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Desktop speaker upgrade from KEF LS50s (

Hello!

I currently have a desktop system with KEF LS50s that I'm enjoying very much, but am getting the itch to upgrade. My requirements are:

  • Able to perform well in a nearfield desktop environment (4' equilateral triangle for listening position, R speaker 12" away from side wall, both speakers nearly flush to front wall)
  • Not cheap looking, incorporates modern design and materials (trying to avoid just a plain box)
  • Under 17" height preferred
  • Passive preferred, or active with analog inputs + way to incorporate subwoofer
  • Not to exceed ~$5-6K budget range (used OK)

I currently have my bass ports plugged on my LS50s to keep bass under control, and have a REL Tzero subwoofer to fill out the bottom end. I listen mostly to rock so not having much under 30 hz doesn't really bother me. I am using IsoAcoustics Aperta stands to elevate my speakers off my desk and angle them to the listening position. Soundstage, imaging, and detail are all satisfactory with the LS50s, even in this somewhat limited setup.

If I buy a rear ported speaker, I am planning on plugging the bass ports similar to my current setup, as well as using my IsoAcoustics stands to decouple the speakers from my desk.

I was doing research into speakers like Focal's Sopra No 1 (used)/Kanta No 1, Sonus Faber Olympica Nova, and Vandersteen VLR CT, but none of the reviews I've found have been from a desktop/nearfield listening position.

Would appreciate if anyone with a similar setup could share their experiences/recommendations. I've been reading in some forum posts that a coaxial driver setup is critical to desktop nearfield performance so if LS50s are already as good as it gets for a desktop setup I'm ok with that as well.

Thank you!
jllu
merv-o
3 posts
 
I have the LS50's and the REL Tzero in my 10 x 12 office with the ls50's 8 feet away and the Tzero set at 180 for full base, 20 clicks on the volume and the crossover. Sounds great. the LS50's are not computer speakers they need space, and they fill the room better than my $2k DCM TIme Windows ever did. Also, I keep the bass ports open and have them about 8-10" from the wall and it's great.
Of course driving both channels (i have the REL synched with the B speakers and the black/yellow/red combo) needs steady clean juice and I bought the ROTEL RA-1572 and it powers 120 watts per channel 8 ohms. The LS50's are 4 ohm rated essentially and the ROTEL cranks out 200w per channel at 4 ohms. 
The bass is deep on both the Baby REL and the KEFs. Make sure you have enough juice to run both because when you run the Neutrik Speakon High Output cable from your amp, you are essentially bypassing the D class amp in the Tzero--the Class AB power of the Rotel more than compensates and enhances.
Just my two cents-sometimes it's the amp not the speaker (my former Integra couldn't keep up with the power demands of these speakers conjoined).
doni
310 posts
 
I'm using LS50's as desktop speakers, albeit on stands beside the desk.  These are being driven by a Class D Ncore amp. and Ayre Codex pre/DAC.  This setup replaced some Vanatoo actives and the sound is better, IMHO.  I am constantly amazed at how good this sounds.
turnbowm
353 posts
 

merv-o1 posts06-10-2020 6:17pm
"....The bass is deep on both the Baby REL and the KEFs. Make sure you have enough juice to run both because when you run the Neutrik Speakon High Output cable from your amp, you are essentially bypassing the D class amp in the Tzero--the Class AB power of the Rotel more than compensates and enhances.
Just my two cents-sometimes it's the amp not the speaker (my former Integra couldn't keep up with the power demands of these speakers conjoined)...."

Not sure where you got your information but it's not correct. All inputs (High-Level Speakon, Low-Level RCA & .1LFE) go to the input of the internal Class D amp of the Rel T-Zero, The input impedance is high so there is essential no load to the amp providing the high-level signal.
Post removed 
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,830 posts
 
Again I would not upgrade until you get a pair of isolating stands under the ls50s on a desktop. Recommend Isoacoustics. You will want that under any good quality wide range speakers that go on a desk unless you want to hear the desk along with your speakers.  Or maybe not if the desk is built like a tank. 
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