Tech Review: KX Audio KX15

X Audio may not be a brand quite as well known as some its counterparts, but the name George Krampera may certainly ring a bell to many audio fanatics. Krampera is the ‘K’ in KX Audio and is cited as one the true ‘audio pioneers of modern times.’ The Czech native has an illustrious career spanning 5 decades and he made a number of breakthroughs, notably at RCF, including the development of the silicone spider. He also designed the complete ART active speaker series, which was a hugely successful line for the company.

Anatomy

The KX15 is part of an all-active range from KX Audio that consists of 6 loudspeakers in total and includes two 2-way variants; the KX12 and KX15, a 3 way full range loudspeaker, the KX30 and 3 sub-woofers; KX1.2, KX1.5 and KX1.8. The KX15’s on review arrived very well packaged, the boxes belying the size of the actual speakers which thankfully are pretty much the same dimensions as most 2-way 15’s and weigh in at a sizable 32 Kg’s each.

The professional, 18 mm Plywood construction has a heavy duty coating and is encased with durable rubber top and bottom end caps which should protect the fine finish from nasty chips on the corners. The cabinet has recessed side handles, three recessed M10 suspension points for rigging and a top hat for pole mounting. The front panel is covered with a metal grille offering a somewhat austere look to the cabinet.

Features

The speaker components used in the KX range make use of the latest in neodymium magnet technology to reduce weight and maximise power handling and acoustic output and as such are designed with each component being a perfect match. The 15-inch driver is equipped with a 2.5-inch voice coil and an epoxy-reinforced cone, and uses what KX Audio call ‘inside outside’ technology, which refers to the coil windings being wound on both sides of the former.

Frequency response of the LF section is quoted in the specifications as going down to 58Hz at -3dBs and the internal crossover is at 1.0kHz. The HF section taps out at 18kHz (also at -3dB) and horn coverage is 80 x 40 degrees, which is horizontally wide and vertically narrow enough to focus more of the output energy direct at the audience. There are 2 dual colour LED indicators for signal present, limiter, thermal condition and power ON status.

The KX15 offers 500 watts of total power, 450 of which is via a high efficiency, current enhancing, switching low frequency amplifier to drive the 15 inch speaker whilst the tweeter receives its power from a ‘High Power Bandwidth 50 W high frequency amplifier.’ An onboard speaker management system completes the package.

In Use

Usually we are confined to testing loudspeakers in a simulated environment but on this occasion an opportunity arose to use them at the Hout Bay Green Faire for a short 40 minute band performance. The speakers were pole mounted on a small stage and were placed either side facing a large open field, possibly twice the size of a rugby pitch.

However, the band’s performance only needed to project to a circle about 30-40 metres wide, where the audience stood. I asked the musicians their thoughts afterwards and they summed up similar sentiments to my own; Loud, clear and powerful were three words synonymous with the overall impression of the pair of KX15’s in use. Using a lot of percussive instruments, woodwinds, synths and vocals, there was nothing these speakers could not seemingly handle.

Conclusion

The KX15’s are very well constructed and feel built to handle the rigours of portable rigging on a regular basis. Using them on pole mounts they were extremely sturdy and certainly looked the part onstage. Sound wise we really could not fault them and whilst they were not the only speakers being used for the PA, it was the KX Audios that stole the show and gave the band some much needed volume… as well as detailed, quality sound.

Suggested Retail Price: R 19,995.00 each incl. VAT

Supplier: Tradelius Music Group

Contact Tel. No: 031 502-3080

Website: www.tradelius.co.za