New Speakers under consideration - but I’m afraid

@ritter06 Given that you are scientific, I would suggest considering the KEF Reference range.  I have been absolutely blown away by the Reference 1 when compared with Focal and B&W costing several times as much.

The basic scientific reason is that the tweeter and midrange are concentric and emulate a point source. 

This means that both the direct sound and reflected sounds are coherent, especially in the cross-over region, whereas separated drivers interfere.  Sure, careful time-alignment and clamping your head in a sweet-spot help, but there will be cancellations and reinforcements in the floor, wall and ceiling reflections.

There are lots of other subtleties which KEF detail in their 40-page White Paper.  I have never seen anything that technical from B&W.

I agree the KEF LS50s are awesome speakers for the money, which is why they are a stand-out in their price range.  I listen to a pair most days, at my partner's place.

The KEF Reference series are 10 to 30 times as expensive, and in my opinion are even better value!  So obviously I think my Reference 1 speakers are good.  The same coincident tweeter / mid-range unit is used in the Reference range.  The more expensive, the more bass drivers you get, which is not necessarily a good thing for overall coherence.