Review
Apex 3 Review From Owen Jeffries
08 Jul 2008
As someone who is a self confessed UK speaker "snob" I have never before felt the need to purchase a locally manufactured loudspeaker, however recently whilst on a casual shopping "jaunt" at a Cash Converters store I spied a pair of Krix Apex MK 3.1's in black vinyl wrap for an attractive asking price of AU$399.00.
After some internet research It seemed this asking price was somewhat of a bargain if the speakers were in good working order. Upon my return to the store I kindly asked the young female assistant to connect them up to a nearby all in one combo amp/CD unit. Please to report both were in fine working order. I then made my customary "cash" offer of AU$350.00 and the deal was done!
Upon my return home it soon became apparent that despite these speakers rather conservative looks, the sound quality they emitted was way above what I expected. Very nice surprise! The cabinets seemed well constructed and the speaker units were sourced from high quality Danish manufacturers.
Test music was supplied via my Toshiba SD-9500, Sony STR 790 (UK Tuned) AV receiver using Guze 9 gauge "Big Snake" speaker cables. Music samples consisted of Norah Jones "Come away with me", Best of Bread and AC DC Live in Atlantic studios.
Tonally I found the Apex 3.1's slightly forward vocally when compared to say Celestion or B&W speakers to which I'm usually accustomed to. Nothing annoying mind, just a tad different and warmer. Very clean all the same and not at all bright sounding. Out of 5 stars? I'd say 4. Bass response was excellent considering the enclosure and driver size. Tight, articulate and smooth all at once. No mean feat! Another 4/5. The top end of town was indeed very nice. Smooth as silk (no pun intended!) particularly when compared to most metal dome or titanium tweeters so commonly found on high end kit.
Whilst Nora's voice was indeed more forward than I have experienced with my UK speakers the guitar strings were rather more impressive than usual. Exceptional in fact. Very realistic and expressed with real timing and speed. Wow!
Given these would have retailed for approx AU$1,000.00 I would have thought they represent very good value for someone wanting more "old school" looks and assembly compared to the rather "space age" UK concoctions that have pervaded the market place. However, that said at AU$350.00 they were an absolute steal!!!!
By far and away the BEST speaker purchase I've EVER made! The question is though. Would I pay the grand for them when compared to the likes of B&W and Wharfedale etc? I could safely say they would be in the hunt. The only thing going against said purchase would be my reservations regarding the names of the speakers in the Krix lineup. Apex? Hmmmmm. Not sure about that. Call them the A3's and Mr Krix and co could well get my business!
Total score 4/5 stars!
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