What is the best speakers my needs, dali,kef,rega,or wharfedale

[gasolin]

I have had my sa speaker for more than a year and wonder if i should try different speakers (just because i can, like when you change the cartridge on a turntable to something else than what you usually use)

But there are so many to choose from ,dali kupid very excellent budget speaker and small in size (more flexibility in terms of placement)

Rega kyte really good reviews and sutiable for long listning sessions without any listening fatigue

From one review :
This is not very scientific at all, but the Rega Kytes are one of the most enjoyable small speakers I’ve had the pleasure of listening to in a long time. Many small, inexpensive speakers sacrifice overall sound quality for a single aspect of reproduction. The Kyte is such an overall high achiever, with a level of balance usually reserved for much more expensive speakers. Even after hours of constant listening, this is a speaker you will never tire of.

Excellent bass response, smooth yet defined treble and a very refined midrange. Nothing sounds forced, nothing sounds lacking.

Dali sonik comes out for sale next month (2th or february)

Kef Q1 meta single souce point, if they don't have the distortion of the kef ls50 they almost could be a cheaper version of the kef ls50

Wharfedale diamond 12.1i and 12.2i, under £269 for the big one but i can't get them atm in Denmark, reasonable price, big, bass, many love the old version (no good deals in denmark on the diamond 12 no i, since they only have the 12.0)

Nearfield, no port noise, no fatigue, good bass, amp Wiim amp pro

 

[Revolutions]

Have you listened to any of them before? As you well know, the obvious answer is get to a dealer & compare what they have. All of those speakers are going to sound different - and if you're anything like me some speakers are just an instant no when I actually heard them.

 

[gasolin]

can only listen to max 2 at the same place and max is 3 speakers total

 

[gasolin]

so the review of the old MA 100 Bronze on whathifi 3 stars

The latest bronze 50 7g got 5 start and a fresh lively sound i also would add to my list do to size,prize,sound

 

[Fandango Andy]

I have had my sa speaker for more than a year and wonder if i should try different speakers (just because i can, like when you change the cartridge on a turntable to something else than what you usually use)

But there are so many to choose from ,dali kupid very excellent budget speaker and small in size (more flexibility in terms of placement)

Rega kyte really good reviews and sutiable for long listning sessions without any listening fatigue

From one review :
This is not very scientific at all, but the Rega Kytes are one of the most enjoyable small speakers I’ve had the pleasure of listening to in a long time. Many small, inexpensive speakers sacrifice overall sound quality for a single aspect of reproduction. The Kyte is such an overall high achiever, with a level of balance usually reserved for much more expensive speakers. Even after hours of constant listening, this is a speaker you will never tire of.

Excellent bass response, smooth yet defined treble and a very refined midrange. Nothing sounds forced, nothing sounds lacking.

Dali sonik comes out for sale next month (2th or february)

Kef Q1 meta single souce point, if they don't have the distortion of the kef ls50 they almost could be a cheaper version of the kef ls50

Wharfedale diamond 12.1i and 12.2i, under £269 for the big one but i can't get them atm in Denmark, reasonable price, big, bass, many love the old version (no good deals in denmark on the diamond 12 no i, since they only have the 12.0)

Nearfield, no port noise, no fatigue, good bass, amp Wiim amp pro

Sorry, I haven't read any of your post beyond the first paragraph, because the answer is always the same. You need to listen for yourself, speakers are very personal to the listener. And, always remember if you listen in a shop they will sound different in your room, with your equipment.

 

[gasolin]

I can't listen to every speaker and for shure not with the same system

No diamond 12.i's in the country, no Dali Sonik until next month, max i can listen to is 2 or 3 depending on what they have in the store (just because they can sell it doesn't mean they have all speakers in stock, an intimate where you always can get a cup of coffee )

Hope to be able to narrow it down to what should look more into and if there are places that have 2-3 i can listen to

dali the same place

rega kyte,kef q1 meta mabye bronze 50 7g but on there website they only sell 6gen

Wharfedale i can't listen to, i think the only place they sell wharfedale but don't have them in stock, don't have a showroom but they do have a good return policy

port noise is my biggest concern

 

[Al ears]

I can't listen to every speaker and for shure not with the same system

No diamond 12.i's in the country, no Dali Sonik until next month, max i can listen to is 2 or 3 depending on what they have in the store (just because they can sell it doesn't mean they have all speakers in stock, an intimate where you always can get a cup of coffee )

Hope to be able to narrow it down to what should look more into and if there are places that have 2-3 i can listen to

dali the same place

rega kyte,kef q1 meta mabye bronze 50 7g but on there website they only sell 6gen

Wharfedale i can't listen to, i think the only place they sell wharfedale but don't have them in stock, don't have a showroom but they do have a good return policy

port noise is my biggest concern

if port noise is that much of an issue, possibly because of where you are going to have to place these speakers, I suggest you concentrate on those with forward facing ports.

