KEF vs PSB vs Revel

Vince11281

Vince11281

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I'm currently running a pair of KEF R300s in my 2 channel set up, powered by a Peachtree Audio Nova300. Unfortunately I do enjoy the sound of the R300s but they really don't have the scale I'm looking for. That's honestly my fault because I believe the room may be to big for them. So I spoke to my dealer and they are willing to trade out to a set of towers. I was looking at the KEF R700s, the PSB Imagine T2, and the Revel Perfoma3 F206s. Anyone with any knowledge on these speakers, you help is much appreciated. If it helps, I mostly listen to classic or modern rock.
 
The F206 has a HOT tweeter. The PSB hits way above its price point. The KEF R700 is also excellent. That's a tough tough call.


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I currently have bookshelfs and am looking to switch to towers. Budget is around $3,500-$3,800. The dealer where I bought my R300s are will to take them back as long as I'm "upgrading". They carry PSB, KEF, Revel, Focal, and Paradigm. Also, my room is 16x18 with a 8 foot wide doorway on the rear wall leading into a living room
 
The Golden Ear Triton speakers are worth checking out.


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+1 on the the Golden Ear Tritons. With the standard discounts you should be well under your maximum budget with the 2+'s plus you will certainly have no shortage in the lower registers. In that price category I am and have been a fan of the Vandersteen 2CE Sig II. In it's current version still a great all around speaker over 30 years after it's first introduction. Of the ones on your list I like the PSB as to me their speakers tend to be the most neutral from that group.
 
PSB's are known for their warmer forgiving sound. They do punch way above their price point. Usually they have nice deep, punchy bass, a fuller rich midrange but they don't lack air or transparency. Treble is soft and detailed. One of my favorite speakers was the PSB Synchrony line. Stereophile loved the Synchronys and stated the $5K one's compared well to speakers in the $20K range. Paul Barton knows how to make a good sounding speaker. The new Imagine line replaces the Synchrony.
 
If your dealer allows auditions, wouldn't it make sense for you to listen to the towers you mentioned and decide which suits you best??
 
Thank you everyone the input so far... I spoke to the dealer a little while ago and he told me he also has Paradigm Prestige 85f's and Focal Aria 936's for me to hear tomorrow. They usually don't allow in home trials but he's setting up a room for me tomorrow with my amp and cables I use at home, so I think that's as close as I'm going to get for now.
 
The paradigm is another hot tweeter. The Vandersteen 2ce sig II is an excellent suggestion.
 
Logically, what Sheltie1 mentioned makes sense. If you

To my ears the F206 is fairly balanced with plentiful fast bass, the mids would not be as pronounced as the KEF.

I really like Focal, especially fun for Rock, they seem to have a nice jump factor. Tweeter can stand out in some systems. So I'd recommend an audition. Sometimes a bright tweeter can wear on you over time.

Paradigm each time I've heard them they were alright but seems the bass can't keep up with the mids/highs. This wasn't true in one instance where we bi-amped Studio 100's and put a big Adcom 5500 on the woofers with a single NAD on each top end that allowed using the variable control to balance the response.

No experience with PSB but to me, warm and Classic Rock don't seem to fit, LOL
 
Mr. P, as poorly as some "Classic Rock" was recorded a warmer or forgiving speaker can be a blessing. One of the reasons the Vandersteen 2CE based models have been around so long and so many pairs have been sold. And contrary to popular opinion when set up "properly" they are not "rolled off" on the top end. If the current PSB floor standers are still voiced similarly they would be a great fit, to my ears.
 
FWIW I'd encourage you to see if you can demo the Revel F206. I had the F208's for a couple years and now Salon2's so I'm obviously a Revel fan, but I have also spent some time listening to the 206's and think they are great. I certainly wouldn't call the tweeter bright, but I realize people have different preferences. Tremendous price:performance value in Revel speakers and I think the 206's with their narrow cabinet are particularly good looking.
 
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