Review: KEF KHT-2005.2

Reviewed by Carsten Rampacher, July 28th, 2003

Equipment

The KEF KHT-2005 achieved outstanding results in our testing procedure. Therefore we have been very curious if the following type KHT-2005.2 is able to exceed the performances of its predecessor. In fact the developers of KEF practically designed the system completely new. At first glance this can’t be noticed at the set to the amount of EUR 1.299,-, which is approximately the same as it had to be paid for the previous one. Optically seen there is hardly a difference between the new loudspeaker set and the KHT-2005. Only in detail differences can be found. The surfaces of all components are looking more noble which further emphasises the impression of outstanding quality. With regard to its finish the KEF-package does not have “to be afraid” of competitors. Technically-seen there are a lot of news. The five identical satellite-loudspeakers, which are available in black or silver, are equipped with new 19 mm tweeters, which shall make the already very well high frequency range still more brilliant. 

Also the KHT-2005.2 is working with the own principals of UNI-Q of KEF, where the tweeter is positioned in the midrange loudspeaker. KEF is convinced of the solid advantages of this arrangement, as all parts of the membrane of the midrange loudspeaker have been produced in one piece and therefore there are no non-linear distortions at the high frequency reproduction. As only the frequency of the mid-range sound field has to be finished and the membrane deflections of the UNI-Q-driver are so insignificant that practically no distortions at the interaction with the tweeter are occurring. 

The frequency response of the KHT-2005.2 is up to 27 kHz. Therefore the system can also be used for the DVD audio- and SACD-operation, on condition that usual requirements are demanded to the total performance. Compared with the predecessor it has been said that the KHT-2005.2 can be constructed and integrated into the home cinema room more easy. A new cable-conduit- and fixing system on the socket of the loudspeaker is making this possible. The sockets, where the satellites can be individually placed, are very high-graded as well as the connecting terminals for the loudspeaker cables. Of course they can be found in the form of a solid screw plug on the back-side of the satellites. 

The KHT-2005.2 also offers extensive possibilities for the user. On condition that this is desired also the installation of a 6.1- or 7.1-equipment is no problem. The elegant satellites can also be purchased in single parts. Acoustical advantage of the KEF solution in the 6.1- or 7.1-operation is that at the EX-mode six (at the 6.1-system) or seven (at the 7.1-system) times the identical satellite is used, which provides with a uniform sound picture. 

The active subwoofer offers a lot of highlights. It is now equipped with a 250 watts power amplifier, efficiently more than the average (predecessor: 150 watts). The subwoofer of the KHT-2005.2 can be purchased in the black, but also in the silver variant. 
Concerning the kind of construction compared with its predecessor differences are arising, as the housing is now closed which shall, according to the opinion of KEF, make the bass still more precise. Besides this there is a new equipment feature: A "cinema/music"-converter enables an adjustment of the bass level for the music- or film sound use. For a better integration of the satellites a "variable slope"-switch (12 or 24 dB) is available. 

Additionally to this there is the remaining complete equipment of the active subwoofer, which is already known from the predecessor which means that the volume regulators, the cross-over frequency and phase as well as an automatic activating swich-on system are available on the back-side of the bass loudspeaker. Also the equipment with a current supply for the cold appliance plug justifies the high-quality in detail. The subwoofer is working according to the downfire-principal, side-mounted socket feet are providing with a safe staying power and a certain distance of the subwoofer to the ground of the home cinema room, which helps to eliminate a possibly occurring resonance. 

Acoustical performance

Before carrying out corresponding sound checks, the question was, if at the KEF KHT-2005 still better results could be achieved than as its already brilliant predecessor. 

Our answer is: KEF succeeded, as not only the predecessor but also the competition is not able to totally compete with the outstanding performance characteristics of the KHT-2005.2. Above all we have been impressed by the extremely strong subwoofer which is capable of working in home cinema rooms with a size of scarcely more than 20 square metres perfectly. The volume as well as the level firmness are also convincing besides the good reproduction of extremely deep frequencies. Everybody can feel that a powerful amplifier is working in the interior part of the subwoofer. Up to this point of time we have not tested an active subwoofer of a sub-/sat-combination of this price section, which was similarly good. 

However, also the satellites filled with enthusiasm. At the film sound reproduction as well as in the multi-channel music operation nothing could be criticised. The compact loudspeakers turned to possess a level firmness far above the average. In the meantime a lot of sub-/sat-offers of the known competition are able to handle with higher volume power, however this first-class sovereignty, performed by these KEF-satellites, can be found very seldom. Also outstanding values of the loudspeakers could be achieved at the assessment of the offered brilliance and dynamics. Clearly, precisely and quickly the KHT-2005.2 manages a varied surround-sound field and an homogeneous front sound scenery. The reproduction of voices is surprisingly clear. Only at high volumes it can be noticed that some housing volume is missing at the boxes.

Also in the stereo operation the KHT-2005.2 achieved respectable results. Only the Infinity Oreus offers still more with regard to the plasticity and detail accuracy. Compared with the remaining part of the sub-/sat-competition however the KHT-2005.2 gained outstanding results with its lively reproduction and its powerful and pleasant bass. Very praiseworthy, too, is the crystal-clear sounding high frequency range, only at very high volume the sovereignty at the presentation slightly decreases. 

Summary

For a really fair purchasing price the KHT-2005.2 presently offers an optimum of sound quality and finish. Especially good: The developers of KEF succeeded in exceeding its already very good predecessor practically in all disciplines. 

Excellent
Upper middle class
July 28th, 2003

Value

Pro:

• Dynamics far above the average 
• Very homogeneous, clear and pleasant high frequency range 
• First-class level firmness even in more extensive rooms
• Outstanding subwoofer with tempting power reserves
• Harmonious presentation of voices
• High-graded materials and careful finish 
• Excellent price/performance relation 

Contra:

• Outstanding – nothing more can be expected for this purchasing price 

Specifications:

• HTS2001.2: satellite loudspeakers, bass reflex, chassis: 100 mm UNI-Q® chassis with 19 mm tweeter, frequency response: 80 Hz - 27 kHz, sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 88 dB, maximum acoustic pressure: 104 dB, impedance: 8 ohms, net volume: 1,5 litre, weight: 2 kg, dimension (H x D x W): 198 x 130 x 150 mm, loading: 100 watts
• PSW 2010: Active subwoofer, closed construction principal, chassis: 250 mm bass, frequency response: 30 Hz - 140 Hz, amplifier performance: 250 watts, net volume: 15,4 litre, weight: 14,5 kg, dimension (H x D x W): 360 x 320 x 320 mm
• Deliverable colours (satellite and subwoofer): black and silver
• Suggested retail price EUR 1.299,-- (on the German market)

Reviewed by Carsten Rampacher
Assistent: Matthias Walther-Richters

2003/07/28

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