Kef Reference
 |
 Luxman Compact Disc Player D 351  US $224.97
|
 Bespoke Reference Ribbon Super Tweeters Upgrade for highend speakers Pair US $276.62
|
 Technics Integrated DC amplifier SU V8 US $588.47
|
 KEF 107 Reference Speaker Review 8 pages Best Ever US $9.99
|
 KEF 1054 Speaker Ad 1982 RARE Article Reference US $11.00
|
 KEF 1052 Speaker Ad 1983 Reference 1 pg Articles US $16.00
|
 KEF 107 Reference Speaker Review 8 pages Info US $7.99
|
 KEF Reference 105 II Speaker AdarticleAmazing Ad US $8.00
|
 KEF 105 3 Reference Speaker Review 3 pg Full Test Specs 1990 US $15.00
|
 KEF Reference Model 104 2 Speaker Ad 1988Article US $8.00
|
 KEF Uni Q Speaker Ad from 1993 Reference US $8.00
|
 KEF Speaker Ad 1992 2 pgs Reference Line Uni Q US $9.00
|
 KEF Reference Model 107 Speaker Ad Article 1987 RARE US $7.00
|
 KEF 205 Reference Speaker Review 3 pgs 2003Rare Test US $7.99
|
 KEF Reference Series Uni Q Speaker Ad 2003 1 pg Info US $7.00
|
 KEF Uni Q 105 3 Speaker Ad from 1993 Reference US $9.00
|
 KEF Reference 102 Speaker Ad Article 1987 1 page US $7.00
|
 KEF 205 Reference Speaker Review 3 pgs 2003Full Test US $13.00
|
 KEF Speaker Ad 1993 1 pg Reference Line Uni Q105 3 US $7.00
|
 KEF 105 Speaker Review1979 2 pgs Full Test Rare US $7.99
|
 KEF 105 3 Uni Q Ad from 1990 Reference Nice Ad US $7.00
|
 KEF Reference Model 103 3 Speaker Ad 1989 Article1pg US $10.00
|
 Complete Carver System M 10 TX 11A C1 US $1,200.00
|
 KEF Speaker Ad 1992 1 pg Reference Line Uni Q Info US $7.00
|
 KEF 107 Reference Speaker Review 1986 3 pgs RARE US $13.00
|
| The Home Audio Site |
Surround sound speaker systems, which one should I buy?
Surround Sound Overview
The digital revolution, as it is popularly called, has heralded the arrival of HD ("High Definition") TV, to name but one of the exceptional quality video sources that are now available in the average home. Higher expectations with regard to picture quality have led to similar expectations regarding sound quality, with the result that many people are turning to so-called, surround sound speaker systems, to provide a total home theatre experience.
The concept of surround involves the recording of multiple sound channels on, say, a movie soundtrack, which are then reproduced by multiple loudspeakers, one for each channel, with the intention of immersing, or "surrounding", the listener.
Surround Sound Configurations
Surround sound systems are typically composed of five main loudspeakers – a central speaker that is located above or below the TV screen, left and right front speakers and left and right rear speakers – and a sixth, known as a "subwoofer", which is dedicated to reproducing low-frequency, bass effects.
Such systems are given the designation, "5.1", referring to five main audio channels, plus a subwoofer channel. Although less common, "6.1" and "7.1" systems do exist, with, fairly obviously, six and seven main speakers respectively. In the case of 7.1 systems, two further speakers are added, to either side of the listener.
Surround Sound Formats
The most common surround sound formats – although other formats do exist – are Dolby Digital and DTS (Digital Theatre Systems). Dolby Digital and DTS both use six distinct tracks, centre, left, right, left surround, right surround and LFE ("Low Frequency Effects"). Dolby Digital, however, unlike DTS, is a standard format for DVD, and HD TV broadcasting. Extended versions of both these formats, known respectively as Dolby Digital EX, and DTS-ES are also available.
Speaker Types
In any surround sound system, the centre speaker, which is responsible for the reproduction of, say, the dialogue and incidental music from a film soundtrack, is the most important. Centre speakers are usually placed, well, centrally – either above or below the TV receiver – for maximum effect.
Centre speakers should be magnetically shielded – as, indeed, should any speakers which are to be placed in close proximity to a TV screen – to prevent interference with picture quality.
The KEF Cresta 20C Centre Speaker, for example, is a stylish model, magnetically shielded, and timbre matched to the rest of the KEF range.
Front and rear speakers come in variety of shapes and sizes, from large, tower models to much smaller bookshelf, or satellite, models. Speakers of the smaller varieties reproduce less bass, and, fairly obviously, less volume, than the larger models.
The SSX70EDM model, from Sony, for example, is a classical, floor standing model, stylishly finished, in real maple. Acoustic Solutions Bookshelf Speakers, on the other hand, are only some 9 inches in height, and can be easily mounted on wall, if so desired.
It is important, however, that there is balance, for example, in the treble and bass frequencies, between all speakers in a surround sound system, so it is wise to acquire a matched set, from a single manufacturer, if at all possible.
The Goodmans GHC50 Home Cinema Speaker System, for example, is designed to offer the complete surround sound experience, with five 10 watt speakers, and a 50 watt subwoofer.
Other, satellite, speakers operate in a number of different ways. Monopole speakers, for example, emit sound in one direction only – straight ahead, while dipole or bipole speakers emit sound to either side, and are best positioned to the side, or the rear, of the listening position.
About the Author
Nigel Smith writes about home appliances home entertainment systems for a variety of magazines and website - he is currently creating buyers guides based on real consumer experience for http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/surround-sound-speakers.asp
I have KEF Reference Series Model 102 speakers with Kube from 1988. Any idea what they're worth?
Please help me find the value of a set of mint condition KEF Reference Series Model 102 speakers with the Kube and manual from 1988. I have no idea what they may be worth.
I browse eBay for prices. Did a quick look, $200 +
