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KEF LS50 or Wharfedale Reva 2 -- which would you buy?

Hi all,

I am considering upgrading my speakers and am between the KEF LS50 and Wharfedale Reva 2 speakers. I'm not able to hear either one where I am located so am looking for some input.

I am also able to get the Reva 2s for about half the price of the LS50, but if the KEFs are the right move I am ok spending more time saving for them.

Some notes to consider:

- Speakers will be used only for music, not TV/ movies
- Receiver is an older Denon DRA 825R (90 watts/ channel into 8 ohms). Minimum is 6ohms (please don't suggest I get the UB5s).
- Turntable is Pro-ject Carbon Debut
- Room is about 15x17 apartment living room
- I listen to everything from classic rock to jazz to classical. I don't listen to hip hop, house, or modern pop.

I am really just looking for beautiful sounding (and nice looking) speakers at $1k or less (I can get the LS50 for $1k or the Reva 2s for $450). I live in an apartment so the music is never loud, just looking for great sounding speakers.

The reviews on both seem very good. The LS50 is clearly a more popular speaker. I guess the question there is -- is it worth an extra $550 for me?

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
coaster86
ethan_bennett
11 posts
 
Some of the only speakers I've had my ears. LS50. Hands down. Wharfdale is fine but they're bland and market friendly. The KEFs are made by a soulless Corp but actually HAVE soul. They really sound great.
ratboysr's avatar
ratboysr
60 posts
 
I have a virtually new pair of Wharfedale Jade 1's (probably 30 hours of listening on them) if those are of interest to you. Burgundy Burl high-gloss finish. They're beautiful. Priced in between your two options. Fantastic sound in mids and highs.
hatz
6 posts
 
If you can, consider purchasing both from Music Direct and return the one you like the least. They have a 60 day return policy.
tastyfreeze's avatar
tastyfreeze
135 posts
 
Banging Pairs.

rsure
29 posts
 
In reply to b_limo’s post with regard to the Kef LS50 wireless speakers - my experience has unfortunately not been so positive. While I enjoyed the sound I had significant reliability issues to the extent that after going through 4 replacements within a year, the dealer actually took them back for a full refund! 

I learnt firsthand the downside to such active systems where if anything happens to it you’re out of a system completely. And it doesnt help that the warranty is a miserly 1 year. Also doesn’t give you the option to mix and match components which is an exciting part of this hobby.

I’ve since moved to a pair of Dynaudio Emit M20 speakers with a PS Audio Sprout 100 amplifier and am quite happy with this setup although the highs are no comparison to the Kef LS50 wireless.

Apologies for not addressing the OPs question about the passive LS50s and Wharfedales.
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