KEF-Reference 201

Sound

The reference KEF sound commits to something. The reviewed model 201 Reference was compared directly to the smaller, but more modern bookshelf speakers KEF LS-50, which has a more modern and more advanced Uni-Q unit.

The first sounds extracted from the well-matched system in which the 201 came to work were surprisingly dynamic and legible. Much attention was paid to the purity of the background around the instruments, and the surprisingly strong and clean bass from a small enclosure, which could put many floorstanders to shame. Let's start from the top, because we get something that is rarely used in this price range, and even less common in stand mount speakers. The purity, speed and clarity with the multi-color complement of nuances introduced by the hyper-tweeter adds more light to the music and is the proverbial icing on the cake. Yes, it can be heard immediately when brass instruments appear, which sound very realistic. We get more illumination in the highest frequencies, which we will not hear even from much more expensive speakers. The treble is sweet, sonorous and reveals many colorful outlines and colors that will be difficult to find in other speakers of this type. For an untrained ear in a poorly matched system, the 201's may turn out to be too flashy and bright due to the presentation of ultra high frequencies, but in a well-matched system they will reveal cards that will be difficult to beat. A well-designed crossover perfectly complements the range of two tweeters used in one slim housing. The proprietary Uni-Q driver handles the mid to high frequencies well, and what adds or rather complements the titanium hyper-tweeter takes every note of the high frequencies to the next level. The rigid diaphragm of the midrange driver is great at delivering clear vocals, colorful instruments as well as background and breath. The sound signature is arranged rather symmetrically and does not favor any of the bands, thanks to which we get a clear, well-balanced sound. Well-controlled and dynamic bass support does not obscure other sounds with its volume and power. The vocals sound very mature and give a large dose of proximity to the artist in the room. Guitars, whether electric or acoustic, sound clear, decisive and colorful, creating a realistic picture among the rest of the music. In small listening rooms, the lowest frequencies will provide a large dose of emotional, fast, firm and dynamic bass, which will not leave you unsatisfied with low frequencies, demanding to supplement the set with an additional subwoofer.

The loudspeakers are devoid of an aggressive message in which there is no shortage of dynamics and detail. The bass plays culturally and precisely, it can fill the room with a strong and agile hit. The middle part of the information can be accused of a certain degree of clinicalness in conveying a lot of insightful and raw information with a studio pedigree. Great micro-dynamics in which many details are transmitted at low and high volume levels makes us listen to music without nervousness and boredom. Each disc is interesting and can deliver a relaxed warm, clean, yet sterile and rich sound.