Results 1 to 27 of 27
-
January 18, 2020, 11:49 AM #1
Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Avantgarde Duo XD, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated.
Conrad Johnson GAT2, Misho Myronov Wooden preamp.
Misho Myronov Wooden amp, First Watt SIT-3 (x 2 - one as backup), Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
-
January 18, 2020, 12:05 PM #2
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
I have KEF Blade 2’s coming into my listening room next weekend (current schedule subject to change). I sold my Reference 3’s to move up the KEF line. I have listened to them pretty extensively and am pretty excited about finally owning a pair.
Listening impressions - What I really enjoy about KEF in general is the ability to listen for hours without fatigue and the Blades definitely have that characteristic. I think you give up a bit of high frequency energy with these speakers, but you are really able to relax while listening. The Blades create space as well as just about any speaker out there. Soundstage width and depth, if setup well, are quite spacious. The off axis response is quite smooth and the dispersion of the Uni-Q driver allows for an enjoyable experience for those not in the sweet spot.
Visually, they are somewhat controversial, but you have to be in the same room with them to really appreciate their presence. Very sculptural. I happen to love the look. Mine will be a custom color and I will post pics when the room is finished in a couple of weeks.Morgan
SPEAKERS KEF Blade 2
SUBWOOFERS Four DIY Speaker Hardware 12" passive subs driven by Dayton SA1000 amp
AMPLIFICATION Pass Labs X350.8, Cary SLP-05 w/Ultimate Upgrade
DIGITAL Marantz SA-10, Sonore opticalModule and opticalRendu, Intel NUC Roon Core
VINYL EAT C-Sharp, Hana SL, EAT E-Glo S w/LPS, Bob's Devices Sky 20 SUT
POWER AudioQuest Niagara 5000, two dedicated circuits
WIRES AudioQuest William Tell, Earth, Leopard, Tornado
RESONANCE/ISOLATION Nordost Sort Kones, various Herbie's Audio Lab
-
January 18, 2020, 12:10 PM #3
Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Congrats, Morgan! I’m looking forward to hearing more from you when they arrive. Pics, too, please!
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkSean
Lumin T2
Pass Labs XP 22 & X260.8
Magico A3
Shunyata Research PS8/Defender; Alpha/Delta/Venom NR PC; Alpha Ethernet/Venom IC/SC
HRS E1
-
January 18, 2020, 12:19 PM #4
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Wow! Congratulations Morgan. That’s great. Can’t wait for your thoughts. Thanks.
Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Avantgarde Duo XD, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated.
Conrad Johnson GAT2, Misho Myronov Wooden preamp.
Misho Myronov Wooden amp, First Watt SIT-3 (x 2 - one as backup), Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
-
January 18, 2020, 05:08 PM #5
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Since I haven't heard them I don't know how they sound Joe, but they aren't as sexy as the Muon.
Jim
D'Agostino Momentum M-400's & HD Pre-amp
Wilson Alexandria X2 Series 2 speakers
Digital: dCS Vivaldi DAC, Clock & Upsampler
Analog: SME 20/3 with Esoteric E-03 Phono
Transparent Opus Speaker Cable & Interconnects & Opus Power Cords
Power Cords on Digital: Shunyata
Power Conditioner - Shunyata Everest
-
January 18, 2020, 05:14 PM #6
- Join Date
- May 2016
- Location
- Bucks County, PA
- Posts
- 101
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Hopefully GREGINNH can chime in. He had them for awhile but switched to the Harbeth 40.2 cause the Blade2 was causing his Tinnitus condition to become more magnified. Too dynamic if I remember his posts.
