KEF LS50

Just listened to Cream "White Room" with these speakers (and an SVS sub) - the most realistic that I have heard to date. GB's toms sound was very deteiled - the decay was as I expect them to sound. And with other genres, I think the do really well as long as they are played within their capabilities. I am currently listening pretty nearlfield and in my room they sound superb with everything I have thrown at 'em. I have the sub barely on, but it does help on the electronica, etc.

I heard them briefly once in my home in a larger and smaller room. I think they do very well for their size in that regard and overall in a room suited to their size. There is only so much a small speaker like that can do alone in a larger room. Adding a sub or two when needed would resolve any issues in larger rooms I would think.

THey do seem to like a lot of power and current though, as do most small speakers with extended bass response. They sounded best in my smaller room off my 500 w/ch BEl Canto amps. Not so good in my larger room of 180 w/ch TAD Hibachi monoblocks. The 180 w/ch would probably have done well in the smaller room (12X12) but did not get to try that combo.

I don't have a local Kef dealer...but how do these perform with bass driven rock, reggae, electronica?...I realise these properly were not initially designed for that...but in a small environment, do others feel there is sufficient low end? Also, are these ruthlessly punishing on less than stellar recordings?

I have LS50's and my room is 12 x 16. What size sub would you recommend to use with these?

I now have quite a few hours on the LS50's, and have also moved. (Main reason I bought them was a relocation to a smaller home). All I can say is that these are highly dependent on the room they are in. My original room was very large - probably 40x14 or so and these speakers sounded thin and a bit harsh in that room. In my new residence I am in a 12x16 room and they sound great. I am very satisfied. Using an SVS sub for the bottom and have had no integration issues.

What size and type of speaker stands would you recommend. I just bought a pair from Amazon. Will be saying adios to my Gallo Classico 3's, to be put on Audiogon.

I'm about 10 hours in on a new pair of LS-50's. I needed to downsize (goodbye my beloved Acoustats) and after reading the reviews thought I would give them a try.
My electronics are a McIntosh C2200 preamp and a McIntosh MC302 power amp. Oppo 105 for CD and Rega tt.
At first as as been noted these speakers were a bit metallic and dry, but already are starting to warm up. They are a very good match with my Mac's.
I have also been experimenting with an SVS SB12-nbd sub. So far integration has been easy, and I think it enhances the listening experience.
More reporting after more burn in time!

I am using Kimber 8TCs with my LS50s and love them. They replaced a set of DHLabs T-14s (which have been my back ups for eons) and are bigger and more detailed than them.

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare them with the Gallo Classico 3's? I bought the Gallo's before the KEF's arrived on the scene, and while the Gallo's soundstage beautifully, I find the volume has to be cranked up to pull in the midrange. Any thoughts or suggestions.

What cables is everyone using with their LS50s?

I have had the Omega 3xrs set up for a month now and they are excellent. I' powering them with an Exposure 2010s2 and they really sparkle. All my CDs are enjoyable which was not the case with other speakers. I still want to hear the LS50s but am extremely happy with this combination.
thanks Seikosha.
Brian

Hi seikosh, I just order omega 3xrs and was wondering how you thought they compared to the ls50's
Thanks brian

I am not blind so I couldn't do a true blind test, however after about six hours of looking and listening I could tell that the ls50s looks and sounds just like a ls50s. I know it sounds strange. I don't know what i was expecting but it is true. Hope that helps. Anything else you want me to compare that has the same model numbers just let me know. My curiosity is piqued now. I hope I can sleep tonight.

I have one of each and couldn't agree more with Drubin.

They have a surprisingly similar sound; in a blind test, I'd bet some lesser audiophiles couldn't tell them apart.

How do the ls50s compare to the ls50s?

Has anyone found the lowest price for the Kefs on the internet? I see Amazon offers free shipping but full retail. Thanks..

Actually I find the high and low end very coherent (as you'd expect from a single driver) and very well balanced. The balance actually very organic and correct.

And I don't find the output to be strained for the size of room they're in (15X20). My only real gripe is that they're on the tonally bright side - and the tweeters don't seem quite as refined as I'd like. The tweeters could continue to improve dramatically with further break in however.

But I'm not being fair either. I'm comparing this monitor speaker to high end floor standers I'm used to and hoping they'll do something similar for a fraction of the price.

