twwen2 Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 ps one thing I will say about the KEFs is that they are reasonably easy to drive well. I think it really depends on the amp. For instance, my Brio-R sounded ok with the Dynaudios, but really struggled to bring the LS50's to life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathaniel Posted August 13, 2013 Author Share Posted August 13, 2013 1500 for the 160's was what put them under my radar in the first place. Otherwise i would have gone LS50 and never looked back. I get this feeling that I'll regret it if I don't jump one of those pairs. As before, my top priorities are imaging, transparency and ability to fill the room. When it comes to bass I prefer quick, tight with a visceral punch- and what I'm hearing makes me think that the 160 would be bass monsters in a small room (i listened to them in a room larger than my own)- which I do not want. can anyone comment on this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krispy Audio Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Imaging and transparency would surely have to go to the point source Kefs I would have thought. And ability to fill the room to the Dyns lol! I wouldn't be worried about the Dyns with bass though. Sure they've got a good bottom end, but if the amplification is matched well it's not going to be out of hand. Sorry if that's not much help... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twwen2 Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Pretty much. The Dyns have a looser bottom end (relatively), but with the right amplification they can be controlled without issue. Either speaker will "fill the room". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gemini07 Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 1500 for the 160's was what put them under my radar in the first place. Otherwise i would have gone LS50 and never looked back. I get this feeling that I'll regret it if I don't jump one of those pairs. As before, my top priorities are imaging, transparency and ability to fill the room. When it comes to bass I prefer quick, tight with a visceral punch- and what I'm hearing makes me think that the 160 would be bass monsters in a small room (i listened to them in a room larger than my own)- which I do not want. can anyone comment on this? I've owned both brands and have found that Dynaudios are typically quite revealing, tight, natural etc. Kef, to my mind is a typical English speaker that is polite, very musical and easy to listen to. I suspect it may image better than the Dyn but you should be the best judge of that. All this of course is subject to other variables such as your source/amp combo. As someone else has mentioned, Dynaudio is quite power hungry, with a sensitivity of 86dB. I think the Kef's are easier to drive than that. Agree that you could do well to visit A2V (Denis White) on Unley Rd and have a general listen. I don't know what Challenge has in the way of Kef's at the moment, but I still have my Reference 105's if you want to come over for a listen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twwen2 Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 (edited) I've owned both brands and have found that Dynaudios are typically quite revealing, tight, natural etc. Kef, to my mind is a typical English speaker that is polite, very musical and easy to listen to. I suspect it may image better than the Dyn but you should be the best judge of that. All this of course is subject to other variables such as your source/amp combo. As someone else has mentioned, Dynaudio is quite power hungry, with a sensitivity of 86dB. I think the Kef's are easier to drive than that. If I could say one thing - don't apply anything you've heard from past KEF speakers to the LS50 (unless you've heard the flagship Blade). They don't sound anything like the current 'R' series (which I found warm and polite) - they're far more open and transparent. Also, the LS50 are rated as having a sensitivity of 85dB - they're not that easy to drive. Edited August 13, 2013 by twwen2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 why its very important in these cases to demo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briz Vegas Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 (edited) If a home demo is too hard, and it can be if you have not bought half the store already, I would suggest tucking the little NAP under your arm and visiting those two stores again using you own gear. Naim amps are not weak little Chinese cheapies, they put decent power supplies item. I would agree that the two speakers in theory should sound different in your room. The if the claims that the Focus is close as damn it to the older Contours then they would be serious speakers. I have heard the Contour on the end of about 15 grands worth of gear on a number of occasions. I was targeting that guys sound quality a few years ago and I had B&W 804s that I was struggling to make sing ( i really needed a big Mcintosh or Classe on those speakers). What will be critical to your outcome will be system synergy, it's the difference between ok and excellent sound. If audio quality is your priority you need to get your gear on the end of each speaker one way or another to see if they are a synergistic match. You also need to take your time listening to them, not just a 10 minute session. If not, just buy whichever looks prettier. Edited August 13, 2013 by Briz Vegas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buddyev Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 It would be worth having a look at the bargains on dynaudio here at the moment They have the S1.4 for $2500 and the 160 for $1500 http://www.rio.com.au/brands/5/dynaudio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murrmax Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 Even better get the Dyn Focus 110A - these are a bargain at $1100 - these active speakers have a 50w amp for each driver ie 2 per speaker, also have eq for fine tuning to your room.. http://www.rio.com.au/product/0/16/1100/dynaudio-focus-110a Hook it straight up to your PSaudio PWD MKii and you're in business - no need for a pre amp and no need for amp matching Dynaudio have done that for you already Sell your Naim, it won't do Dyn's justice anyway.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twwen2 Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 If find the Focus 160 to be much better than the Focus 110, but then I've never heard the active version. I borrowed a Naim Supernait (80wpc) and it drove the 160's with ease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 I borrowed a Naim Supernait (80wpc) and it drove the 160's with ease. Agree 100%. I heard some 160s with a Nait 5i and it was a great combination. I don't know which Naim amp is supposed to not work with the Dyns but it ain't the 5i or the XS or the Supernait. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murrmax Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 A Naim 50w*8/75*4 amp may work and sound ok, but it's not going to be in the Plinius or ME league.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twwen2 Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 A Naim 50w*8/75*4 amp may work and sound ok, but it's not going to be in the Plinius or ME league.. Nor will it cost nearly as much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathaniel Posted August 15, 2013 Author Share Posted August 15, 2013 I'll audition and give it a spin with the NAP. they sound a lot more powerful than their RMS rating suggests. More powerful than the Nait 5i i've auditioned. Dual mono design (1 transformer) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murrmax Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 Nor will it cost nearly as much. That's why I recommend the Active 110A's , without passive xovers to deal with and matched amps for each driver the quality will rival serious amps in a passive config.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noypi888 Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 I have owned Dyns, first was the audience 52s this was my first taste of the dyn house sound then the contour S1.4 which i still own, the Dyns are great for all music genre, detailed but not dry or analytical, there's the right depth in the bass, you can listen for hours and hours without listening fatigue....oh and even in low volume level, they are pleasant...i also have limited space just 6 x 5 room...I'm using tube amp to drive the dyns.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holliswhy Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 (edited) 1500 for the 160's was what put them under my radar in the first place. Otherwise i would have gone LS50 and never looked back. I get this feeling that I'll regret it if I don't jump one of those pairs. As before, my top priorities are imaging, transparency and ability to fill the room. When it comes to bass I prefer quick, tight with a visceral punch- and what I'm hearing makes me think that the 160 would be bass monsters in a small room (i listened to them in a room larger than my own)- which I do not want. can anyone comment on this? Yes. Jump on them. too good a price to pass up. Edited August 15, 2013 by holliswhy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBez Posted August 24, 2013 Share Posted August 24, 2013 http://www.luxurie.me/kef-collection/?sort=pricedesc&page=3 Hi. In February 2013, a friend purchased a pair of LS50s from the above website. They deduct VAT for non-EU purchases; and have a further discount for first-time users of the site. Their shipping costs were low. Contact them for a quote. The Australian dollar was stronger in February - so my friend managed to have them arrive at his door without any GST/Tariffs - that is, for under Aus $1000. Cheers, Rob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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