09-Jan-2016, 09:55
I was lucky enough to hear the KEF Reference 3 at a cable comparison event at Oxford Audio last year. They were being powered by a Devialet 800 with an Aurender streamer. I guess for me this is a bit of a backwards step, being used to D800 powered KEF Blades at home. But having said that, it was not that much of a step back, I think if I was blindfolded and told that I was listening to the Ref 5's then I would almost certainly have believed it, they sounded big. I have to say I was very impressed and I could have happily sat listening to that system for hours. There also seamed to be an argument that the Ref 3 is a bit of a sweet spot in the range, gaining that essential last octave over the Ref 1, but loosing out very little to the Ref 5, which is apparently very large and more difficult with placement etc. The bottom line for me was the Ref 3 Devialet combination was quite simply a very good listen, most enjoyable. I'm sure you will have much fun with your new system Mathew!
