Tower Speaker Reviews

Subwoofer: HTB2
Connections: Line-level mono input
Enclosure Type: Passive Radiator
Woofer (size in inches, type): 10, paper-foam-composite cone; 10, passive radiator
Power Rating (watts): 250 RMS, Class D
Crossover Bypass: No
Available Finishes: Gloss Black, Gloss Silver
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 14.2 x 19.5 x 12.8
Weight (pounds): 24.9
Price: $800

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Speaker: HTS5001.2
Type: Three-way, satellite
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 0.6, aluminum dome
Midrange (sizes in inches, type): 3, aluminum cone
Woofer (size in inches, type): 3, treated polypropylene cone (2)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 10–100
Available Finishes: Gloss Black, Gloss Silver
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 16.5 x 3.5 x 5
Weight (pounds): 5
Price: $299/each (Silver), $399/each (Black)
System Price: $2,000 for 5.1-channel set

Speaker: HTC5001.2
Type: Three-way, center
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 0.6, aluminum dome
Midrange (sizes in inches, type): 3, aluminum cone
Woofer (size in inches, type): 3, treated polypropylene cone (2)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 10–100
Available Finishes: Gloss Black, Gloss Silver
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 3.5 x 16.5 x 5
Weight (pounds): 5
Price: $299/each (Silver), $399/each (Black)

Ratings: KEF KHT5005.2 Speaker System

Build Quality: 93
• Speakers have a slim, tubular design
• Sub has a totally unique look
• Could comfortably fit into an upscale, décor-focused home theater

Value: 90
• The look is worth it
• The feel is worth it
• The sound is worth it

Features: 92
• Uni-Q coincident driver array places tweeter and woofer in the same axis and the same plane
• Sub has dual drivers, one active, one passive

Performance: 96
• Smooth, natural, endlessly listenable midrange
• Has an enveloping soundfield
• Good integration of sub and sats

Ergonomics: 97
• Beautiful but not in an ostentatious way
• Wall- or stand-mount
• Sub is an art object

Overall Rating: 94
KEF has established a consistently high standard in every speaker genre they have entered. The KHT5005.2 is no exception. While slender and graceful, it gives up nothing in presentation or naturalness. It's one of the few tubular sub/sat sets that truly sounds as good as it looks.

General Information
KHT5005.2 Speaker System, $2,000
KEF
(732) 683-2356
www.kef.com
Dealer Locator Code KEF