New 2018 KEF R series...?

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?

Hypersonic

We sell both the Kef and the Paradigms. The Prestige are very exciting loudspeakers but they tend to be a bit on the more forward side. They are very punchy with great bass. 

The Dynaudio's are very musical they do not have the same level of detail and the same quality of Soundstaging as the KEFs. 

The new Kef R Series are smoother than the outgoing R series, they have a huge soundstage and great tight bass, fanastic performers for the price. 

We would recomend a package of the Mytek Brooklyn with the A23 for a great combo, the other killer package is the new Parasound Hint.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ 

Has anyone compared the R11's to a speaker such as the REF 3? I can find used pairs for 8, and the R11's are about half that but have that R5 look. I'm not sure if the extra bass makes up for the benefits of the reference line. I'm sure the Ref 5 is better, but nobody has those used.

I'm also thinking of selling my Monitor Audio 100's (on my desk), for either the R3's or LS50 Wireless.

Neither my desk nor living room has any flexibility in placement. So they have to go next to my monitor, and in the living room L/R of my TV. 

I'm looking for a great near-field solution for a desk. 

Options: I do already own a Peachtree Sky & Audioquest Bi-Wire Cables.

KEF R300: $1,200
R3: $2,000
LS50 Wireless: $2,000

Heard R3s yesterday for the first time. Very nice. Would strongly consider owning. Just picked up a pair of ls50s for the current reduced price. They just went on stands in my 12x12 office. Very nice right out of the box even!   I am using a sub with them which fills out the bill nicely. R3 could likely get by sans sub quite nicely in many rooms.