New 2018 KEF R series...?

Joe - sounds like a challenging space, but those irregular surfaces will help w room nodes a bit
..have fun !!!!

Has anyone had an opportunity to contrast the new KEF R5/R7 with the existing R500/R700 series in the same audition?

If so, are the audible differences significant enough to pass up leftover R500/R700s at a great price?

My space is roughly 15’ x 15’ and I fear that the R700’s bass will dominate the room. I hear that the R7’s have tighter bass control. Has anyone validated this?

If you have freedom to move the speakers where you please then you can certainly find a spot the r7 will sound good. I think if there are any problems with placement and sound with the r700, you will have it with the r7. But 15x15 is big enough if you can make it a dedicated room.

Thanks -

I am sort of stuck here ... there aren't many places locally to properly audition the variety of interesting choices.

These would be strictly for 2-ch audio and I prefer speakers that are open and somewhat lively but not too bright. My current options are:

- KEF R500/R700 or R5/R7
- Paradigm Prestige 85F
- Monitor Audio Silver 300
- Dynaudio Excite x38

I would be driving these with either PS Audio M700 monoblocks or a Parasound Halo A23+, with a NAD c658 as the preamp/streamer.

Any clear winner(s) in the mix. Any others in a similar price range worth auditioning if possible?