FYNE F500, does it compare with KEF's LS50 Meta?

[@vinylcommunity-spinningout6887]

Just watched this. Just purchased Fyne F500's. Love the detail and soundstage. Keep up the good work.

[@marko-182]

How is the bass?

[@vinylcommunity-spinningout6887]

@@marko-182 Good for a bookshelf speaker. I'm running an SVS PB3000, but the speakers do well on their own.

[@bencrow6663]

Recently discovered your channel Steve and I'm really enjoying your content. I like how you talk about the nuances of the recordings you use to trial the kit you test. Very down-to-earth, understandable and relatable, even for an old, new audiophile like me!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks for watching!

[@talamayer404]

Something to think about. So many speakers to choose from...a happy dilemma!! TY

[@carlosbauza1139]

Ha ha! So many speakers! So little time/money!

[@jrmanders99]

I’m running a pair of Fyne F1-5’s with a Mastersound Evolution 845 and it’s so good. Great review Steve.

[@kevinriggs5876]

Sunday morning...london, coffee and a new steve video...nice!

[@westwater73]

Smoked ham tiger rolls mustard and a glass of San Miguel... Wiltshire UK.

[@lewiswaddo5045]

Sunday morning, Gregg’s pasty and a can of Monster. Bolton U.K.

[@carlitomelon4610]

British blend Tetley tea and a McVitties digestive in Montana dUSA Getting into daylight savings propa-like. Happy early spring all!!

[@gregorypatton360]

Coffee, my cat, and the audiophiliac. Chicagoish, Illinois.

[@2ChukBuk]

Same here in Portland OR...it's all good.

[@Raymondey]

Finally some Fyne review!

[@mikecees2230]

Sunday morning, Montreal with a few random snowflakes falling...a bowl of high fiber cereal, two cups of really strong but smooth coffee with MCT oil, a new Audiophiliac review and a massive bowel movement. What more could I ask for?

[@svalbard01]

I recommend posting this on reddit r/oddlyspecific as well. Folks there will get it.

[@bryanglassglass8971]

Steve brought out the best in you!

[@FelixtheMetalcat]

Well you could request for a super sized roll of toilet paper.....

[@hugobloemers4425]

That is a dual ported design. This is actually something I would consider buying. Thanks Steve, for presenting this speaker.

[@vinylrules4838]

My father built me a dual ported design speaker. A little different from the Fyne speaker here. The chambers are tuned an octave apart and both chambers have ports going outside the speakers. Some of the best best bass I have experienced bar none. My 8" woofer has usable bass to 29 Hz, has slam, is deep, tight and produces gut wrenching bass if it is on the recording.

[@ememe1412]

​@@vinylrules4838sounds like a tri-tuned dual chamber bass reflex design. The resonance chamber about 1/3 the total volume and the driver chamber, 2/3 the volume. 29hz useable is a good spot. The ports will resonate an octave apart. At 29hz and 58hz. The 58hz resonance will give the speaker the 'thump' in the bass and the 29hz, the 'creep' in the bass. Designed right, you won't notice the handover between the ports as they go in and out of phase. It makes the speaker sound like a good sealed or transmission line in terms of bass extension. I could only get mine (DIY speakers) to go down to 40hz. The driver chamber port facing backwards to avoid any leaks from the back of the driver. Lower chamber port, facing forward. One of my best projects that I regret not keeping.

[@snowfiend_8062]

I love your channel. You never fail to expand my phonic horizon. Thanks.

[@lowrider007007]

Come to watch a speaker review, end up leaving with a new playlist!

[@heinzr9734]

Thanks for this review Steve. I am an „old“ (62) Tannoy Alcomax guy but concerning e.g. the sound of strings and classical Guitar I always had an ambivalent relationship with them and other concepts took over like BBC style speakers. I suppose that this slight harshness which came with the non audiophile recording you are talking about could be in the same freq. region as where the Fyne speakers are a bit forward? Anyway I would like to listen to the Fyne speaker and see what of the whole thing is Tannoy heritage and what are the new paths of their development. I like the idea very much that a group of life experienced leading senior guys of Tannoy have found their own new business.

