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STVLESPEAKER PACKAGES KEFKHT5005.2
£1300 *** WE COULDN'T HAVE a style speaker test without including a KEF system. The company has had plenty to crow about in the past few years, almost always presenting its packages with more than a dollop of style. We'll point out now that this system, from the KHT - KEF Home Theatre - range, is due to be phased out in the summer, so you might
"Sound effects that should have punch and power merely sound lacklustre"
Tall, slimline design is stylish and flexible; decent integration; always-cohesive surround sound
Lacks excitement, punch and power; flabby bass
a PVi with a sawn-off top, standing on its own small stand, as the satellites do, and boasting a loin driver. One thing to point out: we couldn't manoeuvre our terminated speaker cables in to the connections, so you'll probably need bare-wire speaker cable. Once up and running, our main gripe is a lack of excitement. The Lord of the Rings Blu-ray boxset has myriad chances for your system to let fly, but this KEF doesn't take the opportunity. Sound effects that should have punch and power sound lacklustre, struggling to draw us in to the action,
with even the most explosive episodes sounding relatively subdued. Despite this, the KEF system doesn't boast the smoothest of tonal characters, certain frequencies hardening up at loud volume. The subwoofer is a little loose around the edges, bass notes lacking precision and giving the rest of the system a less-than-solid base on which to build. Yes, it's cohesive, integrates well enough and there's decent detail on show, but compared with the competition on display here, the KHT5005.2 isn't quite at the races.
releases in recent times, Saving Private Ryan, the 'HDi2 relays the necessary speed and power as planes and bullets fly around the soundstage, even if a little more scale and space can be had elsewhere. Treble frequencies certainly err on the lively side. At the other end of the tonal spectrum we find plenty to please our ears and, indeed, flap our trousers. The i2in driver shifts plenty of air to create powerful but punchy bass to underpin the most explosive action. Subwoofers are crucial in surround sound systems, and the RXW-I2 adds the necessary
body and weight while remaining well integrated, even if it could sometimes be a little quicker on its toes. While the new subwoofer adds scale and depth over the Award-winning 'HDio package's performance, it also costs an extra £400 - and is, crucially, £100 more than the B&W package. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but we think the style and design of this system is simple yet effective, and thankfully it's backed up by sterling surround sound. If it weren't for that pesky B&W package, this would have had a full complement of stars.
We thought we'd like the style, and we do -it's the sound that leaves us a bit cold
have to be on your toes to get your hands on one (if that doesn't sound too uncomfortable). This set was reduced to £1300 at the end of last year, so is now? the most affordable here. You wouldn't guess that out of the box; the HTS50OI.2 satellites and the HTCsooi.2 centre have an eyecatching aluminium column design available in matt silver or gloss black. There are three drivers in each, including a 3in Uni-Q_array driver. The HTBiSE subwoofer looks like
Monitor Audio R90HD12 £1675 **** MONITOR AUDIO HAS been an ultradependable brand when it comes to home cinema speaker systems in recent memory, consistently turning out easy on the eye, expertly finished performers. So, we have high hopes as we unbox this kit. This system comprises four RgoHD satellites and an Ri8o centre channel; these are married to Monitor Audio's new RXW-I2 subwoofer.
"A powerful but punchy bass to underpin the most explosive action"
Smart, compatible styling; solid build; lively, punchy sound; good bass depth
Could border on brightwith lively electronics; B&W sounds similar, but ultimately better
Capable and easy on the eye, this package deserves to turn heads that desire punch and power
While these are certainly the most conventional-looking speakers here, they are also perhaps the most flexible and unobtrusive, their generic appearance helping them melt in to any background. They're well made, too, feeling rock solid and built to last. Sonically, this system is an energetic, exciting affair. Listening to the explosive action of one of the more eagerly anticipated Blu-ray
www.whathifl.com JULY 2010
