How do the KEF R100 compare to the Q300

The UniQ of the R series is far more advanced, and the build quality of the cabinet is such that it adds very little to the resulting sound. The Q300 is one of my favourite speakers from the range, but the R100 is in another league. It'll just be down to how much your 5006 will get out of them.

Thanks David, I thought the R100's would probably be the way to go, they are more wife friendly too, due to their size and aesthetics. I understand what you say about my AVR, which was recently downgraded from an SC-LX73 as I was not using its muscle so much. I've come to love the Marantz musical presentation and with its airplay it's really become the heart of the setup, but I thought it may sound better with stereo playback with some better speakers. Do you think a step up to the 6006 would be enough of an improvement to help the R100's sound better?

I don't think it'd be worth changing for really. If you're going to change, I'd be looking at the 7005 for a worthwhile step. The 5006 should be fine - at least you know you have room for improvement when the time comes to upgrade your amp at some point

The Marantz is good enough to allow you to hear the differences between the speakers and will happily drive the R100's. I think David was suggesting that if you put even more in you will get more out , this is the case with most of the KEF ranges. I wouldnt step up to the 6006 unless you can get a very good deal on the move. The SR7005 would be worthwhile but other than that I would make sure you get a set of very good stands for your speakers and select a speaker cable that will bring the most out of your system.

Thank you both for your input I'll see if I can get a demo, any suggestions on reasonably priced speaker wire and a set of stands (they need to be about 750mm high), your input would be appreciated.

Something like QED Original or Chord Carnival Classic will do just fine as far as cables are concerned.

With stands, I tend to prefer four leg stands which I find more stable. I've used the Q300's at home with the Atacama HMS2's (although slightly expensive for that particular speaker!), or the HMS1's for the R100's. Have a look at a few in store and choose a nice stable one

I agree with David - some good Atacama stands and the Chord Silver Screen should do the trick.

Hi, I like your set up, I was looking to do something very similar with the r100s as L/R and the T301 as the center (I hate the big bulky centers!), how do they work together? I also wanted to get a discrete AV receiver and I'm considering the Marantz NR1602 but I am worried that it wouldn't be able to drive the r100s given it's power output. I realise that I'd be making a compromise but I live in a flat and can't crank it up too loud anyway!

Any thoughts greatfully received...

Currently Head Fi  - Mac Book Pro | MF V Dac II | Graham Slee Novo | AKG K702

You would be better off sticking with the Q series for the 1602. For the R series to work as they should, you'd be looking at the 6006 or 7005 ideally.

As long as the receiver you go for allows different crossover points for all speakers you will be able to use a T series centre. This will need to be crossed over at a higher crossover point due to a short throw bass driver.

Thank you David, I thought that might be the case. Are you aware of any other AV receivers that are more compact, but could properly drive the r100s? 

Unfortunately, most slimmer AV receivers tend to be of a lower output due to having a smaller transformer and heat sinking. I think the 1602 will be as capable a slimmer receiver as you're likely to find...

Thanks David

To be honest the T series are excellent on their own, and the higher frequency range match really well with the R100. However there is a noticeable difference in the mid / low range, even to the point that I'm thinking of changing the centre an rears. Like you I can't fit in the R200C it just won't look right as the TV is mounted on a flat wall and the other half won't have it. I'm considering either a MA A40 centre with 2 x A10 rears or the R800DS rears and no centre for now, I really can't decide.

I don't know whether you've seen it, but monitor audio are launching a 'shadow' series soon which might be an option. I haven't seen the spec yet though. 

Yes I've got that problem, it's ridiculously large (nevermind the 600!), it's the only thing stopping me from getting the 300s up front.