[@Finn-McCool]

This speaker company has been in my eBay saved search for a long time!!! I found my deal already.

[@riccitone]

Yes! Always wanted your take on Fyne Audio equipment, even better...how it compares to Kef and B&W 🙏🏼

[@BastianUllr]

I own the Fyne F502, and also own a pair of Pioneer/TAD speakers. Eventhough the TAD are the better speaker in terms of sheer definition and speed, the Fyne were already better than the Tannoy I had. That's why I got them, me and the wife loves the Sound signature. It's a music lover speaker to me, it still has an amazing soundstage and imaging, and allows me to listen to everything with the right amp, and they sound bitching fun. Winds and Electric guitars are simply great, with body a nice dynamic character, and wood and metals sound nice and mellow, real. Now, bi-amp them, tune them to your room and seating position by adjusting gain, then and add a cutover and add a Sub. The Fyne simply scales massively by doing that, then upgrade the crossover, and woah! Crazy value for what those speakers can put out. With a Tube front, the depth and size of the stage is so lifelike, from Jazz to Electronic music. I had KEF before, the Calindas... loved them, but the newer stuff, I simply meh. Too much of a cerebral speaker to me. Great speakers, but boring sound signature to my taste. Sold the LS50 MkI years ago.

[@moehrepingu]

can confirm :-) I own the F 501 with a crossover to a sub. Especially oboe and the likes are a joy to listen to and I really like the wide dispersion. I can sit 40 degrees of axis and don't have the impression to miss out on much.

[@BastianUllr]

@@moehrepingu dispersion is narrow, but it’s even. That’s the trick.

[@Anewleaf1975]

Robyn Hitchcock just listened to this spooked on tidal and I must say thank y for giving me a new artist I’ve never heard of! Very much reflective artist me likes..

[@kael13]

So my partner and I just auditioned the F501SP and instantly decided that was for us... As soon as we get some more room we're buying a pair! And I have a pair of LS50s.

[@keithkrieger7075]

Perfect speaker to review next would be the Totem Metals. Poor man's Wilson's.

[@michaelolivero8491]

Keep the music recommendations coming, Steve! The Persuasions and Robyn Hitchcock are keepers! Thank you!

[@stimpy1226]

The persuasions were really cool!

[@alm5693]

I got to hear the Persuasions live in a seedy upstairs ballroom bar in St. Paul, MN in the early 80's. I think it may have been Christmas night. It was cold. The group couldn't help but be very good when they got into a song, but it was pretty obvious that this bar was the last place on earth that they wanted to be that night (they'd get the audience singing the chorus and then slip off to the dressing room). I drank away some of the details of that night, but I'll always remember the atmosphere.

[@scottspinner1]

Great Steve would like to see what you think of their other speakers maybe the 700 range. Cheers.

[@scottspinner1]

@John Gladwaller cool will have to hear them sometime.

[@alm5693]

So glad that you're praising Robyn Hitchcock this morning! He's one of the artists on my buy-immediately list. He does have one CD that is nothing but Dylan covers, but it's not easy to find. Two really-must-have records by Hitchcock are "Underwater Moonlight" by The Soft Boys, and "Element Of Light" by Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians. Hitchcock has put out quite a few lo-fi albums that might be a bummer for audiophiles, but his songwriting is always extremely engaging. His love for Syd Barrett and John Lennon and Dylan always shine through. Also thanks for this speaker review and comparison. I've been Fyne curious, and these are more in my budget than the KEFs.

[@martinscase3904]

I was a huge fan of Robyn Hitchcock and saw him solo and with the Egyptians many times in late 80s Bristol UK. Now discovering his recent output - still wonderful. His psychedelic rock roots run deep.

[@rabit818]

Very few speakers can tame The Jesus and Mary Chain, unless the speakers are on heroin.

[@SubTroppo]

Yesterday I was reading an article about Alan McGee of Creation Records, who did not have good things to say about TJAMC 's reaction when he decided to get sober. Think I can find it online today?

