Kef ls50

[SL1800]

Anyone have experience with the LS50W vs the LS50 ???

[Shrinky Smurf]

I have been considering KEF LS50s as well. That price is outstanding. The KEF LS50 is on my short list or an upgrade on my Audioengines, which also includes the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2, B&W 705s2, SF Venere 2.0. I am leaning toward the Ascend Acoustics. Does anyone know how the KEF compares to the others?

The price is definitely right on the KEFs. They each definitely have their own aesthetics.

I listen in a medium sized office/study that will not tolerate floor standers. I use an REL Tzero sub which will handle the low end in a small space, that I am pleased with.

Best,
Shrinky

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Shrinky Smurf

I have been considering KEF LS50s as well. That price is outstanding. The KEF LS50 is on my short list or an upgrade on my Audioengines, which also includes the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2, B&W 705s2, SF Venere 2.0. I am leaning toward the Ascend Acoustics. Does anyone know how the KEF compares to the others?

The price is definitely right on the KEFs. They each definitely have their own aesthetics.

I listen in a medium sized office/study that will not tolerate floor standers. I use an REL Tzero sub which will handle the low end in a small space, that I am pleased with.

Best,
Shrinky

Heard great things about that REL Tzero sub....

[PHC1]

The KEF LS50 caught my attention a while back and there were some pretty bold statements such as:

"Conclusion 1: The Schiit Audio Ragnarok plus KEF LS50s ($1299) is the most enjoyable stereo system I've used in the 21st century."
Read more at https://www.stereophile.com/content/...XXOFMyTw2fB.99


"Summing Up
It is rare to find a loudspeaker that offers this combination of clarity and neutrality. For KEF's LS50 Anniversary Model to do so for a penny under $1500/pair makes it even more remarkable. This thoroughbred both shows a clean pair of heels to the venerable LS3/5a and, within its limits of dynamic range and bass extension, will provide Class A sound for those with small rooms. Recommended. Highly"
Read more at https://www.stereophile.com/content/...zdOHWtD8LoC.99




Not sure who this guy is but he reviewed the LS50 Wireless and claims he prefers these to the Guarneri Evolution Monitors at $24k...

https://youtu.be/xPbPLJmMaJs

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by SL1800

Anyone have experience with the LS50W vs the LS50 ???

Might want to take a look at this video. https://youtu.be/xPbPLJmMaJs

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by CGabriel

I own the LS50 and the Blade and have had both for over two years. Frankly I think the KEF in general is underrated by audiophiles on forums. The are remarkably balanced and have a very smooth frequency response. There are not overly warm nor etched in their presentation. They are not hypercritical in positioning probably due to their coincident drivers. Very nice soundstaging.

Both highly recommended. LS50 specifically: I actually preferred them to a set of in house Magneplanar 1.7s. Better bass response and a more natural presentation especially on rock music.

The LS50 is good in smaller to medium size rooms when played at moderate sound levels (mid 80s db). They can get compressed and confused at higher volumes. If you play at higher volumes I would recommend one of the Reference Series floor standers like the REF 3.

Thanks for sharing your opinion on these Caelin. The LS50's would be used in a smallish room, 12x15 and I don't listen very loud so should be sufficient.

[SL1800]

Thanks guys but I have seen a few of his videos and I’m not so sure I trust his opinion.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by SL1800

Thanks guys but I have seen a few of his videos and I’m not so sure I trust his opinion.

I personally would not be interested in the wireless version and seems the reviewer was not thrilled with a few features of the wireless version so I thought I'd share the video.

[SL1800]

To be honest I think KEF’s choice of calling this speaker “wireless” is actually and bad naming. It has several wires that must be connected to one of the speakers.

I do see it being nice for the user that doesn’t want all the “boxes” of amps and dacs and such.

And PHC1 I’m like you I think I would lean more to the standard LS50 giving the price difference with the current sale.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by SL1800

To be honest I think KEF’s choice of calling this speaker “wireless” is actually and bad naming. It has several wires that must be connected to one of the speakers.

I do see it being nice for the user that doesn’t want all the “boxes” of amps and dacs and such.

And PHC1 I’m like you I think I would lean more to the standard LS50 giving the price difference with the current sale.

I certainly want to have control over the "upstream" gear involved with driving speakers. I can not warm up to the idea all in one box solution just yet.