Kef Ls 50 what exactly does this popular speaker sound like ?

Here i review th popular Kef Ls50 speaker actually for the second time now using more powerfull amplification namely .
Quad elite (140 watts)
plus linn wakonda pre amp and arcam alpha power amp.

[@jesseballard4753]

I have finally found “ an average Joe” reviewer, and I am so happy to have stumbled upon you. I hope you are not insulted by my saying that. I have watched a number of your reviews and am pleased to find someone who tells me what sounds good without dazzling me in bull....

[@antonchigurh4125]

Great review! You have a great way of explaining the character/personality of each of the components you review. Keep up the good work Sir! I eagerly await the next video!

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks Anton this is all great fun for me cheers mate

[@26Jorgeb]

Thanks for the honest to goodness review! Keep them coming man!

[@MichaelYates]

Thanks for another great review, do look forward to all the reviews. Good Work

[@tassostsoutis601]

I just got a Sansui 551,based on your review of the series. Great amp! Thanks.

[@dougg1075]

Love the decor man! My grandmother gave me a lava lamp from the 60s or early 70s. I’m all about it man:)

[@weitzen]

Fast becoming my favourite KZbin Hifi reviewer.....honest and unpretentious by which I mean , I understand everything you say!! Thankyou !!

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks mate

[@ralph7585]

You're spot on with this reviews, couldn't done it better myself.

[@JukeboxAlley]

This was a great review and spot on, i owned them for 6 months amd passed them on just because i like trying different ones, but i would buy them all over again if the deal was right, pound for pound still my favorite modern speaker to date, note i said pound for pound, very impressive for their size.

[@melchior-chr.v.brincken8006]

Finally someone, who doesn´t hype these 84.5 db bad sensitivity speakers. Well done.

[@edwardbalboa5528]

They're 4 ohm speakers...not 8

[@Bob.martens]

@@edwardbalboa5528 whatever the specs, they're NOT fun.

[@jedmart5657]

Perfect every day man’s review.

[@1jhnpennington]

Great stuff, mate. Love the channel.

[@astolatpere11]

It's tough to use words to describe what you hear, but you did a great job. I get it.

[@dubpynchon1]

Great review, I agree, they can be analytical and a bit tiring. Looking forward to your LS50 Meta review!

[@hclandscapes]

Pair them with the right amplifier and they sound amazing, i dont like really bright speakers, paired with my Hegel H90 they sound beautiful not harsh at all, I would say neutral to warm sounding

[@andrew-xr1de]

Very good! I used to play bass and only liked listening to sealed/unported speakers because you can hear the individual notes much better! Plus if you have to pump a lot of wattage through a speaker to make it sound good, than it's not really a good speaker. Most listeners play it at lower volumes. Plus all ported speakers will have a certain point in the frequencies where there is a loud bass response, a resonant frequency, but not in the sealed speakers.

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes I mean ports are popular with manufacturers because they get more bass from a small cone I guess and a small box to which they like. A good sealed boxes great for rock music I would say Tighter base basically Cheers K

[@bartvanransbeeck1341]

Great review , i agree , share the same audio experience with you about the kefs...its honoust and accurate ...the ls3/5a's they sound in the mids like electrostats....still very high end today ...just limited in soundpressure for realistic soundlevels, i am used to real piano , drums, guitar etc....and grand symphonic orchestra...but in a average and small place wow , they are still from the best

[@chrisselner5005]

These are amazing speakers regardless of the price. Don't like detail? Then you probably won't like these. But their technical abilities, build quality can't be denied.

[@johnshore3095]

I used mine close field less than a metre and driven by a class A A1 Musical Fidelity amp. The amp softens the sound and sound magical! Foam bungs in and subwoofer MJ Acoustic 50 pro mkii (soon to be a stereo pair of subs when one is fixed)

[@Vintaronica]

great reveiw. i hope to become as accomplished as you someday

[@markielinhart]

Great review - love your thinking 👏👏✌️ out comeThe Eagles!

[@Robinson8491]

They sound amazing on my Luxman LRS pre-power set, but after a while I started missing the bass and got a subwoofer. When I moved to another house the positioning became very critical and the bass port sounded pumpy so I replaced them for easy full range towers. Now I moved again and I miss them. They can sound so incredibly good, and my favorite songs sound magical on it, not on my current vintage kefs. Which is ironic because those make every other (lousy) song sound great. These ls50's when powered correctly can indeed be very analytical and touch the heart at the same time, best of both worlds in my opinion. If only they had bass! I would have them again in a heart beat.

