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

I appreciate the responses and the thoughtful feedback. The consensus appears to be to take the leap. surprise 

@sls883 Interested in what differences you noticed in moving from the VR-4's to the VS Model Ones? 

@ghdprentice Sounds like we have similar tastes in sound and I agree that we tend to migrate to musically involving vs analytical speakers over time. SF is on my short list. 

@soix I value a big soundstage, imaging, tonal accuracy, musical involvement vs the ultimate in detail and resolution, Having said that, my KEF's are a little lacking in high frequency air/transparency and perhaps a little TOO polite. 

@grislybutter I've referenced this list before. winkThanks for putting it together and sharing.  

No you are not crazy. I had the exact speakers but decided to move on years ago. I think you just need to find something that will fill the gap you are missing or what sound you are trying to achieve. The two extremes will be more analytical to romantic (in gross terms) and of course your budget.

@goose Appreciate the comments from a previous R107 owner. They were a good speaker in their day. The crossover and wiring upgrades I did with mine improved resolution and transparency, but they are still on the overly polite (romantic) side of the spectrum.

Curious, what did you move on to from your KEF's and what was your experience?