I'm so blown over by these speakers that I don't know where to start. I am accustomed to reasonably good sound (Bose, Sennheiser). These, even though they are supposed to be 'computer speakers', beat the Bose Wave system hands down. I have NEVER had such clarity of sound, such balance, such dynamics except in live performances (!). Even on old recordings (Kathleen Ferrier singing Malher's Lieder) there is no background hum, incredibly purity, no blurring and perfect bass. They are powerful enough to fill a 40m2 room with no trouble and most importantly, no distortion. If you are a hi fi fan you'll know how rare that is.
It's like rediscovering what music is. Whatever I play comes out way, way better than what I'm accustomed to. Rock, jazz, pop, country and of course classical and opera, you name it. I am amazed by the performance of the speakers across the board. They found the Deus Irae in Verdi's requiem a doddle even though they are 1.50mn apart on my desk! I felt the wrath of God pouring down on me in a way I have never experienced before except in concerts (not sure it's a good thing but well, you know what I mean!). When Don Giovanni sings to Zerlina it feels like he is singing to me (fancy that!). And 'Wish you were here' sounds out of this world.
Apparently they are supposed to need time to break in and to improve over the first two weeks. Well, I don't know where these will go! I hesitated because of the price but EVERYTHING I listened to seems new. It's like realising that you've been looking at the world through a smudged window pane and having that window pane removed... Each sound is fresher, cleaner, and you hear things you hadn't heard before. And again, that's from being accustomed to the Bose Wave System, which is very decent: even so the jump in quality is incommensurable.
With sound that good, I don't care about anything else. They could be pink with black spots and Mickey mouse ears for all I care. But still, they do look good, are easy to set up (except that they weigh a ton, about 7kg per speaker!), and disappear in the background. My desk is small (about 110x50cm) and yet they fit. One is hidden by my second monitor and the other half hidden by an electronic frame (I know, it's a horrid setting) and YET they are as amazing as I said above. Without the obstacles I don't know what they would sound like but I don't care given how wonderful the sound is in my cramped setting.
A couple of notes: a) there is a little switch at the back for 'desk' or 'stand away' performance. Choose appropriately, it makes a difference; b) before you think they don't work (I did...), remember to select them as default in your 'Sounds' settings in the Control Panel (if using a computer); c) if you wire them (I have wired them to my computer and also stream from my phone wirelessly), use the USB input, not the audio jack. If you use the jack you won't get the benefit of the built-in DAC.
If you have the money and want concert quality sound behind your desk (also at low volume: a lot of speakers don't play well at low volume), get these: they'll play superlatively anything you throw at them. I work at my computer all day and having these makes such a difference.
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From the manufacturer
‘Of all art, music is the most indefinable and the most expressive, the most insubstantial and the most immediate, the most transitory and the most imperishable. Transformed to a dance of electrons along a wire, its ghost lives on. When KEF returns music to its rightful habituation, your ears and mind, they aim to do so in the most natural way they can … without drama, without exaggeration, without artifice.' Raymond Cooke, KEF founder
KEF X300A Wireless & X300A Speakers
KEF, one of the originators of British Hi-Fi sound, has for over 50 years pioneered award-winners from professional studio monitors, to the legendary Reference Series and the recent ground-breaking MUON, BLADE and LS50. Every KEF speaker epitomises the seamless integration of innovative engineering and outstanding design.
The X300A Speakers provide you with crystal clear music, the way it was meant to be heard. The X300A Wireless Speakers give you the freedom to stream music wirelessly via Airplay or DLNA from your computer or mobile device in a way that allows you to experience uncompromised high resolution sound. Everything about the X300A digital hi-fi speaker range is designed to make your enjoyment of music easier and more intense.
High Fidelity Design
Like a professional studio monitor, each X300A and X300A wireless speaker has two dedicated class AB amplifiers – one for LF/MF and one for HF – to ensure accurate, distortion-free sound reproduction. Speaker hum and electromagnetic interference are minimised by using toroidal transformers of the type specified for audiophile grade hi-fi amps. With digital USB connection between speakers, the X300A systems turn your desktop, laptop, tablet or other mobile device into a source of listening pleasure to true high fidelity standards.
