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Paradigm 3f, KEF reference 3, Monitor Audio PL300II

I've been auditioning speakers in the $15,000 range and am almost ready to decide.  My short list right now is the KEF Reference 3 and the Monitor Audio PL300II.  I'm planning to hear the Paradigm Persona 3f this weekend.  I've also heard speakers from B and W, Wilson, Wilson Benesch and Proac but none made the final cut.  I really expected to be blown away by the Proacs and, while they were very good, I prefer the KEF and Monitor Audio. Unless the Paradigm is even better, it will be a tough call. They both seem to have great imaging and soundstage, reasonable bass and pretty life like presentations.  We all know how hard it is to compare and contrast speakers, especially when there's a large time gap between listening sessions. The Monitor Audio dealer has offered to bring them to my house, set them up and let me live with them for a week at no cost. Sounds like a great offer but I don't want to accept if I'm leaning more towards the KEFs.  Any helpful advice would be appreciated.  
puli
urbie19
110 posts
 
well I'd like you to tell me what's better than the monitor audio pl300 II or 500 ll cuz I haven't heard anything at 4 times the price. In fact I know someone that has the 500s and he put them up against the Wilson audio Alexx which cost 105,000 and the magical Q5 which cost $85,000 and he said that the 500s beat them both handly in every area.
yyzsantabarbara
4,915 posts
 
@urbie19 Any number of speakers can be thought as better than any other speaker. Depends on your hearing ability, your musical tastes, ROOM, equipment, mood, etc.

There is no best speaker for everyone, maybe best of for each person. 
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,500 posts
 
What is your amplification?  That is a HUGE part of this. Are you planning on tailoring your system to these new speakers.  I can't imagine a scenario where you would put the MA Platinum's and the Paradigm Personas into the same system and expect a good result from both.  They are radically different speakers and amplifier matching for them will be critical.  


urbie19
110 posts
 
I hope you're ready to have your ears bleed with the paradigm that beryllium Tweeter is so bright compared to the MPD Twitter of monitor audio it's not even funny and same with that beryllium mid-range the voice sound so hard compared to monitor audio it sound so humid and warm I listen to the 7s and they were terrible compared to the Platinum 200 which I bought.
urbie19
110 posts
 
well if the monitor audio dealer is willing to let you use them with your own system for a week I would take him up on that offer because at least you'll know what the speaker sounds like with your equipment so go ahead and do it you got nothing to lose and I guarantee you you will love them they're amazing sounding speakers.
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