[@rondegroot1508]

Just a few lines and i know what to expect, thx

[@Robinson8491]

@@rondegroot1508 I really like them though. Still pondering to get back to them, they are like headphones very direct

[@crazymetallian]

i would like to compare them with my Q15.2, the Q15.2 have a warm relaxing sound with a surprising for the size bass and "open sounding", they also play great at low levels

[@mikecees2230]

Spot on review and my findings as well. At 85 dB sensitivity no wonder they demand power. I listened to them a few times and, besides the looks, couldn't understand what the fuss was all about. It's what I call a cerebral sound vs a visceral one. Not my cup of tea. I've owned the LS3/5a back in the day and while it also demands power to sound its best you can listen to all kinds of music for hours.

[@hclandscapes]

Current not power is needed

[@rayfordham9230]

@@hclandscapes Agreed I've used a naim pre and power combo to drive the Uni Q kefs for a number of years and even an NAP 150 ( 50 watts ) can drive them well, bass grip and control .

[@margysan]

i have kef Q1's that are 18 years old a similar design (Tweeters in centre ) i find them to be very good still

[@rayclarke2638]

No wonder there are so many on sale in ebay. They work better with warmer amps but as you said, they lack involment. Great driver technology and only come into their own as the powered version.

[@gordthor5351]

Ray Clark Doesn't it say something about your amp, DAC, or preamp if the same speaker sounds better when Kef adds these components? I have hooked LS50s to front ends far superior to what's in wireless LS50s and they sound better. LS50s sound best on high quality neutral gear. They are very detailed, yet very smooth. All highly resolving and accurate speakers will play what is presented to them. Thus, the LS50s will surely point out any short commings in the front end of gear not made to be used with such revealing speakers. LS50s don't need "warm amps". They need neutral sweet sounding amps. The reason there are so many in the used market is because many people bought them and a lot of people don't know how to pair the gear in their system and assumed a highly resolving speaker would be a safe guess. Even a remotely harsh or bright front end component is not going to sound good on LS50s. They are great speakers, but not easy speakers that can just be plunked down on resonating surfaces and sound good. Most speaker boxes lose their resonance energy though their not very solid cabinets. The LS50s cabinets are inert and that lends to cleaner sound, but only if the resonance energy is absorbed in a manner (sand filled solid metal stands) which won't cause something even more offencive to resonate boomy and muddy bass. Like a bookshelf or desk.

[@olegpa]

Hello, thanks for a review. My room is 3.5 meter on 4 meters. What would you like to suggest as involving (acc to you ) bookshelf speakers. Thanks

[@MDELP-xd9gm]

You really love your Rogers 😂 To be honest, I am still to understand all the hype around these small form-factors KEFs and I totally agree with your review. 👍

[@batdroid2705]

It will be interesting to get your views on the new ls50w ii

[@hclandscapes]

I have recently paired these with a hegel h90 and they sound really good

[@edwardbalboa5528]

Bs

[@hclandscapes]

@@edwardbalboa5528?

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

Good Choice

[@socksumi]

LS 50s certainly measure very well. Extremely flat frequency response, almost no ringing or stored energy and excellent dispersion. Even decent bass extension for their size. They may sound a tad bright as flat response speakers can sound bright in typical listening rooms. But they can be adjusted with an EQ or a treble control. Where they don't so well is the cabinet is more lively and resonant than say an LS3/5A. Maybe that's the cause of the one note bass you heard.

[@AlcatrazCrylake]

Speakers can sound different. Some brands use Low or high frequencies extensions for more clear or warm sound. The KEF LS50 and KEF speakers at most are very flat sounding for hifi speakers which is a taste thing if you like it or not. The LS50 don't even need that much power. Yeah the Wireless build in amps have 200 Watts for each mid bass driver and 100 Watts for each tweeter but the thing is the LS50s need an amp that can take 4Ohms. They will drop to 3.5Ohms at some frequencies. So they wont work well with every amp.

[@ducmoto1975]

on the point ...and I agree with all your comments I would add - they are too sharp for party and fun for high fidelity listeners probably very interesting

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes good point if you have these for a party I think people might leave early in fact I’m sure they would.K

[@kozkoz7776]

Mr X. l was wondering what you think of cables making a difference to audio do you believe the hype and l hope you do a video on this subject. Always watching and im giving you thumbs up BUT their seems to be a problem with KZbin it isn't staying lite up lm trying to find out why

[@stereoreviewx]

Yeah I’m going to do a thing on cables the answer is yes they do make a difference I think

[@moshegoldstein4663]

Hi.how do you like onkyo and jvc receivers from the 70s?