[@Powerpickle68]

Your style of review makes you different from everyone else but I heard more about the artists than the speaker. I honestly didn't get an impression of how this speaker sounds. I'm just making a respectful critique.

[@mehmetcamat4458]

when he doesn't talk much about the speaker it means it did not impress him that much :)

[@carlosbauza1139]

@@mehmetcamat4458 Ha ha! Getting to know your reviewer's "tells"!

[@johnnyboy114]

Whoa!!!!!! I checked out the Persuasions after this video.....THANK you for opening my ears to a truly brilliant experience! I LOVE them! Where have they been all my 48 years?!!!!

[@mariocassar3117]

In my opinion, and for the money, the Fyne comes tops.

[@josesousa272]

Sunday morning, Lisbon, blue sky, view for the pool and a bad coffee...

[@gdwlaw5549]

Got a great pair of Klipsch RP-600 and then a REL 5ti. I’m now looking to upgrade the speakers to match my REL.

[@adamcfada5071]

Please, please review the Fyne Audio 302 floor standing speaker

[@stevenbullock9276]

Thanks for the review, Steve. I just purchased a pair of these about a week ago- got a pretty good deal, as they were store demos. I can't complain for the money- they sound pretty good and I like the looks, but I've noticed they tend to exaggerate certain bass frequencies, making them sound boomy on those notes. Particularly noticeable on walking bass lines. I've had them in two different rooms in my house and gotten the same results. Wonder if anyone else has noticed this...

[@nickharnish]

Just got these and noticed when close to the wall they’re a bit more boomy (which I tend to like)

[@BanBiofuels]

Try Earth, Wind, and Fire's *"After The Love Has Gone"* for your speaker reviews. That cut is a spiral stairway to heaven. The voices are amazing.

[@markmaloof2984]

Besides enjoying the review, as always I enjoy the music recommendations. Certainly familiar with Jesus and Mary chain, saw them back in the 80s. But definitely will be hitting HD tracks for those Chesky recordings you referenced! They sound wonderful. This review is especially interesting because I have a friend who is considering the KEFs.

[@Robinson8491]

Exactly the review I wanted to see, as I loved their floor speaker but the salesperson recommended me the ls50 over the f500 and I am not sure if I should have gotten the f500 instead...as I feel I lack bass, which is the opposite of what Steve says about the meta's...

[@iftikharmirza1342]

Steve thank you very much you are one of my most favorite presenters. I am from Pakistan and here it's not an easy task to find and buy a new or vintage gear. I have a request if you could please add in a small demos of the artefect as well in your videos. I can understand you must have a reason but thats what I believe will be an icing on the cake.

[@westwater73]

3 way all the way for me .. keep up the good work Steve.

[@super8hell]

About the question in the title. I guess it's... Fine.

[@dennismiller5725]

Sunday morning...Tucson, can't sleep.

[@jamessteedman5281]

Steve, just purchased the Fyne Audio 502SP. These speakers have incredible imagining and sound stage. Please consider reviewing them!

[@MrTarati]

Congratulations James! I was looking at these too...what are you powering them with if you don't mind me ask? Aesthetically I much prefer the look of the SP over the regular 502's.

[@jamessteedman5281]

@@MrTarati I'm powering them with a Modwright KWI 200 and a Lumin D2/Mofi Studiodeck for source's. Power cables are Shunyata and XLR/speaker cables are Cardas Clear Cygnus. Sound fabulous!

[@kennethz4466]

James, have you hear the KEF LS50 or LS50 Meta? How dynamic when compare to the Fyne 502SP and other difference? Thanks

[@jamessteedman5281]

@@kennethz4466 As good as the LS50 is its a small bookshelf speaker, cant compare to the large 502SP. Big price difference as well.

[@ASherrick02]

The F502 SP is killer! By taking the drivers, crossover, and plinth from the the $9k F702 and stuffing it in the F502 cabinet Fyne created an overachiever at $5k. And that bass...❤️

[@Britishbandogge]

Review the Fyne Audio F502SPs. It would be interesting to compare the special production difference.

