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Review NaN of
Price Paid:
$200.00
from ebay Summary:
I bought a mint pair of Keilidhs on ebay, with the granite base. My expectations were modest and, having bought them, and before they arrived, I questioned whether I'd made the right decision - having been happy with the various speakers I use on different setups. That's the audiophile bug for you.
The speakers were configured for 'aktiv' use. Naively, I connected them up to a regular integrated amp - Pioneer A400 as modded by Tom Evans. I biwired. According to Linn's helpline, I was lucky I didn't blow the tweeters as this configuration is wrong. The sound though showed promise, subject to certain compromises. It was clear/transparent, steady image, and suggested a rich midrange. The bottom end was missing - bit like a small monitor than a floorstander.
Having realised the error of my ways, I had the speakers converted back to passive mode. This made a major difference on the same setup. Mid range was fluid, bass much deeper and more extended. Sweet treble. big soundstage. I was delighted and surprised. Then the next step: I have been concocting an idiosyncratic system in my bedroom for a few years: Nakamichi MB10 feeds a Beresford dac. Musical fidelity Xpre v.3, to 2 trends audio ta10s configured as power amps. I am not a believer in expensive cables, so use hand made silver interconnects in litz formation and silver anniversary biwire cable.
The keilidhs replaced Quad 12L speakers which sounded excellent in the first place, though the 6 watts limit o each power amp, kept the volume from going right up. With the Keilidhs in place, the sound blossomed. Wonderful transparency, bass tight and extended - though limited in absolute terms - mid range was seductive and detailed. The soundstage is about the best I've achieved at home, short of using smaller monitors. To be honest, I'm stunned. I know that my hotch potch of a system will sound obscure and amateurish to many, but I know who good it sounds compared to much more expensive setups. I just didn't reckon on the Keilidhs fitting in so well. They go a lot louder with my amps than the Quads without distortion, so presumably are significantly more sensitive. They will also play at low volumes with fantastic detail. If people find the speakers fall short in passive mode, based on my experience, I would say look to your other components before the Keilidhs. Superb value for money and sound. Strengths:
soundstage, timing, micro and macro dynamics, detail Weaknesses:
adds touch of warmth to the sound, may favour vocal, classical, jazz over hard rock/dance. Similar Products Used:
Quad 11Ls 12Ls, Monitor Audio R852MD and 703pmc, Acoustic Energy Evo 3, Polk, Triangle Titus ex, etc etc
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