KEF LS50 or Wharfedale Reva 2 -- which would you buy?


Hi all,

I am considering upgrading my speakers and am between the KEF LS50 and Wharfedale Reva 2 speakers. I'm not able to hear either one where I am located so am looking for some input.

I am also able to get the Reva 2s for about half the price of the LS50, but if the KEFs are the right move I am ok spending more time saving for them.

Some notes to consider:

- Speakers will be used only for music, not TV/ movies
- Receiver is an older Denon DRA 825R (90 watts/ channel into 8 ohms). Minimum is 6ohms (please don't suggest I get the UB5s).
- Turntable is Pro-ject Carbon Debut
- Room is about 15x17 apartment living room
- I listen to everything from classic rock to jazz to classical. I don't listen to hip hop, house, or modern pop.

I am really just looking for beautiful sounding (and nice looking) speakers at $1k or less (I can get the LS50 for $1k or the Reva 2s for $450). I live in an apartment so the music is never loud, just looking for great sounding speakers.

The reviews on both seem very good. The LS50 is clearly a more popular speaker. I guess the question there is -- is it worth an extra $550 for me?

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
coaster86
Coaster,
I already contacted my sales rep about an extended warranty.  He offered my 4 years for $350...

I’ll probably sign up for it just for peace of mind.

I noticed on another thread that you had 2 different sets of paradigm actives go bad on you too. My initial thoughts were it was something that you were doing to them, no offense.  I’ve searched the internet for other LS50 wireless owners who were having relibility issues as well but coupdn’t find any really (doesn’t mean that people haven’t had issues though).

I think even at full price+tax+extended warranty that they are still worth the $ and a bargain even.

If I had the same issues as you though, I would have returned them as well.  I would imagine that if you had electrical issues that you’d be frying your amps too.

Thank You for sharing your exact failures though, that may be helpful to some of us LS50 wireless owners some day!
@b_limo thanks for all of these. I will have a look through. Do you have an opinion on the KEF R3s? The reviews are stellar and I think they can be a good option. There is a blemished used set on Audiogon not too far from my price range, so I figured I'd ask your opinion.

Also you mentioned above that I had two broken paradigms but I think you may have meant that message to someone else (I didn't have that experience).
I honestly haven’t heard either to any extent.  I cN go listen to the R3’s today if you want!

I think that the R3 or even the R300 would make you happy.  It’s my guess that they will have alot of the same magic as LS50’s only they will have more bass AND be easier to drive.  They would probably sound fantastic with your denon too!

Kef Direct has R300’s for $1299 and theres a pair of R3’s here on Audiogon for $1260!


LS50 needs a subwoofer in my opinion. The Reva is really good, but not super dynamic.