I enjoyed testing this accomplished active stereo speaker system, until it threw in the towel too easily

Taken purely on its own terms, the KEF Coda W has plenty to recommend it, from the way it’s built and the colours it comes in, to the extensive nature of its specification and the vibrant, energetic sound it (generally) makes. If its phono stage – one of the big differentials between this and similarly priced systems from the same brand – was as accomplished as the rest of its inputs, and if it it didn’t throw in the towel somewhat when playing at low levels, the Coda W would be approaching ‘no-brainer’ status.

• +

  +Balanced, vivid and engaging sound

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  Numerous input options and impressive specification

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  Good looks, great build quality

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  Doesn’t enjoy playing at ‘background’ levels

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  Phono stage is the least impressive of the inputs

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  Competition from within the tent

KEF Coda W: Two-minute review

KEF, it seems, has identified a customer for whom ...