Cheap Audio Man is Full of Crap! KEF 50's Rule! (Maybe)

From CheapAudioMan to the internet's audio forums... it seems disapproval has been raining down hard on this speaker which was once the "darling" of the hi-fi" world. Are the reviewer's ALL WET? Someone should come to the KEF LS50 Meta's defense.... and I guess that someone is me! Is the KEF LS50 Meta worth it's $1600 a pair price tag, or is it bested by speakers a third its cost (Klipsch RP600m, Heco Aurora 300, Sony SS-CSS)? The case for this speaker unfolds in this video! It's United States of Analog vs. CheapAudioMan! It's the Metas vs. EVERYONE! It's a speaker battle of the ages! If you like this video, Please SUBSCRIBE and HIT LIKE. Punch the NOTIFICATION BELL, too!
For United States of Analog T-shirts:
usanalog.square.site
Fabulous Klipsch Forte IV Heritage Speakers
amzn.to/3PEtjaW
KEF LS50 META Speakers
amzn.to/3vDh6wm
GET THE WiiM AMP here:
amzn.to/49zSHXo
WiiM PRO PLUS Streamer:
amzn.to/4c276x4
WiiM PRO Streamer:
amzn.to/431ZVRz
WiiM Mini Streamer:
amzn.to/3V6dEVI
Fluance RT81+ Elite Turntable:
amzn.to/3IqduRl
HECO AURORA 300 Speakers:
amzn.to/3T70WDe
ELAC Debut 5.2 Speakers:
amzn.to/48Cc2Gc
JAMO S808 Budget Subwoofer:
amzn.to/3Isk0Hj
ART DJ Phono Preamp:
amzn.to/4a30pt5

[@stephenradnich7811]

I have owned many major brands of speakers under $6000 too many to mention. I have owned both the regular LS 50’s and the Metas and in my opinion the cheap audio man is spot on. Both were nothing special, they were will built but the sound never really drew me in to the listening experience. I tried many amps with both sets including Tubes, Class AB and class D and the music coming from them was never really involving. I guess that’s why there are so many speaker manufacturers as speakers are very personal. I really wanted to like them but sadly that was never to be.

[@joylessdancer4554]

Maybe the music wasn't up to snuff. Unless it's the ears..

[@michaelwright1602]

I heard my buddies Kef's, he sold them off, they were nothing impressive to my ear. He broke out his Fritz Carbon 7's... Much better.

[@DmitriWeissman]

Those (LS50 Meta) are tricky bastards. Unlike most other speakers, without sub, they are better closer to the wall and are really meant for small spaces. But once complemented with a pair of decent subs, and placed correctly, they are very fun as long as you don't expect 100db at 3 or more meters. I like live performances. And those really shine in bringing them home on decent recordings. The one important thing is size. For me it is much easier to fit into my living space a pair of bookshelves and a pair of subs, than a pair of a truly full range towers.

[@wa2368]

The LS 50s are some of the most overhyped, uninvolving squawk boxes. This reviewer doesn't seem to have a mind of his own. Fortunately, Randy does.

[@joylessdancer4554]

@@wa2368 Pray tell your alt lineup...

[@mikecampbell5856]

The United States Of Awesome has spoken! This battle has been fun and I'm glad it's a friendly battle.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Maybe CAM will fire back! I hope he does... it will be good for my views! Thanks!

[@adsph]

Good stuff Bob. What a time to be alive. With many choices something for us all.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

That's what I say! Now, if only money 💰 would grow on 🌲

[@JumbleTasteSpinning]

Great video! I've had the LS50 speakers for about 4 years now and I listen to records almost every day - and they're just insane speakers! I have a 2.1 system (Onkyo A-910 amplifier, Morel SUB-10X subwoofer & Technics SL-1210GR) and the sound is just so much fun and so alive! I will never sell them.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I'm glad they are working for you? What are you powering them with? I think that makes all the difference! Thanks for watching my stupid video!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Oh, Onkyo, sorry... I missed that!

[@JumbleTasteSpinning]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog yes, Onkyo A-9110. Onkyo and Kef are perfect budget match!

[@MasterofPlay7]

​@@JumbleTasteSpinningI found them to be muffled and stuffed..... Just not enough air/seperation....

[@sourceonepainting]

Hello Bob. Another fun and informative video. I live in Sacramento, Ca. Can you tell me what radio staion you are on in the morning. I would love to give a listen on my streaming service. Keep up the great work

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

KLBJ-FM 93.7 Austin - Mornings with Matt and Bob www.klbjfm.com (I think we stream on iHeart and other radio apps!) thanks!!!!!

[@sourceonepainting]

Thank you again. Great stuff.

[@doctorbritain9632]

People have different rooms and here's the surprise, different tastes.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

And different ears! I be said all this stuff all along if you follow me. Just trying to have some fun! Thanks!

[@doctorbritain9632]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog 100% agreed

[@bgroovin1343]

Great video! I use the Metas in a small room with a sub and HPF/LPF (as most bookshelf speakers require) and absolutely love the imaging and soundstage. I do agree with Randy about the midrange and vocals. I find them to be recessed like he said, not forward like most reviews state. I think they are overpriced at MSRP. I got mine $500 off open box 2 years ago. When they were on sale for $1k they were completely worth it, IMHO. Not many other $1k speakers with that build quality, style, and performance. They are definitely a low sensitive speaker, so Randy is correct in that aspect as well. No fatigue for me like I had with my Klipsch. I've been eyeballing Heco for awhile, might have to give them a go.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Hopefully the Heco Aurora 300's will be back in stock someday. I linked to the 200s.

