Please examine the pictures for their exact condition. Some small scratches are apparent in the finish on the sides, top, bottom.


Reference Series Model 102 (1986-90)

Model 102 with its dedicated KUBE active low level equalizer responded to the need for a compact system with very high sound quality devoid of the usual restrictions in sensitivity, bass extension and maximum loudness capability. The new KUBE allowed a combination of these parameters that would not be possible with conventional passive systems. Ideal for locations where space is at a premium, the hybrid dividing network technique creates the character of a full sized design with little compromise in power handling, sensitivity or loudness capability. Low coloration is maintained by the use of a newly developed 165mm bass/midrange unit with polypropylene cone, coupled with the established T33 fabric domed tweeter.


KEF Model 102 Speaker System Review

The Model 102 from KEF, one of the company’s Reference Series loudspeakers, is a very compact two-way system with exceptional bass response for its size, which is close to minispeaker proportions. Its 6-inch Bextrene-cone woofer operates in a sealed enclosure, and the high frequencies are channeled to a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter. The walnut-finished wood cabinet is extremely rigid, and even the black cloth grille is stretched on a solid wood plate that is retained by plastic fasteners.

The frequency response of the KEF 102, at 2 meters distance on axis, is rated as 65 to 20,000 Hz ±2 dB and as down only 6 dB at 40 Hz. It is also rated to deliver a sound-pressure level (SPL) of 107 dB on program peaks under typical listening conditions. These figures are indeed impressive for a speaker that measures only 13 inches high, 8V4 inches wide, and IOV4 inches deep and weighs a mere 15 pounds.

The bass performance of the system is obtained by using a separate active (electronic) equalizer, the KUBE (KEF Universal Bass Equalizer), that boosts the bass drive signal by 5 to 6 dB below about 40 Hz while reducing the midrange drive signal in the 2,000-Hz region by about 5 dB. The KUBE Model 2088 supplied with the KEF 102 speakers is meant to be inserted in an amplifier or receiver tape-monitor loop or between a preamplifier and power amplifier. It has a set of tape input and output jacks and a monitor switch to replace those required for its connection to the amplifier.

Pushing in the extend button of the KUBE inserts an additional bass boost that complements the speaker’s natural rolloff in the bass region and gives it a nearly flat response to 40 Hz. Another control, marked contour, shifts the level of the entire bass range (below about 200 Hz) up or down as much as 3 dB to balance the low-frequency sound against the midrange level. The contour circuit operates independently of the extend control.

The rated sensitivity of the model 102 under anechoic conditions is 92 dB spl at 1 meter with a pink-noise input of 2.83 volts. Its nominal impedance is 4 ohms, and it is suitable for use with amplifiers capable of delivering between 50 and 200 watts into that load. KEF’s computer-designed passive crossover maintains a nearly resistive impedance over most of the audio range, making the Model 102 an “easy” system to drive.

Comments

Listening to the KEF 102 system, we quickly became aware of its smooth, easy sound—rarely experienced from speakers of its size, though it should be expected from speakers in its price class. The bass was not at all thin; in fact, the speakers had a tendency to sound “warm,” imparting an audible but not objectionable upper-bass boost to most voices. For the most part, however, the sound quality was as neutral as we have come to expect from KEF. The Model 102 even displayed some of the same minor colorations as the KEF 105.2 system we have used for years as our reference speaker.

An A/B comparison left no doubt of the close kinship between the Model 102 and the 105.2, which sells for about three times its price. The two have virtually identical sensitivities and, at least in our room, sound so much alike that in most cases only spatial clues enabled us to distinguish between them when switching back and forth.

It was not too surprising to find the Model 102 even better than the 105.2 in its high-frequency dispersion—its smaller, improved dome tweeter can take the credit for this. At modest listening levels, or when the program did not have unusual amounts of low-bass energy, there was virtually no difference between them. But when there was some high-level bass content, such as the drums in Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, the physical limitations of the Model 102’s small cone became very audible (as they did in our pulse-power tests). This limitation is especially evident when using the extended-bass mode, which is unfortunately at its best when high-level bass is not present.

The KEF 102 is not a miracle, nor is it claimed to be. On the other hand, it can match or surpass the overall sound quality of many full-sized speakers, including some priced well above its range. It is not a “flashy” speaker, it does not have sizzling highs or room-shaking bass, but it is one of the most balanced-sounding speakers you are likely to find. If you have been attracted to one of the larger KEF Reference Series speaker systems but find its cost beyond your budget, listen to the Model 102. It might be just what you’re looking for.