This Kef XQ40 is a very good loudspeaker, sounds supurb on my accuphase E405, almost as an electrostatic speaker with perfect imaging. They replaced the B&W 803D's because these where too big for my modest room. In my case these XQ40's are sounding better than the 803D's. The bass notes are sounding dry, full and can go deep, deeper as the 45 hz (within 3 db) that is specified, midrange is sweet and the treble is not agressive at all, but clear and precies. In some review's they get the remark that in some cases the treble can be too sharp with some recordings, this has too do with the amplifier you use. Use one that has enough power (at least 2x100 watt) and has a warm character, as mine has. They are easy to drive with 8 ohm's (minimal 3.2 ohm) resitance and a sensitivity of 90 db. The finish is outstanding, mine's are piano black. Highly recommended!

Previous i used, Kef RR104AB, selfmade Kefkit CS7, Martin logan SL3 & Request, Diapason Adamantes 3, B&W 802 nautilus and B&W 803D, all very good speakers in there own way.

What can i say?This speaker let's you listen to the music instead of gear.The soundfield is big and precise.Musical lows,transparent and dynamic mids,crispy highs.Pairing with the right speakercable made the highs even more smooth.The speaker tends to disappear when listening.Classy sound i should say.The tweeter sounds extented and quite silky for a metal(Alu)dome!This speaker sounds like the perfect mix between electrostatic en dynamic high class type sound.I used to listen to Magnepan planars (liked then...so did my cat-:))and older kef speakers.The xq40 is a beautiful combination of exterior and interior design without losing the most important factor...it simply sounds Musical!

Great with stereo imaging and female vocalists
Great definition
Front bass reflex ports----less rear-wall room interaction (less picky than Polk LSi 15's (w/ their side-firing sub-woofers)
Speaker feet are higher in front that the rear to give better upward projection
(speaker is only 40" tall)
Beautiful real wood finish
2 sets of binding posts
5 yr warranty

Poor manual
Bass is adequate (down into the 40's), but not over-powering; quality of bass if good though
Binding posts do not take spades

I recently purchased these speakers as part of a 2-channel audio system. They
are replacing Polk Audio LSi15's. I was impressed by the stereo imaging and
definition of the KEF's. They are also truly beautiful to look at as well (Mahogony
veneer). I auditioned the speakers at an establishment that sold McIntosh electronics (they were hooked up to a Mac tube pre- and power- amp setup, as
well as a Mac CD/SACD player--------all of these current model issues). The
only thing I didn't like on first audition was the perception of a little too much
treble energy---this couldv'e been due to the metal dome tweater that is part
of KEF's Uni-Q technology, or it could've been source material. On 2nd and
3rd auditions, this didn't seem to be as much of an issue. On the last audition, I
brought my home integrated amp and CD player + speaker wire and interconnects
to the store. The bottom line is that I didn't fall immediately in love w/ them and
it took some time for me to appreciate what they had to offer.

Similar Products Used:

Heybrook HB4's
Polk Audio LSi15's