2. misc-audio
  3. 1209148833

Kef Kube equalizer

Audio junkies: Can anyone explain the function of the Kef Kube equalizer, and tell me whether there is a viable substitute? I just bought a used pair of Kef Reference 103/4 speakers. I need to repair the dual-woofer surrounds, so I haven't heard them yet. I have read glowing reviews,however, but most recommend using the Kef Kube 200 active equalizer to bring out the bass response (without colouration, I'm told). I have submitted an Audiogon want-ad for a Kube 200, but I'm wondering if there is a substitute in the event I can't find one. Are these things simply graphic equalizers? Also, on the diagrams I've seen, the unit appears to just have RCA jacks. If that is true, can you even use one with a mid/high-end A/V receiver? Thanks. -KlipschKing
klipschking

Showing 4 responses by eldartford

eldartford
4,262 posts
 
If you can't get at the line level signal, via a TAPE loop or a PRE OUT/AMP IN interface I don't see how you could use an equalizer. Unless, of course, you are willing to modify the receiver to provide the connections.

However, I have had very good results replacing the equalizer that comes with Bose 901 speakers with a Behringer DEQ 2496. It does the speaker equalization job better than the Bose-supplied unit, and does room correction as well.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Get a Behringer DEQ2496 equalizer. It will automatically make your KEF speakers flat, so you won't need to figure out what the original KEF equalizer did.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Unsound... Bose was one of the first to use the equalizer aproach. The idea was to avoid trying to achieve smooth response below driver resonance, which is almost impossible. Most speaker designers try to push resonance down by driver design and large enclosures. Prof Bose figured out that roll off below resonance, while steep, is inherently very smooth and therefore correctable by electronic equalization. He pushed resonance up to more than 200 Hz.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Jedinite24... I have a couple of Bose 901s in my swimming pool room, where they perform far above what audiophiles would expect. I use a Behringer DEQ2496 instead of the Bose equalizer that came with the speakers and I think it sounds much better. The equalization curve (which includes room effects (as well as the speaker characteristics) is really extreme... much more than what your KEFs would need.
More to discover