Kef iQ7s $150 > Wharfedale 9.5s ?

[markw]

Not exactly the feedback I was looking for. Perhaps I should refrase my question... Does anyone have any knowledge of theses two speakers that would allow you to give an educated assessment as to whether there is a discernable difference between these two speakers that would justify an extra expense of $150?

I'm sure they sound significantly "different" but "better" is a truly subjective measure and it can't be judged by selling price. That's like asking us if you would like chocolate or vanilla better. Since $$ is an issue and you haven't heard either, save your $$ and go for the cheaper ones. You'll never miss what you haven't heard.

[GMichael]

Not everyone likes the same kind of sound. Some want very bright highs while others want a warmer sound. There's no way for anyone here to know what sound suites you better.
That being said, both of these are good brands. You'll need to get out and hear them yourself to know if the KEF's are worth the extra cash to you.
Sorry if this seems like a cop-out. But it is the truth.

[JK_Livin22]

Perhaps I can ask some more specific questions:

1) Which is the brightest of the two?
2) Wharfedale has a kevlar/silk tweeter while the Kefs have an aluminum tweeter/mid-range hybrid? How might this difference affect the sound?
3) Does either of these speakers have more distortion than the other at either very hi's or very low's?

Currently, my favorite genre of music is probably funk (i.e. Parliament) and especally "acid jazz" (i.e. Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, the Greyboy Allstars, Brand New Heavies, Groove Collective, etc.) The point of all of this is that I am looking for speakers that will reproduce the horns and drums as though the band was in my living room. I also like accoustic guitar (i.e. Jack Johnson, Ben Harper) and really like that raw live music sound to be reproduced as accurately as possible. My favorite instruments are the congas, sax, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and misc horns (trumpet, etc.) Oh yeah, I also like the vocals to come through very clearly; again I want it to sound like it is a live performance as much as possible.
Don't know if that helps at all, but thought I'd throw that out there just in case.

Tks.

[bubbagump]

Sounds like you need a push. I have the IQ9's, basically the same speaker as the IQ7's with marginally more bass. From the midrange up, it doesn't get much better. Coherent, best in class imaging and capable of filling a large room with very detailed sound. You'll probably want a sub if you're looking for more impact. Having said that, you'd be best served by buying from a store with a good return policy. In other words, don't throw the boxes out. I wound up buying from Amazon because they're well established and have a good return policy but check out accessories4less.com. They sell product with 'cosmetic imperfections' but functionally intact. I don't know what their return policy is so call them and ask first before you buy.

[JK_Livin22]

Maybe if I can live on canned soup and PBJ's for the next six weeks I could spring for the iQ9s ...lol! Actually i found a pair for $1050 with the comestic imperfections on the site you referenced. Can't help but wonder how big of an imperfection it is though...

Would really hate to a have a noticable flaw on something so asthetically pleasing..

[GMichael]

Maybe if I can live on canned soup and PBJ's for the next six weeks I could spring for the iQ9s ...lol! Actually i found a pair for $1050 with the comestic imperfections on the site you referenced. Can't help but wonder how big of an imperfection it is though...

Would really hate to a have a noticable flaw on something so asthetically pleasing..

Give them a call. They may email you pictures if you ask.