 

[gasolin]

Just a general concern that it has noise from the port, front port i don't like when playing loud, i can feel the air 😉

knock on wood i don't notice any with my current setup

Unless it's diy i don't think theres many closed speakers for the same price as the mentioned speakers

 

[matthewpianist]

My listening experiences...

Rega Kytes, are nicely balanced, and although rear-ported they don't suffer from port-related issues. Whilst not especially strong on bass, they don't sound especially lacking either, because of how well balanced they are overall.

KEF Q Meta. I've tried the Q3 Meta and Q Concerto Meta, and found both a huge disappointment - unengaging is probably the best way to describe my experience with both models.

Wharfedale Diamond 12-series. I have a pair of 12.3s, and they're very talented speakers, with plenty of clarity and good soundstaging, but the treble can become a little grating with some recordings, and this may also be an issue with the smaller models. It's something you can only judge by listening to them.

Monitor Audio Bronze. My experience with the Bronze 6G series was with 50s, 100s and 200s. Talented in some ways, with a good sense of musical communication, but hampered by bloated bass and a smudging of detail. Whether or not this remains an issue with the new 7G series I don't know.

Dali. I have never heard a Dali speaker and not liked it. Very well balanced and engaging in my experience, though the treble can veer towards being over-enthusiastic in rooms with lots of hard surfaces or with the wrong amplification, so you need to hear the models you are interested in. My experience with WiiM amplification is that it doesn't tend to be overly bright, so you should be okay.

If you have the stretch in your budget, consider Dynaudio. The speakers I enjoyed for the longest time were DM2/6, and now I have Emit 10. The treble quality is considerably better than almost anything else sub-£1k, and they are supremely well balanced if you can give them sufficient space and support (mine are on spiked Atacama Mosecco 6 stands, 2/3 filled with Atabites). They are quite exposing of amplification, but get it right and they perform way beyond their price.

 

[gasolin]

MA bronze 100 6g got a mediocre review but with the bronze 50 g7 they are back with a 5 star speaker with a lively sound (or non safe i don't wanna scare anybody sound ) according to reviews

Bloated bass is fixable with a plug in the bass port or as i would do, with roomfit

Don't like emit 10 they are to dark sounding especially compared to emit M10

Diamond 12 i are just very good priced atm under £300 (not just £299) for the biggest 12.2i at richer sound (don't deliver out side of uk), what are less expensive and bigger than a pair of Dali Oberon 1 (sonik is more expensive), 3 versions (more options to suite the space you have) that don't cost a furtune, good asr review of the 12.1's

Dali kupid pleanty of power as they are 4 ohm, compact and much cheaper in denmark,euros just around 350-355 euros or under $400, they cost $600 in usa

Bass are really good from the spektor 1's, the old dali Kupid

Rega kyte i just feel for there size they are to light but are bigger and heavier than dali kupid

 

[matthewpianist]

Emit 10 are only dark sounding if they're not driven properly, or if you prefer overly bright speakers.

 

[gasolin]

Emit 10 just sound alot darker than emit M10

 

[RoA]

I am using a £5 speaker at the moment (in addition to my main system) and the little thing is phenomenal.

 

[matthewpianist]

Emit 10 just sound alot darker than emit M10

It comes down to preference and surrounding factors in the end, but the general view is that the Emit 10 is the better speaker, with a more focused bass and less recessed midrange, and a more detailed but also more controlled tweeter, with more trickle-down tech from the Contour range. Anyway, I'm not here to sell you anything, and if it's not for you, something else will be.

 

[gasolin]

Found unexpectedly the emit 10's for a good price

£665 normal retail price £537 i can get a new pair for

 

[matthewpianist]

Found unexpectedly the emit 10's for a good price

£665 normal retail price £537 i can get a new pair for

It's only a good price if you like them, and it sounds like you've heard them and didn't - unless you're just going off what you've read. £537 is a good price if you like them. I got mine for £400 second hand in mint condition, boxed, but I was very lucky because they rarely come up. Balances out the number of times people have bought bargains off me.

 

[gasolin]

One review say

With busy music somewhat messy

 

[Al ears]

One review say

With busy music somewhat messy

No idea why anyone heeds one person's review.
Which is why speakers need to be auditioned in your own home with your equipment.
Get the speakers wrong and you will not forgive yourself.
That said I have only ever bought one pair without auditioning, and I still have them.

 

[gasolin]

what pair ?

 

[matthewpianist]

One review say

With busy music somewhat messy

Like I said, they need a good amp behind them. The Audiolab is a perfect partner.

