New KEF Reference 5 speakers

Doryb-glad your Ref5s improved when you moved furniture. It’s not clear whether you got the speakers new or used. If they’re new, they will need lots of time to reach maximum performance level (as you can tell from my prior posts) so stick with it.  They’re also very sensitive to placement as you’ve learned so don’t be reluctant to experiment.  You might even consult hiring someone with expertise in speaker placement, although this can be expensive.  As for electronics, I was using an Audio Research power amp and preamp.  I replaced the power amp with a Krell, mainly because I got tired of dealing with tubes. The Krell amp/Audio Research preamp sound great (although I am considering a new preamp as the Audio Research is 25 years old). The more I listen to the Ref 5s, the more impressed I am an happier that I patiently waited them out. Hope you have the same experience!

Fast- please do report if you switch out the pre-amp. I'd love to know how that changes things. I just got new speaker cables (Morrow Audio bi-wired SP7's, upgrade from Tara Labs- prism) The clarity and openness of the sound from the speakers is just stunning. The SP7's added more clarity and detail. Even with mighty bass- the full spectrum of sound is clear as crystal. So I am going to live with the Parasound unless something life altering comes up, i.e. a PASS or a KRELL comes up dirt cheap- or if my brother really sells me on Van Alstine! I got the speakers from a dealer. Demo's. Not sure how much time they have on them. 60% off- I couldn't resist! 

Still trying to decide whether to get a new preamp and, if so, which one.  Obviously, it’s difficult to shop now.  I’m planning to try connecting my DAC directly to my power amp as an experiment to see if the Preamp is degrading the sound.  
My speaker wires are inexpensive Audioquests.  I’ve thought about replacing them but the wires run behind my baseboard for about 25 feet and then under some wood molding so all this would have to be removed and then replaced.  Not convinced it’s worth the trouble and expense...especially since my system sounds pretty good now.  

Hi Fast

Thanks for your post! Appreciate it alot and it has been really encouraging to learn from your experience. :)
Have bought a kef reference 5 around 4-5 months back and felt the sound harsh/bright/unpalatable for half the songs - similar to your experience. After reading your article decided to break them in -- after 3 months they sound so much better -- smooth, sweet, with the correct "colour" that I didnt know existed but I liked!

Other things I did:
1. Shift them 1.5m away from the back wall
2. Tube rolling - changed the pre amp tubes to nos brimar 12au7 (using a primaluna dialogue HP 70watt tube integrated with EL34s)

Upcoming improvements
1. Upgrade source - just put in an order for doge 7 tube dac (currently using a $200 usb stick streaming spotify from phone :p) and subsequently maybe a innuos streamer.

Any updates about your system? :) And what did you do you felt made the greatest difference? :)

Thanks
Ben 

Ben-this is Fast.  Good to hear from you. Glad you stuck with the Ref 5s and are now enjoying them. As I’ve said before, they do require patience when brand new but that patience is rewarded within a few months. Sounds like you’ve made some good improvements.  
As for my system, I’ve added Isoacoustics Gaia footers. I also had a professional (Sterling Trayle) spend a day positioning my speakers and had a dedicated 20 amp line installed...the latter two things a little over a year ago, just before Covid. I’ve upgraded some usb cables to Wireworld and some power cords to Audioquest Y3. As I may have mentioned, I added a Rega RP6 turntable with Dynavector cartridge (I don’t listen to records very much so I wanted something mid priced but good). Finally, I tried connecting my PS Audio Directstream DAC directly to my Krell power amp and liked it. I went looking for a preamp which would be similar to a direct connection but allow me to use my phono, tuner, etc. and arrived at the Benchmark LA4.  I I ordered an LA4 from Music Direct, which allows a 60 day trial.  I kept it. I think it’s about the closest you can get to a direct connection with multiple inputs. As a bonus, it’s very reasonably priced for such a preamp.  
So how does it all sound?  I’m happy and done fiddling, at least for a while. In terms of biggest difference, I’d have to say the preamp and the speaker positioning. I’m still not totally convinced that ultra expensive cables make that big a difference compared to good moderately priced ones (or maybe my hearing isn’t acute enough to appreciate it). The Gaias are a step up over the standard spikes but not a huge one, especially considering the cost. Most of all, I’m enjoying the Ref 5s and...happy I chose them over the many other speakers I considered and, like you, that I stuck with them.