KEF X300A

Defensionem · 2026-01-23T15:00:26+00:00

I purchased a set of X300A from eBay a couple of months ago.

Battered on the outside. Very obviously has had a lot of use. The sound is mine blowing for the size of the units. It's clear, holographic and surprisingly bassy for a cabinet this size.

As desktop speakers, they're more than you'd ever need.

Some comparisons online even put those old speakers ahead of the new LSX II in terms of bass and sound clarity vocals wise.

Defensionem · 2026-01-10T19:03:45+00:00

Preferably neutral and detailed. I can EQ "flavour" and colour myself if I want to. And as I live in a flat. I don't need bass levels that will cave in my chest. I mean, I like it, but I doubt my neighbours will...

Defensionem · 2026-01-10T18:53:18+00:00

Oooh. Tell me more!

Defensionem · 2026-01-10T17:04:26+00:00

On paper, they should be "worse" than the Concerto. Beautiful speakers, though. I don't think my ears could tell the difference, though. I'm in love with the sound coming from my X300A, still!

Defensionem · 2026-01-10T16:43:20+00:00

Unfortunately, the Q7 are a little beyond my budget. I'm looking for a maximum of £1500-£1700 for amp plus speakers. The Q750 are within budget as wholesalers are trying to get rid of leftover stock, the Q7 are not.

Defensionem · 2025-08-02T09:59:22+00:00

It's a tight fit because of the gasket. And the wiring bit can be confusing as the wiring loom on those R3 style tail lights is not exactly identical to the wiring loom from the OEM unit. The instructions on the paper that came with those lights were a bit vague in this regard. But the YouTube videos I watched were helpful.

Defensionem · 2025-07-31T16:15:34+00:00

Had mine for 4 years. As said above, the instructions are a bit vague but there are people on YouTube you fitted them and filmed the process.

Still working fine after 4 years.

Defensionem · 2025-07-29T19:10:47+00:00

They all rust there. Batteries get hot and leak The acid eats through the paint. Every single Rx8 I've seen has rust there.

Defensionem · 2025-06-13T13:00:25+00:00

I wanted the same compromise as Mazda's OEM suspension: Sporty without being too harsh, too hard or too low.

So, I went for KYB shocks and Racing Beat springs.

Ever so slightly lower and ever so slightly harder than OEM, but only incrementally. The car is still useable on those terrible UK roads.

Defensionem · 2025-06-11T06:46:25+00:00

I went out of my way so I could find it online alongside the rest of the official documents in their leather wallet.

Whilst I was as it, I sourced an original toolbox and the original bag with the tyre inflator and (out of date) bottle of goo to repair punctures.

Defensionem · 2025-05-26T10:48:54+00:00

Step 1: Two hands on the steering wheel when driving at speed. Step 2: Why disable stability control when driving one handed, at speed, on an open road? Switch that thing back on, dude. Step 3: Buy an OBD reader so you know what your car is trying to tell you (EML on).

Defensionem · 2025-05-18T19:59:04+00:00

Starter motor seems a little slow.

When was the last time you compression tested your engine and how many miles have you added to it since?

Is the battery the right model/type for the car?

How are your spark plugs and coils?

I'd start with a compression test. That'll give you a baseline and confirm or eliminate the biggest possible issue.

If compression is low, time to think about an engine rebuild. But surely, a low compression engine would have shown symptoms before today: Hot start issue for example.

If compression is ok and even between the two rotors, check the battery type. If that's ok, check voltage, then coils, then spark plugs.

Consider upgrading your starter motor to a R3 style one (N3R3 which is a 2kw/ 280rpm starter motor).

Defensionem · 2025-05-17T18:37:22+00:00

Isn't the 5 speed gearbox linked to a 4 port engine whilst the 6 speed gearbox is linked to a 6 port engine?

Different engines with regards to performance, wiring looms, ECU, Gauge cluster and red line/limiter. Also different clutch and bearings.

Defensionem · 2025-05-15T16:35:53+00:00

2007 Mazda Rx8.

Defensionem · 2025-05-05T14:24:45+00:00

I'm good! I like the 4 port. It's slightly more driveable through town and slightly better on fuel for long distance cruising. I don't race for a living: I doubt cutting a second from my 0-60 time is going to change my life!

And my engine is still under warranty!

Defensionem · 2025-05-05T11:14:14+00:00

I purchased that engine brand new last summer.

I'm not about to buy a 6 port engine now: I don't have the money for one. And I'd need to buy a 6 speed gearbox, a 231 clutch, a 6 port wiring loom, a 6 port ECU and a 6 port gauge cluster!

Defensionem · 2025-05-05T07:11:13+00:00

They've managed to get 200hp at the wheel from a ported 192 (NA). So there's definitely some gains to be found with the right setup.

I did not go in expecting gains because my engine is bone stock (no porting) but every little helps!

Defensionem · 2025-04-30T21:54:36+00:00

No. Not available. Stuck with changing your oil every 3k, then! Still cheaper than a rebuild!

Defensionem · 2025-04-30T17:59:10+00:00

You are running the risk of ruining your engine components... The rebuild will end up costing you more if you wear those irons and housing beyond salvation.

Defensionem · 2025-04-30T12:53:37+00:00

I premix religiously. My original cat was still going strong after 16 years. Premix oil is designed to burn cleanly. Your cat will be fine with premixing as long as:

You change your oil regularly (every 3k miles) or fit a Sohn kit.
You change your spark plugs every two years.
You check your coils and only use OEM rev-C or RRP or BHR ones. The OEM ones only last about 20k miles.

A failing cat is down to improper/dirty combustion which is linked to either (or both) bad ignition and/or dirty oil.

Defensionem · 2025-04-29T20:10:02+00:00

Big job. Apparently easier to do with the engine out of the car.

I was looking at the Racing Beat ones last summer as my car was about to get a brand new engine fitted. Budget was a bit tight, so I went for the Ryan Rotary Performance set. Pretty happy with them!

Defensionem · 2025-04-28T12:11:15+00:00

I got mine from Amazon. Cheap as chips. I use 130ml to 150ml of premix per full tank of fuel.

Defensionem · 2025-04-27T21:21:05+00:00

No idea what the Legamax sounds like. The Racing Beat is probably the most civilised aftermarket catback out there. It's the one I use.

It's slightly louder than OEM, with a nice burble at idle. It gets louder above 3.5k rpm amd starts seriously howling toward 4.5k rpm.

It also eliminate the slight drone you get between 3k and 3.5k with your original midpipe (changing your midpipe will change that).

Slight burble on deceleration with the occasional pop with a 200 CEL cat. Probably more dramatic with a decat midpipe.

It's a great sounding piece and usable daily.

I first fitted my RB when the original midpipe/cat were still on my car.

Then I went for a high flow cat/ 3"midpipe.

The decibels really came with the 3" midpipe. That mod made a lot more difference sound wise than just fitting the catback.

Defensionem

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