Taking these for what they are; essentially monitors - you almost couldn't ask for more. Incredibly coherent 3D sound with amazing sound staging, imaging depth etc.

In fact after having the LS-50's in my system, I've come to hear how really good and capable my Cary Audio solid state amp is. I've had a prettier and richer sound from my former speakers, but never heard the kind of speed, nuance, air, imaging and staging I hear with the LS-50.

Yes the tonal balance is brighter than I prefer - that's how monitors are. Studio engineers need to hear every nuance and detail. Is it the fault of the LS-50's that they don't deliver the sound I'm used to from an entirely different type of speaker?

Not at all. In terms of a monitor speaker I'd give these an A+. The plus is because these also deliver a musicality, dynamic and involvement factor you don't usually get from even the best monitor speakers.

Actually they're surprisingly coherent speakers top to bottom with the lower frequencies in balance with the upper. The problem I have (and it has to do with my own preferences) is the overall tonal balance top to bottom is just too bright for my liking.

Also they're not fully burned in so I expect that to improve though not be completely cured for my taste. Most people these days seem to go for super revealing sound and for the price these definitely won't disappoint if that's what you're looking for.

Though they're bright, they're not very sibilant. I don't find the tweeters to be the most refined, but I have a feeling that will also improve with a complete burn in.

Since my exchange window has hit 30 days at Amazon, I'll send them back - but other than the tonal balance they did a lot right.

I ended up buying Verity Parcifal Ovations on A-gon used for yes, about 5 times the price.

Larrybou, did you indicate how large your room is?

I found ls50s lacking in a larger room but quite sufficient in a smaller 12X12 sunroom with vaulted ceiling.

If low end authority and extension is the issue, adding a sub or two will address that.

Generally, you need larger speakers with more or larger drivers for larger rooms. Yes, good ones will cost more. It cost more to fill a larger room with quality full range sound. Adding subs also provides flexibility in placement of subs versus main in order to maximize everything together. Larger speakers often need placement closer to walls in order to deliver bass in larger rooms. Close placement to walls usually works against soundstage, imaging and detail, so getting an ideal setup for everything can be a challenge with most any full range speakers versus monitors + sub(s).

Larrybou,

Am I interpreting your post correctly? Are you saying the top end is good but the problem is the lack of lower frequency response to balance the presentation?

Larrybou, I agree totally , for many years KEF was my fave brand . No more, much of their Chinese stuff is horrible. LS 50 being a prime example for the reason you described.

Good suggestion - it did help having them lower even on hollow boxes.

As these are burning in I'm really starting to hate them. They do so many things well - fast, dynamic, 3d imaging and sound staging, amazing air, transients, surprisingly good timbrel accuracy for a speaker this size. But the tonal balance is too bright and revealing (tho not sibilant as the burn in) for my liking.

I find myself wanting exactly this speaker but with a darker sound. And for that I expect to pay a minimum of 5 times the price. Ouch.

You don't have to buy new stands to try placing the speakers lower and see what that does. Just set them on any readily available household object that offer a sturdy platform. Milk crates or even a stack of books can work well. You can also then try tipping them upwards a bit if desired, by raising the fronts relative to rear. Just place a tightly rolled up dish rag or towel under the front bottom.

Speaker location and orientation relative to listener makes all the difference with box designs that tend to be more directional in nature.

If all sound balanced tonally but fatigue persists, then consider AC power conditioning or a decent power cord upgrade with noise control designed for the digital source as a next step.

They're getting better and better. I'm finding the music more engaging and even notice my wife singing along to the music. Put on the Brandenburg concertos before heading to the home theater room to watch a film we were waiting to see.

The music was so engaging it was hard to tear myself away. The overall presentation much improved but I'm afraid even after full break in it will still be to bright and revealing for my taste. Most people seem to like this these days, but I prefer a warmer/musical/non-fatiguing sound even at the expense of "accuracy" or every last detail. It's the overall presentation I enjoy.

Hey I never claimed to be an audiophile - I just music that sounds "right" to me. Why that should require a huge monetary investment now that recorded music has been around for nearly 100 years is beyond me.

But the value and virtues of the LS50 are revealing themselves - no question.

1) I can see that having the wrong electronics (read brighter less expensive) will make these punishingly bright.

2) It's clear so far that tubes will make these sing (still waiting for my Cary SLP 98).

3) Despite a bright presentation - these ARE musical speakers.

