New KEF Reference 5 speakers


After many months of auditioning speakers (and probably testing the patience of several salesmen) I finally decided to get the KEF Reference 5s.  I just loved the wide sound stage and almost holographic imaging, among other things.  They were delivered in February and I’ve spent many hours listening.  At first I was disappointed.  They just didn’t produce the same imaging at my house with my equipment as in the store.  Also, they sounded bright and harsh with violins and high end music.  The dealer came to my house along with the regional sales rep from KEF to provide advice.  They urged me to allow more break in time (at that point they had been played about 100 hours). After many more hours, I am becoming more acquainted with them.  They are still improving with time.  Them break in period seems to be very lon. They’ve played several hundred hours and are still improving. They are extremely source sensitive—meaning that a poorly engineered record or CD will sound terrible and a well recorded one can be great.  I suppose this is a good thing with the KEFS-that they reveal flaws so well says something about their accuracy. Unfortunately there seem to be more bad recordings than good ones so I’m finding many of my CDs and records very difficult to listen to.  I am still experimenting with speaker placement, learning which recordings are really good and which aren’t and other tweaks.  Not totally convinced it’s love but we are at least in like and the relationship is moving in a positive direction. I’ve delayed posting anything until now because I didn’t want to share any premature conclusions.  
fast
Thanks, Greenman. I listen in an unusual room that may make my generalizations invalid. And I haven't heard a recent KEF Reference. But the ones I had were certainly more polite than my ATCs -- less detailed and in your face, for sure. As my Irish mother used to say (much to my confusion as a child): "It takes all kinds, said the lady as she kissed the cow."
Let me know if any other inane folk wisdom might be helpful.
M
Hi m669326

Yes I think the set up and room size/shape makes a immense difference. And I think the old kef references and the newer ones are probably on different ends of the sound spectrum. Eg with uni-Q and metal dome tweeters the new ref will sound more detailed and sparkling than the older ones. However maybe the old one sounds more musical? Not sure havent heard one before in person. But I'm sure they are totally different animals haha. Heard a kef 107 youtube demo before...sounds more old school/musical kind of sound. very different to the newer ones. 

And a lot of times, front end gear/dac/cabling will make a immense difference too in terms of system synergy. I dont think there's a need to compare esp online haha. Can go listen in person if you are interested - or just enjoy your current speakers :)

Regards
Ben

Old thread I know, I have been trying a pair and initially they sound good tight base clear highs. But after 3 weeks they are sounding thin and kind of lifeless. Added back in my modded Tyler Acoustic Halo Extreme and the 3d was back the excitement and vibrant sound had returned. I have about 6k into these speakers you would think the kef would blow them away. Not.