I have Ref 1s and they are fantastic. With a few subwoofers of course.
KEF Blade Two - Unbelieveable
I had a chance to demo the kef blade two today. Each were powered by an Arcam mono-block. Just unbelievable. I never imagined music could sound this good. I'm completely changed because of it.
Here I thought my KEF LS50 w/ Parasound Hint6 & 2 subs was no slouch (and it still sounds good), but the Blades were on another planet. I can't even describe it. What a treat.
So, now I come to you all to help me move on from the LS50s. I just can't afford the Blades now - no way. But i'm enamored by the dynamic and just. huge. soundstage.
I like the LS50s - Dynamics, soundstage, depth, detail. I like how they image being co-axial. Is there an interim step between the LS50s and Blades that I can step to?? I'd like to keep the Hint6 too.
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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! |
Do you have ls50s or the newer metas? I have both. Metas are a step in that direction in regards to overall clarity and detail and might cut it in a smaller room with powered sub or two unless you require higher Spl say >90db approximately or so. Active crossover to offload more work to sub would improve that further. |
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