Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: KEF KEF RDM Two Speakers by Bosh

As we all know, speakers may be the most personal thing in the system food chain. And the update on the classic BBC sound that many people feel embodies KEF products may or may not be your (what else?) cup of tea. But having auditioned several monitors of this size within a fairly broad price range, I can say without reservation that the RDM Two's outclassed speakers up to nearly twice their cost.

The bass is very effective in these ported, two-way units, so much so that friends (both audiocentric and not) regularly say things like "Is that sound actually coming from those?" The top end is nicely detailed, speedy and transparent. And yes, there is a midrange "bloom", so often looked down upon, that guides the overall presentation of sound towards warmth and fullness--but not overly so.

All of above to grand effect on acoustic jazz, smaller classical presentations and most rock. Big symphonics, if that's your thing, will be not get the very best treatment (but we are talking about a smallish two-way monitor, after all).

"Accuracy" junkies beware: these are NOT clinically neutral studio nearfields. They are exceptionally musical, highly rewarding speakers that dare to have a sonic personality. But most of the speakers I auditioned did. The KEF's simply had, to my ear, the right personality.

The "UniQ technology", which places the tweeter at the very center of the main driver, seems to have the benefits claimed by the factory. Specifically a soundstage as wide as it is deep. My former "sweet spot" has expanded from a single sitting position to a comfortable arc of at least four.

The units can be biwired (I have not done so) to their gold plated binding posts. They are availble in a few finishes on beautifully crafted, solid wood side panels. The RDM Twos (unlike the Ones) are shielded for use as a cinema front end. And their sound goes from excellent to "Holy #@%&*" with the grille covers, nice as they are, off.

Highly worth a listen.

REVIEW: KEF KEF RDM Two Speakers Review by Bosh at Audio Asylum