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Which bookshelf speakers to choose: Focal Sopra 1 or B&W 805D3 or KEF Ref 1?

I'm in the market to upgrade my 2.1 system that is currently composed of Monitor Audio Gold GX 100 bookshelf speakers powered by a Hegel Rost Integrated and backed up by a Rel T/5i sub.

I've been exploring the B&W 805D3 but cannot find a KEF dealer in Denver, CO.  Shame on you KEF.  

Everyone I spoke to said I owe it to myself to listen to the Focal Sopra No 1 before making my decision.

Any thoughts on which direction to go here?
gtlatsis
gtlatsis OP
21 posts
 
Thanks everyone for your advice and experience.

I reached out to KEF who gave me a local contact to demo the Ref 1.

Turns out the local contact is a custom installer only and does not have a showroom facility to demo.

When I reached back out to KEF to update them and ask for another contact they simply said the one given to me is the best they have.

Wow!  How has KEF fallen!  
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,873 posts
 
KEF has an on-line store. Don't know the return policy but they might be worth a try.

https://www.kefdirect.com/
gtlatsis OP
21 posts
 
KEFs return policy is really not attractive.

If you return any product for any reason other than shipping damage or defective YOU have to pay for return shipping and YOU have to pay a 15% restocking fee.

Again, I'm very surprised at how poor a company like KEF goes to market.  I live in Denver, CO and no one has KEF Reference Series to demo.  Recently I checked with Best Buy's Magnolia division as they carry a lot of high end brands (MacIntosh, B&*W, etc) and they stated that KEF is dropping the ball!  They can't even get the Reference Series in their stores.
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,873 posts
 
I used the dealer locator on the KEFdirect website and found nine KEF dealers in the Denver area. Have you tried calling anyone? I wouldn't rely on some help-desk guy.
gtlatsis OP
21 posts
 
Thanks - I appreciate your help.  That was nice of you to search.

I did the same and found out the dealers listed are outdated.  KEF help-desk only confirmed one.  

What's sad is I remember KEF from years ago when they had a strong presence locally.  

It just doesn't make sense especially when you seek B&W and even Focal with strong dealer networks.
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