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KEF and Paradigm

Anyone want to help a fellow audiophile decide among speakers?   I've been listening to many and narrowed it down to the Paradigm Persona 5 and KEF Reference 3.  I would consider the Reference 5 but can't find it anywhere.  While there are many things I like about the Persona, I'm also kind of knocked out by the wide and holographic sound of the KEFs  (a salesman also is urging me to hear the Ryan Tempess iii before choosing--and there's the new Magico due shortly--although I heard the Magico S1 and wasn't that impressed--I know the upcoming model will have lower bass extension at a lesser price).  My amplifier is 130 watts/channel and the room is fairly large (29x17).  I'm really  leaning toward the KEFs. I totally understand that no one else can decide for me but before I pull the trigger I would appreciate input on this board.  I've read so many good things about the Personas and listened to them several times but keep returning to the KEFs. Of course listening in a store isn't the same as living with them over time. Would I regret the KEFs over the long term?
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Showing 2 responses by dbphd

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dbphd
1,632 posts
 
I'm interested in Blade 2s.  I have an Ayre VX-5 Twenty amp (175@8Ω, 350@4Ω) that I use with a KX-5 Twenty preamp to drive LS50s.  I also have a pair of Parasound JC 1 monoblocks (400@8Ω, 800@4Ω) that I use with JC 2 BP preamp to drive KEF Reference 107/2s.  The catch is the QX-5 Twenty Digital Hub that pairs so well with the Ayre preamp will be my music source in the future.  I'm wondering how the KX-5 would pair with the JC 1s that can make the 107/2s (and presumably Blade 2s) really sing.

db
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dbphd
1,632 posts
 
An update to my 12/30/17 post: I'm using an Ayre DX-5 DSD as a source through a Bryston SP3 to JC-1 monoblocks driving the Reference 107/2s with excellent result.  Roon sends files from my iMac to its USB port.

I hope to hear Blade 2s soon and will audition a revised version of the Wilson Watt/Puppy that in the same price range locally, but it's not for nothing John Atkinson and Tom Norton were so enamored with the 107/2s. 

db
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