[@ben23a31]

Nice video and hopefully we'll see more like this 👍🏼 btw you listed the Heco's as the 400's on your final list and not the 300's.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Oooooops! I was drunk!

[@ben23a31]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog nice 👍🏼

[@perlman7376]

What are you looking for in a system? I'm searching for a speaker that puts me in Carnegie Hall, dead center and 10-15 rows back listening to a Mahler or Bruckner symphony at full crescendo without distortion. That's my ideal.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Tall order! Keep up the search!

[@thomas_n_OH]

Thanks for the follow up to CAM’s revisit to the LS 50 Metas. I was shopping these in 2022 and found Randy’s reviews. He convinced me to go for the Q150s at $300 instead. Also picked up the Emotiva B1+ at $200. Put the saved $1000 into a phono pre amp upgrade.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Me 18yo son has some 150's. They slap for the $$!

[@boneseyyl1060]

That's the kicker. The 150, and 350 especially, can give you most of what the LS 50 offers. And some prefer the sound of the 350 over the Meta. There was a Stereophile review I read that compared them and while they considered the Meta to be the better speaker, they still thought the 350 was the more fun and engaging speaker to listen to, overall. When you look at the price difference, it is a no brainer IMO.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@boneseyyl1060 thanks for that update!

[@trauma50disaster1]

how are the B1's? If you had to upgrade what would you suggest?

[@thomas_n_OH]

@@trauma50disaster1 I am very happy with the B1’s. I have them in a fairly small office and listen near field at low volume, most of the time. If I was to really upgrade, I’d love to have a pair of KEF R3 Metas. Would also like to hear a soft dome tweeter speaker on my system for comparison.

[@markg7762]

how do you compare 123.00 to and 1500-2000 speaker. if you like small speakers maybe you need to back to bose,s

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I said it wasn't fair! But sometimes you connect to something that's super cheap! I'm talking to the Hecos, not necessarily the Sony's! I can't explain it. And conversely, something that is expensive isn't automatically satisfying to the listener. Am I right?

[@bankruptfilly]

Are you sponsored by the products listed in the video description? Are those links affiliate links?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I do not carry any sponsorships at all. Those are affiliate links! A girl's gotta make cash somehow!

[@gregcarson3444]

I miss audio stores I would sure love to have one around me, trouble is $1500 -$1600 for a pair of speakers is moving high in my budget. I would sure love some place that I could go so I could hear them.

[@johncartwright243]

At 3:17 to 3:39, are we still talking about speakers? LOL! But seriously, a very thoughtful - fun and creative - review. Thanks!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

To be honest, I don't remember ANYTHING I said!😂

[@onewayticketdave1554]

I went into the showroom to buy the KEF ls50s to pair with my Naim uniti Atom but came out with the superior sounding PMC Prodigy1 Bookshelf Speakers. Far better low end frequency response and more punch than the Kefs. The KEFs look far better but I love my plain looking PMC Prodigy1 Bookshelf Speakers who sit stealthly in the room until they shine all about the music the second they come to life. Overall its all about preference but make sure you listen to the PMC Prodigy1s before handling your hard earned money over.

[@boneseyyl1060]

What Hi-Fi gave them 5 stars as well. They even compared them to the Metas and said they made the Metas sound "a little soft around the edges."

[@onewayticketdave1554]

@@boneseyyl1060 It's all down to the very effective full-size Transmission Line that runs through the speakers inside.

[@unclelou3523]

Where can you even find Heco Aurora 300s? The KEFs are better simply because you can find them for sale. (The Heco you link to in the description are 200s. Are they the same?)

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

No! After my 300 review aired they sold out on Amazon in 2 days. They haven't been back since!

[@unclelou3523]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog Apparently Amazon found one pair in their warehouse as they came back in stock with a "one left" notice; snagged 'em immediatly, they arrive tomorrow.

[@soundhead18]

Great video! You should do more of these 😂

[@olligps]

I want to like the original LS50s so much because I bought them and they look fantastic. But I miss something and I wonder if a better amp would work or the mess goes on...

[@DethFromAbove1985]

The other thing is the repairabilty. I was watching GR-Research (that channel that does cross over upgrades) and he didn't think he get at the crossovers without breaking something. I think a lot of the money on these speakers goes into the speaker boxes. I found my KEFs to be a little too shrill so I traded them for some old AR-11s.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I wish I could trade!!!

[@JazzReissues-oh]

As much as I believe Danny from GR-Research is a fair guy. I also understand he runs a business. Danny said very clear. The KEF SL50 Meta measure really well. Remember Danny NEVER listen to the speakers you sent to him. He only get ONE speaker and he plug it to his measuring system to see how they measure. He does NOT know how they sound, he does not plug the speakers into his stereo system, only into his meter to measure them. IF they are crappy, he would access the crossover and attempt to play with the components looking for measurement improvement. Then he would make a recommendation (often fair) and get $500 out of your pocket. That is completely unnecessary with the SL 50 meta, they already measure very good. The problem is the fact you can't access the crossover without risking damaging the box. With the LS50 meta, you will never EVER be his customer. No reason for Danny to recommend them even when they measure very well. Me, being a user of the LS 50 meta with the proper amp (or sort of ok amp) I totally understand the cheapaudioman as well. You can't have a cheap amp to make the sound good. He have to get them OUT of his cheap audio channel. That is what I think

[@boatformypotplants]

A brilliantly fun video. Give me a warm pair of flannel pyjamas any day of the week.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

That's what I say!

