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’m the original poster.  The hostility of some people here is very disturbing.  We’re talking about a hobby which is supposed to be fun!   Audiotroy I for one appreciate your input.  D2girls, chill out.  Let’s try to be civil and enjoy ourselves.  If I am now opening myself for attack by asking for some civility, so be it.  
Thanks for bringing this discussion back on topic.  I am liking the Reference 5s more as I listen to them over longer periods.  Don’t known if the speakers are still breaking in, whether I am getting used to their sound or (probably) a combination of both.  I followed a suggestion on this board and changed the speaker wires from the 8 ohm to the 4 ohm terminals on my Audio Research power amp, which seems to help.  I have an old Musical Fidelity P170 solid state power amp and I’ve been thinking of trying this with my Audio Research preamp and the KEF speakers just to hear any difference.  I also may be able to borrow a McIntosh solid state power amp for the same purpose.  Some have suggested that solid state amps pair better with the KEF Reference 5s than tube amps, which is why I’ve considered this experiment.  All input is very welcome.  
@fast I’m having the same experience as you are but with the Ref 3’s. I also had AR gear and finally switched to McIntosh. Yes so much better and almost liveable, but still not making me 100% happy with all my music. I did a lot to try and like these speakers, but I’m finally calling it quits. It’s 8 months later and going to cut my loss.