Replacing KEF LS50s with Reference 1s

You can try fmod attenuators for really cheap. I hear they are fairly transparent. Can buy off amazon. High pass in most frequencies. Would go into the rca input signal in your amp. 

I've proposed moving the racing red LS50s to side surround duty in the media room, but my wife wants them to remain in the living room, so Reference 1s may be out.  I think I'll reconnect the HGS-10s and SMS-1 bass-manager, but the Ayre preamp provides no bass management (nor does my Parasound JC 2 BP) so the LS50s will run full range.  I suppose I could insert the SMS-1 between the Ayre preamp and amp, but that would violate the all-Ayre balanced link from source to speaker.

db

ohlala
I'm considering a pair of used Reference 1s with stands, but you're correct that at best the sale of 5 LS50s will likely cover less than half the cost.

mountainsoung
My experience with KEF Reference speakers is limited to the pair of 107/2s and a 204/2C I now enjoy, but the LS50s are amazing speakers.

Also as posted Ref 1 are in a different class of product

We sell both brands

The Coda electronics are wonderfal and their tonality and bass control are outstanding.

Troy 
Www.audiodoctor.com

anyone with experience mating the Ref 1 or Ref 3 with a CODA CSX (first 30 watts Class A), 330 into 8 and  660 into 4ohm?

"The two-way design eliminates the bass congestion of the LS50, so the gain is better bandwidth, more detail and more open sound. "

The Reference 1 is a three way, remember the Uni-Q driver is a coaxial 2 way.

I sold the ref 1 to buy the ref 3. Exactly what I was expecting.
Best of luck 

I had owned the Ref 1 and ref 3. The reference line it is a totally different league that doesn't even deserve to be compare with the LS50.
Regards 

I have not owned either, but have heard them in an A/B. The two-way design eliminates the bass congestion of the LS50, so the gain is better bandwidth, more detail and more open sound. My opinion is the improvement is large. I do not think selling 2.5 pairs of LS50 is going to come very close in covering a pair of reference 1s, though.

If I had 5 of the same speakers, I would sell  them as 2 pairs and 1 center channel and be willing to sell the pairs and single speaker separately.  The chances are much less if you try to sell or swap all 5 for the other speaker.  At any rate, I would post an ad here on Audiogon.