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KEF and Paradigm

Anyone want to help a fellow audiophile decide among speakers?   I've been listening to many and narrowed it down to the Paradigm Persona 5 and KEF Reference 3.  I would consider the Reference 5 but can't find it anywhere.  While there are many things I like about the Persona, I'm also kind of knocked out by the wide and holographic sound of the KEFs  (a salesman also is urging me to hear the Ryan Tempess iii before choosing--and there's the new Magico due shortly--although I heard the Magico S1 and wasn't that impressed--I know the upcoming model will have lower bass extension at a lesser price).  My amplifier is 130 watts/channel and the room is fairly large (29x17).  I'm really  leaning toward the KEFs. I totally understand that no one else can decide for me but before I pull the trigger I would appreciate input on this board.  I've read so many good things about the Personas and listened to them several times but keep returning to the KEFs. Of course listening in a store isn't the same as living with them over time. Would I regret the KEFs over the long term?
fast
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
Fast, I would buy the KEF's in a heartbeat. But here is what I'm worried about for you. The Ref 3's 91db rating is a little misleading as these speakers are 4ohm, it will take a AMP of considerable power (300watts) to make them really open up and drive a fairly large space as you described. So It will be a letdown for sure with only 130watts :-(  If you want these speakers plan on getting a proper amp to drive them.


Matt M
contuzzi
295 posts
 
Both are great speakers....

however — what were the listening environments like for each speaker?  What gear, what was the room like etc?

I’d personally go with the Persona, but either way you’re going to be happy.  
helomech
766 posts
 
^^ The KEFs will NOT require 300 watts to open up in a room that size, despite their low nominal impedance. That’s a complete load of rubbish. Efficiency is a combination of sensitivity and impedance.The phase angles matter more than the nominal impedance.
yyzsantabarbara
647 posts
 
You should contact a few KEF dealers (there are a lot) and ask if they have any demo REF 5's if you are interested in buying them. I am looking around for KEF 1 or 3's myself and a couple of the dealers I spoke or emailed had demo units they asked me if I would be interested in.

There were a few REF's on A' Gon last month and they will reappear the day you buy your KEF or Persona's. Though I prefer to buy speakers from a dealer. Other electronics have no issue with used.
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