[@KeithSkronek]

Fun video, Bob. Exactly what our hobby needs - less seriousness, and more fun.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Trying not to be too sensational! At the end of the day, we all have to find what works for us, individually! Budget, space, room acoustics, our ears, all work into it! There are no absolutes in audio, and hat I can say tell. The best speakers are the ones that make you stop analyzing and just listen! Thanks again!

[@larryhoffman7471]

All I know is, I love my Kef LS50’s.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

No shame in that game!

[@jamesschneider3828]

It comes down to, it's all listener preference. Enjoy your music.

[@______4790]

How dare you

[@gordthor5351]

@@jamesschneider3828 Not to this extent. The LS50s are infinitely better (if you have equally or better quality source than the LS50s can resolve). Randy is in it for the money, so he pushes the cheap crap that sounds like as$ and pretends the budget sh!t is not only equal, but better. The LS50's are very hard to drive, thus garbage cheap amps will sh!t the bed and pour a ton of distortion into them. Learn the basics of electronics and then scammers like Randy won't fool you. I have played the LS50s on many amps and they play up waaaaaaay beyond their price point. They sound absolutely amazing on my Parasound JC1s , JC2, VMV D1 dac and subs in a huge room. I have much more expensive tower speakers, but the LS50s totally disappear, have a much bigger 3 dimensional soundstage, better imaging, can play very detailed, airy ,dynamic , fast and agile, better instrument separation, without never sounding edgy. You need to understand that speakers are passive and can only play what they are given. The LS50s sound like sh!t on weak and harsh front ends (especially a weak amp), because they are detailed and not very forgiven for the crap Randy pushes on people as "giant killers". Be realistic and realize you get what you pay for. The LS50s are easily the best bang for the buck, but only if you spend the money on equally higher end gear. Only Randy could be so dense (because his focus is on making money) to assume that he knows better than the 100,000 plus people stupid enough to pay $1500 for the LS50, when they could have just bought a $98 Sony that it better. Pull your heads out your asses. It's not logical.

[@JazzReissues-oh]

@@gordthor5351 This is the first comment I found where someone is aware of what is happening here.

[@joebeckham8352]

The LS50 is like most the Kef stuff and really needs a great front end to achieve the magic that people rave about. Its truly a speaker that you could throw double or triple the $ of the speaker into electronics and hear a huge difference. They image left to right and front to back really, really well...not the tallest image or biggest sounding speaker, but for a small room or a near/midfield listening position, they are awesome! Great video Bob, love the content.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Just trying to have some fun at my friend's expense!

[@boneseyyl1060]

I certainly agree with you there. They scale up very well but they don't scale down. Good speakers will usually bring out the flaws in low end stuff. They appear to need the juice too, to make them sing. Great point.

[@fernandoentrialgo89]

Man! You´re a genius...just discovered your channel and what a great entertainment for music enthusiasts. Keep the great work!

[@Natan9000]

I have the active version but I do like them a lot. They look amazing and sound really good to me. To be fair I didn’t hear many others speakers.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Hey, Man... that's what really counts here! I'm happy for you!

[@geoffholling4773]

I think one thing is clear about the LS50's they are one of the most polarising speakers I've heard, almost like Marmite, a lot of people really like them, and a lot of people really don't. Personally for me I don't get along with them, but I haven't heard a dual concentric design yet that I get along with, from any manufacturer, but I can see their appeal. For what it's worth I am a HiFi advisor in a retail outlet, and would not put anyone off the LS-50s, but they absolutely have to listen to them and not just ride the hype train and buy them blind.

[@DAVID-io9nj]

Would I get lynched if I brought up Bose 901's?

[@michaelwright1602]

@@DAVID-io9nj Those were some sweet speakers, my uncle owned a pair back in the day...

[@forbeginnersandbeyond6089]

Kef is priced way way too high.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@forbeginnersandbeyond6089 I know a lot of engineering went into them, and I am sure they sound good in the right room with the right gear. I found them rather thin and boring, as did my friend that owned them. They did sell rather quickly though.

[@jeffreylehman1159]

@@DAVID-io9njYes

[@mrpositronia]

The LS50s (original 50th anniversary ones) are my favourite speaker. Not sure what's not to like about them.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

What amp are you running!

[@mrpositronia]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog I was running them off a Cambridge CXA60, boosted by an Isotek EVO3 power cable (nice improvements in dynamics and bigger soundstage). Although I have since upgraded to a Lyngdorf TDAI1120 fed through a Cambridge Edge W. But I use Tannoy XT6f as I'm in a larger room now. The LS50s are more suited to smaller rooms or with subwoofer.

[@daleboylen6427]

Bob said "Cheapaudioman really knows his stuff" Spit my coffee out when he said that. Lets see. Cheapaudioman, who "really knows his stuff" recently "reviewed" with confirmation bias going in, the KEF LS50 Meta's. On the Kef website it states CLEARLY "You should use a HIGH CURRENT, high quality amplifier" This is because the LS50 metas have a VERY low impedance at subsonic frequencies, and a very high impedance at 100hz, creating one hell of a tough load for any amplifier. So what does Cheapaudioman use? The Wiim amp, for one. No current capability. Not high quality. But Cheapaudioman "Really knows his stuff" Cheapaudioman, who "Really knows his stuff" suggested to his idiot subs to "Pull a DVD player out of your neighbors trash can" to play CD's. CD's and DVD's are not clocked the same. Cheapaudioman, who "Really knows his stuff" had speakers sitting on the same physical surface as his turntable. Cheapaudioman, who "Really knows his stuff" claims you can put ANY phono cartridge on ANY turntable for "flavoring" ignoring completely the very critical match between the dynamic compliance of the cartidge and the mass of the tone arm. Cheapaudioman, who "Really knows his stuff" streamed amazon standard def music from an apple TV into a decent Moon amplifier and Kef LS50 speakers, then blamed the amp and speakers. Cheapaudioman, who "Really knows his stuff" decided to put a 6" car stereo co axial speaker into the blown 6" 2 way Dayton audio home speaker cabinet. I told him "This will never work right". But Randy, who "really knows his stuff" did it anyway. The results were predictable. Cheapaudioman, who "Really knows his stuff" uses the most compressed music ever recorded (Metallica) to evaluate gear. Cheapaudioman, who "Really knows his stuff" claims the Sony SSCS5's are "audiophile speakers" I could go on and on..........about Mr "Really knows his stuff" Starting to wonder about you too Bob. What Cheapaudioman knows about real audio, we could put in a fleas ass and have room for a box car.

