Kudos C2 review

These floorstanding speakers have a sturdy build feel, and have great sound, timing and rhythm as well Tested at £2000.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Kudos confirms that the C1 standmounters were no fluke with the equally exciting and impressive C2 floorstanders

Pros

  • +

    Solid build and simple styling

  • +

    great rhythm, dynamics and detail equal a thrilling, truly musical delivery

Cons

  • -

    Could do with being tauter in the bass

  • -

    require fairly careful partnering

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You have to admire companies that take the plunge into manufacturing products that are just outside their comfort zone, and that's exactly what Kudos has done. The company used to make speaker stands as part of Neat Acoustics, and although they still manufacture the S50 stand, they've now branched out into speaker design.

We first reviewed one of the company's speakers last December, when we were very impressed with the entry-level C1 standmounter. The C2 floorstander is equally impressive.

For a start, though the C2s can't really be described as glamorous, we really like the clean lines, uncluttered fascia, and plinth stilts. They also feel very sturdy and well put-together.

Timing and rhythm shine through
As with the C1s, Kudos approach of primarily developing by listening, rather than developing by measurement, is abundantly obvious with the C2s.Try a bit of Radiohead's In Rainbows album, and the inherent musicality of these floorstanders shines through. Timing and rhythm really are exceptional, and the C2s exhibit a degree of agility and directness of communication that's rarely seen in a floorstander.

Switch to a more orchestral piece, such as The Village soundtrack, and these speakers continue to thrill. Each element of the musical ensemble is easily identified and placed in the large, atmospheric soundstage, and the dynamically expressive delivery adds drama and suspense to the already exciting Race To Resting Rock.

The exciting delivery is partly due to a balance that slightly favours treble, and although the tweeter is of a very high quality, you should take care in system matching to avoid any harshness. Something like the Naim NAC122X/NAP150X pre/power combo, or the Leema Tucana would be perfect.

We're not going to be too critical of the need for careful system-matching, but we do have to mark the C2s down for a bass performance that's just a touch vague. Tracks that rely on deep thumps for drive reveal a slight lack of bite and tautness in the low-levels.

We really like these C2s, and they get very close to five stars. However, at £2000 there are a couple of alternatives that offer similar levels of excitement and a tauter, punchier bass.

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.

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