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Bookshelf speakers - Paradigm, KEF, Totem

Hi All, 

Long time lurker, first time poster. Recently I downsized and had to give up my massive floor standers and magnepans... so now I am in the market for a smaller second system with a half decent pair of bookshelf speakers. Room is about 12' x 12' and I have demo'd a few pairs but haven't fell in love with anything yet so was hoping to get some insight. Budget is under 5K ideally. I listen to mostly classic rock, jazz, and some classical/instrumental. Currently running a bluesound node, into a denafrips ares, Primaluna evo 400 integrad. I've just demo'd the totem signature 1's, B&W 705 s2, KEF LS50 metas, KEF R3's and a couple Klipsch hertiage speakers. Right now I am leaning towards the KEF R3's because I am not planning on running a sub, and they seemed the most pleasant to my ears, at least in the short demo period on all McIntosh gear... One of the sales rep's highly recommended the Paradigm founder 40b as an alternative, but wouldn't be able to audition them for at least a month (but would be significantly cheaper). Wondering if anyone had any fantastic suggestions or have tried the Paradigm speakers. Any input is greatly appreciated. 


Cheers!

hardjubejube
grinnell
1,099 posts
 

Check out the Ref 3A de Capos  i used them with my Primaluna PL2 for years now with a 4 watt Decware amp.  Sweet detailed  good bass for monitors/standmounts

 

if you dont like the new finish  then used with the wood veneer is very nice

serjio's avatar
serjio
371 posts
 

 

jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw
268 posts
 

I recently auditioned a pair of KEF LS 50 Meta's with a friend who just got bit by the audiophile bug. My jaw dropped!! There is nothing that competes under $5K with these. The room was 12x16, and I swear there was a sub connected! They are a better speaker than R3. We directly compared to the R5 and the LS 50s were better. R series is old technology; they have not incorporated the Meta drivers as of yet. As far a Paradigm, they are bright sounding speakers across the whole line. To my ears, "nails on a chalkboard." I just purchased a pair of Reference 1 Metas. I am anxiously awaiting an 8-10 week delivery!

Best of luck!

blackbag20
465 posts
 

Sonus Faber Salk are on my short-list ... Actually, Salk has the edge ...

jimmy2615
440 posts
 

I really enjoy my Harbeth M30s, also have Primaluna equipment and similar listening tastes. You can usually pick up a decent used pair of 30.2s for under $5k, definitely 30.1s. Some speakers do not respond well at lower listening levels, something to consider in your auditioning. The Harbeths are great at lower levels. These speakers are really great with jazz. Rock is not their forte but not bad in any way. Why? Jazz is usually recorded unamplified in a live venue. Rock is not. The Harbeths excel at reproducing acoustic material, so if you like that sort of music the Harbeths (spendor are nice too) are very good.  They do need to be placed away from walls though to get the best out of them, something else to consider.  For your smallish room you might even want to look at the smaller P3s.  

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