[@brianclass1988]

the most refreshing comment i heard all week…

[@PhillioDoede]

Nice little retrospective mini review. Love the style and respect the opinion but you should have tried at least a few more tracks. Personally I really like the LS50; the biggest problem with them is they are a bit weak on bass and that has a consequence of making them sound just overall smaller in comparison to similar size speakers, even ones that are way cheaper.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Good point! I've listened to them a lot for 3 years. This was the culmination of that listening... test track aside!

[@kraig7777]

On Amazon Klipsch RB 81 II is 249-299 depending on the season. I found out about those from an old Zeos review. They're a lot cheaper now than when he reviewed them and he raved about them at the old price. Basically I'm saying I want you to review them to see if I still want them.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Don't know if I'll ever see those. I do have some Klipsch towers in storage. RF-3s ... does that sound right?

[@jasonromich9919]

Just got the rb81s about a month ago. Careful though as they are priced individually!!!! Not sold as a pair. Ask me how I know. I think they sound great. Some don't like the Klipsch sound, but I'm a sucker for detail. Ran them on a fosi tb10d and currently have them on a yamaha v385. No complaints except that people expect bookshelf speakers to be sold as a pair. Haha

[@elmenomaronido6653]

Nice bookshelf speaker and well made , Overprice oh yesss !!

[@6StringPassion.]

I auditioned the LS50's years ago. I was quite impressed with how overpriced they were.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Pushing the bounds of KZbin controversy!😂 It's all subjective and equipment related. The Kef works for you in your environment and makes you happy. You have reached your Nirvana, for which I am very happy. I support your support and case for these speakers, but will not be getting them any time soon as my SVS Ultra Bookshelves will be hard to beat in my environment. Thank you for your time and personal observations and I am sure the Kef speakers will continue to please many consumers. Take care, Sir, and stay sonically happy.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Did you know my description headline was actually written by Randy? What a guy!!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog He certainly knows, after years of practice, how to work the algorithm to get views. I'm sure you will, with practice, grow your own channel and success. All the best, Sir.

[@Justwantahover]

I'm looking for speaker builders to build my design for their enjoyment! Do this: Get a good 5" FR driver and mount it open on top of the box (not in it). And mount a woofer in the box as usual. Or find old speakers and pull out the tweeter (and/or) the med driver. Block the holes and mount the 5"driver on top, completely open! I like to tip the open driver back (@ 45°) on top of the box (experiment). They are a bit beamy in the highs (which are extended when open). Mine sound holographic @ 45°. If it's shouty, make a filter for the open driver and put a large inductor on the woofer. Crossover fr is about 300 hz (with 100 mf on the open driver). If bass is too strong, resist the woofer for best med sound and bass sound. Mine are the best speakers I had. 😅 🎶 They sound like panel speakers!

[@mladenbasic1]

Supremely entertaining! It pleases the court.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

You may approach the bench!

[@oscartango2348]

I only listen to music through speakers made of "Walrus Ivory" and "Teak Wood", hand crafted by Quechuan artisans from the mountains of Peru. I hope I'm not being pretentious, but it's really the only way to truly experience music, instead of just hearing it.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I like real Brazilian wormwood veneer. It allows the music to breathe!

[@jacksonbrawn6638]

LOL... you both are highly entertaining! Rock on!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks, Jack!!!

[@jameslaidler2152]

Rather happy with my two sets of B&W DM-220s. Love those old things.

[@Dark-Star]

I don’t believe anything you guys say anymore. You only talk badly about the companies that you get nothing from. Gashelli Labs, Fosi Audio, Klipsch, etc. you will never say a bad word about them.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

It's called relationships. It make the world go 'round. Am I worse that a guy that spews a bunch of specs and absolutes he's reading off a teleprompter and acts like he invented the hobby? I keep it light and speak from the heart. At the end of the day, KZbin, like fox and cnn is entertainment. When our hobby loses entertainment value... it's done. My opinion! I DO appreciate the watch!

[@JazzReissues-oh]

I found a comment down here where someone mentioned what I think the real problem is. Kef SL50 meta are excellent speakers. That is my opinion, BUT I also knew exactly what I was getting when I purchased my Kef speakers. Kef SL50 Meta are about 85dbs. At the cheapaudioman level, there are ZERO amp able to move them. 84 is considered poor (rule of thumb) and 92 are excellent. When I purchased my Kef speakers, I was listening to a Yamaha 801, rated at 100 watts. I knew my Kef would sound just like any other speakers when connected to that amp. Thing changes dramatically when I connected them to a Willsenton R300 PLUS , that is only 8 watts amp. But it has balls to move (just a bit) my Kef speakers. Then I moved to a more powerful amp. Willsenton R800i 300B 805 tube Integrated Amplifier, Now I am in a different ball park. The sound I get now is what I was expecting from my KEF. These speakers are amazing, but you have to give them juice. At the end of the day, it is all about loving your music.I am very happy with my Kef SL50 meta.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks, Jazz! I really appreciate your notes and I believe what you say to be true!

