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Kef LS50s - great like me but need to come up for air

So over the years I've really enjoyed my primary speaker the Kef LS50s. They work well in my current setup: Schiit Aegir, NAD preamp (class A) in a small room (11'x14').

Maybe I like them so much because they are very much like me: precise, balanced, neutral but not overly. Contrary to many they are more on the warm than bright side. You just need to know how to place them and match them to the right components. Like me :)

However, l've gone through a change. I need to and been told by my wife and doctors that I need to relax some and come up for air. I've been working on this for the past 2 years. Now I've seriously realized my beloved music system has come to the same change point.

Like me and my ears I'd like to find a speaker with the same basic qualities of the LS50s but that can come up for air - call it more relaxed, warm...whatever. Those in the know will know what I mean. I can explain this more if necessary.

My budget is up to 1,500.00...I've online researched Harbeths, Dynaudio Evoke 20, Usher, Spendor but don't really know where to go from here. I've thought about higher sensitivity speakers but most quality speakers are physically too large (maybe).

Any input is appreciated.

lmartinez_02170
rego
378 posts
 

How are the LS 50s Placed ... ??? ... positioned with toe in ... ? try no toe in.

 

Synthetic AI ***

lmartinez_02170 OP
27 posts
 

Wow..thanks everyone for the responses. I have some options to look into.

rego has a good question that highlights my quest - the ls50s are ever so slightly toed in...5 to 10 degrees at most. However, I'm pretty sure I'm getting their best which I said before is great. I really spent a lot of time with the best placement.

But my age, ears, preferences are changing for good measure. I'm older...I don't necessary prefer the sharp, focused, ferrai sports with body hugging seats...now I prefer to go slower, take turns easy, have a smoke and enjoy the scenery when I'm driving. I still prefer quality though. Maybe the best Jaguar for post middle aged male. Hope this makes sense. It does to me.

slaw's avatar
slaw
21,441 posts
 

Usher Mini One Diamond

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,037 posts
 

@lmartinez_02170 

" Maybe the best Jaguar for post middle aged male."

Just don't too far and end up with a 1959 Cadillac with bad suspension.

lmartinez_02170 OP
27 posts
 

touche tony1954.

I won't end up there but I will have fun along the way!

So far the Heresy, Dynaudio Evoke 40 or maybe Evoke 20 and the small Harbeths look appealing. I'm leaning towards Dynaudio just by online research.

The Usher looks too expensive and the Vandersteen is just too big. I do care a little about room aesthetics.

Can anyone comment on the sound of the Heresy, they look interesting and I like the retro look. The Harbeths have a lot of reviews but mainly for near field??? My listening position is about 7 feet away from the LS50s.

Again...thanks everyone for the input. Any other speakers I should consider.

 

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