New KEF Reference 5 speakers


After many months of auditioning speakers (and probably testing the patience of several salesmen) I finally decided to get the KEF Reference 5s.  I just loved the wide sound stage and almost holographic imaging, among other things.  They were delivered in February and I’ve spent many hours listening.  At first I was disappointed.  They just didn’t produce the same imaging at my house with my equipment as in the store.  Also, they sounded bright and harsh with violins and high end music.  The dealer came to my house along with the regional sales rep from KEF to provide advice.  They urged me to allow more break in time (at that point they had been played about 100 hours). After many more hours, I am becoming more acquainted with them.  They are still improving with time.  Them break in period seems to be very lon. They’ve played several hundred hours and are still improving. They are extremely source sensitive—meaning that a poorly engineered record or CD will sound terrible and a well recorded one can be great.  I suppose this is a good thing with the KEFS-that they reveal flaws so well says something about their accuracy. Unfortunately there seem to be more bad recordings than good ones so I’m finding many of my CDs and records very difficult to listen to.  I am still experimenting with speaker placement, learning which recordings are really good and which aren’t and other tweaks.  Not totally convinced it’s love but we are at least in like and the relationship is moving in a positive direction. I’ve delayed posting anything until now because I didn’t want to share any premature conclusions.  
fast
I listened extensively to the REF 1 (well broken in) and it was a big disappointment, especially since I loved the KEF LS50s.  
The REF 1 come off as metallic and un-natural.  If the REF 5s are voiced similarly I can understand your hesitation.  
The REF 1s were hugely over priced even at a substantial discount from original MSRP.  
Strongly consider exchanging them for something more natural sounding.  
@avanti1960 May I ask what equipment you heard with the Reference 1s?  I agree that at $8000 USD MSRP, they're not the best value out there.
i heard the Kef Ref 5 at 2 different dealers. The second demo was terrible compared to the first which was very good. Different acoustic space and different associated components.my suggestion would be to  try  replicating the same as the dealer or change speakers. i always do a home demo with my equipment before any purchase.
I was quick to jump on the KEF Reference 1 bandwagon two years ago when they were first introduced in the US.  After many listening hours, I gave up and sold them.  They were the most disappointing purchase I ever made.  I think KEF speakers are very good, but this model is not one of them.
http://https//www.stereophile.com/content/kef-reference-5-loudspeaker-measurements

Looking at the impedance of your KEFs in the Stereophile review they're not exactly an easy load and you should drive them from the 4 Ohm tap of your ARC amp.

That impedance peak around 2.5kHz might also make your tube amp to highlight a little the frequencies in that region, making the speakers sound harsh.

I would try a SS amp that wouldn't have a problem driving them properly.