[@mikeevans5412]

Randy did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that these suck. Verdict, not guilty of sucking!!!! This is your best yet brother! Love you both. Love the perspective you bring to this speaker.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks! I'm sure the LS50 can deliver more with the exact right electronics. I thought my Technics would drive the better but it didn't. I'm going to run them on my McIntosh MA252 and Nad c3050 and do an update! Thanks for the compliment!

[@keith6872]

You are correct about the original rp600m. Using some equalization these sound great. I think these would win overall in blind test. Randy would be sad😢

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I thought Randy liked those! I know Guttenberg does!

[@keith6872]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog I thought randy sold his rp600m. we all make mistakes

[@kevinbehnke7149]

I trialed the metas from a local high store for a weekend and they didn't grab me. Connected to an Arcam SA20. Needless to say they weren't purchased. I do have the RP-600M in my collection and enjoy those for their exciting spirit. If I want a warmer experience then my Elac Debut Reference come out. Yes the Sony SSCS5 are in the mix as well. 😂

[@craigepsa674]

There's something about those RP600M's that is pretty special. I have much more pricey speakers, but I love the 600M's with a low powered tube amp . . .

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Agreed!!!

[@andrewbrazier9664]

Kef LS50 Meta are fantastic looking speakers & have a huge fan base. Last year I attended a major hi Fi show & one of the exhibitors happened to be demoing a high end audio component using them. Having read many glowing reports I was expecting to be blown away by the sound quality. I wasn't, the speakers just sounded flat & boring no matter what music was played. Of course the fit & finish is going to be much better than a budget pair or boxes like Sony. However we have so many speakers here in UK ranging from less than half the price of the Metas upwards that just sound so much better - which primarily is what you should buy them for 👍 🙂 🇬🇧

[@Boxkerp]

Love your channel but in what universe does grey have more personality than blue. I mean the word dull and grey are very synonymous with each other

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I think you are FINALLY getting my oblique sense of humour! Thousands do... many do! I said it was a "warm" gray, and I believe that to be true!

[@user-ko8kx8vf1k]

Agree with Randy. Personally I'm not a fan at all of Kef speakers. I do listen to heavy metal music so they are not the appropriate speaker for my music.😊

[@formerhobbit5599]

So you've owned the LS50?

[@user-ko8kx8vf1k]

@@formerhobbit5599 I have listened to them many times at local hifi shop. I spend a lot of time at KZOO Audio and get to play with all kinds of high end goodies including KEF. While not for me lots of people love them.😀

[@jerryh559]

Which KEF's have you tried for metal?? I mostly listen to deathcore, black metal, progressive rock/metal. Looking to buy the R3's, did you ever try those or comparable for metal?

[@user-ko8kx8vf1k]

@@jerryh559 Heard the ls50 meta, r3 meta, and q750. Played testament, evile, killer be killed,alien weaponry and 4arm.

[@ferchizzle]

Which speakers do you use?

[@lcd2426]

This was great and shows how cool this community can be. This is the perfect counter point to CAM’s video even though you ended up agreeing with him.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

We like having fun with our hobby!!!

[@mgaming7]

The KEF LS50 Meta is good. It just SHOULD be $999 a set. it's not as good as some other $1500 speakers.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

That make makes more sense!

[@chevyimp5857]

Yet another fun video 😊

[@billwoods9302]

The LS50 model is low sensitivity, which automatically means they are power hungry. Any components which do not provide a high current signal are going to sound anemic through these speakers. But, if you have a powerful amp that can control speakers with an iron fist, the LS50's sound absolutely amazing in small to medium sized listening rooms. Are they for everybody? No, and nothing ever really is. But for those with the right space and the right amplification, their imaging is reference level for a bookshelf speaker. Also, matching them to the right amplification may require a substantial investment, as the better the front end components, the better the sound you'll get out of them. Nice comparison/analysis Bob!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Yeah... that power thing is the general consensus. I'm going to try them with another amp tomorrow!

[@BoredSilly666]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog What power amp though?

[@bgroovin1343]

Agree. I have a Parasound Halo Hint 6 and I use a lot of that power to get the Metas singing.

[@billwoods9302]

@@bgroovin1343, a friend of mine also uses a Parasound HINT 6 to power a pair of Magnepan 1.6QR's which are less efficient than the LS50's but still sound amazing. That Parasound integrated amp puts out 160W into 8 ohms with high current, so it's great for controlling low sensitivity speakers.

[@timball4892]

while I have not heard any of the LS50's, I have owned the R3 Metas and oh my! They are special especially given their price. You should try them I think you will be very surprised.

[@curtdiesner4667]

I totally agree.R3 for me.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I don't think KEF will send me any now!!!!😅

[@timball4892]

Probably right. Unfortunately as the R3 Metas are an awesome Bookie.

[@alexsamaniego442]

they don't suck, but for the money, you can find better.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Yes! Build quality is sick, though!

[@alexsamaniego442]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog very well built with quality pieces, but for half money, Tekton Design Mini Lore will get you there. While the lore will add extension of the low frequencies without the need for a subwoofer.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@alexsamaniego442 I need to check those out

[@jjjtung]

Worst lawyer ever 😂, loved this!