At the 30 hour point on mine I was right there with you. I had never owned a metallic drivered speaker before (these replaced modded Maggie MMGs) and thought this might had been a big mistake.

The biggest improvement is that metallic sound goes away, and smooths out greatly. It still has a lively sound, but I don't find it fatiguing at all. Really impressed on how percussion sounds on these, compared to the MMGs.

Of course while they were breaking in, I was also playing around with positioning and toe in. Started with extreme toe in aimed at the chair, now have reduced that to about half. So that probably has helped.

The bass has become less boomy, obviously due to the design, it is not going to be as strong as a floor model. I plan on running dual subs with these, but for the breakin period, leaving the subs (ceiling IBs) off for now.

Johnvb - What improved about them as they broke in? They're already sounding somewhat rounder on top and I'm starting to get hints of surprisingly good bass. Imaging, soundstage and coherence are all strengths so far. So good in fact I'll be a bit torn sending them back.

But I tend to value scale and non-fatiguing presentation highly which are shortcomings. Timbre also but it's better than expected. How do you see things improving?

Larrybou. My pair took 150 hours before they sounded totally broken in. Play them as much as you can before the 30 day period ends. They will get better.

Good points - though I don't want to invest in shorter stands til I know these are keepers. I'm it would help having them at or below ear level.

I'm seeing more of the potential of these - especially since I went back to the older darker Purist Audio Museaus IC's instead of the newer livelier ones. Gives some much needed depth and gravitas.

But I'm pretty sure I'll find their lively revealing sound isn't what I'm ultimately looking for - but for those that are these are already obviously very capable for the price. But with more burn-in and once my ultra sweet Cary 98L preamp arrives, things could get interesting.

Smaller monitors in general often tend to do best on shorter stands where floor can reinforce bass a tad more than otherwise.

I've heard the KEFs. I would tend towards using shorter stands in all but perhaps the smallest rooms.

Never seen these displayed or demoed with a tall stand. IME, 22-28" is common. I am using 24" stands and they are fantastic! Weight, depth, 3 dimensional. They really sing in my set up.

Play around with your positioning and let them run-in for at least a week with some dynamic music and high SPL.

I purchased the LS50's on Amazon in case I felt the need to return them at some point. So far I only have maybe 30 hours on them but they sound rather bright and lacking in weight or authority. I know they're not floor standers but given the reviews and other much more expensive monitors I've heard, I was expecting more.

Maybe the room isn't well suited since there's no back wall, but a back alcove. Also the 36" stands are probably too high.

I'm using Cary Audio Cinema 11 preamp and Cinema 5 amps to drive. If things don't improve dramatically they'll go back to Amazon in a couple weeks. Almost painful to listen to most material on at the moment.

IMO, I think that the NAD is underpowered for use with the KEFs. If you listen to dynamic music at loud levels.

I would not want to push those speakers to 85+ db as you may start to hear compression and distortion at the higher levels. If that happens turn the volume down ASAP!

It is better to have some headroom in your amp. More amp will not hurt a speaker. The opposite, however, will.

I have owned the LS50's since Feb 2013 in a second system.

I have used: a Naim Nait 5i-2 (60wpc) but really seems like
much more.

Edge i3 (100wpc into 8 ohm, 200wpc/4 ohm)

Simaudio i3.3DPX (100Wpc into an 8 ohm load and 200W into 4
ohms)
I have settled on the SimAudio. A great match with superb
drive and musicality. My unit has the built in DAC and Phono
and Balanced XLR options. Very nice piece of kit!

I would say the LS50's sound best with at least 150-250 of
high quality watts per channel into the 4 ohm load. (The
KEF's drop to 3.8 if I recall), and 100+ dampening factor.

If you decide to go with tubes I would plan on at least 60-
80 wpc of tube amplification. (Cary Audio SLI-80) you will
not regret feeding them with great amplification! My room is
12'x 18'x 8.5'.

Best to ya!

@Brianportugal

If I had a small room, let's say 10x10 ft or smaller and the vocal music I listened to was just simple arrangements, I think the the Silverlines would be just fine and possibly be better than the Kef's in a small tight space like that. Once the room started getting bigger or the music more demanding, the Kef's would assert themselves better.