[@jimfarrell4635]

Nice to see a new Scottish brand making interesting products. I'm considering a pair of 501 floorstanders and a 500 centre to replace my venerable Castle Inversion speakers in my home theatre. If anyone has any experience of using these for home theatre or surround music I would be interested in your views. Their flagship F1 series speakers are seriously aesthetically challenged however. They look like one of those dodgy right angled torches from WW2.

[@uttammitra3885]

I am having F501s, F500C and F300 (for surrounds). My room is acoustically poor/furniture packed as average household, so I use YPAO room correction. I am using digital sources from paid Amazon Music & Spotify Premium. Yet to buy dedicated amp (planning for Marantz PM8006 & Schiit Modi 3+ very soon) and running those speakers with Yamaha RX V685 AVR. For 2 ch music, they may sound incredible or dull according to the recording/streaming quality of songs. I am very happy with them and hopping to exploit their full potential once I buy a dedicated amp. With good quality music they sound outstanding and I become addictive to listen music for hours.

[@rickg8015]

A titaniun tweeter can be too much peaky/ringing, more often than not.. But depends on the implementation I guess.

[@carlosbauza1139]

Yup! Implementation. Yes.

[@SubTroppo]

Earbuds, covered, but I can't be doing with in-ear, so howzabout a review or just a recommendation of some applestyle earphones. Keep up the music suggestions, as with those I know that you a true audiophile. nb Still too warm for headphones in Qld.

[@SubTroppo]

@@davidfromamerica1871 Thanks for the tip, but I prefer wired as I have not had good overall experiences with smaller Li-ion battery driven devices. I already have bone conducting Aftershokz.

[@waterlover]

They look gorgeous

[@martinscase3904]

I'm a huge Robyn Hitchcock fan too... somehow had missed this album though, and it's a peach.

[@thefactor6909]

Wonderful review ! Subscribed 👍🏻

[@nileshbarai4999]

Steve, I am happy that you are comparing against similar models, that is so helpful. As most speakers are good, but are they the best you can get at their price point? So knowing the speakers strengths and how they compare to similar units is really helping, thx.

[@andrewbrazier9664]

The "Best Loudspeaker " is always very subjective . So many variables 🙂

[@heron6462]

They look very similar in design to my still superb Tannoy 609s from 1992.

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Great Review - up close these speakers can be brutal for poor recordings! They are great for creating atmosphere though.

[@joeycastillo1496]

Thanks for the review.

[@tomthompson7400]

Good old Sundays ,,,, they do say , ''the light that burns twice as bright , burns half as long.''

[@mpix8302]

Good one Steve! - For the next Fyne review how about doing either F701 or F1-8 in sticking with monitors, plus a comparison to the Dynaudio Heratige Special would be fun ... and if you could try those 91db 8Ω Fyne's with the Feliks audio Ariaso 300B amp and maybe even the Decware. :P

[@paulm7875]

I have the F501s, absolutely amazing speakers

[@freedumb4348]

That’s Polks bass port design pretty much it looks like to me

[@mysock351C]

I was just thinking the same thing. Looks just like the PowerPort system they used. I'm guessing adding the diffuser slats to it allowed them to skate by the IP issues.

[@hugobloemers4425]

It is known as dual ported design and it is very generic and not at all proprietary to one specific manufacturer.

[@Scalptrash]

Maybe it’s the stain color, but it looks much less premium than the B&W’s and KEF’s. I realize it’s less expensive, but it just isn’t very pretty, sound aside.

[@ASherrick02]

It’s the stain. The black oak finish is much nicer, in my opinion, and normally I don’t like black oak.

[@SomaliCoastguard]

@@ASherrick02 Don't know about in the US but it's also available in Gloss Black and White. Much better looking imo.

[@ronchambers3713]

Love this review of the baby brother to my Fyne f502sp pair, very different but would like you to throw them a listen Oh am currently listening to Gould’s recording of the Goldberg variations on them, sim audio 340i and project X-tension 9 with Ortophon 2M black cartridge, a bit distant but very precise

[@paznewis107]

On the wish list. I bought the cheapest Fyne bookshelf speakers for a young friend, Loxjie A10 and a Logitech Bluetooth receiver. Lovely budget system. Want to hear more from Fyne, these Vs floorstanders of similar price?

