TDL RTL3 v's KEF IQ5

[cindychops]

I have been offered a nice pair of TDL RTL3 speakers as from what i have read they do bass(or did)like no other speaker in the same price bracket.
At present i am using some KEF IQ5's which sound wonderful but was listening to mmm mmm mmm by crash test dummies and seemed to lack slightly in bass,they are spiked and sit on a solid oak floor in the dining room approx 12ft x 16ft.
Would i not be better off going for IQ7's or just do a straight swop?
What do you lot think?

[selym]

I think the TDLs are ok but the bass isnt too well controlled (from my one listen to a set). Also, the originals are better than the newer iterations, but off my head I can't remember exactly how to identify either. Im sure the ports at the bottom fromt were rectangular on the originals, whereas the newer ones have a different shaped port.

[selym]

I have a set of Rega Elas (Mk1.5) that replaced my Kef Q35s and it was a very good upgrade in all areas.

[cindychops]

The thing i like about the KEF'S is having the tweeter built in i can hear the music perfectly in another room without muffling or bass drone (if that makes sense)they are crystal clear all they need is a bit more oooomph.

[TonyRPH]

I once auditioned a pair of IQ5's and also found them lacking in bass.

I eventually bought a pair of IQ7's - they have a far meatier sound.

The TDL's are getting long in the tooth now - I wouldn't bother with them unless they are in absolutely mint condition, as many of them have been hammered.

[Crackie]

cindychops said:

I have been offered a nice pair of TDL RTL3 speakers as from what i have read they do bass(or did)like no other speaker in the same price bracket.
At present i am using some KEF IQ5's which sound wonderful but was listening to mmm mmm mmm by crash test dummies and seemed to lack slightly in bass,they are spiked and sit on a solid oak floor in the dining room approx 12ft x 16ft.
Would i not be better off going for IQ7's or just do a straight swop?
What do you lot think

The acid test would be listening to the RTL3s in your home with the rest of your system; only you can decide if the result is 'better' than what you already have or not.

http://www.tdl-loudspeakers.co.uk/reviews.htm

Edited by Crackie on Thursday 14th November 21:47

[T22AGA]

Had the original RTL3 way back when they 1st came out. Yes they had 2x square foam ports. Base was good not amazing . You need to listen to them in your set up if possible.

[cindychops]

Quick update.
I got the TDL's and wired up the left channel with one and the right channel with a KEF and used the balance on the amp to compare,the KEF sounded really "tight" and the TDL sounded more relaxed and easier to listen to.
I then wired both the TDL's up and listened to ENYA-orinoco flow and when the record went low it nearly blew my socks off! the bass was subliminal and seemed to resonate through the floor and around the room but was never boomy and the vocals were good (but not as good as the KEF's).
The only downside is they are red/cherry color and swmbo does'nt like the look of them but i listen with my ears and not my eyes,so they now have a new home and works out cheaper than upgrading to KEF IQ7's as i will do a straight swop.
Thanks for all the advice.