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Rega, Totem, or KEF bookshelf speakers?

In an earlier forum I asked about converting a 10x10 room into a listening room. My concern was whether or not it would be too small. After reading the responses—thanks to everyone who made suggestions, including those who had me spending well beyond my hoped-for budget!—I've gained confidence to move forward. Now for the speakers. I've narrowed my choice (for the moment, of course) to three: the KEF LS50, the choice of several respondents in the first forum; the Rega RX1; and the Totem Rainmaker. All are in my price range and, though the Totem are only available used, they can be found. 

As I'm new to audio, I've not heard any of these speakers. Reviews read, yes, suggestions from friends and more experienced listeners, yes; but no first-hand experience, and in our current circumstances, hearing anything in a shop isn't likely. So I'd be glad to hear from those who have heard these.

My power source will be modest, an integrated amp between 50-75w (NAD C 320BEE or Luxman R-115 receiver in the house right now; maybe the Rega Brio or something similar in the future), and I'll only be playing vinyl. A Rega P3 is my TT. The thought of an all-Rega room is attractive, if the RX 1's are a good choice. Any thoughts are appreciated.
anton99
kren0006
1,859 posts
 
I auditioned three bookshelf speakers in a very small listening room. Spent probably half hour listening to each of three.

Spendor SA1, Rega RX One, and Linn Majik 109. Didn’t like the Rega in comparison to the other two (sounded thin and sloppy). Linn and Spendor both nice but more expensive. I would have needed more than the hour to determine a winner between Spendor and Zlinn. Amp was Rega Elex-R with Rega Apollo CD player for the demo.

It was a year ago so beyond these notes that I jotted on my phone now copied above I don’t remember much


In general I like Rega amps more than Rega speakers

Of your choices I’d go Kef. But that’s me. Speaker choice is very personal. But the three I listened to definitely sounded quite different. Your preference might be directly opposite mine

arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
KEF
yyzsantabarbara
4,963 posts
 
I would just buy the KEF LS50 Wireless. A lot for sale used and discounts by KEF for new items. I use the KEF LS50 passive in a 12x11x9 room and the room needed to be treated with acoustic panels, but once that was done the KEF LS50 passive sounded excellent.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa23g2-kef-ls50-wireless-titanium-grey-red-speakers

In your smaller room the LS50W with it’s built in amp, DAC, and the DSP processing engine will optimize the speaker to your room. You may not even need room treatments like I needed. I have a feeling the LS50W is better sounding that what I have setup with my Peachtree Nova 150. Though, a few years ago, when I used the Benchmark AHB2 amp + DAC3 with the LS50’s the sound was amazing.

I will be upgrading the LS50 gear soon with the intention to buy again the Benchmark AHB2 amp and the new Benchmark LA4 preamp. I will get the new AudioByte Vox DAC, ZAP, and HUB ($12K total, no discounts new) . This will likely be better than the LS50W but look at how much money goes into raising above the LS50W. The LS50W already has all of these external components I will buy built into the speaker.

BTW - I am not sure how your TT can fit with the LS50W. You should research that if you decided to consider the LS50W
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,502 posts
 
The la50w suggestion is a very valid one. Would take the guessing out of getting the most out of whatever passive speaker you might choose. Ls 50s driven well are top notch within the limits of speakers their size. Ls50s not driven well will not get you the full benefit.

I have ls50s and have not heard the Regas nor those specific Totem but I suspect each sounds significantly different.

You will need a sub for full range with any of these smaller speakers if that matters to you. 

So other than you have an active option with the KEF to assure they are driven well, I think will come down mostly to personal preference.
jag's avatar
jag
99 posts
 
wold anyone like to elaborate on the Rega RX1 vs. the RS1?  i heard the RX1 and found the RS1 to be much more alive and bought them.  what was i missing?  i felt that Rega had taken a step backwards.  currently use the Rega Brio R and would like to upgrade speakers. ProAc, KEF, B&W, Elac Carina, Dynaudio?  what would the improvement be?
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