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KEF XQ20 Bookshelf speakersNot long ago totally updated XQ series holds a position close to the top din the assortment of KEF, being not too behind from the exemplary in all senses Reference series. Despite of the lack of super tweeter, previously located on the upper plane of the body, the upper border of the reproduced frequency range is 55 kHz. This became possible due to the branded Uni-Q module of the latest generation, which is a module, consisting of two drivers - 19-mm aluminum tweeter and 6,5-inch midwoofer. An elegant body with the rounded panels still has the frontal bass-reflex and rests on cone-type legs, apparently designed for use of acoustic stands. Connection to an amplifier is possible by two-wire scheme, for which there are massive spring terminals of the back panel of loudspeakers. In comparison with the previous generation of XQ the sound of XQ20 has significantly changed. And mostly for the better. Without super tweeter the playback got more solid character, albeit partially devoid of the abundance of minor details in the upper band. The work of updated Uni-Q module aurally differs by more balanced frequency response without any local irregularities. The openness and freedom of MIDs, literally charming by their naturalness, especial amaze. Vocal parts, full of skillful play with nuances, leave the strongest impression. However, the situation with complex phonograms with lots of instruments is not so good. At the "mass" of sounds there is the feeling of some blurring and mixing of rhythmic lines, preventing comfortable perception of music. These incidents are especially annoying while the listening to modern rock, which requires outstanding abilities in the transfer of polyphonic spectrum. However, these are the typical features of "intelligent" speaker system, which KEF has always regarded to. Spacious characteristics of KEF XQ20 give little grounds for criticism. At slightly decreased scale of sound picture the sources are localized confidently, the distant plans are drawn accurately and easily recognized by ear. |