LS50 vs R11/7/5 Meta

I prefer small jazz and classical groups, but I tried selections of Aida and Mahler's 2nd using the LS60.  The sound was awesome.  The LS60s can get big when asked to do so.  I think their dynamics may exceed that of my Reference 1s driven by the Ayre VX-5 Twenty, and the sound remained pure and unstrained.  My Thorens 124 with SME III and Ortofon is connected to the LS60, but I've yet to try it, because I rarely spin vinyl. 

@martinman What do you mean by 'too small for my room'? Not reaching the SPL you desire? In the mid range or bass? or just 'not loud enough'? I did not see a subwoofer in your equipment list. I use a subwoofer (in both of my systems, one very large, one normal room); do you think a sub would help your problem? 

I am considering small (bookshelf, stand) speakers for my large system, since they are often known for providing a wide and deep sound stage and imaging. 

@kraftwerkturbo :  Sorry, I left the SW out -- Probably the most important detail when talking about eh LS50s!  I have dual PSA 1500 crossed over at (i think 100hz). 

Don't get me wrong i've been satisfied - more so then ever - with the LS50s in my room.  Actually "room" is a bit of a misnomer.  My listening area is part of our finished basement and I have about a 15'W x 45'L x 9'H room (but the listening area really occupies 15x25x9 area of the basement).  I think I can get more "oomph" with a larger speaker and liked the LS50s so much that I'm already sold on my next kef purchase. 

The LS60s are nice and all, but - for me - there might be an interim financial step before I get there.  I'd also like to give KEF time to evolve the wireless / powered speaker technology a bit more.  Some have suggested the R3s as well and that's a very viable solution.  Really, anything in the R line is interesting to me at this point.  

@martinman So with the 2 subs, not playing loud enough? 

@martinman

Depends on how critical of a listener you are. I was in the same boat- loved the sound of the LS50s but even with subs and in my medium room they didn’t sound big enough.

I have upgraded several times since the originals and listened to all of the recent R series and REF series including Meta.

KEF has altered the voicing of the newer speakers including the LS50 meta to a point where I feel they ruined the sound of the original LS50s, a very special sound that is basically the only KEF speaker I like. The newer models sound too rolled off and bland to my ears, they veil the midrange. Also many can sound metallic with the wrong amplification.

My recommendation to you would be the Andrew Jones designed MoFi Sourcepoint 10 which are much more efficient, have a huge sound and perfect for your room.

I listened to these for quite a while at the last AXPONA audio show and they were a favorite. Crushing deep bass from the 10 inch woofers, clear neutral midrange and treble. Highly recommended.