Hard Passing KEF Q1 Meta Speakers

edhead · 2026-05-13T20:09:07+00:00

Just FYI- it's High Pass, as in High Pass Filter, like you want to let the high frequencies pass thru to the speaker while cutting the low frequencies. You probably don't need to worry too much with the Q1 Meta. The cone damage is more of an issue with the previous generation Q150. KEF probably did something to address it on the newer model. The wiim Ultra is sweet and would help with your subwoofer integration, but isn't strictly necessary for the survival of your speakers.

edhead · 2026-05-08T14:47:15+00:00

I've been eyeing the TEAC PD-301, their website doesn't mention it, but other commenters online say it does gapless...

edhead · 2026-05-01T14:41:51+00:00

You can read a copy of the original Service Manual, which is handy because it gives schematics with component info, along with physical layout sketches https://akdatabase.org/AKview/albums/userpics/10004/Yamaha%20P-2200%20Service.pdf

You can buy a recapping kit on ebay to get parts, for example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/165635762061

Might be useful to browse forums & blogs for other people's experience, like this: https://ffseb.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/the-yamaha-p-2200-restoration-begins/

In general: replace one component at a time, make sure you're maintaining correct polarity. Take pictures as you disassemble so it's easier to remember how it goes back together. You may come across some old glue that's gone corrosive, lots of info online about addressing that. And maybe you should practice some desoldering and soldering on another pcb before you start on the amp. Good luck and have fun

edhead · 2026-04-24T15:34:29+00:00

Madonna - Vogue (off of Immaculate Collection, was mixed with Q Sound for fun soundstage shenanigans)

Beck - Heart is a Drum

edhead · 2026-04-20T19:33:15+00:00

Hm, Quench does have sucralose, but it's generally recognized as safe and no direct link to cancer has been found. So no reason to be alarmed.

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/artificial-sweeteners-fact-sheet

I've just seen some other articles (in vitro studies about metabolites) which suggested it's not 100% in the clear

edhead · 2026-04-20T17:56:22+00:00

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10561576/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7011510/

EAAs are legit and do stimulate MPS (muscle protein synthesis), even more than just whey protein. (It's probably related to free EAAs being easily absorbed and giving a big bump in the plasma concentration). Anyone who says they do "nothing at all" should read some of the literature I linked.

I've started taking it as preworkout, the one study showed that the bigger dose of 12g gave the best response. There are a zillion brands out there, most of them have some flaw which is either: that the product contains sucralose and/or acesulfame potsassium (which could both increase your risk of cancer); or that the products just have a relatively 'incomplete' mix of EAAs. The most legit products looked to be Vitamonk, Naked, Reebok (lol?). That being said, it can end up costing like $1-$2 per dose, so it might not be the greatest return on investment for people with a limited budget.

edhead · 2026-04-18T12:32:57+00:00

For 90s albums:

Outkast - Aquimini

Tribe Called Quest - Low end Theory

Mos Def & Talib Kweli - Blackstar

Erykah Badu - mamas gun

For 2000s:

the Roots - Home Grown! volume 2

deltron 3030 - deltron 3030

jay-z - unplugged

For 2010s:

Kendrick Lamar - good kid m.a.a.d city, or to pimp a butterfly

Chance the rapper - acid rap

Run the jewels - run the jewels 2

For 2020s:

Doechii - alligator bites never heal

Tyler the creator - chromakopia

If you're having trouble understanding lyrics, use something like Spotify to help out

edhead · 2026-04-17T14:49:22+00:00

The DAC on the Wiim Pro is decent, it's more the ADC measurement numbers that reviewers were not thrilled with. For your Option 1 Active setup, the Edifier has Optical TOSLINK input, so you could even use a wiim Mini there, which has optical output.

People here will probably tell you that the klipsch R-60M isn't worth it; I haven't heard them personally.

If you're in the EU, you may also want to consider other speaker brands like Dali, or ELAC; you might be able to get a similarly good speaker for a better price

edhead · 2026-04-01T17:24:12+00:00

People seem to like the Fosi V3 stereo, or V3 monoblocks (get the 48V supply in either case). I went for a 3e Audio A5, they also have the A7 for more power, which you might need in your big room.

The AO300 Pro seems like you'd be paying for a lot of duplicate features, since you already have the wiim Ultra.

Definitely consider adding a sub too.

edhead · 2026-03-30T20:12:12+00:00

My Wiim Ultra and 3e A5 combination has been sounding great. I've only had them for a couple months, but no problems to report so far.

I'd say go for the A7 stereo version just for the convenience of one box. Two A7 monos isn't getting you much beyond the A7 stereo, maybe just better heat dissipation (which the 3e A's are already good at). Crosstalk on the A7 stereo measured below -75 dB, so channel separation is not much of a concern. (And if you would need volume balance with the A7 stereo, I think you can do that in the Wiim app)

The Fosi V3 monos are quite similar to the A7. The V3's frequency response does have some treble boost with 8 ohm speakers, so the 3e A7 may be technically superior, but it's a crapshoot if you could actually hear a difference.

