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

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 !

 

How are the LS 50s Placed ... ??? ... positioned with toe in ... ? try no toe in.

 

Synthetic AI ***

Wow..thanks everyone for the responses. I have some options to look into.

rego has a good question that highlights my quest - the ls50s are ever so slightly toed in...5 to 10 degrees at most. However, I'm pretty sure I'm getting their best which I said before is great. I really spent a lot of time with the best placement.

But my age, ears, preferences are changing for good measure. I'm older...I don't necessary prefer the sharp, focused, ferrai sports with body hugging seats...now I prefer to go slower, take turns easy, have a smoke and enjoy the scenery when I'm driving. I still prefer quality though. Maybe the best Jaguar for post middle aged male. Hope this makes sense. It does to me.