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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 yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,036 posts
 
I would just buy the KEF LS50 Wireless. A lot for sale used and discounts by KEF for new items. I use the KEF LS50 passive in a 12x11x9 room and the room needed to be treated with acoustic panels, but once that was done the KEF LS50 passive sounded excellent.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa23g2-kef-ls50-wireless-titanium-grey-red-speakers

In your smaller room the LS50W with it’s built in amp, DAC, and the DSP processing engine will optimize the speaker to your room. You may not even need room treatments like I needed. I have a feeling the LS50W is better sounding that what I have setup with my Peachtree Nova 150. Though, a few years ago, when I used the Benchmark AHB2 amp + DAC3 with the LS50’s the sound was amazing.

I will be upgrading the LS50 gear soon with the intention to buy again the Benchmark AHB2 amp and the new Benchmark LA4 preamp. I will get the new AudioByte Vox DAC, ZAP, and HUB ($12K total, no discounts new) . This will likely be better than the LS50W but look at how much money goes into raising above the LS50W. The LS50W already has all of these external components I will buy built into the speaker.

BTW - I am not sure how your TT can fit with the LS50W. You should research that if you decided to consider the LS50W
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