KEF KHT1005.2 review

Classy compact package, stylish and well-made – but could be more thrilling Tested at £400.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Classy compact package, stylish and well-made – but could be more thrilling

Pros

  • +

    Good value

  • +

    highly listenable

  • +

    smart looks

Cons

  • -

    Can be a little restrained

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

We've long been admirers of KEF's ultra-compact KHT1005, the smallest cinema system in the British company's range. Now upgraded, the 1005.2 includes a new and more powerful sub with 150w, new Uni-Q drive units in each speaker and a high-gloss black finish.

What hasn't changed is the build quality – impressively high for such a modestly priced system – and the coherence and consistency of the sound.

Each satellite is just 16.5cm high, but the KEF's sound is far fuller and smoother than is typical from such compact cabinets.

Pushed to its limits, it remains listenable and composed, steering in a consistent fashion. However, that predictability comes at a slight cost: the 1005.2 can sound a little reined-in.

It'd be wrong to expect sofa-shaking dynamics, but even so, we found ourselves willing the speakers to let rip. Matched with an exciting amp, this restraint shouldn't be a problem, but it's worth noting.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test