Pair of KEF 304 Series II Bookshelf Speakers – Made in England
$395.00
A 2.5-way closed box: two B200 paper-diaphragm bass drivers with only the upper one carrying on through the midrange, and a T33 tweeter above that. The bass chassis are mechanically decoupled from the cabinet, which was a first for KEF at the time. 87dB sensitive, so a 30-watt amplifier drives them properly. Very good condition, fully tested.
1 in stock
Pair of KEF 304 Series II Bookshelf Speakers – Black Finish, Very Good Condition, Tested
Discover the refined British engineering of the KEF 304 Series II (Type SP1148)—capable bookshelf speakers from the 1980s that deliver remarkable clarity and musicality. Based on the legendary KEF Concord IV design, these speakers combine sophisticated acoustic engineering with elegant simplicity. Fully tested and sounding excellent, this pair is in very good condition and ready to enhance any audio system.
British Engineering Legacy:
The KEF 304 II represents KEF’s commitment to bringing high-fidelity sound into the home. This 2½-way design employs dual B200 bass drivers (paper diaphragm, mechanically isolated from the cabinet—a KEF innovation) coupled with the T33 tweeter and a sophisticated crossover network. The dual bass drivers operate together at low frequencies but only the upper unit continues through the midrange, creating what KEF calls a 2½-way system—delivering higher maximum output and reduced distortion compared to conventional 2-way designs.
The paper diaphragm bass drivers were revolutionary for their time, offering lower moving mass than traditional cones while maintaining excellent consistency and durability. This contributed to the system’s high sensitivity (87dB SPL @ 1m/1W) and the ability to play loudly from modest amplifier power.
Sophisticated Acoustic Design:
The closed-box enclosure with moulded plinth and top caps provides:
Mechanical isolation of drivers from cabinet resonance (early KEF decoupling technique)
Reduced distortion through optimized driver mounting
Clean, articulate midrange with minimal cabinet coloration
Efficient bass loading from the well-engineered cabinet size
The B200 bass drivers feature a three-sided chassis specifically designed to decouple from the cabinet—a first for the KEF range at the time and still effective today.
Sound Character:
Users consistently praise the 304 II for its clear, natural presentation. One long-term owner noted these speakers are “quite sensitive” and perform excellently even with modest 30W vintage amplifiers, playing “loud” without strain. The speakers deliver excellent musicality while remaining honest to the source material—neither euphoric nor analytical, but truthful and engaging.
Key Specifications:
Type: 2½-way bookshelf/stand-mount loudspeaker
Enclosure: Closed box
Drive Units:
2 × B200 bass drivers (SP1069), paper diaphragm, mechanically isolated
1 × T33 tweeter (SP1074)
Crossover: SP1137 (sophisticated network)
Frequency Response: 60Hz – 20kHz (±3dB)
Sensitivity: 87dB SPL at 1m for 1W input (pink noise)
Maximum Output: 107dB SPL on program peaks
Nominal Impedance: 8Ω
Rated Maximum Power: 100W program
Amplifier Requirements: 10–100 watts per channel into 8Ω
System Resonance: 68Hz, Q=0.8
Dimensions: 680 × 280 × 315mm (26.75″ H × 11″ W × 12.4″ D)
Weight: 14kg (31 lbs) per speaker
Finish: Black (satin plinth)
Grille: Black fabric
Era: 1980–1981 (KEF 300 Series II)
Made in: England
Practical Advantages:
✅ Easy to drive – Works beautifully with modest amplifiers (10–100W)
✅ Sensitive design – Doesn’t require expensive, powerful amplification
✅ Durable construction – KEF’s solid British engineering ensures long service life
✅ Natural sound – Paper drivers age gracefully and maintain their character
✅ Stand-mount flexibility – Designed for dedicated speaker stands or substantial shelving
Condition:
These speakers are in very good condition with the black finish and grilles presenting cleanly. All drivers and tweeters are intact and functioning perfectly. Fully tested and ready to perform.
Summary:
The KEF 304 Series II represents an excellent example of 1980s British speaker design—substantial, efficient, and musically engaging. Whether you’re seeking speakers for a vintage system, a secondary listening room, or a budget-conscious audiophile setup, the 304 II delivers remarkable performance and timeless British craftsmanship.
Purchase with Confidence
Includes Radique Audio “Bumper to Bumper” Warranty
Perpetual Trade-Back Policy—upgrade or swap with peace of mind
British precision and musicality—tested, very good condition, and ready to perform; asking $395
| Weight | 65 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.4 × 28 × 30.75 in |
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