KEF Blade Two - Unbelieveable

I have heard the Reference 3 and it can’t be too far behind when played within their limits

I imagine you are used to the house sound and like it and imagine the Reference 3 or even Reference 1 would do the trick. The LS50 asks a lot of that tiny driver.

I have Ref 1s and they are fantastic. With a few subwoofers of course. 

People say that the REF line is a baby Blade but for me it is not like the Blades. The Blade is my fav speaker and I unfortunately cannot fit it in my house. The next place I move to will have space for the Blades.

The REF line does not disappear like the Blade, but then again nothing I heard does. I found the REF1 was my fav since it did a good job of disappearing.

My current office speaker is pretty good and only available used, it is the Thiel CS3.7 and sort of sounds like the Blades. 

I like the Yamaha NS5000 and will get that one if I continue to stay at my current residence. It is a fabulous speaker. Do not let the bookshelf designation fool you. It is like a floorstander. This is my replacement for the Blades.

The Vivid lineup also is Blade like. The Kaya 45 maybe affordable.

BTW - some used KEF Blades were selling for $10K to $13K in the recent past. KEF will be upgrading the tweeter and mid driver with the META design very soon. That may cause some more used models to show up.

I also have the KEF LS50 in my big room with the KEF KC62 sub. I drive them with the Benchmark AHB2 monos. I would be curious to hear the Blades with these monos. They cannot drive my Thiel CS3.7 to the best levels but the Blades are likely easier to drive.

I recently replaced a Parasound A21+. It sounded OK but the Parasound JC5 maybe something to consider. It is supposed to be more refined (my complaint about the A21+) and more powerful. The Blades will like power.

I have heard Blades demoed with Hegel 360 integrated and Hegel mono blocks. Both were pretty good pairings.

The CODA #8 would also be a good amp with the Blades. As would a KRELL XD amp. I have both and I love both of them.

These amps I suggest are in the $6K-ish range which will help save money to buy the Blades.

@martinman , The Blades are a brilliant design if you can get on with the looks. Don't compromise! Your Hint6 will drive them beautifully. An interim step is just a waste of money. Get out your cookie jar and start throwing money in there and save up. In the mean while look for a used pair and good deals like open box and demo units. It took me a decade to get the speakers I wanted. You know what you want. Go for it!