[@muhendisabi1697]

Would you review the Dali speaker?

[@jim586]

Hello Kelvin, I’ve only just come across your channel. It’s a very interesting and fun delivery of HiFi errr, stuff. I agree with what you say regarding the balance between detail and the soul delivered from equipment. There’s is some equipment that may measure poorly but will make your heart sing. What I will say though is that my recent experience is that many sellers want far too much for what is described as classic vintage equipment - Especially on eBay. In context then the newer Kef speaker is pretty good value for money. Keep on keeping on.

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes people think the word vintage means good and therefore expensive a lot of it was very good that it’s true if you get a good bargain though like I got BMWDM fours for £130 and they’re much more lovely than the LS 50 s Yes I take your point cheers from London

[@jim586]

@@stereoreviewx Thanks for taking the time to reply. Refreshing style on your channel. I think we’re similar ages(and Londoners) so have probably had the same experiences. I’ve dabbled in some vintage components. I’ve not had the best luck. I picked up an old JVC receiver once and it fried itself within the first hour, ha. I think my modern speakers pushed it too hard. I still play a bit of vinyl on my old Michell deck but I must say my digital playback has well and truly caught up with and superseded it now. I think one of my favourite speakers from the 80s/90s was a pair of Epos S11s. Smashing mid range. Cheers

[@margix1172]

I listened to LS50 in an hi fi show when they got out, they produced a big detailed sound in a giant room...the problem is that they were powered by 2 giant mono power amplifiers (I can't remember which they were) that used to costs about as much as 15 couples of ls50...so they are for sure a good speaker but in order to make them sing you have to match them with a power plant.

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes this is the story I hear a lot also worth noting when they demonstrate something they pick the very best song for those speakers and obviously the best stamp even the cables the positioning it may all be worked around one song Which is kind of cheating really not the full picture Thanks for the info cheers K

[@outsideworld76]

Hook em up to a Crown XLS1502, they can drive these speakers beyond their limits.

[@wjvlodek8769]

Hi Kelvin! Another awesome review. So if you were to spend 600 pounds on speakers (that would fill a say, 9M x 9M room)...which ones would you get? Do you have a video? THANKS!!

[@dougg1075]

Love the description of one note bass. I get that. Yeah

[@grantwilson4696]

Oh my lad... it's so difficult to find the words to explain the emotion of the syrup on our ears... music that hits us where we live... just sayin' me son... all's good

[@MrSouzy]

I own a pair and I bought mine when they came out years ago. The are certainly a master stroke of speaker engineering and as you say given the right track they are very impressive. But in the end they only have a small driver which is mounted in a small cabinet (which are very high quality). For them to sound great though you have to turn them up a bit to get that port working properly and move some air. As a bit of a casual listener I dont really turn it up much so I am never getting the most out of them. In the end I think they (like many things in hifi) are just a little over hyped. I won't sell them but they are getting relegated to my 2nd system in the cellar. I am now looking for something which does bass more naturally with a darker sound at lower volumes and most probably I will land with a set of dynaudios.. We'll see :) .. ps I also have a set of Quad 12l2s.. which I personally quite like. I'll drop you a comment on your other vid there...

[@edwardbalboa5528]

Wtf

[@monsieurlehigh4912]

Did you get the Dynaudios?

[@MrSouzy]

@@monsieurlehigh4912 unfortunately not...

[@Bob.martens]

Masters of none. I sold mine, and haven't missed them for a second.

[@MaxZappa1]

What is your experience of Linn Kan Mk1 speakers?

[@stuarteldergill]

I have the Kef's with a Vincent SV 237mk. Sometimes with some music they sound great. Other times they don`t work for me at all. They do work well with sparse and well recorded simple music. Also sound good with Electronic music. A lot of prog and classic rock sounds better to me in the car. If I take a break from listening to music for several days they do sound better.

[@Bob.martens]

My experience exactly. And I found them very disappointing. When your speakers dictate what sounds good, or fun, and when or how often you should listen to them, they are no good for you.

