How old is too old ?....

I have had two pairs of Kef 104/2's. I agree with alot above in regards to the"parts" of good sound. The bass may be better in newer speakers(you can add a Rel Sub) Te trebel may be sweeter and the soundstaging and imaging better.
But one thing the newer speakers can't do- and I've tried the following NHT 2.9, Audes Blues, Revel F30's, VonSweikhart Vr-4 JR Triangle CLeius, B&w 802/3,4. The one thing they can't beat is the soul of music which the Kefs do beautifully. And I think you know that.

I upgraded to Silverline Sonatas. They have the warm musical soul of the Kef, but the Dynaudio drivers are much more accurate. Bass is better, more defined, without he midbass bloat. Kef 104.2 was ahead of it's time, but computer aided design and new materials has greatly improved speakers. Used Sonata II's are 2k used, and a beautiful speaker. Please auditon the Sonata III, or sonatina III. You will be impressed.

“The Silverline Sonata is an outstanding bargain and one of the most musically satisfying speaker systems on the market … a compelling musical rightness from top to bottom … superbly finished … Buy these, just listen to the music, and forget about hi-fi forever.”

- Paul Bolin / the absolute sound
Issue 133 (Dec. 2001 / Jan. 2002)
Quoted with permission from the absolute sound

Old sonata II review. Originally $6500

I am in the same position as a few others here. Upgraded the front end a year ago and am now not sure I'm getting the best from my 104.2's. The opinion here, ever so slightly, seems to be in the "get rid of 'em" camp.
Am trying to find someting that has a similar character with more openness.
My favourites thus far, in no particular order:

Linn Ninka
Dynaudio Audience 72
Totem Forest

First two in the same price range, the Totems 1K more but I like them the best. The Dyn closest to the KEF sound.

Will also audition Monitor Audio Silver and Gold lines. Can get them for near cost so can afford to go higher up the range.
The same dealer will also give me highly discounted pricing on B&W. Have never been a B&W fan but he recommends the new 704?

Amy comments on Monitor Audio and/or the B&W 704?

hifinut- the Silverlines use all Dynaudio drivers except for a german domed midrange, and like the Dyn, comes "closest to the KEF sound." I listened to Monitor Audio, new KEF, and B&W before I fell in love with the Silverlines (which I'd never heard of- thank God for Paul Bolin of the Absolute Sound ...It prompted me to audition them). Monitor and KEF did not have a seemless integration of the music, as if there were a phase issue with the cabinet or crossover. The B&W was wonderful. I just didn't like that metal hissy tweeter. It's personal taste. It's much smoother than the old metal tweeters, but for my tastes there is too much sibilance (on cymbals for example) in a metal tweeter. Just to let you know, the Silverline was $1000 more than the 805, but was worth it. If you can get it for less than a 705, it's a steal. I don't expect you guys to order it on my sayso, I just ask you to try to audition it. There must be a dealer or a 'gon member who'll let you listen. Come to my house...CA near Berzerkeley.