Amps: First Watt SIT-3, Pass XA25, Valvet E2 SE, LTA Ultralinear, ARC 150M, First Watt SIT-1 Mono's, ARC Ref75SE, Luxman M900U, Pass XA30.5, Decware Zen TorII MK4, Line Magnetic 845 Premium, Raven Reflection MK2
Pre-Amps: Luxman 900U, ARC MP-1 Multi-Channel, Conrad Johnson Met-1 Multi-Channel
Disc Spinners: Luxman D-08U, Ayre DX5, Oppo 105/205
Speakers: Joseph Audio Pearl 3, Dynaudio Special 40, Falcon LS 3/5A, Klipsch Cornwall IV, Harbeth SHL5+, Omega Compact 8, Triangle Comete EZ, Monitor Audio Gold 200, JBL 590, Audio Solutions Figaro M
Check out my Facebook Page RIAA AWARD COLLECTORS to see over 3400 authentic Music Industry Awards (Gold and Platinum Records) from my personal collection. New awards added every month. https://www.facebook.com/riaaawards
-
January 18, 2020, 05:17 PM #7
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
I remember seeing a video years ago of someone pushing Blades quite hard with Mac amps to the point the Powerguard function was activated.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkSean
Lumin T2
Pass Labs XP 22 & X260.8
Magico A3
Shunyata Research PS8/Defender; Alpha/Delta/Venom NR PC; Alpha Ethernet/Venom IC/SC
HRS E1
-
January 18, 2020, 06:13 PM #8
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Avantgarde Duo XD, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated.
Conrad Johnson GAT2, Misho Myronov Wooden preamp.
Misho Myronov Wooden amp, First Watt SIT-3 (x 2 - one as backup), Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
-
January 18, 2020, 07:07 PM #9
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
I tried the NAD M22 (Hypex class D) on my Reference 3’s and both mine and my wife’s ears hurt after a listening session. The control those amps had over bass drivers was ridiculous to the point of pain! Thankfully, once we switched back to my Parasound JC 1’s the pain was over.
Morgan
SPEAKERS KEF Blade 2
SUBWOOFERS Four DIY Speaker Hardware 12" passive subs driven by Dayton SA1000 amp
AMPLIFICATION Pass Labs X350.8, Cary SLP-05 w/Ultimate Upgrade
DIGITAL Marantz SA-10, Sonore opticalModule and opticalRendu, Intel NUC Roon Core
VINYL EAT C-Sharp, Hana SL, EAT E-Glo S w/LPS, Bob's Devices Sky 20 SUT
POWER AudioQuest Niagara 5000, two dedicated circuits
WIRES AudioQuest William Tell, Earth, Leopard, Tornado
RESONANCE/ISOLATION Nordost Sort Kones, various Herbie's Audio Lab
-
January 18, 2020, 07:43 PM #10
- Join Date
- Mar 2017
- Location
- North Carolina
- Posts
- 572
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Stereophile (John Atkinson) was impressed with the Blade 2 (note cautions on room size):
https://www.stereophile.com/content/...wo-loudspeaker
Also their 2015 Joint Loudspeaker of the Year. Another strong review in SoundStage! Hi-Fi (Doug Schneider).
-
January 18, 2020, 10:56 PM #11
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- St. Louis, MO, USA
- Posts
- 1,846
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
I've only heard Blades at the show, they were always in a large room. They didn't do much to excite me but I don't consider so far hearing them at their best.
If it helps, one demo by KEF went back and forth between the LS50 and Blades to show the similar voicing and how you can start small and move up while retaining the KEF sound. The mids were incredibly similar.Aurender ACS10 w/AQ Diamond,
Mark Levinson #526, Coda Continuum 8 , JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
All Clarus Crimson cabling, AC to binding post. Surgex
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, Coda CSX, Artisan speakers
-
January 20, 2020, 05:02 PM #12
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
https://youtu.be/38P8SYLNleQ
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkLast edited by joeinid; January 20, 2020 at 07:29 PM.
Sean
Lumin T2
Pass Labs XP 22 & X260.8
Magico A3
Shunyata Research PS8/Defender; Alpha/Delta/Venom NR PC; Alpha Ethernet/Venom IC/SC
HRS E1
-
January 20, 2020, 06:16 PM #13
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
I listened to them several times when buying speakers. The Reference 5's had better midrange. The blades have more bass weight. Subs easily solve lack of deep bass performance of the reference.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkPreamp: EMM Labs PRE
HT Processor: Bryston SP3
Amps: Bryston 28b3s, Bryston 4b3, Bryston 9bsst2
Digital: EMM NS1, EMM DA2
Speakers: Kef Reference 5, Kef Reference 4c, Kef Ci200RR-THX (surround/back)
Subs: Two JL Audio F212v2
Power: PS Audio PS10, Bryston BIT15
Wires: Wireworld Silver Eclipse XLR & SC, Ethernet - WW Platinum USB
Other: Stillpoint Ultra SS, ISO-Acoustics ISO Pucks
Video: Oppo 203, LG 65inch OLED
-Kyle
-
January 23, 2020, 09:16 PM #14
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Congratz on the Blades! A true dream speaker for me.
