Center & rear speakers to work with KEF front speakers
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New member Username: MartybigsPost Number: 1 Registered: Jun-05 | I am upgrading a TV (Samsung 56" DLP) and stereo system to surround sound for the first time. I have a set of KEF component speakers that were built 25 years ago but still sound fantastic. I am purchasing a new Yamaha HTR-5890BL Receiver and either a Samsung DVD-HD850 or Toshiba DVD SD-5980. The local audio store has suggested adding a KEF Q10c center speaker and a set of Ci 160.2QS/QR in-wall speakers for the rears at a cost of about $1,000.00. I would like to spend less. Are there any other speaker brands besides KEF that will work (Boston Acoustics or Polk Audio)??? Or should I just stick with the KEF brand to be sure of a good match??? Thanks, Martybigs |
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Silver Member Username: DmwileyPost Number: 739 Registered: Feb-05 | Marty, please get the extended warranty if you are purchasing Samsung. You'll probably need it. I would match the center speaker as closely as possible to the front speakers. Matching surrounds not as crucial. |
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New member Username: Mark_mcintoshGastonia, NC USA Post Number: 5 Registered: May-05 | Marty, I had a pair of KEF 103.2's for 20 years and I used a Definitive Technology center speaker that matched very well. Since the rears are mainly for effect, you don't need matching speakers there unless you listen to music in 5 channel stereo alot. I used a pair of Baby Advents for a long time and they were fine. Do you have a subwoofer? That is a must for good home theater sound. My suggestion would be to focus on the center speaker, get some decent rears, and save enough to get the subwoofer. Dayton makes a good one for around $125 + shipping. |
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New member Username: Mark_mcintoshGastonia, NC USA Post Number: 6 Registered: May-05 | Sorry, I forgot to say you can get that sub from www.partsexpress.com . They also have a pretty good selection of in-wall speakers if that's the way you want to go in the rears. |
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New member Username: MartybigsPost Number: 2 Registered: Jun-05 | Thanks for the help! I found the specs. on the old KEF speakers. There are three units in each cabinet. The cabinets are 36"w x 24"h x 18"d and contain the following: KEF T27 HF Unit Type SP1032 (50 watts/8 continuous) KEF B200 LF Unit Type SP1014 (25 watts/25 continuous) KEF B139 LF Unit Type SP1044 (50 watts/40 continuous/3 way reflex system) I am trying to narrow down the brand and size center and rear speakers that will go with these old KEFs. HERE ARE SOME OPTIONS..NEED HELP WITH DECISION: Center Speakers Definitive C/L/R 2500 w/power sub $350-$700 Definitive Mythos Three $350-$400 KEF Reference 200 Center $600-$1000 KEF Q9C Center $200-$300 KEF Q10c Center $540 Rear Surrounds Definitive UIW64/A In walls $300 Definitive BPI.2X surrounds $250-$400 KEF Q8s Q-series rears $250 KEF CI-200.2 Q5 Uni-Q 8" in walls $300-$400 KEF Ci 160.2QR in walls $200 NEED HELP DECIDING! Thanks Martybigs |
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New member Username: MartybigsPost Number: 3 Registered: Jun-05 | I purchased the rear KEF Ci-200.2 QS 8" in-walls on ebay. Now I am down to the center speaker. Should I stay with KEF??? Looking at the Q10C @$450.00 or a used 100-C Reference (much less expensive)...any suggestions? I am thinking that I still may need a subwoofer with either of these combinations. The other option (based on Mark's comments) would be to get a DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY C/L/R 2300 or 2500 with the built-in subwoofer power amp. This unit is a little more money, but takes care of the subwoofer need. thanks for your comments, Martybigs |
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Bronze Member Username: DaedilusPost Number: 46 Registered: Jun-05 | The CLR 2500 is a fine, fine center channel speaker. The integral sub on it adds a lot of definition to the channel and really brings the center "alive". As to whether you want to use that as the only sub in your system... well i wouldnt but its up to you. I would go with a high quality powered 12 inch ... possibly a supercube if money allows.  maybe a Pro Sub 100 if something a little less expensive is required.  http://www.definitivetech.com/loudspeakers/subwoofers/subwoofers.html#100 |
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