Kef LS50s - great like me but need to come up for air


So over the years I've really enjoyed my primary speaker the Kef LS50s. They work well in my current setup: Schiit Aegir, NAD preamp (class A) in a small room (11'x14').

Maybe I like them so much because they are very much like me: precise, balanced, neutral but not overly. Contrary to many they are more on the warm than bright side. You just need to know how to place them and match them to the right components. Like me :)

However, l've gone through a change. I need to and been told by my wife and doctors that I need to relax some and come up for air. I've been working on this for the past 2 years. Now I've seriously realized my beloved music system has come to the same change point.

Like me and my ears I'd like to find a speaker with the same basic qualities of the LS50s but that can come up for air - call it more relaxed, warm...whatever. Those in the know will know what I mean. I can explain this more if necessary.

My budget is up to 1,500.00...I've online researched Harbeths, Dynaudio Evoke 20, Usher, Spendor but don't really know where to go from here. I've thought about higher sensitivity speakers but most quality speakers are physically too large (maybe).

Any input is appreciated.

lmartinez_02170

I have had both evoke 20 and the small Harbeth. With my Pass lab integrated I preferred the Evoke(better bass and larger sound) over the small Harbeth. I also have a pair of the newer LS50 that I use with my tube amp. Using Dynaudio Special 40, and it is my favorite.

I have both ls50s and ls 50 metas.  If its the ls50s, you currently have, you really can't beat ls50 metas for overall performance for exactly your budget.

   

For that size room and sound, maybe an older pair of Vandersteen Model 1s or 2s?  Otherwise I'd second Harbeths.

For that budget you can get a new pair of Vandersteen 1Ci… still in production, constantly improved since 1977. The Meta Kef are excellent 2 !