c_j_m

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
2.40 of 5, 5.00 votes

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

shane2468

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

Price Paid:  $450.00 from sechond hand hifi st

Summary:
Nice floor standers with good hansome looks and sound.
There very detailed and fast partnerd with my roksan Kandy mk3 intergrated amp.
Also along with my byron soneeter cd player. They have a nice live sound to it and the midrange is smooth as liquid. There is also a nice brightness sound to it, but not a harsh one that gives you the sour look on your face.

Strengths:
Smooth with good detailed sound, oh and the base is great they really kick out.

Thats all folks.

Weaknesses:
NO.

Similar Products Used:
B&W DM602 S2

Mordaunt short advant 908

Kef Q10

Bose 301 ser v- these speakers sound terrable. I am just saying

M_Dunham

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

Price Paid:  $1500.00 from audio artistry

Summary:
These turned out to be a fine speaker, however they didn't really open-up with any amp I own until I connected them with my Tara Labs RCS 1000 Prime speaker cable. The linns are very unforgiving of inferior equipment. They do have a slight warmth to them which adds to their musicality. Placment does not present a problem, but, do not toe them in.

Strengths:
Truly muscal, a pleasure to listen to with the right equipment.

Weaknesses:
They do point out the the flaws of lesser recordings and equipment. The musical warmth is not agreeable with harsh or "natural" recordings.

Similar Products Used:
KEF C series, Linn keosa, Dahlquist DQ 30i's, Linn Index II

Price Paid:  $1300.00 from HK

Summary:
....I use it for almost 2 years ..... Sound is very good for me , and I do enjoy it ..... And my pre-amp is Linn majik and power-amp is Linn LK140 ..... It makes Keilidh in very good sound ..... but I''m not using linn CD/LP player .... my CD/SACD player is SONY SCD-1 ...... but sound for them are very very good ! And for later upgrade , I want to have a Wakonda ...as a pre-amp ......

Strengths:
none

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Sonus faber , concertino

Summary:
I've owned a pair for a little over three years and just love them! However, that wasn't the case when I first set them up---they need to be broken in for a couple of weeks, first impressions were that they were tizzy and had a horrible treble, but after breakin, the treble became smooth and clear.
Others seem to downgrade the base, but I find it extremely fast and tight and "tuneful." I've sold my Velodyne powered subwoofer and haven't missed it at all!
Using the Linn K-400 for biwiring makes a very noticeable improvement in focus, and clean electronics can really make them sing. I use a McIntosh amp and preamp and they are marvelous on female vocalists, small ensembles, rock and jazz. (May not be the best choice for someone who lives on a strict diet of symphony orchestras.)
I haven't tried the weighted base or biamping options, but even without them they can give the illusion of live with small scale music venues.

Strengths:
Lively presentation. Beautiful build.

Weaknesses:
It would be helpful if they were taller.