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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
helomech
1,673 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
4,811 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.
keysandguitars
1 posts
 
I'm new to Audiogon and somewhat new to Hifi. I purchased KEF Reference 3's a few months ago and love their sound stage and clarity. I am using a NAIM Supernait 2 which is rated at 80 wpc. I haven't had the need to go much past 10-11 o'clock on the volume, depending on the recording. They aren't the most efficient speaker out there, but I'm not having any difficulty driving them with my SN2. The room is about 15'x18'x8'. Hope that helps.
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fast OP
92 posts
 
Thanks to all for the helpful input.  I'm leaning toward the KEF Reference 3 but plan to wait a couple of weeks so I can hear the Ryans and see if anything new is announced at the CES--probably not but it's only two weeks away.  Yyz, thanks for the suggestion but I've checked with the five KEF Reference dealers within 100 miles of me and none stock the Reference 5.  I even called KEF and the closest dealer they could find who stocks the 5 is 350 miles away.  Anyone heard the 5 who can compare it to the Reference 3?  I'm reluctant to buy a speaker I've never heard, especially when some people have told me that the 3 actually sounds better, so the 5 may not be a consideration.   I will do some more research to make sure my 130watts/channel amplifier is sufficient.  The KEF specifications call for much less power.   Keys, welcome to the board and I appreciate the information.  I like the same things you do about the KEFs and may join you soon as an owner.
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