Assistance in selecting new speakers…


Welcome advice on selecting a new set of speakers for our “great room” home theater set-up.  We have KEF Reference Model Two (FL, FR) Monitor audio silver (C), and KEF 103.2’s (SL,SR), and Emotiva s12 powered  subwoofer.  Emotiva Xmc2 processor, Rotel RB-985 multi-channel amp.  The room dimensions are 17’ x 25’ with vaulted ceilings (~12’ at the peak).   I will likely need to upgrade my amp and possibly my Sub. Priority is  listening to music (except heavy metal and rap) and I have a family who likes to watch movies, so I have to consider this as a close second.  I’ve purchased KEF for the last 25+ years, so that is a factor.  I’m looking at two options for the types of speakers, architectural and free standing, with the trade off being the architectural set-up is a cleaner look, which for a multi-purpose room is desirable, but not at a considerable loss of fidelity. Since I lean toward KEF, I am looking at Ci3160RLM (FL,C,FR), Ci200Rs-THX (SL, SR) for the architectural option, and R7 or R5 (FL, FR), R2 (C), R3 (SL, SR).   I’m not sure about what subwoofer to choose.  My budget is ~ $15K-$20K (including a new Sub and power amp). 

Would appreciate if you could provide advice on what I’m not  considering, what assumptions I’m making which may not be accurate etc.  For example,  in the proposed new set-up could there be a noticeable difference in the fidelity between the architectural speakers and the free standing speakers?   What are alternatives to KEF, whether new/used, e.g., Focal,  which you would recommend I consider?   Any thoughts on a multi-channel amp and subwoofer upgrade?
 

Thanks for your time and consideration. 

 

 

johnmcnaughton

My suggestion is to discover the whole world of speakers outside of KEF.... not slamming KEF, but they’re one speaker manufacturer amongst dozens and dozens. It’s ironic, but there are no loyalty obligations in the world of high "fidelity" . 😂

Vandersteen, Sonus Faber, Focal, Fyne, Salk, Revel, etc

The Joseph Audio Perspective 2s are worth a serious look, or if you’re open to used these Pearl 3s could be your end-game speakers and no sub really required.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650017479-joseph-audio-pearl-3-speakers/

there are about 50 great manufacturers that sell speakers over 10K. (I can send you the list if you are interested)
KEF is giant ($wise) brand in the audiophile world with nearly a 100 million in revenue. 

What is architectural in this context?

Grislybutter,

thanks for your response.  I would like to see the list. I’ll admit, I’ve been a “KEF” guy, and I need to explore other options.  In this context, architectural is Built in wall and/or ceiling speakers. 
 

best regards,

 

JRM