Thanks again for the advice. I just heard the Parnadigm Persona 3f and was very impressed by the imaging, soundstage, and feeling that the performers were standing in front of me. The KEF Reference 3 and Monitor Audio PL300ii were at the top of my list but now I'm favoring the Paradigm. The dealer is going to have the Paradigm 5 set up to compare to the 3 when I go back later this week. It's great that the 3f is a third less than the KEF and Monitor Audio. I'm not sure it will be worth 70% extra--the price difference between the Paradigm Persona 3 and the 5--to get the additional bass. Seems like a huge upcharge for this. Listening will tell.
Paradigm 3f, KEF reference 3, Monitor Audio PL300II
I've been auditioning speakers in the $15,000 range and am almost ready to decide. My short list right now is the KEF Reference 3 and the Monitor Audio PL300II. I'm planning to hear the Paradigm Persona 3f this weekend. I've also heard speakers from B and W, Wilson, Wilson Benesch and Proac but none made the final cut. I really expected to be blown away by the Proacs and, while they were very good, I prefer the KEF and Monitor Audio. Unless the Paradigm is even better, it will be a tough call. They both seem to have great imaging and soundstage, reasonable bass and pretty life like presentations. We all know how hard it is to compare and contrast speakers, especially when there's a large time gap between listening sessions. The Monitor Audio dealer has offered to bring them to my house, set them up and let me live with them for a week at no cost. Sounds like a great offer but I don't want to accept if I'm leaning more towards the KEFs. Any helpful advice would be appreciated.