2. speakers
  3. 156612-144485

Rega, Totem, or KEF bookshelf speakers?

In an earlier forum I asked about converting a 10x10 room into a listening room. My concern was whether or not it would be too small. After reading the responses—thanks to everyone who made suggestions, including those who had me spending well beyond my hoped-for budget!—I've gained confidence to move forward. Now for the speakers. I've narrowed my choice (for the moment, of course) to three: the KEF LS50, the choice of several respondents in the first forum; the Rega RX1; and the Totem Rainmaker. All are in my price range and, though the Totem are only available used, they can be found. 

As I'm new to audio, I've not heard any of these speakers. Reviews read, yes, suggestions from friends and more experienced listeners, yes; but no first-hand experience, and in our current circumstances, hearing anything in a shop isn't likely. So I'd be glad to hear from those who have heard these.

My power source will be modest, an integrated amp between 50-75w (NAD C 320BEE or Luxman R-115 receiver in the house right now; maybe the Rega Brio or something similar in the future), and I'll only be playing vinyl. A Rega P3 is my TT. The thought of an all-Rega room is attractive, if the RX 1's are a good choice. Any thoughts are appreciated.
anton99

Showing 1 response by kren0006

kren0006
1,859 posts
 
I auditioned three bookshelf speakers in a very small listening room. Spent probably half hour listening to each of three.

Spendor SA1, Rega RX One, and Linn Majik 109. Didn’t like the Rega in comparison to the other two (sounded thin and sloppy). Linn and Spendor both nice but more expensive. I would have needed more than the hour to determine a winner between Spendor and Zlinn. Amp was Rega Elex-R with Rega Apollo CD player for the demo.

It was a year ago so beyond these notes that I jotted on my phone now copied above I don’t remember much


In general I like Rega amps more than Rega speakers

Of your choices I’d go Kef. But that’s me. Speaker choice is very personal. But the three I listened to definitely sounded quite different. Your preference might be directly opposite mine

More to discover