KEF Reference 107/2 - 90s British Engineering Genius

The KEF Reference series speakers have set many standards, and received hundreds of awards and accolades from reviewers over many decades.  KEF (Kent Engineering & Foundry) was formed 60 years ago by Raymond Cooke in Maidstone, Kent, UK.  In 1966, KEF developed a new line of drivers for use in the burgeoning broadcast business spearheaded by the BBC.  KEF's stamp on the BBC LS3/5A monitor, and the development of the first B110 composite cone driver, immediately established the company in the industry. 

The Reference Model 107/2 was introduced in 1991 to similar acclaim as its predecessors. As the top model in the KEF Reference lineup, the 107/2 packs in all of the engineering prowess KEF could muster at the time to create a sublime, unmistakably British, sound.  Reviewed by John Atkinson for Stereophile upon the speaker's release, John said this:

"Throughout the time I spent with these speakers, record led to record, CD to CD. Sure, the 107/2's balance is polite, its dynamics a little restrained. But not at the expense of the musical sweep, the emotional dance. The speaker's big-boned sound, raw when required, civilized when appropriate, generous always, effortlessly opened a deep, well-defined passageway to the heart of whatever record I played.

Recommended as one of the few full-range dynamic loudspeakers that I have experienced to touch the soul—not just of the music, but of the listener."

Those are some extremely complimentary words come from John, a music lover first and critical listener second. And he's right. The 107/2 (and to a certain extent, the 107 model that preceded it) represent a perfect balance between pin-point accuracy and putting the "fun" back in acoustic fundamentals.  These are a speaker that play loud and boisterous when needed, but can also sit back in the room and present a smooth, seamless and unfatiguing backdrop for hours on end.  Pianos sound real.  Kettle drums have depth and character.  Horns flare in all the right ways. 

This pair of 107/2 feature KEF's in-house designed internal bass drivers in a unique and effective bandpass enclosure, wrapped in gorgeous rosewood, and topped with KEF's acoustically inert resin "swivel-head" mid-bass and tweeter enclosure.  The ubiquitous B110 midrange driver does a lot of work and does it extremely effectively, with much the same character is it's LS3/5A cousins. The improved T33 Alum dome tweeter with flared wave-guide provides hi-end sizzle right where it's needed. Room placement is important with these speakers, but they are infinitely more forgiving than many of their period competitors.  And of course, the requisite KEF KUBE equalizer, specifically designed for this model, is included. 

Condition is easily a 7.5 out of 10 or higher.  The metal screens over the Mid-tweeter heads have some minor dents, and there are 1 or 2 scratches in the veneer.  The inner woofers have been serviced with new inner and outer foam fittings.

A lot more can be written about these speakers, but they are best served by an in-person demo.  Come by and see what these Reference 107/2 have to offer and why they received such high praise when released, and for decades since. 

$1,599 (plus applicable MA Sales Tax)

* Note, shipping is currently not available.