What is the general consensus on the Kef app from users.

People with Kef speakers can complain about unstable connection issues.

There’s also talk about devices being bricked when updating.

Then people suggest having to restart their speakers to get them just to connect and play on a daily basis.

Are these statements true, or has Kef resolved them with stable updates ?

We’ve got a pair of KEF LS60s and absolutely love them so far! Everything’s great, except our cats have apparently decided the Uni-Q drivers are the coolest damn things in the house. So, fellow cat + LS60 owners, what do you guys actually do? Cover the drivers whenever you’re not listening? Put the speakers on some kind of raised base? Train the cats to stay the hell away and just hope for the best? Right now I’m using the ugly cardboard covers that came in the box whenever we’re not listening. Looks goofy as hell, but hey, it works! I’ve got some nice suede covers coming, so hopefully that’ll be the long-term fix. Other ideas? Curious what you guys have figured out, especially with the LS60 since those drivers are basically sitting there completely naked and asking for trouble.

P.S. One of our family friends suggested declawing the cats. We now have one fewer family friend.

Hi, everyone!

A few years ago, I bought a pair of KEF 104/2 speakers, which I’ve been using ever since with a relatively low-quality amplifier. I recently started thinking that it might be worth investing in a higher-quality amplifier, so I began doing some research.

First, I thought about what type of amplifier would best suit my listening habits. I listen to music exclusively from my laptop and phone, mainly using Tidal, so initially I thought that a Class D all-in-one amplifier with integrated streaming platforms would probably be the ideal solution for me.

However, I’ve also read on various forums that all-in-one streaming amplifiers may not be the most future-proof option, since software platforms and streaming services can eventually lose support. If I separate the streaming functionality from the amplifier, I might be able to get better amplification for the same money, while also having a system that could potentially remain useful for several decades.

I’ve also come across the common opinion that some traditional Class A/AB amplifiers can sound richer or more lively than modern Class D designs. I realize this is a somewhat subjective topic, though, and I’d be very interested in hearing the opinions of people who have actually used different amplifiers with the 104/2.

The logical alternative, therefore, seems to be buying a good traditional amplifier and pairing it with a separate streamer (e.g. a WiiM Mini or WiiM Pro). This would also mean that if the streaming technology becomes obsolete in 10 years, I could simply replace the inexpensive streamer rather than having to replace the amplifier.

Genre-wise, I mostly listen to alternative rock, but I also like grunge, nu metal, jazz, trip hop and dubstep.

My amplifier options so far:

• WiiM Amp Ultra / Eversolo Play

These would obviously be the options if I wanted to save money, but there are surprisingly good reviews and reports of great value for money, especially for the WiiM, on various forums.

In the country where I live, the WiiM would cost around €475, while the Eversolo Play is around €600.

With the WiiM, I might be able to minimize my concerns about longevity, since it’s relatively inexpensive and it wouldn’t be as painful to replace if its software became obsolete in 10 years.

One major drawback for me is the lack of AirPlay 2. I’m wondering whether AirPlay 2 is likely to be more future-proof than proprietary streaming integrations such as Tidal Connect.

• Cambridge Audio Evo 75

Honestly, physically, this is the one I like the most. It’s simply a beautiful piece of equipment. I know that with an amplifier you should focus on the sound rather than the appearance, but my heart still leans toward this one.

I’ve read a lot of positive reviews about its sound as well. My main concern is whether it makes sense as a long-term investment if, say, Tidal—or even AirPlay 2—were no longer supported in 10 years.

On the other hand, many people say that the Evo 75 is still an excellent amplifier even without its streaming functionality.

I recently found a used unit for €1,000 in my location, with a warranty valid until 2030. From what I’ve seen, this seems like a particularly good price.

• Audiolab 7000A / Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II / Rotel S14

These are some of the other models I’ve come across in a similar price range.

With the Audiolab and Cambridge, I could simply add a separate streamer. The Rotel S14 already has streaming functionality, so it raises some of the same long-term questions as the Evo 75.

As a relative newcomer to hi-fi, I honestly don’t know which of these would be the best match for the KEF 104/2, so I’d really appreciate some advice.

I’m also open to other alternatives in this price range.

I’ve read in many places that 40-year-old used amplifiers in this price range can offer significantly better sound quality than modern equipment at the same price. However, this would be completely new territory for me.

