That NAD needs to be paired with efficient speakers and the Kefs are not efficient. Even at medium levels, I think you will find it underwhelming paired with them. You won't damage the speakers, but I find these little amps deliver thin sound. A speaker like those LS50s needs a bit more power to open up and really show what it can do. I had the same problem with my Revel Performa3s paired with a more powerful Rega Brio R. You won't find anything in the $500 range new that will power them properly as you are going to want about 70w on the low end.

So between those two combos, I would go with B&W/Rotel as the Rotel unit will drive those B&Ws really well. Rotel is B&Ws sister company and will likely deliver the sound that was intended by the manufacturer. I say that with one caveat.

Have you gone out and listened to the 685s and do you like them? What about the Kefs? Those are very different sounding speakers and those amp pairing would lead to even more differentiated sound profiles. I ask because I know both get great reviews but can say I like the Kefs and hate the B&Ws. I find B&Ws 600 line to be too forward in general and there can be a graininess to the sound that irritates me. Others find the forward nature appealing as it reveals a lot of detail and some find the graininess charming. It is a personal preference but whatever you do, don't rely on reviews exclusively to make a decision. You must go out an listen.

If it was me, I would look at the Monitor Audio Silver 2s which are $1050 or $1150 depending on the finish and are more efficient with an SPL of 88dB. They are nice and neutral with a surprising level of detail. Peachtree's D5 is an awesome speaker for the money and a $799 is a ridiculously good value. Very neutral with surprising bottom end performance for such a tiny speaker. Less efficient but designed to be paired with the Nova65Se which I mention below. They would also pair nicely with that Rotel.

I am guessing based on your integrated choices above you want a unit with a good internal DAC. In which case I would look at the Marantz PM6005 at $699 or the Peachtree Nova65SE for $899. Whatever Marantz PM600x unit is around, it seems to be WhatHiFi's favorite integrated under $1000 and I tend to think Marantz sounds really good. I have their CR510 Network Receiver which was described as sounding exactly PM6004 and I am extremely happy with it. I believe that the Nova 65 or its big brother the 125 bot a B rating here which is a very high mark for an integrated.

The Peachtree would work nicely with either speaker, the Marantz lacks the power to properly drive the Peachtree speakers.

There are many other great spekers in this price range to look at. I mention these two because I am very familiar with them and are worth your time to listen too. And remember, listen before you buy.

raiders4life12 wrote:

What would offer a better value and sound for the price:

KEF LS50 with NAD D 3020

or

B&W 685 S2 with Rotel RA-12

I have a large room and listen to mostly classical with some blues and rock. I don't need a lot of bass and I plan on listening at medium levels. My budget is between $1500 and $2000

Also any suggestions on good integrated amps for the 685 or the LS50 within my budget would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

The Rotel RA12 would be a good choice.

Another excellent amplifier choice would be the Music Hall 15.3.

For speakers, the Monitor Audio Silver Series 2 is excellent, and also the Focal Chorus 706V.

I would prefer either of those over the B & W speakers.

I do not think the NAD D3020 would be suitable for your situation.

The LS50 has very low sensitivity and very limited bass and realistically needs to be driven by a much more powerful amplifier at a much higher price.

The KEF Q300 might be a good choice, however.