Kef LS50s - great like me but need to come up for air


So over the years I've really enjoyed my primary speaker the Kef LS50s. They work well in my current setup: Schiit Aegir, NAD preamp (class A) in a small room (11'x14').

Maybe I like them so much because they are very much like me: precise, balanced, neutral but not overly. Contrary to many they are more on the warm than bright side. You just need to know how to place them and match them to the right components. Like me :)

However, l've gone through a change. I need to and been told by my wife and doctors that I need to relax some and come up for air. I've been working on this for the past 2 years. Now I've seriously realized my beloved music system has come to the same change point.

Like me and my ears I'd like to find a speaker with the same basic qualities of the LS50s but that can come up for air - call it more relaxed, warm...whatever. Those in the know will know what I mean. I can explain this more if necessary.

My budget is up to 1,500.00...I've online researched Harbeths, Dynaudio Evoke 20, Usher, Spendor but don't really know where to go from here. I've thought about higher sensitivity speakers but most quality speakers are physically too large (maybe).

Any input is appreciated.

lmartinez_02170

Look for a used pair of used Reynaud Twin MK II's (currently listed in the $500-$850 range).

 

I ran a pair in a much larger room with a 300B DH/SET amp (figure 7 usable watts, or so).

 

The $500 pair listed on USaudiomart are indeed the MkII version (emailed the seller earlier today) and I suspect that they are my old speakers due to pics of the minor corner damage/blemish.

 

DeKay

LMartinez,

It sounds like you are looking for bigger cabinets for a fuller sound. I'm concerned that you might be disappointed with a more laid back speaker. Have you considered Focal? Focals typically have good balanced sound and should match well with your NAD. Chora 806 is $1k or Aria K2 906 is $2k.  Might be worth a listen.

Good luck in the search!

KEF R3s are warmer and have better bass. They still use the Uni Q driver. The soundstage and detail are excellent. They are not that large and will not overwhelm your listening room. They are in your budget.

How about sell LS 50’s and buy SFmini Amator II

relaxed warm cool to look at and is keeper

pair it with McIntosh receiver ma5300

My 2 cents: Dynaudio strikes a good balance between detail and warmth so if you were to take the great things about KEF (detail) plus Harbeth (warmth) and combine them together you'd get Dynaudio sound. Seems like the most logical choice IMO but logic isn't enough in this hobby, best to audition both speakers at home if you can.