The room is not very big and the listening levels are ok for me. My question is really at which point an amplifier may cause damages to the speakers. If I am having a party and the volume in the NAD D 7050 has to go up to 0 db (therefore higher than my usual listening levels between -15 db and - 10db) would this cause damage to the speakers? Is my usual listening volume harmful to the speakers?

How big is the room? What kind of volumes are we looking at?

At first blush, I think 50W might be a bit low for these monitors.

I am don't have much experience with hifi equipment and would like some help from you guys. As I have already mentioned in this thread, I am driving a pair of LS50s with a Nad D7050 amplifier. I am very happy with the sound but sometimes I believe that I may be straining the amp a bit too much. I am usually listening with the potentiometer levels between -15 and -10db. Is this forcing the amp too much? Am I putting my speakers at risk? Just for your info, the Nad D7050 is a 50w per channel at 4ohm amp.

Seikosha thank you. what would you mate the silverlines or Kef LS 50s with for vocals and jazz? I'd like to build toward a nice system. Any recommendations?

Hi Brianportugal,

The Silverlines are now actually being underutilized in my TV system, being driven by a NAD. The Harbeths are now relegated to a second system where I am running them with a Wadia 151 Powerdac since I sold the Musical Fidelity M3i that I'd previously been using with them.

Thank you Seikosha. That is very interesting. What are you using to drive your harbeths and silver lines?

Hi Brianportugal,

Yes, I did own the little Minuets, LS50's and P3ESR's all at the same time being driven by a Musical Fidelity M3i integrated amp. I still own the Harbeths and Silverlines..I sold the Kefs a few weeks ago.

I'm a fan of the Silverlines, and they sound more different from the Kefs and Harbeths than the Kefs and Harbeths sound from each other.

The main thing with the Silverlines is that you can only get so much out of that tiny driver in a tiny enclosure. The music just doesn't breathe as well and can start to sound compressed where the other two don't. If you don't play big music with lots going on, you might not notice it though.

I do prefer the imaging and soundstage capabilities of the Silverlines. With them, instruments are more specifically focused and the soundstage was wider and deeper. I also thought the overall tonal balance of the Silverlines was better in that they don't have that artifical bass hump in the upper bass regions that both the Kef's and Harbeth's have in my room. FWIW, the Silverlines also measured a lot flatter with an SPL meter in that range as well.

That said, the treble and upper midrange regions are a little more refined on the Kefs and Harbeths, but remember, there is a huge price differential going on as well.

Hope that helps.

Hi,I doubt you will hear there full potential on a shelf.You mite get a good sound,but not a huge soundstage.

Looking at buying ls50. ? I have is whether they will sound good on a shelf? Wife is not thrilled about stands. OK with them being on the console/rack where the hardware is. I knownits not ideal but anyone else deviated from the ideal? I had my Spend or S3/5 set up that way and it wasn't bad.

Siek you mention your silver lines minuet supremes in the mix how do they compare to the Harbeth and Kef? I have the silver lines with a and 326 and wondering about the differences realizing there is a big price difference. What would you drive the Kefs with?

Hi there Torxx,I have the ls 50,thankyou for your evaluation.I would like to hear the b@w speakers one day,now.cheers.For now,the kefs will do me,theyre showing every little change I make in the chain.Pretty much my first monitor

Only difference in Anniversary edition are the words “Anniversary Edition” is on the front speaker surround.
I auditioned the LS50’s for over two months with and without dual subs. Very nice speaker for the money as I think anyone would agree. I would add to the comments regarding their failure to handle complex musical arrangements as well as some higher priced speakers such as the B&W 805D which I spent some time listening too. Example: industrial music like Nine Inch Nails can tend to sound like random, obnoxious noise at times with many speakers including the LS50 while the B&W’s made sense of the chaos in a coherent, enjoyable way. To my ears the B&W’s excelled at everything I threw at them and made me feel like I was in the same room as the musicians in a much more pronounced way. Comparing the two, the LS50 is like listening to a concert from the cheap seats while the B&W will put you on the floor five rows from the stage. Of course I am comparing a $1,500 speaker to $5,000. If $1,500 was max budget, the LS50 would be difficult to beat.

Has anyone used the Wadia 151 amplifier to drive the LS50s? Any comments?

Has anyone used the Wadia 151 amplifier to drive the LS50s? Any comments?

Thanks for your thoughts on the KEF LS50 speakers, do you know if there is a difference in specification between the "Annivesary LS50" and the non-annivesary version which has recently appeared?