SpeakerTalk

Marantzguy · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2003 8:54 pm Post subject: KEF Loudspeakers

Hi:

I own two individual sets of KEF Calinda loudspeakers, manufactured in the mid-to-late 1970's. One set is finished in teak and the other one is in walnut veneer, which I have restored. I believe that these fine speakers were the first that KEF produced using computer-derived matched parameters.

I acquired my first set in a flea market 18 years ago and I have loved them ever since. For a two-way design (with passive radiator), they are awesome sounding on nearly all program material. Currently, I use them specifically to monitor location recordings I make of choral, symphonic and jazz music.

In the teak set, I installed a fixed wooden dowel between the front speaker baffle board and the rear panel, a modification recommended to me many years ago. The result was deeper fundamental bass reproduction. I also have these speakers up on custom-made wooden stands, so they are elevated off the floor by perhaps 11".

I just love the KEF Calinda and one day hope that I can find a pair of the larger Cantatas for as little as I paid for these.

(The teak set cost me $20 a pair and the walnut ones were found at a Salvation Army in my area for $68 the pair).

How about that for a bargain?

Rich Links
_________________
Richard Links
Berkeley, CA

terry · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2003 11:04 pm Post subject:

Thanks for posting Rich
In 1976 I made a pair of KEFKIT3 (T27, B110, B139) - basically the original Concerto. I am still using them as my main speakers although I have upgraded them a bit with new crossovers, internal wiring, spikes and new scanspeak tweeters.
I also have Cadenzas (T27, B200, BD139), Chorales (T27, B200), and Cantor - 2 pairs - (T27, B200) which I occasionally connect up to my cinema system in various configurations.
I am also threatening to purchase a pair of the original K2 Celestes.
Terry

Marantzguy · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2003 12:25 am Post subject: Kef Calinda stuff and more

Thanks, Terry!

Nice speakers!

At one time, I was very temped to changeout the components in the crossovers and was sort of "warned" by friends that it might not be a good idea to do this, because according to the "experts", the parts were matched within a tolerance of 2%.

Do you know if this is necessarily true?

The speakers are at least 25 years old now, I would guess.

I just think that they are really great. Someone else once told me that it is often a good idea to rotate the larger drivers 180 degrees in order to prevent any suspension "sag" which might set in.

Ever heard of that procedure?

I use my KEF's primarily with vintage (but restored) Marantz tube gear.

Rich Links
_________________
Richard Links
Berkeley, CA

terry · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:01 pm Post subject: Re: Kef Calinda stuff and more

terry · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:04 pm Post subject: Re: KEF Loudspeakers

Marantzguy · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2003 1:19 am Post subject: KEF Calinda modification

Hi, Terry:

You asked where the dowel had been placed. I believe that the "post" (as in violin making jargon) was inserted somewhere either above the center of the front baffle or below center (in the vertical plane, of course).

Rich Links
_________________
Richard Links
Berkeley, CA

b3rtie · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2003 8:42 pm Post subject: dowel

My (1968?) Concertos have a bar threaded to the B139s magnet and locked to the rear panel with a nut tightened from the exterior at the rear. Is this standard? My friends 1974 Concertos do not have this feature.

If so any idea how tight to get it?

terry · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2003 9:36 pm Post subject: Re: dowel

b3rtie · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2003 6:31 pm Post subject:

The B139s are the no-painted type. Thanks for your help.

R

proffski · Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 11:51 pm Post subject:

Apologies for being off topic.

I have a few blueprints and service manuals for some more modern KEF loudspeakers.

If anybody needs any help contact me using "Private Mail".
I'd be more than happy to scan them and send them as PDF files,or even on CDs if the end result is too big.
The paper is a bit tatty but should scan ok.

Have one or two (SHAME ON YOU KEF) from the new KEF factory in China.

The 'Da Ling Shan Lightion Electronic Company' Could not find anything on Google about them...

Raymond Cooke is not turning in his grave, he has clawed his way out and running away screaming!

raedididi · Introductory Contributor Joined: 02 May 2006 Posts: 9

Sorry to be off topic here, but am looking to get these repaired as close to home as possible, north east British Columbia, Canada. Is it possible? I do not know how to repair them, what to look for or anything. Is it worthwhile for me, a music ignoramus, except for buying my KEFs new in 1978 to try to get them fixed? I need the connections tightened and I think there are problems with the inside components/speakers. Do I need to get hold of old parts?

Thanks.

raedididi