Review

KDX-M Complete Review - Audio & Video Lifestyle - Australia

01 Aug 1999

One of the worries about setting up a system for surround sound is deciding which speakers will work well together. The simple answer is to keep them all the same. This is exactly what Krix has done with its latest multi-speaker package, the KDX collection.

It stands for Krix Digital Xperience, and in keeping with the times, the five loudspeakers have been primarily designed for use in a Dolby Digital home theatre system. Also known as AC-3, Dolby's latest surround sound system for the home uses five discrete channels of digital sound, plus a separate channel for a subwoofer.

The five discrete channels deliver sound to a front left and right pair, as in a conventional stereo system, as well as a centre channel and rear left and right surrounds. This is where the KDX comes in, boasting precise timbral matching. In other words, they all sound the same, which is paramount when putting together a surround sound speaker system.

All five loudspeakers look exactly the same; four of them are identical inside and out. Only the KDX-C centre channel speaker differs in its internal makeup, using a different crossover network than the front and surround speakers. The cabinets are the same, as are all the bass drivers and tweeters in all five.

As for the different centre speaker crossover, it's required because the speaker is placed on top or below a TV screen and horizontally aligned thus creating additional low frequency for which the crossover compensates.

With the advent of DVD and laser disc, movie enthusiasts are enjoying a crop of Dolby Digital encoded film soundtracks; the hottest sounding home theatre action is with Dolby Digital by an acoustic mile.

Pro Logic was good, though it has had its day; now things have gone Digital. This doesn't mean any additional loudspeakers, but Dolby Digital improves on Pro Logic in several ways. For starters, it is far more dynamic sounding. The surround channels are stereo, as opposed to Pro Logic's mono delivery, and bass information is also handled via an individual channel. What this means is the stakes in delivering this improved surround sound information have been substantially increased. Your average run-of-the-mill surround sound speaker package may not necessarily cut it with Dolby Digital soundtracks. So what do you do? Easy. Try out the Krix KDX.

Each KDX speaker has two 127mm bass/mid drivers and a centrally mounted tweeter. All five loudspeakers are magnetically shielded, so there's no problem placing them near the telly. The four KDX-M (main) sit vertically, while the KDX-C (center) sits horizontally, so you can sit it on top of the TV if required.

A good pair of speaker stands is essential for the Ms and forget about wall-mounting the surround pair, I suspect they're a little too big and heavy for your average plasterboard wall to support. (see our Lush Stands KL7 review on page 56)

After due consideration and position experimentation, you should end up with the speakers arranged much the same as any surround sound system. The centre channel should be directly in front and as close to the TV as possible, surrounds not too far behind the listening position and a little above ear level, and keep the main front pair at least, say, 1.8 metres apart and on equal opposite sides of the TV.

Once you've got this right and set the suitable output levels on your AV amplifier or decoder, the KDX system starts to do its stuff. With Yamaha's latest DVD player and one of its Dolby Digital ready receivers comprising the remainder of my AV home theatre system, the KDX speakers instantly provided something of a surround sound experience. The speakers deliver an altogether wholesome and highly motivated performance, taking all Dolby Digital surround sound reproduction has to offer in their stride.

This is one home theatre package that can seriously integrate. The sound is so well balanced and mixed, I had to occasionally pinch myself and remember this isn't real life, the action is on the screen. Films almost come to life with this speaker package, at least the soundtracks do anyway. The KDX combines speed, timing and energy with a wide and powerful sound, especially for speakers of their size. Bass too is ample, delivered with great accuracy and evenhandedness with plenty of kick and punch.

If you're after even more substance by adding a dedicated subwoofer, you will gain further movie soundtrack weight. Krix has the awesome Seismix 7 in its range, though word has it there's a more affordable sub on the way to partner with other Krix speaker designs, including the KDX.

The centre speaker is a gem, and perfectly compliments the KDX-Ms. Using the same drivers and cabinet, you get all the integration you could possible wish for from a centre speaker, plus a wide spread of sound and terrific vocal lock. Push some gunfire through the system, and you'll be surprised just how realistic a sonic bullet can sound. As the layers of effects build in Die Hard 2, all three fronts deliver a stable, strongly-placed sense of excitement, and punch that is downright breathtaking. Load up a more subtle, intimate movie like Sense And Sensibility, and the KDX equally impresses.

Despite a relatively low sensitivity (86dB per watt per metre for the KDX-Ms with 90dB for the KDX-C), the front speakers work their magic far into the room. As a result, effects pan across a wide soundstage without suffering from changes in volume, tonality or presence. The rear channel speakers are similarly open, which in turn makes front-to-back shifts equally smooth and convincing. You could lose yourself for hours in the ambience and delicacy of Sense And Sensibility. The KDX-Ms are big for rear speakers compared with the lesser demands of a Pro Logic system, and generate enough room-filling detail to fair transport you back to Victorian England, a gin and tonic at the ready.

Though it is not only Dolby Digital films that sound top dollar on the Krix. The conflicting demands of music and movies require inventive thinking, and there's obviously been plenty here. Not only do the KDX deliver the cinematic goods in exemplary style, they're one for the cerebral music lover too. In straight stereo, the KDX-Ms imagery is clear and precise, lending an insightful, natural feel to vocal and classical music. It's not a hugely attacking sound, but it is always enjoyable. With simply recorded vocals, such as Paul Weller's You Do Something To Me they pull out the emotional stops. If there's any criticism, it's that busier music lacks a bit of hair-cheated bite.

As far as living up to their name, the KDX provide one of the best domestic Dolby Digital performances I've heard. Integration and the effortless blending of the surround sound makes this package a sure-fired home theatre winner. The good news doesn't just stop at their sonic ability either. As usual with any Krix design, the handcrafted workmanship leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to build quality.

I was more than impressed with the price too; a smidge over $2,500 all up makes this quintet excellent value. The $549 KDX-C left my rather more expensive Jamo centre channel for dead. Not only is it more affordable, but as far as I'm concerned, out-performed the Danish design.

As Dolby Digital gains a wider following in the home theatre market, with increasing popularity of new formats such as DVD, there's a real need for speakers such as the KDX. Offering increased levels of multichannel sound, Dolby Digital has to be on the minds of all AV speaker manufacturers.

The KDX is new, fresh and hits the spot. Great sound, great looks, and a good price. Nice one Krix. AVL

- Audio & Video Lifestyle - Australia , Nic Tatham

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