Well your certainly open-minded about things and that's good. If I recall I have heard the KEF's and I've heard the Linn Keilidhs, not the 2150's (sp.) and alot of JMlab stuff one day at a dealer (Big ones with Tube technology amps running them). I really had a hard time getting a feel for the KEF's in such a poor listening environment that they were in, didn't care for the Keilidhs, although they may not sound anything like the 2150's, and the JMLabs weren't bad, but nothing took me. I know that's rather non-descript and its been awhile since I heard them and partly why I can't give you more detail. If you're undecide among which to get, my suspicion is none of them are what you're looking for, aside from them being in your price range and you want a new set of speakers (which I can understand). What you might want to look into, at $1000 less, would be a pair of Biro L/1's. They aren't floorstanders, but the sound is more than capable. I've owned mine for over a year and really can't think of anything I want want over them, a few things in the five-figure ballpark catch my curiousity, but even then I'm skeptical. They are factory direct from avahifi.com and you have 30 days. They are definatly better than the B&W Matrix 801's, minus the deepest bass and the highest spl's. However, the only speaker to this day that I can remember hearing that offered something the L/1's didn't, outside those two factors, was the Avalon Radians, better soundstaging outside the speakers. But in defense they were in a room with $27k worth of acoustic treatment. And if you want more bass, the matching sub is $1400 or so, putting you a little over your $2500 price point. I'd try them though, they are one of the few high-end products well-engineered and truly worth their asking price. You got nothing to lose and you won't have to put up with any dealers, just a highly opinionated engineer, if its frank who answers the phone, Aado, on the other hand, is incredibly gentle in disposition, or so it seems. Good Luck!
Help! Deciding btwn several 2.5K spkrs
I've been listening to quite a few speakers in the $2,500 range and would love to hear any input on those I am considering--JM Lab Cobalt 820, Linn 5140, Kef Reference 2.2, Vienna Acoustics Mozart. I'm using a Linn Majik integrated amp, which is rated at 60 watts. I know that speakers are a personal choice, but it would be helpful to hear any of your experiences with these products, whether you think any would not match well with my amp, or if you think all of my choices are utter crap! Also, am I correct in eliminating from consideration all 4 ohm speakers due to my limited wattage? Thanks!!!!!