My main concern with a 40-year-old amplifier is reliability. How much longer can I realistically expect it to last? Do they generally require restoration or replacement of aging components? Since I don’t understand the electronics inside an amplifier and wouldn’t be able to repair one myself, buying a vintage amplifier would feel considerably riskier to me.

So, while sound quality is obviously very important, my main priority is long-term reliability and getting something I can keep for many years or even decades.

I’d also like something that allows me to connect my laptop or phone quickly and easily without having to deal with complicated setups.

What would you recommend for my KEF 104/2 and my needs?

Would you go for:

• a modern all-in-one such as the Evo 75,
• a cheaper all-in-one such as the WiiM Amp Ultra,
• a traditional integrated amplifier + separate streamer,
• or a good vintage amplifier?

And if you would choose a traditional or vintage amplifier, which models would you recommend looking for?

My budget is €1,000, and my listening room is quite small, so I don't need a huge amount of power.

Thanks in advance for your answers!

Hi all, I am very new to being an audiophile and an amateur when it comes to the knowledge of sound.. I currently own KEF LSX II Active Wireless Bookshelf Speakers and I am in need of a subwoofer!

I have my speakers located in my bedroom which is fairly a decent sized bedroom having fitted a king size bed and still lots of leg room in the room. Only purpose saying this is to give you an idea of the space, size of the room.

I would love to know if it's worth getting the 10 MIE or the 12 MIE.

Thanks so much:)

Title says it all, I’ve finally purchased ls50 wireless IIs with S2 stands, and want to pair them with a sub since our space is quite roomy. After a lot of reading my main options seem to be the above mentioned.

I opted for blue stands and sand shell speakers.

Anyone here with experiences with one of them or both paired with these speakers? Please do share!

Any other mentions or options are ofcourse very welcome.

With regards!

Right now I have some LSX II LT as desk speakers and they are ok. I was wondering if the new LUXE could be used as desk speakers?

My desk is 30 inches deep and 72 inches wide. If that’s not deep enough I was also planning on getting the stands for them and placing them behind the desk for more distance.

Hi all,

For some reason, in my country the R3 Meta is being sold at the same price as the LS50 Meta. I've been using the LS50 Meta for a long time at my computer and love it. I wonder if I should get R3 Meta for my living room? Is there any significant changes?

So I’ve decided the KEF LS50 Metas are going to be my passive speaker of choice and I will be eventually matching a sub to it (likely a SVS sb 1000 pro or KEF kc62 if I can source one second hand) but the amp is really throwing me. My budget isn’t huge maybe 1500aud max but I want to get good quality with a more warm approach to its sound signature.

My 3 choices I’ve been circling around are:

- Cambridge Audio CXA81
- Rotel A12/14 mk2
- WiiM amp Ultra

The CXA81 interests me for its pleasing sound, The Rotel seems like I’d be able to push it easily and keep a solid sound stage and the WiiM has tonnes of bells and whistles and smart room compensation etc.

The Rotel A14 is the only one above my budget but could maaaybe afford it if was genuinely worth it. My heart says the CA my head says the WiiM.

Would love some feedback on all this please.

Do I use the rubber pads that came with the R3 Meta speakers with the S3 stands?

The R6 is quite large so where should I stick the 4 rubber pads? At the corners? What's optimal?

For mainly movies and some music. I have no other speaker equipment. Using for living room for tv.

Hey guys, I’ve bought my first proper setup and finished setting it up yesterday. I’m new to the audiophile world, so I’d appreciate your opinion.
**Setup:**
Speakers: Two KEF Reference Model 2s (old, but still capable)
Amp: Yamaha AX-750
Streaming: Apple AirPort Express
I’m quite happy with the sound overall, but I feel like the volume could be higher, especially when playing music from Spotify. I usually listen to Techno and dub on SoundCloud, and some tracks sound amazing and can’t go higher than 60% as the walls are already shaking. But when I listen to other genres on Spotify, I sometimes have to nearly double the volume to get the same listening level.
For some tracks, I have to turn the amp up to around 80%, and even then it’s not particularly loud. At 80%, I’d say it’s just at a comfortable level for normal listening.
Is this normal, or could there be something wrong with my setup? Could it simply be that some recordings are mastered at a much lower level?
Also, is there a good way to test whether the highs and mids are working properly?
One thing to mention: the input selector has an issue. Sometimes it creates noise or one speaker cuts out, but it goes away when I touch/move the knob. Could this issue somehow affect the output power of the amp, or is it unrelated?