KEF R7 - Is It Worth It?

[eyes-on-you]

I've just noticed that if you look at some of the KEF R series measurements and Revel's, they seem to prioritize the early reflections over the listening window. The F206 is a good example of what I mean but many Revel's do it. I've also found the early reflections to be more important with EQ, if you go back to the R3 or R7 measurements you see you can either keep them as is and live with the peak in the 2-3k range or you EQ that out which leaves the dip in the direct sound, from my testing a peak in the ER response will come off as a bit harsh so I prefer that curve to be smooth. The ER curve is also a good approximation of what you're in room response is, that's why an MMM measurement can work well if you don't have a proper Spin.

Thank you for the detailed explanation. I understand better.

 

[Bcarroll]

Another reason to insist on serial number matching is the effect on re-sale value. I replaced a set of Monitor Audio 5 towers this past year, and one of my potential buyers would not purchase them because of mis-matched serial numbers.

 

[BrokenEnglishGuy]

B

Thats why I love KEF. I want that honesty, monitor experience and to me, the KEFs are beautiful speakers. I really like the looks of that UniQ driver array and I measures extremely good

I like that about KEFs, but im eq the KEFs for getting more musical sound xD I get the best of both world
As musical is subobjetive, I prefer a speaker with relative Flat FR, is more easy to EQ.
KEFs are very easy to eq, no peaks and no huge deeps.

 

[Shoaibexpert]

I was thinking of buying the Q950s that were in my budget with a Yamaha A-S801 Amp and a KEF 12b sub. But then google struck and I started reading about the KEF R7s and R11s. How much of an improvement is expected in terms of objective capabilities between the Q950s and the R7s or maybe R11s given the price difference can be x4-6 times and would the Yamaha A-S801 amp that I am considering cut it?

Thanks

 

[Timme]

B

I like that about KEFs, but im eq the KEFs for getting more musical sound xD I get the best of both world
As musical is subobjetive, I prefer a speaker with relative Flat FR, is more easy to EQ.
KEFs are very easy to eq, no peaks and no huge deeps.

sorry for late quote but what speakers do you currently have?

 

[BrokenEnglishGuy]

sorry for late quote but what speakers do you currently have?

R300

 

[Timme]

R300

nice.

I have the R600 center speaker and it is truly amazing movies never sounded as lifelike and real

 

[sseppala]

Can anyone verify if the Uni-Q element is indeed in the same cabinet space as the woofer(s) in R7 (or R5,R500,R700,R900) speaker and there is no cover or shell to it. The images that I have found from the web, would indicate that only the R11 has its own separate cabinet space for the Uni-Q element.

R11 -> https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/kef-r11-loudspeaker
R900 -> https://6moons.com/audioreviews/kef3/2.html

I think that it would be highly beneficial to reduce coupling with the woofers and the Uni-Q element, by placing Uni-Q in its own compartment. After all, this is the way it is done in the flagship R11. This is also a very simple and cheap thing to implement.

Oddly, lower end Q550 also seems to have its own enclosure for the Uni-Q.
https://h-m-entertainment.com/kef-q550-review

 

[digitalfrost]

Why would they do this.

 

[Timme]

Can anyone verify if the Uni-Q element is indeed in the same cabinet space as the woofer(s) in R7 (or R5,R500,R700,R900) speaker and there is no cover or shell to it. The images that I have found from the web, would indicate that only the R11 has its own separate cabinet space for the Uni-Q element.

R11 -> https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/kef-r11-loudspeaker
R900 -> https://6moons.com/audioreviews/kef3/2.html

I think that it would be highly beneficial to reduce coupling with the woofers and the Uni-Q element, by placing Uni-Q in its own compartment. After all, this is the way it is done in the flagship R11. This is also a very simple and cheap thing to implement.

Oddly, lower end Q550 also seems to have its own enclosure for the Uni-Q.
https://h-m-entertainment.com/kef-q550-review

Agree. That is actually weird

 

[Descartes]

Here is an other review

https://7review.com/kef-r7-review/#sound-quality

 

[goldenears]

Cons: "A tad sheeny"

LOL!

 

[tecnogadget]

Even

Can anyone verify if the Uni-Q element is indeed in the same cabinet space as the woofer(s) in R7 (or R5,R500,R700,R900) speaker and there is no cover or shell to it. The images that I have found from the web, would indicate that only the R11 has its own separate cabinet space for the Uni-Q element.

R11 -> https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/kef-r11-loudspeaker
R900 -> https://6moons.com/audioreviews/kef3/2.html

I think that it would be highly beneficial to reduce coupling with the woofers and the Uni-Q element, by placing Uni-Q in its own compartment. After all, this is the way it is done in the flagship R11. This is also a very simple and cheap thing to implement.

Oddly, lower end Q550 also seems to have its own enclosure for the Uni-Q.
https://h-m-entertainment.com/kef-q550-review

Even though they don’t show crosscut of the entire family, I think the whole R line 2018 has the UniQ on a separate chamber and not just an R11 exclusive feature. But then again, I would ask Kef support for a confirmation on this.

 

[Robovox]

The foam bungs comment is spurious - mine came with one for each port, each one split into an O-ring and a centre section.

 

[eyes-on-you]

Even


Even though they don’t show crosscut of the entire family, I think the whole R line 2018 has the UniQ on a separate chamber and not just an R11 exclusive feature. But then again, I would ask Kef support for a confirmation on this.

Please inform us when you got a reply.

 

[Chromatischism]

I have just bought a pair of R7s in walnut with which I am delighted. serial numbers match other than one containing an L and one a R. I assume this designation is nominal - the speakers appear to be the same and not a handed pair.

View attachment 91610

Please share what kind of component stand that is. Thanks.

 

[Robovox]

Please share what kind of component stand that is. Thanks.

It’s made by Isoblue - details here:
https://www.isobluehifi.com/

 

[Chromatischism]

It’s made by Isoblue - details here:
https://www.isobluehifi.com/

403 - Forbidden?

 

[Robovox]

403 - Forbidden?

Not sure what the problem is - I can follow the link fine.

You could try a search for Isoblue hifi racks and see what you find. Where abouts are you located? There are a number of retailers in the UK and distributors in Finland and Germany.

 

[Chromatischism]

It's working now. Wasn't last night. Thanks.

I am in the Middle of the U.S.