New Speakers under consideration - but I’m afraid

On the other hand, achieving sonic bliss is fantastic for an audiophile.

The question is: “Which is stronger, the Carrot or the Stick?”

I agree the KEF LS50s are awesome speakers for the money, which is why they are a stand-out in their price range.  I listen to a pair most days, at my partner's place.

The KEF Reference series are 10 to 30 times as expensive, and in my opinion are even better value!  So obviously I think my Reference 1 speakers are good.  The same coincident tweeter / mid-range unit is used in the Reference range.  The more expensive, the more bass drivers you get, which is not necessarily a good thing for overall coherence.

I have a plan. I'll go listen to some speakers. Make a decision and assuming I like something I'll get them.

I have a buyer for my 801s- I won't hand them over until I get the new ones installed and prefer them after a side by side comparison. If they sound as good or better, I keep them.

Worst case I sell the new ones (I'll try to find them used to avoid the max depreciation hit).

@ritter06 - excellent plan.  Always best to try a component in one's own system if one can afford to do so.  I'm assuming you already have proper sonic room treatments?

Yes GIK on the walls, ceiling and bass traps in the corners. Even my 20 something kids wonder about it, but not after I play something they really know and like. MGMT’s Little Dark Age is a fabulous recording (CD).