Hi-Fi: KEF XQ40 Loudspeakers – Review – 78

A pivotal scene in Jurassic Park is the bit where a block of amber is held up against a light, revealing a bloodthirsty 65 million-year-old mosquito trapped in time just after enjoying a feed of T-rex blood.

So why is that relevant to an audio product review? Because Kef’s new XQ40 floorstanding speaker must have one of the finest veneers I have ever seen – a shimmering coat of piano gloss khaya mahogany that would easily pass muster as a suitable last resting place for an elderly mozzie.

The range-topping XQ40s are certainly stunning-looking speakers, and Kef has introduced a number of changes since the XQ5s Tone reviewed a few years back. The Uni-Q driver features a newly developed ‘tangerine’ waveguide for better high-frequency dispersion, while crossover components have been lifted straight from Kef’s lauded Reference series for improved audio performance.

Both of the 165mm bass drivers have been redeveloped for the XQs, and work has continued on the enclosure design, making the speakers virtually impervious to internal standing waves and colouration.

But it’s the finish that really stands out, and combined with elegant touches such as the magnetic grilles and solid cone feet, these XQ40s are designed to be part of the furniture.

Paired with the Naim Uniti streamer/amp/CD, the gorgeous Kefs showed themselves to be almost faultless. Sadly, I didn’t have the liberty of an extended time period with the XQ40s (a few years would be good please Ed), but a short week with these beauties was enough to have this reviewer lusting for more.

Gone were the slightly ‘spitty’ high frequencies of the earlier model. This time the tweeter seemed more in balance with the other drivers. Midrange detail was excellent, and although the soundstage didn’t appear to have better than average height, it certainly extended to the far left and right of each speaker.

Bass quality was also very good, and the XQ40s should definitely be considered for a larger room that can deal with the depths they’re capable of reaching. The Thievery Corporation’s The Cosmic Game has some killer bass, both in terms of quantity and quality. When really let rip on this album the Kefs were tight and tuneful, with extended response minus boom or overhang – that’s what this reviewer loves and luckily the XQ40s were reading from my songbook.

Turning to more acoustic fare with Neil Young’s ‘The Needle And The Damage Done’, once again the XQ40s did the business, conveying the sense of loss and pain as seen through the performer’s eyes.

Further listening included Mussorgsky’s Pictures At An Exhibition courtesy of a practically flawless East German vinyl pressing, which was a real treat for the ears and soul.

It’s an impressive debut for the XQ40s; I enjoyed their above-average sound quality – and the looks, phew!

GARY PEARCE

TECH SPECS

KEF XQ40 FLOOR STANDING LOUD SPEAKERS

Enclosure type: Floorstanding, three-way bass reflex
Components – Uni-Q: 165mm with 19mm aluminium dome HF
Components – bass: 2 x 165mm
Frequency Response: 45Hz-55kHz
Sensitivity: 90dB
Impedance: 8 Ohms nominal
Recommended Power Handling: 15-200w
Dimensions: 1020 x 231 x 302mm (H/W/D)
Weight: 25.3 kg per speaker

Pros

• Superbly voiced

• Stunning build and looks

Cons

• Still trying to find one

Verdict

Kef comes good with the XQ40s, finally delivering on the legacy handed down by the flagship Reference series

CONTACT

www.avalon.co.nz

This article is in Tone issue 78.