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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
ejhbay's avatar
ejhbay
2 posts
 
I have no experience with the Kef speakers but do own the Wharfedale Reva 4..I would definitely give the Reva's a try. The build quality is second to none and I really am enjoying my Reva 4's..They are totally different sound than I'm used to and yes they are not an exciting sound.. They just sound great! On anything I throw at them..They do not colour the sound at all or add anything. I just came back from a friend's who was running ATC active 50's and I was enjoying the sound out of my Reva's just as much..(not saying the Reva's are as good or better than ATC).. I think the Reva's just got missed... With all the great speakers out there. I am powering them with a California Audio Labs mca 2500 and they handle the power great which I was afraid wouldn't .. For the price alone give them a try !!!!!
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dolsey
16 posts
 
Just a head's up, now that the Sonus Faber Venere line has been discontinued, you can pick up new stock for close to 50% off or what amounts to dealer cost.  The 1.5 and 2.0 had great reviews and while they might not be the Sonus Faber of old, they are still a really nice speaker.  Some couldn't get past the fact that they were made in China but I can tell you they are extremely well made.  I replaced a more expensive pair of larger speakers with the 2.0 and a Sumiko S.9 sub (Made by SF and also discontinued).   They are what I considered a Goldilocks speaker.
sharbatgula
19 posts
 

I agree with dolsey about Sonus Faber Venere.
In my opinion they are in the same sound family as B&W (and also cone materials) but in my listening test Venere did not suffer the cupped hand coloration. I guess they are using higher order crossover and they do cross at 2.5 kHz. They also have less aggressive twitter. I remember I particularly enjoyed large orchestral works on them.
They have fantastic design and look gorgeous.
coaster86 OP
12 posts
 
Thanks @dolsey and @sharbatgula -- these speakers are beautiful. I read up on some of the reviews and people seems to be big fans. They’re running about $1,100 or so now for a new pair of black/white 2.0s. Really beautiful speakers. I do like the front port as well. I’ve got a relatively small apartment so I appreciate that flexibility.

I was able to hear the KEF R300s and R3s this weekend. I was a big fan of both. Personally I would be drawn to the R300s over the R3 because of the price difference (can’t justify the extra $700 for the cost of the R3s.)

There is no where anywhere really to hear the Veneres. I would be looking at the 2.0s - so if anyone else wants to weight in on this it’s appreciated.

Thanks again for all of your guys thoughts. You’re all really helpful, and I am thankful for that.
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