excessive bass from main speakers.

Though with Kef you will need to put them much wider than you have now (looking at picture). I woul recommend 8-10 feet wide with similar distance to listening position.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Though with Kef you will need to put them much wider than you have now (looking at picture). I woul recommend 8-10 feet wide with similar distance to listening position.

D'accord.

 

[analogonly]

Also consider Revel PerformaBe 328Be.

 

[ban25]

Blade 1 will give you more low-end performance thanks to the 9" woofers. If you're using the subs, that extra bass may not be necessary. I own the Blade 2 Metas and I'm frequently listening to 2-channel music full-range with subs disabled. It's enough bass for at least the genres of music I listen to (Jazz, Classical). I concur with the other posters that you will want to move your speakers further apart. I have mine 10 ft apart and 9 inches out from the wall.

 

[Mark609]

You need to read this. Contest between the Blades 2 Meta and ELX. I have the ELX/RAAL towers and they are truly an end game at an awesome value. I pair mine with two 15" subs crossed over at 70 Hz. Towers are driven by the front A/B class internal amps of an Anthem MRX1140. https://forum.ascendacoustics.com/h...e-against-properly-designed-near-30k-speakers

 

[IngMishael]

open to active @John Kettlewell

 

[John Kettlewell]

Thanks for the input all. I am currently living in an apartment, and I will be moving into a house within a year or two. The modern design houses seem to be of a great room design. Thus, I am also cognitive of the potential larger listening space. In my apartment, the current short wall opens into the kitchen and hallway. Unfortunately, the long wall, the natural bass was significantly more non-linear compared to the short wall. if I purchase the Kef’s Blades one or two— I would place the right subwoofer to the inside of the Blades. This would give me about 7 feet of separation. I really wish to incorporate the rel 31’s into the mix for the fun factor when I desire. Peter Gabriel— Exposure— for example— I will adjust most linear bass response of my rel’s 31from a 2 gain position to a 18 gain position —I know the bass response it is not flat at the 18 gain position; however, the feeling of the bass going through me is fun and exciting with a bit of adrenaline — distortion and all .

When I moved into apartment from my house, I was almost in tears because the bass was horrible— Eq helped; however the bass overhang was horrible. I searched the internet and the solution was building DIY acoustic acoustic panels using OC r-19. Using the porous calculator for guidance— I stack two twelve inch think panels- 24 inching think total— along the back wall and a bit of acoustic treatment in the front wall— Wow!! The acoustic panels transformed the system to almost reference status. I still need to build more acoustic panels.

If I was to stay in my apartment, I would buy the Kef Blade 2– assuming if the demo of the Blades 1 goes well— and not look back. However, within a couple of years, I will move into a house with a possible larger listening area. My fear is if I purchased the Blade 2 and move into a larger listening listen space, then I might second guess myself. Although I am convinced that with proper room treatment and a bit of bass eq— the Kef Blade one would work in my current listening space and future. However, maybe the Blade 2 would integrate better with the rel-31’s?

At times, I like to listen to music at 94 db peaks from my listening position. That is the maximum my Epos Es-22 will handle and probably the most I need. So… I am still in the dilemma of Blades 1 or 2. I will go to Best Buy within a week to have a demo. I am open to active’s; however, the Kef blades looks beautiful, and one cannot argue the first class measurements. I will keep everyone informed.

 

[Descartes]

The Blade 2 are a lot easier to place in any room! The 1 need much larger room

 

[Avp1]

Thanks for the input all. I am currently living in an apartment, and I will be moving into a house within a year or two. The modern design houses seem to be of a great room design. Thus, I am also cognitive of the potential larger listening space. In my apartment, the current short wall opens into the kitchen and hallway. Unfortunately, the long wall, the natural bass was significantly more non-linear compared to the short wall. if I purchase the Kef’s Blades one or two— I would place the right subwoofer to the inside of the Blades. This would give me about 7 feet of separation. I really wish to incorporate the rel 31’s into the mix for the fun factor when I desire. Peter Gabriel— Exposure— for example— I will adjust most linear bass response of my rel’s 31from a 2 gain position to a 18 gain position —I know the bass response it is not flat at the 18 gain position; however, the feeling of the bass going through me is fun and exciting with a bit of adrenaline — distortion and all .

