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KEF LS50 or Wharfedale Reva 2 -- which would you buy?

Hi all,

I am considering upgrading my speakers and am between the KEF LS50 and Wharfedale Reva 2 speakers. I'm not able to hear either one where I am located so am looking for some input.

I am also able to get the Reva 2s for about half the price of the LS50, but if the KEFs are the right move I am ok spending more time saving for them.

Some notes to consider:

- Speakers will be used only for music, not TV/ movies
- Receiver is an older Denon DRA 825R (90 watts/ channel into 8 ohms). Minimum is 6ohms (please don't suggest I get the UB5s).
- Turntable is Pro-ject Carbon Debut
- Room is about 15x17 apartment living room
- I listen to everything from classic rock to jazz to classical. I don't listen to hip hop, house, or modern pop.

I am really just looking for beautiful sounding (and nice looking) speakers at $1k or less (I can get the LS50 for $1k or the Reva 2s for $450). I live in an apartment so the music is never loud, just looking for great sounding speakers.

The reviews on both seem very good. The LS50 is clearly a more popular speaker. I guess the question there is -- is it worth an extra $550 for me?

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
coaster86
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
829 posts
 
 Coaster,
Are you open to floorstanding speakers?  Buying pre owned?  What type of sound do you like best?

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9aeha-vandersteen-2ce-signature-full-range

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9a41f-totem-model-1-bookshelf-speakers-black-pair-14910-monitor...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9ag5j-totem-acoustic-sttaf-floorstanding-full-range-speakers-bl...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9a118-psb-imagine-b-bookshelf-full-range

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis99jg4-totem-acoustic-mani-2-speaker-mahogany-finish-2-full-rang...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9ai2f-dynaudio-excite-x18-compact-2-way-loudspeaker-monitors


https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9a340-pbn-audio-micro-monitor-superb-speaker-system-monitors

coaster86 OP
9 posts
 
@b_limo thanks for all of these. I will have a look through. Do you have an opinion on the KEF R3s? The reviews are stellar and I think they can be a good option. There is a blemished used set on Audiogon not too far from my price range, so I figured I'd ask your opinion.

Also you mentioned above that I had two broken paradigms but I think you may have meant that message to someone else (I didn't have that experience).
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
829 posts
 
I honestly haven’t heard either to any extent.  I cN go listen to the R3’s today if you want!

I think that the R3 or even the R300 would make you happy.  It’s my guess that they will have alot of the same magic as LS50’s only they will have more bass AND be easier to drive.  They would probably sound fantastic with your denon too!

Kef Direct has R300’s for $1299 and theres a pair of R3’s here on Audiogon for $1260!


mzkmxcv
558 posts
 
LS50 needs a subwoofer in my opinion. The Reva is really good, but not super dynamic.
coaster86 OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for that feedback guys. The R3s I was looking at here just sold (damn - now I really want them - you know how that is), so maybe I'll hang for a bit and see if another pair comes around. I think what I've gleaned from the feedback is that people like the UniQs but the LS50s are a bit weak in the bass area and likely an inefficient match for my amp. The R3s and R300s are probably good options for me as several people have mentioned.

I think I'm shying away from floorstanding speakers due to space but I do appreciate your guys' recommendations.


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