Still looking for speakers in the 10-20,000 range

I have the KEF Reference 5s and love them. They do everything that you like about the 3s, but just more of it.

They are also quite flexible with the type of amp you use with them. Do you want a front row seat in an intimate club? I ran them with a single MC275 and they sounded very warm and smooth and the music just enveloped you. Female vocals and acoustic music would just put you in a trance.

I recently switched to EC Nemo mono blocks and they are now just so dynamic and the bass is fast, tight and very controlled. Where the tube sound stage was deeper, the Nemos just exploded the sound stage all around with amazing detail and clarity.

As you know from the 3s, the fit and finish on them is wonderful and, though they are large, they are conservative enough to not stand out too much in a room making them very WAF-friendly.

I also have a pair of PMC fact.8s in my bedroom system.  At the lower end of your budget, they are also wonderful speakers if you are looking for a smaller footprint, yet keep that British sound you enjoy in the Reference 3s.

They are also well-made with furniture quality finishes.  The bass is better with the KEFs, but the fact.8s are really articulate and a joy to listen to.  I highly recommend an audition if you have a chance.

Bowers & Wilkins 803 D3 /thread

Thanks everyone.  OtherGreg, some questions specifically for you:
-Did you love the KEF Reference 5?speakers right out of the box or was there a break in period?  If so, how long did it take?
-which ports are you using (I know it’s location dependent)?
-how far apart are your speakers and how far from back and side walls?

Why the questions? I took a chance on the 5s and am still trying to fall in love with them.  It’s only been a couple of weeks.  I’m using an Audio Research amp and Pre amp—both tubes.  The sound so far seems “digital” for lack of a better word-not as full bodied and natural as I hoped for.  Also I’m not hearing the same soundstage as when I auditioned the speakers.  The treble can be harsh at times.   I’ve been moving them forwards, backwards and sideways and experimenting with toe in.  So far I haven’t found the magic. Obviously my room and equipment are different but I’m searching for solutions and appreciate any help.  

Your Proac 3.5 are better than any of the above for the most part!... Try the Eminent Technology 8bs. These will give you a 30 grand sound sold for $2500 ....

Keep it on one spot you think it’s ideal and let it break in. When you think it’s fully broken in, then move it around to find the perfect spot. I find that it’s better way to get use to the speakers tone and changes in tone as it break in as well.