[@stereoreviewx]

I’m just thinking about the Speakers again, and if you think about is got thick MDF, the internal volume is just tiny

[@haroldbriones6510]

If you dont mind me suggesting speakers to review, I would suggest cambridge audio sirocco s30. I know its not that vintage but since youre reviewing this kef maybe youll consider a newer kinds.Maybe youll be one of those people who will be WOWed by its box size to sound ratio and perhaps with the quality also. Since you are in london, maybe youll just spend around £40-50 which is a bargain also. Im new to your channel bydway, and I love how you review and describe the sound presentation of its speakers. Cheers!

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks for that Harold I am doing some modern versus old comparison soon using elac debut 6.2 speakers cheersK

[@nicoverhoef7259]

Spot on. LS50 is quite fussy. My advice avoid anslytical power amps. Could not listen to them on Parasound A21 so power does not fix them. Works better with a Pass Labs with 30W class A and 150W AB. They are not neutral and therefore potentislly can sound unnatural depending on the music. You are correct they seem not to be coherent accross the frequency range. I also found bass can actually be too much. Not sure who the target market is. They need very good amplifiers and are not cheap and tricky to position to even out the sound. Lots of engineering, but have a distinctive sound signature. I found the treble slightly tilted and as mentioned lacking slightly in airyness.

[@stereoreviewx]

Interesting comments thanks I’m in ultimately the funny thing about the LS 50 is it’s kind of a plastic cone a rigid plastic cone that’s a big player CheersK

[@snuffpappy]

I'd be curious to hear your feedback using PENNY LANE as a speaker test track. Lots of guitars, piano, bass, vocals and of course the piccolo trumpet. :)

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes sounds interesting I’m going to try it

[@andrewwebb4635]

I was very interested in your somewhat sceptical review of the LS50. It has had rave reviews all over the place but I have listened to several auditions of the LS50 on other KZbin channels and, even allowing for the limitations of MP3 compression and earphones, I’d suspected what you’ve picked up: that they are a bit flashy and boomy, albeit very ‘revealing’. I mostly like classical and 1960s/70s pop and I really HATE the augmented bass that so many modern speakers seem to have, including these it seems. The other must-have speaker of the moment seems to be the Wharfedale Evo 4.2. These sound lovely to my old ears on KZbin. I think the mid range driver is a great improvement. Could you possibly swing your attention to reviewing these, please? Great reviews.

[@stereoreviewx]

And just to say, I tried doing sound comparisons and putting them on KZbin by the time the sound came out on KZbin things had change that you just cannot control. It’s just not very realistic thing to do can be misleading

[@renatogonzalezmora4191]

I have compared the LS3/5a Falcon to the LS50...the first sound more analitical...more air..

[@strannostrannovasrr]

You said that your LS3/5a are at least 30 years old. I have some prettig old speakers too. They still sound verry good, but my question is, when should i exchange the capacitors in the crossovers?

[@stereoreviewx]

I am probably not the man to answer this question personally if it’s working I’m not going to investigate it plus the LS35A has a complex crossover it will cost a few bob to sort that out. Interestingly there is a lot discussed about the LS35A I don’t often hear people talking about recapping I don’t know why that is K

[@craigcoughlin1834]

Curious, what speakers make you smile? What makes you feel? I'm struggling with an old pair of B&W Matrix 804s I have for the same reason.

[@brandonburr4900]

I have matrix 802 series 3 and have felt that way at times about my speakers. Variations of the 801 used for monitors in studios. Had mine for years and that Kevlar midrange with reveal any change in the system good or bad. What I have found is you can't go cheap on the amplification and source. You put good equipment behind them and they will bring you to tears. I have learned this the hard way with not powering these proper.

[@craigcoughlin1834]

@@brandonburr4900 What are you powering them with? I’m currently using a Musical Fidelity A300 150w integrated. High current, pretty neutral, I think. Source is a MF A3 XD player and Denafrips Aries ii dac. The Aries definitely helped add a touch of warmth and depth. Above 75db those high frequencies start getting pretty shrill and I’m listening to the speakers not the music.

[@buttonman1831]

ls50s are funny. I find they work better on the Hegel H90 and H390 than the mid tier Hegel H190. They are smooth, sweet, transparent, and detailed on the H90. The H390 they get much quicker, more analytical, much better focus, much better separation and really disappear. The H190 is right down the middle in regards to the character of the other 2 amps but seem to lack character overall in comparison of the other 2 amps. Also tried the ls50s on a Rotel 140wpc integrated amp and they sound very mediocre. They respond significantly to different electronics in my experience. I find they sound really good in their price range paired with the certain equipment. I admit they aren't perfect but what speaker is? I'll be keeping mine because for the size and cost, I have alot of fun with them as a secondary speaker. Great review!