 

[Fandango Andy]

I can't listen to every speaker and for shure not with the same system

No diamond 12.i's in the country, no Dali Sonik until next month, max i can listen to is 2 or 3 depending on what they have in the store (just because they can sell it doesn't mean they have all speakers in stock, an intimate where you always can get a cup of coffee )

Hope to be able to narrow it down to what should look more into and if there are places that have 2-3 i can listen to

dali the same place

rega kyte,kef q1 meta mabye bronze 50 7g but on there website they only sell 6gen

Wharfedale i can't listen to, i think the only place they sell wharfedale but don't have them in stock, don't have a showroom but they do have a good return policy

port noise is my biggest concern

When you say "port noise is my biggest concern" are you actually talking about sound coming from the port, or do you have a tricky room and are concerned about the bass frequencies?

You can look at reviews to get an idea of what something is like, is it bright, forward, good, mids, good with vocals and the like but thats as far as it goes. I would also look more at reviewers than forums for that as they listen to more equipment. You also find out with a forum people have opinions that aren't always helpful. They could be telling you about something they own and have an emotional connection to, or something they rejected.

To give you an example I sat in on a blind test a few years back. Three out of four people in the room (including me) preferred the sound of a pair of Triangle speakers to the B&W's that were notably more expensive and extremely well reviewed. The friend who was buying ultimately went for Q Acoustics because the design was more wife friendly! He has no regrets about his choice.

 

[gasolin]

Port chuffing, noise bass port farts

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lsbbiso0oN4

 

[record_spot]

Can I just check what drew you to - and apologies that I haven't gone into the full body of the text on the thread - the four brands you mentioned?

Is it an affinity to each, past experience maybe or similar, or reviews based....or what? They all make good speakers, but so do Q Acoustics, Alchris, Mission....etc etc...

(And apologies if I've missed the obvious - bass port noise included!)

 

[gasolin]

reviews, good performance vs price

Rega kyte (from a review) : Many small, inexpensive speakers sacrifice overall sound quality for a single aspect of reproduction. The Kyte is such an overall high achiever, with a level of balance usually reserved for much more expensive speakers. Even after hours of constant listening, this is a speaker you will never tire of.

Much like that rare automobile that has a perfect balance of braking, acceleration and handling, these speakers offer everything a music lover will appreciate. Excellent bass response, smooth yet defined treble and a very refined midrange. Nothing sounds forced, nothing sounds lacking. The Kytes completely deliver Rega’s promise of making reasonably priced hifi gear that sounds great. There is a level of graininess and cloudiness that nearly every budget speaker has, that is completely absent with the Kyte, even powered by a vintage receiver. This level of refinement makes them sound much more expensive then their price dictates.

wharfedale diamond 12 got a great review from asr, the new version looks like the old version so i think improvements is subtle but important, very good price even for the big 12.2i under £300

Monitor audio bronze 100 6g had such mediocre review , i would never consider one but the ma bronze 50 7g got much better review, meaning it's a much better speaker with a lively sound fare from safe (borring), not to make any notice of it self sound

Kef q1 meta also get good reviews and is single source point, once had the kef ls50 meta, other than a little sharpness they where good (i now know they have alot of distortion in the bass and not recommended for loud music)

Dali kupid small (good options for placements) bass is really good, i had the old spektor 1's that was for sale at a good price bf some years ago, a review say smooth, well-controlled treble that avoids fatigue in nearfield listening,good rhythmic drive and dynamics about the kupids

They are 4 ohm speakers so i have over 2x100 watt in 4 ohm and that is enough despite there low sensitivity (spektor 1 can play loud if you have enough power)

I don't hate there looks and they come in 5 different colours,low price

Cons to me Soundstage scale is modest but not a big deal, mabye beter with burn in or roomfit (room correction) since it might do somthing to the bbc dip the spektor 1's had and mabye also kupid and theye for enhancing the soundstage scale a little

Dali sonik is expensive compared to kuli and no one other than dali knows how they sound released 2 th of february

Dynaudio emit 10 is not to me (m30) a bright speaker and the price i could get it for is the lowest i could find it for in Denmark, i would save more than a pair of quality stands (desk) or high tier speaker cable, reviews say they are Wenig pegelfest = Not very stable at high pressure levels

One review say no cons another review say with busy music somewhat messy anothter review say Medium volume is best and Congestion at high volume – Yes, but not so much at medium volume

 

[RTHerringbone]

You're just going to go round and round in circles overthinking things if your thought process is driven by reviews. If you're unable to demo them then the worst thing you can do is scrutinise everything to the nth degree, or you'll just find and overblow negatives, and you'll never commit to one of them.