[@barneyrubble9309]

I own them but I kinda get why many won't like them. They are more of an ethereal listen rather than an emotional one and one could justifiably argue that music should be an emotional experience. Different strokes for different folks. I don't need anyone to validate my choice so I'm not offended by anyone slagging them off. I may change them at some point but it'll have to be with something special.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I'm SURE I could make them sing with the right amp pairing! I liked them when I first got them. Maybe recent opinions have swayed me! Rock on with your KEFs!

[@vvraithz]

Such a fun video!

[@jim010109]

The Sony- scc- whatever, lolololol. There is the new SVS bookie to check out, hint,hint 😎 Good video!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks, Jimbo!

[@chrisveltman1795]

I’m not sure who has more apologists, the LS50 or Randy. Different strokes for different folks.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Welcome to America. Freedom of choice... most of the time!

[@jeffreylehman1159]

Randy doesn’t need apologists, he repeatedly states that his opinion is for HIS TASTES, your mileage may vary.

[@boneseyyl1060]

I only had a brief listen to them once. I own a pair of Q550 KEF's and I have enjoyed them for over 6 years. I was at an audio store shortly after they were first introduced and I was excited to hear them. They were basically on a shelf connected to a receiver I believe, so not ideal, but I was instantly underwhelmed. They sounded too cold and clinical to me. I imagine the detail was there and I like detail, but they sounded thin and small, is the best way I can describe it. Then you look at the price, and it just doesn't add up. The Meta's are now over 2 grand up here in Canada. No way I would pay that for those speakers. I would gladly spend a thousand more and move up to the R3 Metas and not bother with LS50's. Also when you look at the Q350's they are a far better speaker, value wise than the LS 50. I could do a 5 speaker surround with 5 350's for the cost of a pair of Meta's. So they may be a great speaker but they are not a great value IMO. And Randy is more of a value guy, as am I.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

You got this figured out! Maybe I'll run them on my Emotiva Class a-a/b 250 watt mono blocks! Thanks for the detailed notes!

[@jamesschneider3828]

It's all subject to room dynamics and electronics to bring out the best in any speaker and on top of that it's all subject to listener preference. If you like brighter highs then buy equipment that will produce it. If you prefer a thumping bass that will tickle your toes from floor vibration buy a subwoofer to fill the sound missing from your standmounts. The answer is, listeners preference.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Totally, agree with everything you've written! This is the way!

[@hansoosterwal4073]

Surprising outcome!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

In screenwriting it's called a "swerve!" I had to keep you on your toes, didn't I?

[@rossarcher6104]

"When looking at quality, I always look at the rear end" Very entertaining presentation. I admit for $1500+ perhaps these aren't for everyone, and perception of sound is ultimately subjective... you really gotta listen to speakers on your list in your own space with your favorite genre of music is ultimately the bottom line.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

So true! I wish I'd said it!

[@larryh9525]

About ten years ago, I started using room correction software after buying numerous sets of speakers that sounded good in the store, but not nearly as good at home. Without room correction software, I found that everything seemed to miss the mark for me. That holds true for the KEF LS50 Meta as well. However, using Anthem's Room Correction software, which automatically makes subtle changes to compensate for room acoustics, I think the KEFs are long-term keepers in my system. I watched Randy's latest video where he bashed the KEFs, and those aren't the right speakers for his room. With a sub and room correction, he'd likely change his opinion, but then he thinks that he gets more mileage by trashing them. The engineering team is made up of enormously talented people who have taken a single idea (Uni-q) and built an entire range of products from that idea. Randy isn't interested in what KEF does well.

[@robertwang7825]

My own experience with the LS50 metas , you need a very gd front end , I’m using a 50W tube class A SET, then you need the S2 stands fitted with IsoAcoustic Gaias2 , then you need an analogue sounding R2R DAC like the Pontus 2 with a DDC with I2S and a streamer like the Eversolo A6 ME, Audioquest connects like the Carbon USB and Cardas speaker wires. As I moved up the chain , I heard every improvement to the sound quite significantly. Ofc you also need a sub , Rel TX5 If you use cheap front end , it’s not gonna sound very good. I’m waiting to buy the Kef R3 Meta as my upgrade.

[@matthewhilty4209]

I have them on my desk. They are OK, but not good for the price. They need 50 watts or more of power. They NEED a subwoofer but they image well and their top end is slightly rolled off making them easy to listen to. They are fine . I just wish they were a better value.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I've thrown 100 watts of McIntosh power at the and still didn't get satisfaction! I can't get no satisfaction!

[@Marius.1926]

Ls 50 Meta are a hifi speaker, non for disco music or hip-hop for people just base is important

[@joelopez4913]

I had a pair then I sold them I just could not get over the price I paid for them. They sound good but they are not worth the price I paid for them.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I want to sell mine and try some ZU!

[@tikilord66]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalogI've been saving over a year now for some Dirty Weekends.

[@solomonstewart1025]

This is the best expressed reason I have ever read for getting rid of a speaker...eternal price remorse!

[@marcodevos3565]

I've heard them 5 times in 5 different set-ups, but i was never really impressed. They sound dull, no real detail and muddy. They image quite well though. And they are ugly.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I quite like their appearance. Maybe the best feature.

[@LouisFarraconn]

The sky is one of the most beautiful things in the universe...at least from an earthling point of view. This is a good tongue n cheek take. I am entertained.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I'm glad you "get it!" Let's just all have some fun instead of contemplating our navels!

[@matthewshields2841]

This video and Randy's video (not that I'm familiar with either of you) were top shelf... all that for a forgettable product. I have auditioned the KEF R3 Metas though, which were up my street sound-wise, but too rich for my blood.

