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Advice on making a speaker change

I am looking for thoughts and members experience when it comes to making a speaker change in their systems.  I am not looking for any specific speaker recommendations. 

I am using KEF Reference 107-1 speakers that I purchased new in 1987. They are the only speakers I've used for 38 years! The speakers were refurbished professionally 4 years ago with new surrounds, tweeter maintenance, and upgrades to crossover components and wiring. Everything else is original, including the KUBE outboard bass equalization, that was part of the speaker design.  

Over the past few years, I have upgraded my amplification and digital front end to my "end game" electronics of CODA16 amp and CODA 07X pre-amp, Playback Designs DAC, and Innuos Statement NG Streamer. My speakers are the last components from my original system.  I love many attributes of these KEF 107 speakers, but also recognize their weakness. They are 38 year old technology after all. 

My dilemma is twofold. I still think my speakers sound great in many ways. They are musically involving and still dazzle me on occasion. They have some weak points as do ALL speaker designs.   Secondly, auditioning new speakers is difficult at best, as it is so dependent on associated equipment and listening rooms. I know my ears are the ultimate decision maker, but getting a realistic comparison to my current speakers from shows or sessions at audio shops is not easy.  

Am I crazy to consider replacing these speakers? Have other members had the same dilemma and what was your outcome? Regrets or audio bliss? Talk me off the ledge or should I jump? Thanks!

dmiller01
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,040 posts
 

Do you go to the same kind of restaurant every time? 

Variety is the spice of life. Why not try new speakers? I have a couple different sets that I like to swap in and out. That is why this hobby is a hobby. Variation, play, new experiences are all part of the fun. 

Some people see buying a speaker (or other component) like getting a mortgage: shop around, buy it, and be done for 30 years.

I see it more like going on vacations or restaurants: mixing things up leads to new experiences. 

I have a friend with a boat. He spends a lot on that thing and every trip with it spends money he can never get back -- but he's not looking at each trip as an "investment" but as an experience. Thinking of audio components with just a little bit of this spirit may free your hand (and conscience) a bit. 

Go head: be a libertine. We won't tell.

corelli
1,015 posts
 

Well, no one could accuse you of jumping from one speaker to the next and yes, you certainly have recovered your money's worth of enjoyment out of this speaker.

As you suggested, the only way you will be able to really judge a new speaker is in your own home.  So hold onto your old speakers and bring in a few potential replacements.  Should be a pretty easy call.

zlone
749 posts
 

I agree with the others that you should take the leap. You have a very nice system that would shine with something newer. If you want to play it relatively safe, try some of the new KEF Reference line. If you can get to AXPONA in April, that is a good place to get a a feel for what is out there, maybe a brand or two will strike your fancy and you can then pursue some auditions. 

mesch
3,524 posts
 

+1 @hilde45  Try a new speaker. Keep the KEFs. 

 

grislybutter
3,310 posts
 

as they say, not a bad time to be on the market for new (or barely used) speakers

https://speakerchoices.com/

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