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!
@sls883 Yes, I know a dealer contact within driving distance that handles VS as well as several others. I have heard VS at shows and they are great speakers with, as you said, the RIGHT electronics. CODA is relatively warm and "tube like" for SS gear, I would imagine they would play nice together. Thanks |
@dmiller01 yeah, they are pretty revealing. They play well with my Coda amp and LTA MicroZOTL preamp. I've tried several cables and the Silversmith Audio Fidelium speaker cables and Black Cat Silverstar 88 interconnects work well. |
You’ve replaced everything else, your speakers are next and you know it. We are seconding your decision to jump. Suggest buying from a local dealer if possible so you can try in your listening room and return if necessary. If no local option there are direct to consumer manufacturers that have buy, try and return for free options (Arendal, SVS and Polk to name a few). Also in the US you can buy from retailers like Crutchfield where you can return for a reasonable fee depending on the size of the speakers. Only you will know if the new speakers sound good to you in your listening room with your equipment. No showroom or online information can duplicate that for you. Enjoy the last step in your musical journey! |
I would second tge idea of listening to some planar speakers. I upgraded my system 17 years ago (I am 76 now) and was amazed at what I heard. I am still so happy I quit changing gear and have enjoyed listening instead. Listen to a variety of speaker types. Sometimes you just need to find your match, everyone is sifferent. |
