2. speakers
  3. 143716-124268

KEF LS50 or Wharfedale Reva 2 -- which would you buy?

Hi all,

I am considering upgrading my speakers and am between the KEF LS50 and Wharfedale Reva 2 speakers. I'm not able to hear either one where I am located so am looking for some input.

I am also able to get the Reva 2s for about half the price of the LS50, but if the KEFs are the right move I am ok spending more time saving for them.

Some notes to consider:

- Speakers will be used only for music, not TV/ movies
- Receiver is an older Denon DRA 825R (90 watts/ channel into 8 ohms). Minimum is 6ohms (please don't suggest I get the UB5s).
- Turntable is Pro-ject Carbon Debut
- Room is about 15x17 apartment living room
- I listen to everything from classic rock to jazz to classical. I don't listen to hip hop, house, or modern pop.

I am really just looking for beautiful sounding (and nice looking) speakers at $1k or less (I can get the LS50 for $1k or the Reva 2s for $450). I live in an apartment so the music is never loud, just looking for great sounding speakers.

The reviews on both seem very good. The LS50 is clearly a more popular speaker. I guess the question there is -- is it worth an extra $550 for me?

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
coaster86
towertone's avatar
towertone
82 posts
 
My experience with the LS50s were in a small loft a few years ago and loved them for near-field listening. After moving to a large house I needed to add a sub but was never happy and have since moved up to floor-standing speakers.

Now a little back story. I wanted so bad to try the KEF R-300 but at the time the LS50s were $500 cheaper. Recently I heard a pair of KEF R-3 bookshelf speakers and OMG I was blown away. If you can find the spare change at all you might want to audition these AFTER trying the Wharfs and LS50s. They had more bass (the tight good kind....) than any bookshelf I'd ever heard. 
bsmg
296 posts
 
I get emails from Music Direct and got one today that says they are selling the Kef LS50 for $999 They say regular price is $1,599
The email also says "free shipping on orders over $49
ethan_bennett
11 posts
 
Some of the only speakers I've had my ears. LS50. Hands down. Wharfdale is fine but they're bland and market friendly. The KEFs are made by a soulless Corp but actually HAVE soul. They really sound great.
ratboysr's avatar
ratboysr
60 posts
 
I have a virtually new pair of Wharfedale Jade 1's (probably 30 hours of listening on them) if those are of interest to you. Burgundy Burl high-gloss finish. They're beautiful. Priced in between your two options. Fantastic sound in mids and highs.
hatz
6 posts
 
If you can, consider purchasing both from Music Direct and return the one you like the least. They have a 60 day return policy.
More to discover