[@Pierre-Leloup]

Yet another self-proclaimed audio specialist on KZbin who has something to sale ;-)

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I know, right! Just offering opinion! I don't think that I have offered myself up in any of my videos as any kind of expert. I have been into audio since I was a kid. I've always said audio has all kinds of flavors. 50s are just another flavor. In the right hands they can sound great I'm sure! Just trying to have some fun. The last I checked, this is still classified as a "hobby!"

[@jeffreylehman1159]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalogYeah, let Pierre put out his own content. I’m a big CAM fan, but enjoyed your video. Keep up the good work, I might be back!

[@007soedal]

In my view this review is missing the point a little. The Meta is nearly without technical flaws. Read the official white paper from KEF. The Meta is quite transparent to whatever source you are feeding them. They distort/colour the sound little themselves compared to most other speakers. If your goal is to listen to a album as it was recorded, the KEF can compete with the best, regardless of price. Other speakers in the same price range (and over) have bigger issues with cabinet resonance, frequency response on/off-axis and cone break up. This colors the sound. It may be a color that you prefers, but it is a color, and it will sound like a filter/layer on all your music. My biggest problem with the Metas is that they are quite inefficient. My favorite amp is the Musical Fidelity A1(2023) and this combo sounds fantastic but I really misses to play a bit louder sometimes.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I hear you! I really do! I guess if that's true... and it probably is... why don't more audio just go to guitar center and buy studio monitors. I am starting to think that people want a personality in their speaker! Maybe a sound profile they remember from their youth, or something they heard in their past. Where is the fun in perfection? None, I say! This is a great topic to debate, I think! Thanks for the detailed comments!!!

[@007soedal]

Yes. I see that perspective too. I admire the Metas more than I love them. The same can I say about some of the studio monitors I have heard. The most important is that you find something you like yourself. In my case I like to listen to full range drivers as an alternative to the Metas. I can also understand those who prefers effective loudspeakers with more slam and dynamics, or someone who prefers large sound from a Magnepan etc. I liked your comment about "sound profile from their youth or something they liked in the past". Much truth to that.@@UnitedStatesofAnalog

[@bulletsforteeth5029]

As a guitar player, I prefer a cheap paper/hemp cone, it just sounds more organic.

[@PaperBoat.]

Well, sh** speakers got a sarcastic lawyer! 😂

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Right???!!! But, I'm NO Jackie Chiles!

[@PaperBoat.]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog No. You are more like Jimmy McGill... 😂

[@Brian_Romska]

Ha great vid man!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks, Brian!

[@michaeldunn9228]

In the right room the LS50 Meta are amazing. Superb mids and highs. No need for a sub at all. The build is outstanding and ffs use a good amp. Love The Cheap Audio Man but that room he was using them in is not going to do any speaker a favour!

[@Grrrr3FKAGrrrrGrrrrGrrrr]

They really prove the ‘point source’ concept with their eerie coherence and lack of phaseyness, more so than bigger KEFs. You can do better in terms of dynamics and tonality.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

My findings as well! I'm probably over them! But they look good in my bar!

[@sujitbose7411]

I have a penchant for acoustic music, and I crave a sonic experience that faithfully reproduces the instrumentation with utmost precision. I desire to discern each instrument - be it the violin's soaring highs, the drum's dynamic attack, the flute's airy subtleties, or the guitar's rich timbre - with crystal clarity and definition. a sound signature that is unfatigueing and suitable for extended listening , very easy to ears , an all day speaker .Furthermore, I seek vocals that are layered, lively, and nuanced, with a sense of depth and dimensionality. Finally, I require a bass response that is taut, nuanced, and capable of conveying the subtlest textural details, thereby immersing me in a truly captivating sonic landscape. Sir, please suggest me a sub 500 dollar speaker best suited for my requirements and preference.🙏

[@crispincrunch2453]

They're built like rocks aka super-solid, premium cabinets w/ no resonance. The good: they can play super loud w/o even a hint of distortion, they throw a HUGE wide, robust, dynamic soundstage, they image like champs (good thing about concentrics), quality of materials & build The bad: tone ain't connected to ❤as much as i get w/ paper drivers, ya gotta really have a robust amp and even then ya gotta REALLY whip 'em before they start singin', not a great value at retail price. Like any premium brand, KEF is cashin' in on name & reputation & lifestyle aesthetics ...but most egregious, their accessories are even worse values (stands + filler + they really need a subwoofer) making the *overall* value low @ retail prices. However, if you can get em second-hand @ 50% or more off retail, their appeal starts to grow. The SUPER CRAZY VALUE are the gen1 LS50 Wireless: under $1000 for speakers w digital crossovers + built-in amps + DAC and some (limited) streaming functionality. Yo! Now **that** is a good value for a starter/newbie system or a second system.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Fantastic comments! Thanks for your assessment! You've probably helped someone here!

[@crispincrunch2453]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog 👏 your video here + the one from Jay’s iagi on second-hand LS50s helped coalesce the words …at last! 😆after years of going unexpressed

[@jonathandavis9507]

I’m sure they are fine.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

It's a matter of degrees!

[@JuanGarcia-kv7yv]

Way to go with the Video!!! The Jury is in and this Channel is a winner winner…….!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Appreciate the vote of confidence!!!!

[@dajikbatarang1]

If used in a small to medium-small, with good amplification the LS50 is a nice speaker. Cheapaudioman was playing them in a huge room with 16 foot ceilings, not the room it was meant for.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I get it!

