Over the past week I was house sitting for my bother in law. He owned a pair of these "speakers". I was amazed a how poor these were. They did not image. The were insanely tempermental to the recording. The construction was marginal at best. What happened to the old KEF?! I went home and grabed some of my recordings that I new very well (Holly Cole, Stacy Kent, Dead Can Dance, Mighty Sam Mclain)I was awe-struck at how my "music" had dissapeared from my discs. My wife was equally amazed at the lack of resolution, tonal balance and "music".
I have been into audio for about 15 years. I once debateed about getting the KEF sometime ago. At the time they were tough competition for B&W. I went with the 804's (10 years ago). I now have moved on, but that is a different review.

I know that speakers preferance is almost completely subjective, but for this price!! (even at the "net" price of 1700, I would not reccomend them).

PLEASE, if you are reading this in contemplation of a REF 2 purchase...Wait, look and listen....These ARE NOT AUDIOPHILE SPEAKERS...if you buy them your ear will become "tuned" and over time you will be disapointed. In this price range there is so much to choose from: ProAc, Sonas, B&W, Dyna...

I give them one star because ZERO STARS in not an option.

After auditioning MANY speakers, I selected the 2's because of their detailing, imaging, openness, crispness and versatility. Female voices sound especially good. An audio speaker that also compliments home theater.

The only weakness I have noticed is they lose a little detail with the dust covers left on. For home theater, you will also want to add a subwoofer. Takes at least 70W channel of clean amplification to take advantage of them.

As would be expected of quality equipment, they are very accurate and non-fatiguing. The best I heard for under $2,000. I have heard better, but at substantially higher price points. I have been very happy for the last three years with my purchase, listening to all types of music (primarily Jazz and soft rock). They also sound great in a home theater set-up.

Similar Products Used:

B&W, Boston, Jamo, Paradigm, PSB, Celestion.