When I moved into apartment from my house, I was almost in tears because the bass was horrible— Eq helped; however the bass overhang was horrible. I searched the internet and the solution was building DIY acoustic acoustic panels using OC r-19. Using the porous calculator for guidance— I stack two twelve inch think panels- 24 inching think total— along the back wall and a bit of acoustic treatment in the front wall— Wow!! The acoustic panels transformed the system to almost reference status. I still need to build more acoustic panels.

If I was to stay in my apartment, I would buy the Kef Blade 2– assuming if the demo of the Blades 1 goes well— and not look back. However, within a couple of years, I will move into a house with a possible larger listening area. My fear is if I purchased the Blade 2 and move into a larger listening listen space, then I might second guess myself. Although I am convinced that with proper room treatment and a bit of bass eq— the Kef Blade one would work in my current listening space and future. However, maybe the Blade 2 would integrate better with the rel-31’s?

At times, I like to listen to music at 94 db peaks from my listening position. That is the maximum my Epos Es-22 will handle and probably the most I need. So… I am still in the dilemma of Blades 1 or 2. I will go to Best Buy within a week to have a demo. I am open to active’s; however, the Kef blades looks beautiful, and one cannot argue the first class measurements. I will keep everyone informed.

You can use subwoofers to improve bass response when you have TOO MUCH bass from main speakers. My speakers have 12" woofers and provide bass down to 30Hz, but I have several nasty room modes at 40, 80 and 120Hz. Then I added 18" sealed subwoofer and through careful location of subwoofer place in the room and phase adjustment, I was able to reduce all room modes at listener position (and extend bass to 18Hz too). I have subwoofer crossed at 100Hz while running main speakers full range. If I add second subwoofer, I will likely be able to extend listening spot size. Thus subwoofer can not only add bass, but reduce it when necessary through interference with main speakers radiation. Keep this in mind.

 

[Ciobi69]

get blade 2 meta + subs you will be fine, i had blade 2 meta and 2 18 inch bass reflex subs,everything was perfect

 

[Descartes]

get blade 2 meta + subs you will be fine, i had blade 2 meta and 2 18 inch bass reflex subs,everything was perfect

Had? Did you sell your Blade and what did you buy instead?

 

[Matias]

I would get the Blade 2 Meta since you have subs anyway.

 

[John Kettlewell]

An update: I have not had a chance to listen to Kef Blade 1 Meta. They are displayed at my local Best Buy. On Monday, I will audition the Dynaudio Confidence 50 and the Focal Sopra No. 3. Hopefully, the following Saturday, I will audition the Kef Blade 1 Meta. I do believe the KBM2 would be easier to integrate with a my Rel 31’s and current room than the KBM1.

My one concern is that for the past twenty years, I have listened to my Epos Es-22—my ears are accustomed to their sound. Great speaker--First order crossover—only a capacitor on the tweeter and the midrange driver runs directly to the amp—designed by Robin Marshall. I am sure they do not measure as flat as the Blades.

I will update everyone next week.

 

[Ciobi69]

Had? Did you sell your Blade and what did you buy instead?

custom diy speaker made by another person, 1 15 inch triaxial and 1 15inch woofer tri-amplified with dsp, i wanted to monetize mainly

 

[John Kettlewell]

Update: I listen to pair of Kef Blade Meta 1’s at my local Best Buy—Scottsdale, Arizona. Well—truly disappointed—The Kef’s were placed along the long wall about 10 to 12 feet apart, and I sat on a bench about 5 to 6 from the Kef’s. The salesman played the Eagle’s—Hotel California.

First impression—zero sound stage—a huge hole between the speakers. I probably should have moved the bench back about five feet. Then I asked the salesman to play Greg Lake, Rob LaVaque --Songs of a Lifetime (Live 2012) album—"From the Beginning.” Well second impression---zero sound stage—no shock there. I did notice the acoustic guitars on both tracks had a very refined sound to them. Nothing obtrusive—lots of potential. However, with soundstage completely missing, I did not go any further with the demo. I did not bother to ask what was powering Kef’s, or did I not care to try to find a better seating position. My wife who is a causal listener said –“Nothing special” Well, I know the set-up was atrocious, and I dismiss the experience with the Blades due to the atrocious set-up. I will need to audition Kef’s Blade with a proper set-up.

