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

I've heard the Epos, the Dynaudio, the Harbeth 3/5 and Usher.

 

My vote actually goes to ProAc Response 1 speakers.  If floorstand is OK, perhaps an audition of the PMC twenty5.23, not a big floorstander and the sound quality is really nice.

 

If budget allows, I can recommend the Sonus Faber Electa Amator bookshelf with a matching Sonus Faber sub.

 

Let us know what you have decided later.  :-)

How about the new KLH 5 recently reviewed by Stereophile? I think they're $2000 for the pair, not too big & if they are basically a modern version of the classic KLH/ AR / Advent sound, might be just what you want. Smooth, laid back w/ excellent bass. IMO, acoustic suspension bass design, if properly done, can yield the most realistic, tight, clean & extended response of all designs especially now w/ modern drivers & crossover components. Lack of efficiency is their only issue. Some very expensive speakers today utilize it, new Magico's, YG Acoustics etc. KLH is also coming out w/ a smaller, two way version, very soon. 

+1 

try a nice tube amp with the kefs

in a small room like yours you don't need alot of power, shouldn't break the bank

otherwise spendors, proacs and harbeths would bring some nice warmth and luxurious tone without excessive detail/stridency

Let me suggest a totally different solution.   I assume you have a sub to go with the LS50 pair, and if you don't, you should.   Get a miniDSP DDRC24 active crossover with DSP EQ built-in and the accompanying UMK-1 measurement microphone.  Use it to balance between your LS50 mains and the sub.   Measure the system in that room, then create a desired system response and program the miniDSP to do that for you.  

The LS50 is a very fine loudspeaker, especially at the price point you're working at.  

What am I missing you said you enjoy your system....then why do you want new speakers....sit back enjoy what you owned...be happy don't worry...