[@hclandscapes]

How about with the Hegel H120 ?

[@buttonman1831]

@@hclandscapes I think they would work really good on that amp. I heard the 120 is a tiny bit cooler than the rest of the Hegel but shares the DAC of the 190. The 190 worked really well with the LS50s, but the other 2 amps just stood out more sonically.

[@hclandscapes]

@@buttonman1831 i had a home demo with the H120 and didn't like it at all there was more bass than the H90 but also too much upper brightness so i went back to the H90 which to my ears sounds much nicer , its warm sounding with just the right amount of detail. I demoed many amplifiers with the KEFs ls50's the audiolab 6000A was nice but the Hegel h90 is perfect!

[@totalplonker824]

Thank you for this review and posting! (New subscriber) I'm looking to upgrade my bookshelves and these ls50s had made it to the top the list but after listening to this review you plus reading some of the comments I think it's been bumped down to number three, after all I'm looking for a pair of bookshelves where iam able to listen to them for hours on end! Obviously I'm looking for long listening pleasure speakers preferably under £1,000 to be driven by arcam avr20 (120w) in my small 4×3.5 meter room! experienced suggestions would be most welcome.

[@AmbientWanderer]

One year later. What did you end up buying in the end?

[@totalplonker824]

I ended up going with the beautiful soft top end Sonus Faber sonetto's, even though the tops are subtle they still manage to sound quite sparkly! 🥳 I'm able to listen to them for hours on end! In fact when put music on, I automatically know it's going to be music for the rest of the night. And I can assure you, my movie watching setup is top-notch. If interested, you can hear what they sound like when going full range... kzbin.info/www/bejne/m16lZJ6grrGpraM

[@jeffbigbear1766]

Would love to hear your view on Castle speakers

[@roborb1960]

Nice pieces of furniture.... That's my review on Castle speakers for the last 30 years... :-)

[@Gadgetdad007]

You will definitely enjoy the Klipsch RP-600M bookshelf speakers.

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes I am thinking that

[@davidlyon471]

Your so spot on again ...i had what i felt was the best spot on system creek 4040s2 and tdl rtl 3 floorstanders and marantz cd 65 ....it was the best thing i have ever heard today ..., I tried different expensive naim cyrus rega you naim it .....i settled on the creek as the best amp and for vinyl phono stage is amazing ....moved house had to sell rtls .....bought what i thought was the hyped up best speaker ls 50 .....oh so so wrong ....terrible flat dull ....anyway maybe for high end amps maybe ok ....but eventually replaced with 90 db floorstNder again with new found space monitor audio silver 300 and everything returned .....great review i can 100 % agree with you .....what a scam so much hifi is

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes it’s kind of hard to believe about these KEF Speakers I’ve had quite a few arguments let’s say on here about themnobody I play them to like them It can only be well organised lying basically k

[@nickdoughty518]

If you are operating a 30 watt amplifier well below its clipping level or overload capacity then I don't understand how it would be different to a 100 watt amplifier at the same loudness assuming both amplifiers have a flat response and wide frequency range.

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Brilliant review putty you’ve disappeared

[@gtric1466]

So much Hype...Finally a true and accurate review. Learned long time ago, great first impressions in audio is never a good thing.

[@Chris-nd5se]

Stereo Review X Not sure whether I was hearing the same as you with respect to midrange but when I demo'd them in a shop with my 33 wpc integrated amplifier which is of good quality they sounded distant. They also sounded lifeless. I didn't notice a difference with different recordings as you have but I didn't listen to too many. I think I could still tell it was quite a good speaker and quite detailed and full in the mids but the match with my amp was not the best. I also did not find the bass to be very extended although I did not compare it to other standmount speakers

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes without a lot of power I just don’t think they function properly one thing I forgot to mention in that review was that the big player with these is the con material you know it’s like plasticky metal I don’t know quite what it is they just too synthetic in general I would say but initially impressive with power Thanks for the feedback cheers K

[@Chris-nd5se]

@@stereoreviewx I did hear there were quite a few of these speakers returned. Keep up the good work with the videos Chris

[@photorolensoman8101]

Can you get your hands on Elac BS-312? Small high end speakers, but no one reviews them!

[@stereoreviewx]

I will try

[@snuffpappy]

I own a pair of Martin Logans (electrostatic hybrids) and as great as they are, they are so revealing that they make the listening experience analytical and therefore not fun. I now use a modest pair of Paradigms (Canadian) which is actually a MUCH more enjoyable experience at a fraction of the price. It's an interesting topic; when does sound quality become not fun?

