KEF X 300A

[petetherock]

Hi
Anyone using this active speaker here?
Retailing for around S$1200 from GP Acoustics.
Comes with a built in USB DAC.

I intend to hook it up to my iMac for music playback and some movies..
Digital Hi-Fi Speakers - X300A - Overview - KEF International

KEF X300A

Introducing the KEF X300A digital hi-fi speaker system, an active design conceived to partner a PC or Mac, desktop or laptop computer. Simply connect the speakers via a ‘distortion free’ USB all-digital link to provide high resolution 96kHz/24 bit quality digital input and inter-speaker connection to ensure high definition sound from source to output. Each speaker features twin class AB audiophile grade amplifiers inside, one for HF and one for LF/MF. Featuring high performance toroidal transformers and high quality DACs, with the X300A you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy audiophile sound quality.
System type Two-way bass reflex Drive units Uni-Q driver array:
HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome
LF/MF: 130mm (5.25in.) magnesium/
aluminium alloy Frequency response
(+/- 3dB) 58Hz - 28kHz Frequency range
(- 6dB) 49Hz - 45kHz Max peak SPL 104dB Amplifier type Twin Class AB Amplifier power LF: 50W
HF: 20W AC power input US/JP versions: 100-120 VAC, 50/60 Hz
EU/UK/China versions: 220-240 VAC, 50Hz Analogue input AUX: 3.5mm stereo jack Digital input
Resolution
Sampling rate USB 2.0: mini USB type B connector
Up to 24-bit
Up to 96kHz, depending on source resolution Controls Balance control
System volume control Internal volume 4.7 l Finish Gunmetal Dimensions
(H x W x D) Without heatsink:
280 x 180 x 215mm (11.0 x 7.1 x 8.5 in.)
With heatsink:
280 x 180 x 243mm (11.0 x 7.1 x 9.6 in.) Weight 7.5kg (16.5lbs) per speaker It is recommended that the X300A be used with Windows 7 and Mac OS 10.6 & above operating systems.

 

[Carnage]

Hi Pete

Instead of that, maybe you can consider Swans T200B?

 

[petetherock]

Thanks, it doesn't have a DAC built in, no auto-on, I reckon it's in a different class...

Will see about Swans, heard a fair bit about them, so I may visit their shop.
Which shop in SLS carries them?

 

[Carnage]

Thanks, it doesn't have a DAC built in, no auto-on, I reckon it's in a different class...

Will see about Swans, heard a fair bit about them, so I may visit their shop.
Which shop in SLS carries them?

For the ones I quoted, there's no physical shop in Singapore that caries them. There's this ongoing MO by nst over at VR-Zone, he has physical sets for you to audition. I heard them last year and god are they musical!

Sound stage is very very wide right out of the box (according to him).

How's the X300A, haven't heard them myself, are they new on the market?

 

[mrsun18]

From what I read, Swan's inputs are 1 x XLR balanced and 1 x unbalanced (RCA) (a RCA to 3.5mm minijack adaptor is supplied).

Whereas for iMac, there is no corresponding provision for XLR (logical considering the slim design). There is a headphone port for headphone/optical digital audio output (minijack).

In the case of KEF, there are options of USB or 3.5mm minijack aux input.

To me, the minijack, used as an aux input is just for flexibility of connections. It won't do justice to the capabilities of the speakers.

Besides evaluating the sound of both sets of speakers, the connectivity options need to be considered seriously as well.

 

[petetherock]

They are quite new, reviews are only starting to come in. But the DAC will improve sound quite a bit, it's a Wolfson chip.

That means you get an active speaker plus a DAC in a single unit, no need to pay for extra cables.

In UK they are giving a free dongle for Airplay, hope that happens here, then the deal is really sweet.

 

[Carnage]

They are quite new, reviews are only starting to come in. But the DAC will improve sound quite a bit, it's a Wolfson chip.

That means you get an active speaker plus a DAC in a single unit, no need to pay for extra cables.

In UK they are giving a free dongle for Airplay, hope that happens here, then the deal is really sweet.

My only query (without hearing them) is how powerful can the speakers be if they are powered via USB.