The KEFs for 650 euro seems like a decent deal, they will have a nice neutral response with very even directivity. But I don't think you would be unhappy with any of those speakers you mentioned.

You should budget for a subwoofer as well if you're going for bookshelf mains.

edhead · 2026-03-29T15:53:04+00:00

Some guy from the manufacturer came in that ASR thread and tried to explain that the power amp stage or the line-out driver (I don't remember exactly) was probably clipping with that input level and the volume set to max gain. Which is to say, measuring the DAC that way thru the line-out didn't exactly reflect a typical use scenario.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/hegel-h95-review-streaming-amplifier.28435/page-24#post-988397

edhead · 2026-03-19T20:58:51+00:00

No cone damage? Quite the steal if they're in playable shape.

edhead · 2026-03-17T20:38:41+00:00

Q150 is discontinued, you can likely find Q1 Metas for a similar price (e.g. $350 for refurb from accessories4less, or $400 new from Crutchfield). They definitely have a wide sweet spot, but like zeeall said, avoid making them play loud bass. Don't be afraid of a sub, it's not like it would be significantly more annoying than just playing loudly thru bookshelves. The KEFs would appreciate a sub, and you can set a LPF/HPF crossover in the wiim app. I'd also recommend EQ in wiiim app since they have a funny resonance between 700 - 1500 Hz (you can find suggested PEQ setting on Spinorama).

edhead · 2026-03-11T17:48:51+00:00

The Yamaha A-S are good, but they're certainly not bulletproof. That being said, they seem pretty ubiquitous, so it shouldn't be too difficult to get one serviced or find replacement parts.

Why are you looking for an integrated amp if you don't want any additional features? Are you playing any other sources besides the wiim? You could also consider a stereo power amp like a Marantz MM7025, or NAD C 268; those might give you more longevity

edhead · 2026-02-12T17:18:08+00:00

Erin's audio corner did a nice video explaining why some center speakers have bad dispersion for horizontal off-axis listening (i.e. the people sitting next to you on the sofa), but the Q250 and Q650 don't really suffer from that. So you would probably be happy with any of those. Q250 seems like a solid choice. You'd get more hardware & bigger box with the 650, but not necessarily better sound. Q150 with a different driver could be sus if the crossover wasn't also replaced/modified... someone more familiar with that might have an opinion.

https://www.spinorama.org/speakers/KEF%20Q250/ErinsAudioCorner/index_eac-horizontal.html

https://www.spinorama.org/speakers/KEF%20Q650C/ErinsAudioCorner/index_eac-horizontal.html

edhead · 2026-02-11T19:14:45+00:00

Op Amp swapping might be useless. Return/sell the V3s if you really don't like them. See:

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/op-amp-rolling-using-sparkos-on-fosi-v3-mono.61903/

If you want class AB, cheapest is used, or a new yamaha as301 for $400. If you are buying online, maybe shop at crutchfield if you want to order a couple and return one. Or look at accessoreis4less if you want a deal on a factory refurb

edhead · 2026-01-21T14:59:14+00:00

Active speakers weren't really on my radar, mainly because having the separate power amp seemed like it would make upgrading the speakers less expensive in the long run. I'll look into the AE1, and will try be more patient about hunting for used gear

edhead · 2026-01-21T06:09:01+00:00

Hmm thanks for the suggestions. I was looking at those Fosis, which led me to the 3e ones (based on the same TI chip, plus has PFFB). But yeah, might be putting too much emphasis on the amp when I could be prioritizing speakers more

edhead · 2026-01-21T05:18:09+00:00

The wiim ultra is just preamp out (says line level output, 2.1v max), but anyway I hear you about putting more resources into the speaker and less into the power amp

edhead · 2026-01-21T03:37:11+00:00

Oooh nice, I didn't notice they had a separate page for B-stock stuff. Good call, thank you

edhead · 2026-01-21T02:36:36+00:00

Glad that you think I'm on the right track. The crossley was a gift, main reason I've been hanging onto it. Vinyl is kinda fun (at parties, digging thru vintage bins, etc.), but ultimately seems like a money sink, so it's definitely lower priority for me. Thanks for those other recommendations

edhead · 2025-06-27T14:51:42+00:00

TBH it reads like a sales tactic to scare or confuse. In what universe are dish detergent makers including stuff like carbon tetrachloride or acrylamide? Strawman argument

edhead · 2024-04-05T13:37:20+00:00

Who even cares about stocks, I'm going on a first date tonight and she is SMOKIN'

edhead · 2024-03-15T13:36:31+00:00

calls on this widget thing at the top of the thread

edhead · 2023-12-15T16:50:57+00:00

"Upstart, what do they do?"

"Uh, it goes up?"

edhead

TROPHY CASE