I have two setups, one uses KEF Reference 1s with Ayre 5 series separates, the other LS50s with Ayre A7e integrated. I listen mostly to jazz, baroque, and classical via Roon. The detail and imaging is superb with both setups. The Reference 1s seem a bit more polite, the LS50s a bit more aggressive. Supplementing the 1s with a pair of Velodyne HGS-15 below 80 Hz really opened them up for large orchestrations. I have a pair of HGs-10s to try with the LS50s. The sonic difference between the two setups is more subtle than the cost difference might suggest.
Have you heard these 3, Kef Reference 1, Kanta 2 and Sopra 1s.
I am finding it impossible to demo the Kef Reference 1s (or 3s) in my area and I won't be able to hear them back to back against the Focals. Any thoughts on how the Kef compare to the two Focals? I am most concerned about finding a speaker that I won't find fatiguing over time or not engaging enough at lower volume levels. I listen to a number of music styles, but the two dominant are acoustic rock & instrumental music (piano, cello, etc.).
I briefly heard the Kef R3s and Kanta 1s. I liked both, but thought the Kanta 1s were more engaging. Their looks (flat plastic front & industrial stands), however, would not be a good fit. The other main issue is with room placement. The speakers will be in a 15x14 room which opens into two other larger rooms. The maximum the speakers can be placed away from the wall is about 34", so only 12" at most, depending on the speaker's depth (this was not an issue with Paradigm 85Fs that are being replaced). The main listening positioning is 7-9ft from the speakers, but in reality most of the listening is done from the adjacent kitchen area.
I would welcome any thoughts on how these speakers compare before arranging some day trips to hear the Kefs.
I briefly heard the Kef R3s and Kanta 1s. I liked both, but thought the Kanta 1s were more engaging. Their looks (flat plastic front & industrial stands), however, would not be a good fit. The other main issue is with room placement. The speakers will be in a 15x14 room which opens into two other larger rooms. The maximum the speakers can be placed away from the wall is about 34", so only 12" at most, depending on the speaker's depth (this was not an issue with Paradigm 85Fs that are being replaced). The main listening positioning is 7-9ft from the speakers, but in reality most of the listening is done from the adjacent kitchen area.
I would welcome any thoughts on how these speakers compare before arranging some day trips to hear the Kefs.