[@sahdinkhan1827]

I got the F502 Towers paired with Primaluna Power and Parasound P6 pre. Loving it.

[@sbud5134]

It would be nice to see the Metas with 62 sub compared to a floor stander in the $3-$4K range.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Steve if me polk 703 standmounts if they didnt weigh 32pounds each I would love to send them to you , I still cant get over the bass they produce its insane ! I been an audiophillac for 33 years and still the bass is as strong as my tower jbl studio 580s that have dual 6.5 inch woofers !

[@TobyIKanoby]

Thanks for reminding of listening some Bob Marley, one of those great heroes.

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

Nice shirt, Steve! Same one. 😀

[@keithkrieger7075]

Saw this artist profile CBS sunday mourning. It's interesting and right up your alley. Album is up for a blues grammy. It's called Cypress Grove.

[@matereo]

I never heard them but some say that the new Tannoy gold monitors are awesome value and great sound. I think you should review them

[@maxcat479]

Hi Steve, Howdy. Bit of a strange question...Just listening to the radio and thinking. Are there audiophiles who just listen to the radio, instead of CDs, records or streamed music? Just wondering and asking around. Thanks...

[@mrglasses8953]

Surely you should also compare them to the Tannoy Revolution XT6?

[@gtric1466]

Base ports to be gaining popularity.

[@stuartgreenaway8999]

In a rich vein of form Steve!

[@rapier5]

More tower speakers please. Especially a Klipsch. The world is ready for speakers to be big, and now out in the room several feet. Then again your back might vote no. You know a stand mount speaker is a compromise. A tower speaker is a legit design on its own that doesn't get enough cred in stereophile circles it seems

[@jeromewhitmill733]

Did you use the Gato 150 and how does it work with all those speakers? The Gato is very interesting to me!

[@kyron42]

Need you don't need big bass drivers to have slam. You need good dynamics.

[@brucecampbell2478]

An E L P Reference, nice!

[@michaelaskew6025]

I'm so glad you could attend.

[@jctai100]

Hoping you'll check out the Sierra 2 Ex's from Ascend Acoustics sometime.

[@mikahakk1]

I'm running a tube preamp (Elekit) and XA25 on the F501, very sweet and full of presence.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I bet, sounds like a great combination

[@antonypatrickgomes7925]

Let us also hear and judge for ourself the sound quality

[@BADEAU011]

What will be your choice between Fine 500 and Elac Unifi 2,0 ? no regards to the price.

[@janulik9535]

thank you thank you :)

[@robmills537]

Hi Steve very interesting video, I've found a great track for giving speakers a good workout it is Chocolate chip trip by Tool totally amazing.

[@jfaulkner1234]

You didnt seem very excited about this one.

[@offason]

It's a cool design. Looks like a sub.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

It's like a REL T5i without the speaker and the amp. Down fired. Honestly I pretty much have always disliked ported designs. Example this speaker, just do a 10" downfired passive radiator or 8" if you can't make the 10" fit. Then the top part of that speaker will make real bass at no expense and in a sealed cabinet. Now that would be a cool design methinks in terms of size and function.

[@syanhc]

How would these fare with large forces such as large orchestral works or soundtracks?

[@fubarnow8907]

That port design looks like the Polk Audio design

[@glenncurry3041]

Concentric drivers yes. But "Point Source"? Nope! The only true point source system I am aware of use plasma.

[@alexxbaudwhyn7572]

Eraserhead is this channel’s Where’s Waldo!? Should always be in the frame somewhere

[@MrBeblis]

It amazes me how many big name speaker brands use cheap crossover parts and poor cabinet bracing.. watch gr research, they take big name speakers and show you the data and charts as well as the cheap parts they use. Than they modify the speaker with quality components and better speaker bracing and use barrel speaker connectors vs standard binding posts.

