It is rare today to buy something so old (production of the mid-1980s) in such a wonderful condition. I bought Carltons from the first owner who even kept the leaflets and the warranty card.
I did not expect any spectacular playing from these monitors, because it was not a high model at all, light design, and taking into account my current loudspeakers, the Carltons look more like a Cinderella than a candidate for serious playing …
Kef Carlton II: Sound
Just as I was surprised by the almost perfect condition of these speakers, I was surprised by their sound – also very positive.
The mountain is, of course, not of the highest quality – but we always get it for good morning in the case of vintagethese columns, so I expected it. Nevertheless, the high tones are sonorous, open and create space very decently. Sometimes they can sharpen a bit in a more analytical set, but usually when it’s quite loud and we try to squeeze too much out of them.
The diameter, on the other hand, is excellent. Not top, but very good. As for KEF, it is very engaging, juicy, colorful. Men’s vocals sound great – Leonard Cohen, Dire Straits, Dyjak – everything has the right weight and seriousness, women’s vocals (probably due to the above-mentioned tweeter) are not too pearly and sonorous, but they have a lot warmth and charm. Tenor saxophones will snorke seriously and electric guitars have meat as they should.
The bass thanks to the passive membrane is of very nice quality – it kicks nicely, gives a great base and perfectly reflects the drums, snares, etc.
Kef Carlton II – Listings
Kef Carlton II – Summary
To be honest, Carltons are one of those loudspeakers that I would leave forever if I had room and finances for such gathering.
This is not the best sounding column under the sun. But what if it plays well enough not to have discomfort about the speakers several times more expensive.
He can give a lot of good electronics.
He can play great with the lamp.
He can play rock, jazz, electronics and vocals at a great level.
But what is most important to me – these loudspeakers can stand in the living room – even if not connected to the amplifier and it is amazing to please the eye. They have in themthis thing. Elegance, uniqueness, you can feel that it is vintage, but not so rude and rough as, for example, Celestion.
Their shape and colors came out beautifully, and all this combined with a very good sound makes the classic living room a speaker perfect. You don’t need to sell a kidney to enjoy the eye and ear.
