Dynamic, revealing, accurate. Controlled and deep bass. Great soundstage and placement of instruments.

Aren't made anymore!

I was initially hesitant to invest in speakers sight unseen and sound unheard, especially 10 year old speakers. But the rave reviews on this and other forums eased my fears. I bought a used pair a couple of months ago and have never regretted the purchase.

I love these speakers! Their soundstage, detail, and dynamics are incredible. What more can I say (that hasn't already been said) about speakers that have attained such cult status? My associated components include:

Bryston 4B-NRB
Anthem Pre-2L
Ah Tjoeb '99
Rotel RSX-965 for HT
Audioquest, Monster cables

I also recently auditioned the following equipment with them:

Mccormack TLC-1
Mccormack DNA-1
Sonic Frontiers SFL-1
Classe CP-35
CAL Icon MK II

The 104.2s revealed the best and worst of these components. I think I'm going to stick with an Anthem/DNA-1/Ah Tjoeb combo. A nice compromise between the midrange warmth of tubes and the punch and dynamics of solid state.

If you can find a pair in decent condition, buy them! For under $1200 or so, they can't be beat. Did I mention I love these speakers?!

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Owned Paradigm Reference speakers for over a year. Auditioned numerous brands including B&W, DefTech, NHT, etc...

I have been listening to speakers in the $2,000 to $3,000 range for the last 10 years. Back in the late 80's, the finest of them all was the KEF 104/2. It was the only speaker in that price range that had the elusive separation of sound in the middle that is usually reserved for much pricier speakers. Still, at $2,200 or so they were out of my price range. Now they are in my price range and purchase them I did about 2 months ago. I couldn't be happier. They are still the sweetest imaging speaker in the marketplace. The new KEFs don't measure up. The 104/2 I purchased are bi-wireable. I suspect they were produced around 1991 or 1992. I am powering them with two adcom 555 amps as mono blocks delivering probably more than 600 watts to these 4 ohm speakers. Finally, I am done searching for "that sound".

THE 104.2 IS AN OUTSTANDING PRODUCT. I'VE OWNED MANY KEF SPEAKERS OVER THE YEARS AND HAVE SEARCHED THE MARKET (M-LOGAN, APOGEE, THEIL, SNELL, B&W, KRIX,DYNAUDIO, MISSION) FOR A SPEAKER WITH MUSICALITY, ACCURACY,DYNAMICS AND GOOD BASS AND GOOD AESTHETICS (SMALL FOOTPRINT) AND THE KEF 104.2 DOES IT ALL.THEY HAVE VERY GOOD RHYTHM,DYNAMICS & VERY EFFICIENT. MY 75 WATT TUBE AMP CAN BLOW THE WINDOWS OUT (IF NEED BE). THE WEIRD THING ABOUT THE 104.2'S IS YOU CAN CRANK THEM TO RIDICULOUS LEVELS AND IT JUST GETS FUN AND WITH LITTLE FATIGUE. THESE SPEAKERS ARE VERY SMOOTH AND REVEAL INNER TIMBRE NUANCES AND HAVE A VERY SOLID 3-D IMAGE. A RAYMOND COOK MASTERPIECE, THEY MAY BE A 15 YEAR OLD DESIGN BUT GREAT ENGINEERING IS TIMELESS.

I auditioned these brand new in the showroom back in 1983 (or 1984?) and absolutely loved them. Too bad I was still in college and could not afford to pick up a pair at the steal of a price they retailed for back then. To this day, I don't think I've heard anything better. What impressed me most was clarity and accuracy of presentation, especially at higher sound levels. Nothing broke down, all sound components in the spectrum were separate and easily identifiable. I have listened to the new reference series and frankly, no thanks. Not as good and way too overpriced (especially when compared to the 104/2). Currently, the only resonably-priced speaker I like as much would probably be the new JMlab Electra 915 or 920.

Incredible sound

old and tattered

I was reading the reviews as I was looking for a new pair of audiophile speakers again, when I came upon the Keff 104.2 section... and so I write: I retired these speakers to my cabin in the mountains as they were looking old and tired and coupled them with an old Luxman amp. My trips up to the cabin always consist of me being blown away by the incredible sound as I sit back and listen to music or movies through these old speakers, it reminds me of how you can become part of the music! My main house is full of high end equipment with the right names and newer features but it takes a trip to mountain to remember what it is all about; enjoyment and that sense of being wowed by fact that the musicians seemed to be in the room with you.
My wife also comments that (IT) sounds really good,this is not done regularly as it may encourage me to purchase more equipment!
Anyway I feel better about saying something good about these old Keff's as they deserve it, they are a benchmark for good sound.

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you name it!

So true blue....

They have any? A little out of date with modern tech..so?

Another review...I am still using these in my more modern Home Theater system. They are starting to look a little ragged and out of step, but still sound sensational, and put out enough bass to keep me happy.
I did away with any augmentation for the BASS (KUBE or Golden Flutes)And while not nearly the impact of a separate sub, they put out honest bass.
I just can't part with them yet....

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Nada!

Imaging and soundscape, detail and resolution, high efficiency

nada

Truly excellent speakers as the other reviews indicate. However, wanted to comment on the KUBE eq. that some others recommend against. I recently integrated an M&K MX-700 sub into the system which is noted for it's clean and high quality bass (though maybe not the most prodigious). Have been doing A/B comparisons with the subwoofer vs. KUBE. It seems that the bass with the KUBE is more extended and just as tight, "fast", and musical than with the sub. Also, have not experienced the degrading of other sound qualities with the KUBE in that others have mentioned. Just my $0.02.

Everybody used to say to me that I had to change them because of the deep uncontrolled bass response this model has. I did not listen to them and tried to look for another solution to the problem. I made an acoustic room design to find the optimal speakers and listener position, I also changed the speakers cables, added some absorbent at first reflection points, and now EVERYBODY tells me how unusual good sound for a medium price audio system.

Nowadays I don´t know such good sound speakers at the same range of price. It is a good job I did not listen to those people who advised me to change speakers!

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Kef reference 105 Series II