[@svalbard01]

This speaker looks very plastic-y. Like hard touch plastic, the kind that doesn't look good in car interiors. Does it look better in person?

[@ASherrick02]

Yes, it does. The black oak and gloss finishes look even better.

[@paulm7875]

Yes it looks much better in person

[@philipciantar4824]

Steve, what is your CD player?

[@Sunshine_Superman]

Jesus and Mary Chain. Kind of fitting to be using a Scottish band to test Scottish speakers...now if you were using Atlas cables you'd have had the trifecta.

[@meshplates]

What amplifier/s?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Schiit Aegir, Mytek Brooklyn Amp

[@meshplates]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac thank you!

[@neilaltschuler6064]

Where is the best place to buy cds?

[@jeffkalina7727]

Compared to an Elac uni-fi 2?

[@ruk2023--]

The Fyne 302 are the only speaker I regret selling. I've significantly upgraded, but in a lot of ways I miss them.

[@adamcfada5071]

Hi. I'm thinking of buying a pair of 302 There's no reviews on KZbin. What did you think of them?

[@ruk2023--]

@@adamcfada5071 I loved them. They respond better to a bit of power. At least 50 watts RMS and they performed better with an amp that can handle 4 ohms well. I was never overly keen on the design (I had the light oak) or finish but the sound was sublime. I upgraded to B&W 702 S2's and tried them side by side before I sold the 302's. The B&W's are significantly better in every way, but if I had to go back to the 302's I would not feel short changed. Highly recommended. This review is pretty much spot on: www.whathifi.com/fyne-audio/f302/review

[@dinosdagkas917]

how these speakers handle Death Metal? Obituary,Deicide,Morbid Angel,Death,Malevolent Creation....that kind of staff?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I think you need something bigger

[@dinosdagkas917]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac from 'small' speakers the best performance for Death Metal i found it in the wharfedale Diamond 11,2 and 12,2....i was just wondering if a speaker like kef or fyne does the job better 🤔

[@filippiasec]

F501 are great,

[@kimbalxyz2]

Where does one buy this speaker in the US ? link to speaker producer yields me an error page, cannot find US dealer, Thanks !

[@kimbalxyz2]

Found one US Dealer. now listen here net

[@Mattyboy88979]

the ls50 are only 100 more?

[@hudo]

"Completely original design" :) Same driver configuration, almost the same drivers (materials, and looking at cross-section), very very similar bottom bass reflex port, how come is this original design? I had Tannoy XT8F, heard Fyne, and to me thats very similar sound signature. Lots of bass, very dynamic, almost horn-like, huge sound stage, and specific sound of metal dome tweeter. Who likes that, its fine (fyne) speaker. Rock rocks on this speaker, but compare vocals against something like Dali, and difference is more than obvious - who listens a lot of vocal music, small jazz trios, etc, will go for Dali, Dynaudio and similar.

[@michaelb7437]

The Tannoys dont have metal domes. They are paper.

[@dilbyjones]

Is "burning in " an actual thing?

[@tonykazz2779]

The fyneaudio more info www.fyne has very nice photos but with the MADE IN CHINA photoshopped out. One small photo on Goggle images shows a blurry rear label that includes the Made in China appropriately. Isn't this deceptive ? I'm disappointed, the Audiophiliac is bigger than this, isn't he? Tony in Venice Florida

[@ASherrick02]

The Fyne F502 SP and above are made in Scotland; everything below-including the speaker reviewed here-is made in China for price point. That’s pretty much how it goes now. Same for all non-Heritage Klipsch models (e.g. RP-600M), Paradigm’s Monitor line, and many companies’ entire lines.

[@tonykazz2779]

@@ASherrick02 Yes, but do they Photo-Shop out the "Made in China" in their literature like this outfit does ?

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Looks matter and no match for the KEF’S.....

[@timjaffray1536]

Looks like they're made from chocolate and liquorice...maybe this is why they're softer, and slow. Perhaps a pair for the kitchen? 😊

[@marcmarcello981]

Why are all you hi fi reviewers suddenly plugging CDs and LPs ?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Suddenly? I always have.