I've heard the speakers from B&W, quite frankly the price is high for that kind of quality.

 

[petetherock]

My only query (without hearing them) is how powerful can the speakers be if they are powered via USB.

I've heard the speakers from B&W, quite frankly the price is high for that kind of quality.

Your 'only question' shows that you have not read any of the specs listed in my first post

There are amps for each driver, two in each speaker. AB amplifiers totaling 70w in each speaker.

This speaker caters to a different budget from those who are looking for the 200-300$ speakers, probably looking for refinement and a little more imaging at nearfield.

You can get better bass from cheaper kit. Just see the 2.1 speaker thread. Many good choices there too.

That DAC will add 2-300$ in cost if bought individually.

 

[Carnage]

Your 'only question' shows that you have not read any of the specs listed in my first post

There are amps for each driver, two in each speaker. AB amplifiers totaling 70w in each speaker.

This speaker caters to a different budget from those who are looking for the 200-300$ speakers, probably looking for refinement and a little more imaging at nearfield.

You can get better bass from cheaper kit. Just see the 2.1 speaker thread. Many good choices there too.

That DAC will add 2-300$ in cost if bought individually.

I can get a DAC and attach it to studio monitors, cost less than $1.2k.

Btw the swans I mentioned are $810 at last ask. Not as cheap as you "think".

 

[soupgoblin]

I don't feel that the dac in the kef do the drivers justice. Using adam a3x with an es9023 dac now, and things are hard to get better than that

 

[petetherock]

I don't feel that the dac in the kef do the drivers justice. Using adam a3x with an es9023 dac now, and things are hard to get better than that

Many ways to skin a cat..
Thought of separate units but that may mean more boxes.
Not too tidy for a desktop setup ..

 

[mrsun18]

Many ways to skin a cat..
Thought of separate units but that may mean more boxes.
Not too tidy for a desktop setup ..

Ya, an imac user will definitely demand a neat desktop.

Not sure if you have read this review:
KEF X300A powered speakers

It appears that US buyers also get the free dongle.

 

[Tony_Melb]

We've all seen the lengths you've gone to with your dedicated HT system, seems like you're compromising a bit here. Have you considered getting Genelecs and making us all drool?

 

[mrsun18]

We've all seen the lengths you've gone to with your dedicated HT system, seems like you're compromising a bit here. Have you considered getting Genelecs and making us all drool?

Typical spam language.

 

[Tony_Melb]

Typical spam language.

How is that spam language? This guy renovated his living room specially for his home theatre. I was merely suggesting he might be compromising with his PC setup, all things considered.

There was a smiley face too.

If you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

 

[mrsun18]

...This guy renovated his living room specially for his home theatre. I was merely suggesting he might be compromising with his PC setup, all things considered...

.

Please quote me the line from TS which said that he renovated his living room specialy for his home theatre.

 

[Tony_Melb]

Please quote me the line from TS which said that he renovated his living room specialy for his home theatre.

Read about the lengths he went to here...

An Audiophile's Mid Century Home - Reno t-Blog Chat - RenoTalk.com ™

And in the mean time, if you're unaware of something, either ask for clarification or keep your antagonistic comments to yourself.

 

[petetherock]

Chill bros
It's all good..
Everyone wants to help ..
I saw the peach tree decco 65. Tempting at 899 usd but I think the all in one concept of the Kef appeals.
I saw audio engine plus some others and their price comes close without a dac.

 

[Tony_Melb]

Chill bros
It's all good..
Everyone wants to help ..
I saw the peach tree decco 65. Tempting at 899 usd but I think the all in one concept of the Kef appeals.
I saw audio engine plus some others and their price comes close without a dac.

I know you've got a soft spot for Dynaudio (as do I). Have you looked at the MC-15s? I don't know if they are still sold any more...they came out a few years ago if I recall correctly.

Adams seem to be held in the same regard as Genelecs too from what I can tell.

I get your point about building everything in for convenience. My only concern would be that it becomes built in obsolescence down the track when the upgrade bug hits.

 

[Carnage]

I'm just keen to know how value for money they are.

1.2k can get good speakers with a DAC as well.