[@AA-dd5kn]

Had the first and the metas and frankly my Aegis 1 sound so much better vs the KEF for a fraction of the price! Sold both in the past year, glad another sucker believes these videos.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I'm sure you can coax good souls or of these with a good amp pairing. I'm going to experiment a little more before a bid them farewell! Thanks ! Happy Listening!

[@54tristin]

I bought a pair of Magnapan 0.7 for 1400 10 years ago. I bought, and returned the LS 50 for front channel AV Channels last years. The Maggie’s blew the Kef out the door!

[@olaniyi570]

I have a pair of Q-150, and they are awesome. I would assume that the LS-50s are even better. Btw, What Hifi Magazine agrees with USoA.

[@johngutmanis3580]

I have listened the meta several times and it’s an ok speaker, but for the life of me I have no idea why you and so many others in the industry love them so much. It’s an ok speaker, but really nothing to write home about!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I came to that conclusion... eventually!

[@freemenofengland2880]

It's Got To Be a Boxing Match....

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Let's go!

[@freemenofengland2880]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog 😂😂😂

[@Tendervittle]

Ls-50 Look better than they sound - Kef r-3 all the way 🎊

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Agreed! Thanks for the watch!

[@54tristin]

Where’s the bass?

[@nobicubalibre2143]

One great speaker 👏👏

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Yes, I thought I spoke very well! Appreciate the compliment!

[@cremersalex]

I think he prefers those little $180 Sony speakers. Oh, you've just mentioned it.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

He IS a fan!

[@pbaker7160]

They are good speakers, but overpriced at $1500. You can find MUCH better for that price.

[@tuojisprotesiu]

Randy Santel?

[@WireHedd]

He ate a set of LS50s maybe?

[@tuojisprotesiu]

@@WireHedd Good one 😂

[@DAVID-io9nj]

The Emperor has no clothes!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Right on💪🏼

[@omnichords]

It's good, it's fine.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Heard!

[@ninja777de]

I've already listened to your friend, but what I've noticed lately is that the professional "mode" has turned into clown mode and that's unfortunate. Sorry, this is just my opinion. I have KEF LS60 after I listened to many ones and I just added a KEF KC92 subwoofer because it is what I like and it is fine to have other opinions, but not in this way. And your title is misleading, because of the same reason. You'll just attract a different kind of audience and if it's fine for you, OK.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I didn't know which way it was going to go when I started shooting. It's not my intention to mislead... only to have fun. I have no issues with KEF, My son has 150's and they sound nice for the price. When I think I could had Lintons or KLH 5 for the same price... well, that kind of puts it into perspective. Maybe the LS60's are a different beast. I'm talking about the LS50 Meta. I don't think they always excite. My opinion. But, no one ever died listening to them. Anyway, I DO appreciate your comments and the watch. I hope you'll give me and my channel another chance!

[@ninja777de]

​@@UnitedStatesofAnalog I just subscribed. And in the meantime, I also bought the new subwoofer from them, the KC92 and I'm extremely excited. Maybe because it looks that eight subs (four on each speaker) with two in the KC 92...I have now like ten woofers! I'm not a bass head but it seems that it helps with the highs and the mids, too! The problem with many reviews is that they consider too much the bass in the speakers, even in the shelf ones. If you need it, just add a compatible sub, to have a better system - and very often you'll see that a pair of speakers with an added sub will perform a lot better than the other speakers, even when you added to them the same sub and you considered better before.

[@MisterShame]

KEFs are very sibilant speakers. You can hear it on endless KZbin sound demos let alone in person. Which is painful to some people. Also, if you have an amp that can push drivers into high excursion, like 55 watt or higher 70s vintage amps, the driver chuffs and pops when it separates from the tweeter. So you need to treat their UNiQ driver as a mid/tweeter and cross it at the amp to a sub at 80 Hz or even higher. Because if you send it low frequencies, it can pop and distort like its going to blow apart. Unless you just have an AVR. Very few of them have the power to do things like that. Even at high SPL. If you aren't sensitive to sibilance and brightness, they may sound good when crossed to a sub.

[@BobTrainor]

Randy does know his stuff. Lol

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

He's pretty good!

[@BoredSilly666]

I have to totally disagree. He has no idea what good audio equipment sounds like. He's still doing reviews with poor Amplification. He doesnt seem to understand good amplification in the slightests then wonders why the KEFs sound poor. PMC 24 owner

[@BlastBe4st]

​@@BoredSilly666 so... what is good amplification?

[@solomonstewart1025]

Yeah, what is good amplification? A lot of consumers trust Randy to help them make sense of the audio world.

[@BoredSilly666]

@@solomonstewart1025 If people trust Randy to help them , they need their heads testing! It was only a year or so ago he was dismissing half the things he now talks about. How about a nice Hegel, Naim or Luxman for starters

[@mansolomd]

Comparing Kef to the Sonys is hilarious. The Sonys are clearly a excellent choice for a novice hifi enthusiast who doesn’t have a wife with a high paying corporate job 😮

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Not sure what that means. Thanks for watching!

[@alejandroaguilar9038]

@6:26 I DIDNT GET A HARUMPF OUT OF THAT GUY....

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

I’ve never heard the ls 50’s og or the meta’s… seems either loved or hated. Randy didn’t like them, he has 230k subs so there has to be some cred there.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

It was one of the first things he reviewed I think! Thanks!

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog ya it was when he started his channel.

[@MonkeyPunchZPoker]

Before the pandemic every once in a while Amazon would have used SSCSCSSSCSCeseses on sale for like $50. Thats why I have 2 sets, wish I would have picked up a 3rd when they were that ridiculously low priced.