My major gripe. Why in the world does Kef allow their premier speakers to be auditioned at local Best Buy’s? I do not understand their logic. Do they not care? Choosing profits over true high fidelity? I wanted to experience “goose bumps”—instead I walked away with utter disappointment.

I am more disappointed in Kef allowing such a scandalous set-up. How? Why? Kef’s philosophy reminds me of a local Scottsdale, AZ. High End Stereo Store. You walk into the store—and say to the salesman—Let me hear your best system. They walk you into a nontreated room with the tallest Wilson Audio speakers, and a system costing at least $400,000 and then the customers write them a check—great each to their own. Is Kef choosing profits instead of giving their client a presentation that will knock their socks off with goose-bumps? I know Kef is worldwide and instead of having a few dedicated dealers in the US, they have elected to have all their products covered in all fifty states. This philosophy probably generates more profits for them.

So I will give the Kef Blades a second chance and my search to best my over twenty-year-old Epos Es-22 continues. I will keep everyone updated.

 

[Ciobi69]

Update: I listen to pair of Kef Blade Meta 1’s at my local Best Buy—Scottsdale, Arizona. Well—truly disappointed—The Kef’s were placed along the long wall about 10 to 12 feet apart, and I sat on a bench about 5 to 6 from the Kef’s. The salesman played the Eagle’s—Hotel California.

First impression—zero sound stage—a huge hole between the speakers. I probably should have moved the bench back about five feet. Then I asked the salesman to play Greg Lake, Rob LaVaque --Songs of a Lifetime (Live 2012) album—"From the Beginning.” Well second impression---zero sound stage—no shock there. I did notice the acoustic guitars on both tracks had a very refined sound to them. Nothing obtrusive—lots of potential. However, with soundstage completely missing, I did not go any further with the demo. I did not bother to ask what was powering Kef’s, or did I not care to try to find a better seating position. My wife who is a causal listener said –“Nothing special” Well, I know the set-up was atrocious, and I dismiss the experience with the Blades due to the atrocious set-up. I will need to audition Kef’s Blade with a proper set-up.

My major gripe. Why in the world does Kef allow their premier speakers to be auditioned at local Best Buy’s? I do not understand their logic. Do they not care? Choosing profits over true high fidelity? I wanted to experience “goose bumps”—instead I walked away with utter disappointment.

I am more disappointed in Kef allowing such a scandalous set-up. How? Why? Kef’s philosophy reminds me of a local Scottsdale, AZ. High End Stereo Store. You walk into the store—and say to the salesman—Let me hear your best system. They walk you into a nontreated room with the tallest Wilson Audio speakers, and a system costing at least $400,000 and then the customers write them a check—great each to their own. Is Kef choosing profits instead of giving their client a presentation that will knock their socks off with goose-bumps? I know Kef is worldwide and instead of having a few dedicated dealers in the US, they have elected to have all their products covered in all fifty states. This philosophy probably generates more profits for them.

So I will give the Kef Blades a second chance and my search to best my over twenty-year-old Epos Es-22 continues. I will keep everyone updated.

i had the blade 2 meta , lowkey the best speaker i ever had, you need a good room, doubt that best buy had that, they go low in bass extension, the distortion is very low, and they can go quite loud, they need a good amplifier

 

[TommyM]

Update: I listen to pair of Kef Blade Meta 1’s at my local Best Buy—Scottsdale, Arizona. Well—truly disappointed—The Kef’s were placed along the long wall about 10 to 12 feet apart, and I sat on a bench about 5 to 6 from the Kef’s. The salesman played the Eagle’s—Hotel California.

First impression—zero sound stage—a huge hole between the speakers. I probably should have moved the bench back about five feet. Then I asked the salesman to play Greg Lake, Rob LaVaque --Songs of a Lifetime (Live 2012) album—"From the Beginning.” Well second impression---zero sound stage—no shock there. I did notice the acoustic guitars on both tracks had a very refined sound to them. Nothing obtrusive—lots of potential. However, with soundstage completely missing, I did not go any further with the demo. I did not bother to ask what was powering Kef’s, or did I not care to try to find a better seating position. My wife who is a causal listener said –“Nothing special” Well, I know the set-up was atrocious, and I dismiss the experience with the Blades due to the atrocious set-up. I will need to audition Kef’s Blade with a proper set-up.

