I haven't got a reply to what I believe are good questions about WHSV review of these speakers, however I will state why I asked.
I've used the IQ70 for a while and have since moved on to the IQ90s. Both models, straight out of their boxes ( and for a week afterwards ), are similar to the review's description.
They treble is too exuberant, the mid sat on and the bass lack power and punch. The speaker lack cohesion and low level detail seemed absent.
However once "run in", the IQ70 ( roughly 8 to 10 days ) they have become a first rate pair of speakers.
Gone is the sat on midband replaced by an explicitly detailed and dynamic presentation which dovetails beautifully with a fast and powerfully rhythmic bass. The treble is still slightly over enthusiastic but never harsh ( source dependent )and well extended. The sound as a whole, once the IQ70 has been completely warmed up, has improved well beyond the initial straight out its packaging performance.
These are the least "Kef sounding" I've used. They retain the uni-q sound dispersal and expansive yet focused stereo imagery, but there is a welcome ( to me )leaner and better timed quality to its bass and a more explicit treble with less of the edge from previous Kef speakers I used when asked to produce high levels of high frequency information.
Bottom line is these new IQ models seeme to take a long time to "run in " for them to perform at their best.
Lack of clarity, detail and dynamics; low frequencies fail to integrate
I find that very hard to understand as my experience with this speaker is completely opposit of what you found. Did you test more than one set? I am asking because I think it must be something wrong with the set you tested.
I am using iQ70 on a MusicAngel tubeamp, and what I really like is the extreme clarity, very good dynamics and outstanding bass, try Brian Brombergs CD "Wood" which is very demanding on speakers and you will very pleased.
I work as a professional broadcaster, very much interested in good audio, and I cant understand your test, maybe you ought to give the speakers a second chance?
I highly recommend them to anyone interested in good sound!
I have just picked up a set of the Oak IQ70 from seven oaks HiFi, I'm using a CR 502 to run them. These are a 5 star speaker not 3 stars, sound is amazingly clear with a nice bass responce to. I recommend these to anyone. O and they look very good to !
I auditioned these against half a dozen speakers of a similar price bracket (shutting my eyes and ignoring that they looked much better than the opposition). I'm using them with a REL subwoofer as part of a 5.1 system but they sound great solo. I'm upgrading from a mid-range Integra receiver to Arcam AVR500.. maybe that will expose the flaws described because i haven't heard anything bad yet.
Super fi have these on at £499 at the momment - and thats for the real wood venner versions. Im looking to purchase a set of floorstanders...are they good at that price?
thanks Andy, unfortunatly my local RS does no have any stock. How about the Mezzo 6... ive seen these ex display for a similar price... £500 (although have not yet listened to them).
Comments
Think you could still do better for the money Ravi Ray. We prefer the IQ5SE at £400:
http://www.whathifi.com/Review/KEF-IQ5SE/
Yes, Mezzo 6 would be a good choice if you can get them for that price as we tested them at £800:
http://whathifi.com/Review/Mordaunt-Short-Mezzo-6/
I haven't got a reply to what I believe are good questions about WHSV review of these speakers, however I will state why I asked.
I've used the IQ70 for a while and have since moved on to the IQ90s. Both models, straight out of their boxes ( and for a week afterwards ), are similar to the review's description.
They treble is too exuberant, the mid sat on and the bass lack power and punch. The speaker lack cohesion and low level detail seemed absent.
However once "run in", the IQ70 ( roughly 8 to 10 days ) they have become a first rate pair of speakers.
Gone is the sat on midband replaced by an explicitly detailed and dynamic presentation which dovetails beautifully with a fast and powerfully rhythmic bass. The treble is still slightly over enthusiastic but never harsh ( source dependent )and well extended. The sound as a whole, once the IQ70 has been completely warmed up, has improved well beyond the initial straight out its packaging performance.
These are the least "Kef sounding" I've used. They retain the uni-q sound dispersal and expansive yet focused stereo imagery, but there is a welcome ( to me )leaner and better timed quality to its bass and a more explicit treble with less of the edge from previous Kef speakers I used when asked to produce high levels of high frequency information.
Bottom line is these new IQ models seeme to take a long time to "run in " for them to perform at their best.
May I ask The reviewer at WHSV how long did they have the IQ70 to test them and how long did they take to " run in " ?
You said:
Against
Lack of clarity, detail and dynamics; low frequencies fail to integrate
I find that very hard to understand as my experience with this speaker is completely opposit of what you found. Did you test more than one set? I am asking because I think it must be something wrong with the set you tested.
I am using iQ70 on a MusicAngel tubeamp, and what I really like is the extreme clarity, very good dynamics and outstanding bass, try Brian Brombergs CD "Wood" which is very demanding on speakers and you will very pleased.
I work as a professional broadcaster, very much interested in good audio, and I cant understand your test, maybe you ought to give the speakers a second chance?
I highly recommend them to anyone interested in good sound!
from me they get 5 stars! *****
I have just picked up a set of the Oak IQ70 from seven oaks HiFi, I'm using a CR 502 to run them. These are a 5 star speaker not 3 stars, sound is amazingly clear with a nice bass responce to. I recommend these to anyone. O and they look very good to !
I auditioned these against half a dozen speakers of a similar price bracket (shutting my eyes and ignoring that they looked much better than the opposition). I'm using them with a REL subwoofer as part of a 5.1 system but they sound great solo. I'm upgrading from a mid-range Integra receiver to Arcam AVR500.. maybe that will expose the flaws described because i haven't heard anything bad yet.
Super fi have these on at £499 at the momment - and thats for the real wood venner versions. Im looking to purchase a set of floorstanders...are they good at that price?
thanks Andy, unfortunatly my local RS does no have any stock. How about the Mezzo 6... ive seen these ex display for a similar price... £500 (although have not yet listened to them).