Hattor; T+A; Bel Canto; McIntosh; Rega; Technics; SimAudio; Magnepan; Rythmik; Astell & Kern; HeadAmp; Abyss
"You are entitled to your opinions but you are not entitled to your own facts"
-
February 9, 2020, 04:49 PM #15
- Join Date
- Feb 2020
- Location
- Cape Town
- Posts
- 1
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
I have black Blades and couldn’t be happier.
-
February 18, 2020, 05:54 PM #16
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Avantgarde Duo XD, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated.
Conrad Johnson GAT2, Misho Myronov Wooden preamp.
Misho Myronov Wooden amp, First Watt SIT-3 (x 2 - one as backup), Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
-
March 20, 2020, 01:31 PM #17
- Join Date
- Sep 2017
- Posts
- 36
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
I feel greatful to be the proud owner of a brand new pair of the Blade 2's in the special Anniversary Frost Blue finish. From an aesthetic perspective, I personally love the form factor and beautiful curves of this speaker. My understanding of the design is that it is a no compromise philosophy, all about optimizing the time domain so that the speaker acts as a single point source for the listener. I feel like pictures alone aren't enough to convey the bold look and beautiful curves, and state of the art materials/fit & finish of this speaker.
As for the sound...all I can say is "Wow". These are truly full range speakers. The bottom octaves are dynamic, powerful, tight and deep, articulate with absolutely no blooming or boominess, despite being placed quite close to my side walls. As anyone already familiar with the Kef Uni-Q driver knows, the midrange is magical, with an open and very natural airiness on the top end. The clarity and transparency is absolutely stunning, almost shockingly so - and this is coming from someone who has lived with and loved electrostatics for years! Transients, leading edges, attack, and especially soundstage, imaging, and coherence have all been materially elevated in my system. The best way I can descibe it is that the sound is so open, dynamic, and effortless. My jaw drops on favourite music and albums that I know so well. It's been an incredible experience to rediscover them on the Blade 2's. I believe the Blade 2s are getting me that much closer to the artists true intent. The emotion just pours through on every recording.
As some background, my system consists of a Lumin U1 source, streaming mostly Tidal Hifi to an MSB Reference Dac, utilizing the MSB proprietary Pro ISL connection. The Dac is hooked up directly to a pair of McIntosh 1.2k monoblocs. Kef and the McIntosh amps pair very well together in my opinion.Last edited by joeinid; March 20, 2020 at 10:06 PM.
-
March 20, 2020, 01:47 PM #18
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Beautiful!
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Audio Research, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Avantgarde Acoustics, Avid HiFi, Ayre Acoustics, Berkeley Audio Design, Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Chord, EMM Labs, Esoteric, FirstWatt, Focal Headphones, Furutech, Fyne Audio Loudspeakers, GigaFoil, Gryphon Audio, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Naim Audio, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, SimAudio, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, Vivid Audio Loudspeakers, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
March 20, 2020, 09:56 PM #19
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
love the matt finish blue colour!!
Source: Technics SP10mk3 - Thales Simplicity II, TW Raven AC-3 - Graham Phantom, SME 3012-R, Exclusive P3,,Linn LP12 - Naim ARO
Cartridges: Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Lyra Etna SL, Lyra Delos, Dynavector XV-1s,Technics EPC100mk4, Ortofon A90, GM Royal, GM Classic, Denon ESC'd 103R, DL-S1, Audio Technica AT25, OC9II, Linn ESC'd Troika
Phono Stage: Accuphase C-37,TW Acustik phono
EQ: DEQX HDP-4
Preamp: D'Agostino HD, conrad johnson GAT,
Amps: conrad johnson teflon premier 8a's, D'Agostino Momentum S250
Speakers: Wilson Maxx3
-
March 20, 2020, 10:07 PM #20
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Avantgarde Duo XD, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated.
Conrad Johnson GAT2, Misho Myronov Wooden preamp.
Misho Myronov Wooden amp, First Watt SIT-3 (x 2 - one as backup), Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
-
March 20, 2020, 10:26 PM #21
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Beautiful!