Easy Configuration & Optimised Sound
Configuring the X300A and X300A Wireless Systems is easy. For the X300A all you have to do is connect the speakers to each other and to your chosen device by the USB ports and into a power source. That's it. For the X300A Wireless it takes only a few minutes, using the Setup Wizard on KEF’s website. Once set up, simply power up your speakers and start streaming! A balance switch on the back of the master speaker allows you to optimise the sound for wherever you place the speakers; whether that be on the desk, against a wall or in free space.
High Definition Sound
The 24-bit/96kHz USB input allows the X300A system to reproduce the full depth and complexity of high resolution music files. A dedicated high quality DAC in each speaker virtually eliminates interference by separating decoding from playback. All this high end technology is complemented by the award-winning Uni-Q ‘point source’ driver array derived from KEF’s flagship speaker, the Blade. The result is a spacious, accurate and exquisitely detailed sound field, whatever device your music is played from. The X300A non-wireless system ensures that nothing is lost from the original source thanks to the distortion-free USB connection throughout.
Complete Compatibility
The X300A is compatible with any device that can be connected via a USB cable or a 3.5mm analogue connection (included). The X300A Wireless is designed for both Apple (Mac OS X version 10.6 or later) and Microsoft (Windows 7 or later) operating systems, and you can stream your music by Airplay or DLNA from any Apple or Android device. For the best experience from an Android device, we offer an app allowing you to swap between music libraries and stream the music you want; download our KEF DMC app at Google Play.
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| KEF X300A Hi-Fi System | KEF X300A Wireless Hi-Fi System | KEF X300A Wireless Hi-Fi System | |
| Wireless | X | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless network streaming | - no data | DLNA: V1.5 Digital Media Renderer (DMR) AirPlay: AirPlay works with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with iOS 4.3.3 or later, Mac with OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.0) or later, and Mac or PC with iTunes 10.2.2 or later | DLNA: V1.5 Digital Media Renderer (DMR) AirPlay: AirPlay works with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with iOS 4.3.3 or later, Mac with OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.0) or later, and Mac or PC with iTunes 10.2.2 or later |
| System type | Two-way bass reflex | Two-way bass reflex | Two-way bass reflex |
| Drive units | Uni-Q driver array: HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome LF/MF: 130mm (5.25in.) magnesium/ aluminium alloy | Uni-Q driver array: HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome LF/MF:130mm (5.25in.) magnesium/ aluminium alloy | Uni-Q driver array: HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome LF/MF:130mm (5.25in.) magnesium/ aluminium alloy |
| Frequency response (+/- 3dB) | 58Hz - 28kHz | 58Hz - 28kHz | 58Hz - 28kHz |
| Frequency range (- 6dB) | 49Hz - 45kHz | 49Hz - 45kHz | 49Hz - 45kHz |
| Max peak SPL | 104dB | 104dB | 104dB |
| Amplifier type | Twin Class AB | Twin Class AB | Twin Class AB |
| Amplifier power | LF: 50W HF: 20W | LF: 50W HF: 20W | LF: 50W HF: 20W |
Very good but NO DEEP BASS!!!
Very good speakers, very clean and transparent BUT there is pretty much NO deep bass at low listening levels in my room and seating position. Maybe its because im used to my full range high end system or harman kardon go play which leads the way when it comes to big bass from small woofers (harman kardon atlas woofers are outstanding) But apart from my bass gripe they do sound fantastic. Dont expect deep bass notes unless you really crank them up then they will sing at the rated frequency response. If you like anything that has deep bass at low listening volumes i would think twice. Im keeping them because i appreciate the clarity and balance which is what they excell at, they sound stellar, the clarity and detail would cost 10x the price to achieve in a full set up with good bass so i think they are a great value. These really do dissapear and create a great soundstage! People on here have over exsaggerated quite a bit so i thought i would set the record straight. Well done kef! Outstanding sound.
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 September 2014
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 March 2017