My major gripe. Why in the world does Kef allow their premier speakers to be auditioned at local Best Buy’s? I do not understand their logic. Do they not care? Choosing profits over true high fidelity? I wanted to experience “goose bumps”—instead I walked away with utter disappointment.

I am more disappointed in Kef allowing such a scandalous set-up. How? Why? Kef’s philosophy reminds me of a local Scottsdale, AZ. High End Stereo Store. You walk into the store—and say to the salesman—Let me hear your best system. They walk you into a nontreated room with the tallest Wilson Audio speakers, and a system costing at least $400,000 and then the customers write them a check—great each to their own. Is Kef choosing profits instead of giving their client a presentation that will knock their socks off with goose-bumps? I know Kef is worldwide and instead of having a few dedicated dealers in the US, they have elected to have all their products covered in all fifty states. This philosophy probably generates more profits for them.

So I will give the Kef Blades a second chance and my search to best my over twenty-year-old Epos Es-22 continues. I will keep everyone updated.

leave it to best buy to screw up a display to make something great! sound bad. Many of the magnolia stores are closing most likely because of this.

 

[aarons915]

Update: I listen to pair of Kef Blade Meta 1’s at my local Best Buy—Scottsdale, Arizona. Well—truly disappointed—The Kef’s were placed along the long wall about 10 to 12 feet apart, and I sat on a bench about 5 to 6 from the Kef’s. The salesman played the Eagle’s—Hotel California.

First impression—zero sound stage—a huge hole between the speakers. I probably should have moved the bench back about five feet. Then I asked the salesman to play Greg Lake, Rob LaVaque --Songs of a Lifetime (Live 2012) album—"From the Beginning.” Well second impression---zero sound stage—no shock there. I did notice the acoustic guitars on both tracks had a very refined sound to them. Nothing obtrusive—lots of potential. However, with soundstage completely missing, I did not go any further with the demo. I did not bother to ask what was powering Kef’s, or did I not care to try to find a better seating position. My wife who is a causal listener said –“Nothing special” Well, I know the set-up was atrocious, and I dismiss the experience with the Blades due to the atrocious set-up. I will need to audition Kef’s Blade with a proper set-up.

My major gripe. Why in the world does Kef allow their premier speakers to be auditioned at local Best Buy’s? I do not understand their logic. Do they not care? Choosing profits over true high fidelity? I wanted to experience “goose bumps”—instead I walked away with utter disappointment.

I am more disappointed in Kef allowing such a scandalous set-up. How? Why? Kef’s philosophy reminds me of a local Scottsdale, AZ. High End Stereo Store. You walk into the store—and say to the salesman—Let me hear your best system. They walk you into a nontreated room with the tallest Wilson Audio speakers, and a system costing at least $400,000 and then the customers write them a check—great each to their own. Is Kef choosing profits instead of giving their client a presentation that will knock their socks off with goose-bumps? I know Kef is worldwide and instead of having a few dedicated dealers in the US, they have elected to have all their products covered in all fifty states. This philosophy probably generates more profits for them.

So I will give the Kef Blades a second chance and my search to best my over twenty-year-old Epos Es-22 continues. I will keep everyone updated.

I'm a huge KEF fan but not so much the Blades, they can be really good I just am not a big fan of the side firing woofers and the effect it creates. The thing with the blades though is the setup seems to be more important than the average speaker because of the side firing woofers. Every various angle of toe in changes the amount of reflected sound from the woofers so a lot more trial and error is necessary to get that balance right. 10-12 feet seems like too much distance between them and it sounds like they may have been aimed straight ahead, these are definitely a speaker you want toed in a bit.

I get the frustration about Best buy, last time I was at my Magnolia store the guy couldn't even figure out how to get the Blades working...

 

[steve59]

The Bass in the Blades is clean enough to install in a smaller room without worry of 'bloat'. If you're certain of moving to a larger room and are unsure then I'd suggest buying the Bm1.