Accuphase E-370 Cable de alimentación Shunyata Delta NR
Lumin X1 Cable de alimentación Shunyata NR Venom V10
ProAc Response D18 Cable de altavoz Bi Wiring PAD Musaeus Luminist
Cable de interconexión XLR PAD Musaeus Luminist
-
March 20, 2020, 11:08 PM #22
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
I love the frosted blue color! That is the color I would have purchased had I not had the unique opportunity to acquire a one of a kind Porsche blue pair. The Blade 2 is an outstanding loudspeaker. I absolutely love mine and am glad to hear you are enjoying yours.
Morgan
SPEAKERS KEF Blade 2
SUBWOOFERS Four DIY Speaker Hardware 12" passive subs driven by Dayton SA1000 amp
AMPLIFICATION Pass Labs X350.8, Cary SLP-05 w/Ultimate Upgrade
DIGITAL Marantz SA-10, Sonore opticalModule and opticalRendu, Intel NUC Roon Core
VINYL EAT C-Sharp, Hana SL, EAT E-Glo S w/LPS, Bob's Devices Sky 20 SUT
POWER AudioQuest Niagara 5000, two dedicated circuits
WIRES AudioQuest William Tell, Earth, Leopard, Tornado
RESONANCE/ISOLATION Nordost Sort Kones, various Herbie's Audio Lab
-
March 21, 2020, 12:40 PM #23
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Are there any advances in the Blade 2 or is the only difference size of woofers and cabinet?
Meridian dsp8000 se upgrade, meridian 218 zone controller, Paradigm Persona 7f, Hegel h360, rega jupiter, roon nucleus, revox tuner.
-
March 21, 2020, 01:15 PM #24
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Morgan
SPEAKERS KEF Blade 2
SUBWOOFERS Four DIY Speaker Hardware 12" passive subs driven by Dayton SA1000 amp
AMPLIFICATION Pass Labs X350.8, Cary SLP-05 w/Ultimate Upgrade
DIGITAL Marantz SA-10, Sonore opticalModule and opticalRendu, Intel NUC Roon Core
VINYL EAT C-Sharp, Hana SL, EAT E-Glo S w/LPS, Bob's Devices Sky 20 SUT
POWER AudioQuest Niagara 5000, two dedicated circuits
WIRES AudioQuest William Tell, Earth, Leopard, Tornado
RESONANCE/ISOLATION Nordost Sort Kones, various Herbie's Audio Lab
-
March 21, 2020, 02:16 PM #25
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
Simply awesome. Definitely a destination speaker for me. Congratulations to all you Blade (2) owners!!! I also love the blue, but I think Piano Black would be my choice to fit with my system
.
Hattor; T+A; Bel Canto; McIntosh; Rega; Technics; SimAudio; Magnepan; Rythmik; Astell & Kern; HeadAmp; Abyss
"You are entitled to your opinions but you are not entitled to your own facts"
-
July 3, 2020, 01:58 AM #26
- Join Date
- Apr 2020
- Location
- Goleta, CA
- Posts
- 20
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
The Frosted Blue and Porsche Blue are outstanding colors, congrats. My favorite speaker is the Blade, just love the way it places everything on the stage.
I have a question for the Blade owners. I finally have a medium sized room that I can now share with my toddler (living room + play room). It has the following dimensions,
Length: 21’ + opens up to a family room with a huge cutout in the wall between the 2 rooms.
Width: 12’
Ceiling: 25’
I can only place the speaker on the short wall (12'). Can the Blades work in such a confined space with the side walls so close? I spoke to Vivid Audio about their speakers and the side firing woofers (similar concept as the Blades). They said that it did not matter so much as to what the distance to the side walls and speaker was, it was the material the walls were made of that mattered. So if it was drywall, the low frequency waves would just go through the drywall and not cause booming sound inside the room. Anyone with Blades have the placement close to the walls? I am extrapolating this logic to the Blades.
-
September 25, 2020, 06:37 PM #27
Re: Anyone own KEF Blades - either version? Thoughts?
I think I’m going to try a pair in my 17x27x7’ room, if it works I’ll post.
Meridian dsp8000 se upgrade, meridian 218 zone controller, Paradigm Persona 7f, Hegel h360, rega jupiter, roon nucleus, revox tuner.
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

I'll just leave it here :)
iFi audio's second worst kept...