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Modern day equivalent of KEF 104.2s?

I am need of some advice. I have a pair of 90's vintage bi-wired Kef 104.2s that I've enjoyed the past three years. The are a very musical speaker, great for the type of rock and jazz to which I listen, and are forgiving of poor source material. They are not, however, the last word in detail or accurate bass.

For those familiar with the 104.2s, what current production speakers would you recommend that would be the equivalent of the Kefs with perhaps better detail, tighter and more accurate bass, yet no less musical?
texsun
dewinkle
51 posts
 
I just sold my 104/2 and bought a pait of Thiel 2.4s. They are not at all similar. It was a great upgrade, but the characteristics were not similar. I think B&W 7NT, 9NT sound similar. The mids and highs are in the same mold, but the bass is tighter on the B&W's, but lack the extension of the 104/2. I prefer the B&W's
hammy
171 posts
 
“The Silverline Sonata is an outstanding bargain and one of the most musically satisfying speaker systems on the market … a compelling musical rightness from top to bottom … superbly finished … Buy these, just listen to the music, and forget about hi-fi forever.”

- Paul Bolin / the absolute sound
Issue 133 (Dec. 2001 / Jan. 2002)
Quoted with permission from the absolute sound
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Th only speakers that I have found that image as well are the Dali model 4 and 5. This is why I modded mine. Now they beat Dalis, even the new KEF reference series.
ptcl99
2 posts
 
Audioengr

I have been looking for a source to do a sensible mid-life (at least) upgrade of the venerable KEF 104/2. Could you please share the contact information / website as to where you obtained your upgrade and the extent of the upgrade? How did the company ensure the pair-matched criterion of the crossovers/drives? Thanks.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd
1,058 posts
 
I replaced my 104/2s with 107/2s that give a more refined sound with even better imaging and bass that extends to a useable 20 Hz.  If I were to leave the KEF line, I'd look at the Aerial 7T.  You can find reviews of the 107/2 by John Atkinson and Thomas Norton at Stereophile.  In essence, the 107/2 was one of the best speakers either had heard. 

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