Kef Chorale SP1016 loudspeakers - white

The KEF Chorale SP1016 is a classic British loudspeaker from the early 1970s, long admired by vintage audio enthusiasts for its tasteful design and remarkably musical performance. Made in England by KEF Electronics in Maidstone, Kent, the SP1016 is a compact two-way bookshelf speaker housed in a carefully engineered closed-box (sealed) enclosure, a choice that prioritises tight, well-controlled bass and natural transient response — important factors in achieving a balanced and authoritative sound from a relatively small cabinet.

At the heart of the Chorale are its legendary drivers: a 20 cm KEF B200 woofer (SP1014) paired with the renowned T27 (SP1032) tweeter. The B200 was one of KEF’s standout mid/bass units of that era, featuring durable materials and a responsive design that contributed to the speaker’s extended frequency range, while the T27 dome tweeter delivered smooth, detailed highs that were considered exceptional for its time. No surprise it was also picked by other manufacturers like IMF for their best products.

During production, pairs were often matched at the factory so that both speakers delivered consistent frequency response and tonal balance — a desirable feature for stereo imaging and a hallmark of quality in classic KEF products.

Though decades old, the KEF Chorale SP1016 remains highly desirable among vintage audiophiles because of its classic British hi-fi character: articulate mids, refined treble, and a sophisticated yet unforced sound that still holds up against many modern designs. For lovers of analogue warmth and historical design, these speakers are not just relics, but living pieces of audio heritage.