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KEF and Paradigm

Anyone want to help a fellow audiophile decide among speakers?   I've been listening to many and narrowed it down to the Paradigm Persona 5 and KEF Reference 3.  I would consider the Reference 5 but can't find it anywhere.  While there are many things I like about the Persona, I'm also kind of knocked out by the wide and holographic sound of the KEFs  (a salesman also is urging me to hear the Ryan Tempess iii before choosing--and there's the new Magico due shortly--although I heard the Magico S1 and wasn't that impressed--I know the upcoming model will have lower bass extension at a lesser price).  My amplifier is 130 watts/channel and the room is fairly large (29x17).  I'm really  leaning toward the KEFs. I totally understand that no one else can decide for me but before I pull the trigger I would appreciate input on this board.  I've read so many good things about the Personas and listened to them several times but keep returning to the KEFs. Of course listening in a store isn't the same as living with them over time. Would I regret the KEFs over the long term?
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Showing 6 responses by fast

fast OP
92 posts
 
Thanks to all for the helpful input.  I'm leaning toward the KEF Reference 3 but plan to wait a couple of weeks so I can hear the Ryans and see if anything new is announced at the CES--probably not but it's only two weeks away.  Yyz, thanks for the suggestion but I've checked with the five KEF Reference dealers within 100 miles of me and none stock the Reference 5.  I even called KEF and the closest dealer they could find who stocks the 5 is 350 miles away.  Anyone heard the 5 who can compare it to the Reference 3?  I'm reluctant to buy a speaker I've never heard, especially when some people have told me that the 3 actually sounds better, so the 5 may not be a consideration.   I will do some more research to make sure my 130watts/channel amplifier is sufficient.  The KEF specifications call for much less power.   Keys, welcome to the board and I appreciate the information.  I like the same things you do about the KEFs and may join you soon as an owner.
fast OP
92 posts
 
Still not finding any place to hear the KEF Reference 5 within 350 miles, after many inquiries.  If I could hear them and was impressed, I would be willing to spend the extra cost over the Reference 3. Here's what puzzles me.  Dealers tell me there are at least two reasons for not stocking speakers like this--floor space and, they claim, they have to buy the speakers in order to have them on the floor (seems to be an industry practice-- just with KEF).  Understandably, dealers are reluctant to invest in too many expensive components.  But why don't companies like KEF just loan speakers to some dealers, knowing that the products won't sell if they can't be heard?  I asked a KEF representative but didn't really get an answer.   I know little about the economics of the audio business but am curious about this apparently sales limiting practice.
fast OP
92 posts
 
Thanks for the helpful comments.  My amp is Audio Research, tubes, about 130 watts/channel.  I believe this is enough power for both the KEF Reference 3 and 5.  At least one person has told me that the 5 actually doesn't sound as good as the 3-- that despite more bass it sounds less integrated (their word).  I could be tempted to buy the 5 without ever hearing it, based on hearing the 3 but I hate to take the risk that I won't like it as much.  Anyone from KEF who participates on this board?
fast OP
92 posts
 
Pdwoods and Schubert-have you heard some of the newer KEF models, including the Reference 3 and Reference 5 I'm considering?  How do they compare to the ones you so fondly remember?  Pd, would new KEFs be a solution for you?
fast OP
92 posts
 
Thanks yyz. Have to say I'm skeptical though about reviews in Stereophile and Absolute Sound since they're reviewing their advertisers and almost never publish a negative review of anything.  Still interesting to read but not very objective.  
fast OP
92 posts
 
The KEF Reference speakers are still made in the UK.  I bought the Reference 5s, despite not being able to hear them in a store. I really liked the Reference 3 and figured the 5 would be similar but with more bass.  When they arrived, I had some doubts because they didn’t have the same holographic sound stage and imaging I liked in the 3. I even considered trading them for something else. Took many months and lots of adjustments to speaker placement but now they are great.  
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