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KEF Reference 1s or LS50s

I'm planning for a single downsized setup for when we move to a retirement community.  Pretty sure it'll be an Ayre QX-5/20 Roon endpoint and DX-5 DSD disc player as sources, Ayre A7e or AX-5/20 integrated amp, KEF LS50 or Reference 1 speakers with Velodyne HGS-15s subs.  My taste has moved to music by small classical, baroque, and jazz groups.  The question I'm pondering is whether to go with the LS50s or Reference 1s.  Both sound superb.
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big_greg
6,641 posts
 
I've had the Reference 1 in for a home demo and they are a good or better than my Harbeth Super HL5 Plus. I've never heard the LS50, but my research uncovered many owners mentioning upgrading from the LS50 and I don't remember seeing any that didn't feel it was worthwhile. 
yyzsantabarbara
4,878 posts
 
The KEF REF1 are going for around $4K used nowadays. It is a much better speaker than the LS50.

I am a happy LS50 owner myself (5 years+) but I do miss having the low frequencies and I do not want subs. I should have gotten the KEF REF1 but at that time it was about 5x more expensive.

The new Magico A1 sounds interesting and I will have a listen to it at Brooks Berdan in LA (when it Covaid is less).  The TAD ME1 are much better than the KEF LS50 and the KEF REF1. Though the price is a killer. 
big_greg
6,641 posts
 
You can get new B stock ref 1 with a warranty for a little over $4K.
yyzsantabarbara
4,878 posts
 
@big_greg What is the difference between B-Stock and regular stock? Where did you see the $4K B-Stock?
kenjit
1,771 posts
 
B stock is stock that has been opened and returned or ex demo 
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