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Kef Model 3

They are a discontinued model which was originally sold as part of the KIT100 HTIB.

Supposedly, they work pretty decently, and at the very least, seem to be a solid buy for $100.

My only reservation would be that they have a 4-channel hookup. So you can't use them with a 2-channel amp, such as a small 10-50 W/channel desktop amp. You need a receiver. That said, they would probably shine in a bedroom or computer audio system if you were to add a sub. They need to be crossed over high, around 100, maybe 120 Hz.

Edit: They are cheap, and I am increasingly curious about these. I may get them to play around. I'll post my thoughts if I do.
 
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Sucks being broke. I would love to try these too. Wife needs to finish school already!
 
My only reservation would be that they have a 4-channel hookup. So you can't use them with a 2-channel amp, such as a small 10-50 W/channel desktop amp. You need a receiver. That said, they would probably shine in a bedroom or computer audio system if you were to add a sub. They need to be crossed over high, around 100, maybe 120 Hz.
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I was thinking 2 channel T amp with external xover.



So just add sub and 5.1 channel receiver. I wonder how well they sound. I like the size and design.
 
Using a 2-channel T-amp with a 5.1 receiver would make no sense.

You need 4 channels driven with 4.x surround processing to take advantage of these speakers. That is why you need a receiver, and to use 4.x surround processing with an external T-amp your receiver would need full pre-outs. The zone and stereo pre-outs won't cut it as they just handle stereo (down)mixes and are generally full range.

Problem here is that receivers with full pre-outs are generally expensive, and you would generally be going so far up a manufacturer's line that the amplifiers in the unit would be rather good as it is. So you aren't gaining or saving anything by adding a cheap T-amp.

The Insignias were good for their money, but I doubt that they would compare to these. I'm a big fan of Kef, and I would trust them to not disappoint, even in a lifestyle model. Plus, as these are a discontinued end-of-life product, you aren't paying the usual lifestyle tax. (Make no mistake, they came to newegg to die.) They should be a solid buy.

Even if you were to ignore their 4.x capability and use them as a 2.x model, they should still not disappoint.

Edit: I should note that if you currently use the Insignias in 2.0, keep in mind that these Kef speakers will require a sub. It's not an "add a sub to get down below 60 Hz for impact" situation. These things will probably sound extremely thin without one.
 
In for a pair of the silver version. Only going to be using them in stereo but the imaging is supposedly fantastic and these would work well for near-field listening also.
 
I might go for a pair of these if you could use them with a T amp. No good way though from the sounds of it.
 
Well depending, A t amp could power it. Most of the t amps are 2 ohm stable and i have seen a few capable of a 1 ohm load.
 
For near-field use T-amps should work just fine, but you'll only be using half of the drivers. So this speaker may or may not be the best choice for you given the other competition around this area.

Basically, the Model 3 will still sound good, but you will be giving up much of its "uniqueness" in its design.

I would not, however, use a low-power T-amp for larger rooms or for listening at a distance with these speakers. They have a relatively small woofer, and they are based on using a Uni-Q tweeter, not a full range driver. Neither of these two, when combined, generally leads to a highly efficient speaker.
 
What else would you recommend in the small, semi-transportable, but full sound type of passive speaker?

I like my Pioneer SP-BS41 speakers but they are heavy and the shape makes them more than I want to move around sometimes.
 
The Model 3s aren't actually that small. Thin, yes, but they are rather deeper and taller than their front profile would belie.

That said, I suppose they are lighter than most full cabinet speakers in their size range.

Any recommendations would need a price range, and semi-transportable is more vague than I would like. A use case would be more useful.
 
TESLA said:
For near-field use T-amps should work just fine, but you'll only be using half of the drivers. So this speaker may or may not be the best choice for you given the other competition around this area.

Basically, the Model 3 will still sound good, but you will be giving up much of its "uniqueness" in its design.

I would not, however, use a low-power T-amp for larger rooms or for listening at a distance with these speakers. They have a relatively small woofer, and they are based on using a Uni-Q tweeter, not a full range driver. Neither of these two, when combined, generally leads to a highly efficient speaker.
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Im just saying. Technically you can run all the drivers off of a t amp. You would put both positives and both negatives, from one speaker, in the channel's positive and negative.

If the OP wants portable he could grab some dayton b625's and a set of stage equipment handles and attatch the handles.
 
@mannyman - What type of handles would you recommend? How do I secure them to the speaker? I'm not sure about putting screws into a speaker.
 
These are fantastic sounding, especially for $80 shipped. I am only using 2.1 right now through my receiver's speaker B output and a PB12-NSD subwoofer.

Clear and crisp sounding with a crossover of 100hz sitting 3 feet away.

I tried them as 4.1 also (using an AV123 ELT525 setup right now for my main 5.1 system) and I think these are just perfect for a small room where you don't have space for actual rear speakers. I am sitting 3 feet away and I can hear the surround effect coming from the back.

Highly recommend these especially for $80 even if you only want to use them as a stereo setup with a subwoofer.
 
aZn_plyR said:
These are fantastic sounding, especially for $80 shipped. I am only using 2.1 right now through my receiver's speaker B output and a PB12-NSD subwoofer.

Clear and crisp sounding with a crossover of 100hz sitting 3 feet away.

Highly recommend these especially for $80 even if you only want to use them as a stereo setup with a subwoofer.
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Thats how I would run them with my computer.

They look nice and if I didn't already have decent desktop speakers I would get these. Looks like a realy good deal.


Out of stock. Too good to last. Glad I resisted buying because I really don't need them. Just so tasty looking.
 
TESLA said:
Technically... :p

I would never recommend it though.
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It shouldn't hurt anything. Hell they might even be dual 8 ohm load speakers. Bridging them would put them at a typical load on the amp. Even at that there are better fullrange speakers.


rosco said:
@mannyman - What type of handles would you recommend? How do I secure them to the speaker? I'm not sure about putting screws into a speaker.
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They have all different types some being very easy while others requiring a little more work. And as long as you are putting the screws into the wood of the cabinet and not the speakers you should be fine. :p

Easiest: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=260-702

Easy: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=262-305

A little more difficult: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=262-826
 
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