Need new speakers, within budget, How about KEF?


Looking to upgrade my current speakers - Q Acoustics 3050

I’ve been helping a couple friends out, getting their systems started by giving them my old gear. I thought this a perfect time to upgrade my speakers, since one of my friends really wants my 3050s.

When I first bought the 3050s, my budget was low, and after seeing them win "best speakers under $1k" two years in a row at Whathifi, I pulled the trigger. I have thoroughly enjoyed them, but at $600/pair, I know there are many other options out there.

My budget now is $1600 new/used. I’ve been looking at the KEF line, and have had my eye on the LS50, Q900, and R100/300. Unfortunately, there is no way to audition KEFS or most other speakers where I live, unless I go to the local Best Buy, which is limited to B&Ws, Definitive Tech, and some Martin Logans..

Others I’ve been looking at:
Dali, Tannoy, Monitor Audio, Dynaudio, or trying the ELAC line with mods.

I am using an ELAC S10 subwoofer right now, if that makes a difference.

Source: Cambridge Audio CXA80
Room dimensions: 13’ x 11’

Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

Robert
128x128robelvick

Showing 2 responses by helomech

You might consider the Epos K-2 towers if you like a British sound without the Harbeth price. Epos speakers have great balance, tone and dynamics but not at the expense of detail. I've been changing speakers like socks lately and my old $400 Epos Epics have performance on par with everything I've tried between $1500 and  $4k, no exaggeration.
@899bk

I agree the LS50s are actually an underrated speaker, even despite all their positive press. The midrange is hard to beat. IMO, they’re even better than Magicos and Wilsons in that regard because they have a far more natural tone. Since you like the KEFs so much, I highly suggest you audition a pair of Spendor Classic 2/3s - a very similar tonal balance and coherence. They sound very much like the LS50s but with greater scale and bass. Orchestral music will sound far more effortless in a room of that size. Their imaging is at least 90% as good as the KEFs.