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Help me pick from my sub-$1200 shortlist

Alright. Here's the shortlist. Let's get your opinions:

  • KEF LS50
  • Sonus Faber Venere
  • Monitor Audio SIlver 100's (haven't tested yet)

And yes I know some of these retail over $1200, but for those I'm going to look for used or be patient for sales

I tested the SF's and the KEF's the other day. When at the store, I liked the KEF's better; I felt like there were more punchy mids, more contrasting dynamics. But having since listened I've been thinking more about the SF's and feeling like maybe I actually long term enjoyed their more subdued tone more, factoring in the fact that I would be able to play with them/my setup in my own apartment more. There was an incredible clarity with them nonetheless that I really loved.

I'm mostly doing vinyl and digital music, less classical/jazz, more rock, country, metal, experimental, but also quieter stuff too. Running out of a Cambridge Audio Azur 551R.

Other speakers I've had on the longer list, but might not be able to check out are the Revel Concerta2 M16, PSB Imagine B, and Paradigm Signature S2; so if you feel strongly on those please let me know


gravyrobbers91
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Quad S-2. $1000
soix
9,579 posts
 
What speakers do you have now, what would you like to improve upon with the new speakers, and what aspects of sound reproduction and speaker performance are most important to you?  How big is your room?
analogluvr
859 posts
 
 My first high end pair of speakers were a pair of Vandersteen 2c's that I paid about 500 for. I would  strongly advise considering a pair of those in that price point. 
2psyop's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
2psyop
1,598 posts
 
+2 on the Vandersteen 2 and you might be able to find the 2CE Sig or 2CE Sig II. for that price range.
gravyrobbers91 OP
8 posts
 
@soix Right now I have a pair of Orb audio's. I want speakers that can take me into basically an audiophile range of sound, ideally without a subwoofer, although I will be incorporating this into a 5.1 setup for movies/video games. Stereo 2-channel for purposes of music both digital and vinyl are much more important to me than surround though.
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