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes when the analytical brain gets turned on it seems the enjoyment stops this is a tricky question

[@ColdGrayMorning]

Can you please rewiev vintage B&W DM5 speakers

[@stereoreviewx]

I did one on Diem fours on my channel by the way K

[@gordthor5351]

The LS50s need big power to keep the little driver tight, because once the bass gets sloppy, everything gets muddy. I need to turn my preamp up 10dB to play the LS50s at the same level of my R900s. I have hooked the LS50s to several amps and they will get sloppy at 40 watts (or less) on a 50 watt amp, because the LS50s will suck the amp dry, due to a very broad 3.5 Ohm dip (about 700Hz to 5KHz) and are not very sensitive @ 84dB. However, on my JC1 mono blocks (>1200 dampening factor and loads of power and finesse) the LS50s will stay super tight and clean even at 150watts. They were pumping some serious bass (for such small speakers) in a large room. Maybe even more importantly for the LS50s to shine, they need to be on solid stands (it the stands wobble, the drivers will get muddy) and decoupled from the floor (sand filled metal stands). The inert cabinets of the LS50s don't allow for dissipating the resonant energy into the box, thus anything the box is touching will resonate boomy bass. The LS50s sound best way out into the room. In my second system I have LS50s 2 meters from the wall and I get a very deep and layered 3 dimensional sound stage will very good imaging. I also think port plugs should be used in LS50s in small rooms. I have a pair of LS50s for my computer, paired with a 45watt (high current) Parasound Zamp amp and SMSL DAC and it sound amazing. Very "tuneful, toe tapping bass and sweet highs because the bass is clean. Had I just plunked down the LS50s onto my desk (like I did at first) they would have sounded like ass. It was night and day difference once I placed them at least 1 foot from the wall, plugged the ports, and set them on some sand filled (MDF) boxes. Only in bigger rooms do the LS50s need very capable amps to keep the drivers tight. LS 50s are finicky speakers and they definitely need some tweaks, but when you get it right they do play way above their price point. The better gear I give the LS 50, the better they shine. They sound best on neutral gear (meaning natural sounding) and high current amps that can handle 3.5 Ohms. If an 8 Ohm load draws 50 watts, a 3 Ohm load draws 150 watts. The LS 50s should really be classified as 4 Ohm speakers.

[@EazyRed]

would these be audible in near field with at least 25w? found a pair online for 400$, and might trade my klipsch system for them (long story short i got it for free, so i would technically get these for free aswell)

[@stereoreviewx]

I would be interested to hear if you get them my guess is these aren’t really good near field and low power is definitely not good for them in my opinion as they say

[@earlsfort1974]

What speakers for the same price would you recommend.

[@stereoreviewx]

Good question I Gotta say I don’t have an answer I don’t have enough new gear to compare that I am working on it K

[@sensational_cellar8606]

Funny that people told you to use more Watts with the LS50. If the volume level is the same the higher powered amp will not be outputting more power than a lower powered amp. Also, amps don’t push current at speakers, the speakers draw the current. So playing speakers at low volumes isn’t affected by higher power being available.

[@docdeens4030]

These things are designed to be more like studio monitors. There's a reason most people don't buy monitors for home audio. They present the potential problems in the recording; not the recording. I'm not impressed, either. Great review!

[@dmartyn3809]

Please review the LS50 Meta when you have the opportunity. Thanks.

[@patricknicolucci5073]

the meda's are a real improvement over the first gen LS50

[@hclandscapes]

@@patricknicolucci5073 I disagree, i have had both at home. The Metas are more bright than the original and the bass is more boomy.

[@patricknicolucci5073]

@@hclandscapes speakers are so subjective if that's what you are hearing that's ok. I like the meda's better imho

[@edwardbalboa5528]

Still a small box

[@edwardbalboa5528]

They're the same .... Laws of physics

[@stevenvox6549]

I heard the Ls 50s in a showroom and they put on some instrumental music and they sounded good, but I asked him to play some classic rock and they sounded like you said they did. I wanted to leave the room. They seemed liked they were way overpriced.

[@AmbientWanderer]

The wharfedale Lintons woud be a much better chocie! both around the sae price.

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes people demonstrating speakers will always find a certain bit of music that makes some sound good might not have a human singing on it. Of course they use Steely Dan

[@raidendigital1003]

You speak my language so much. Try the JBL Studio 130 someday, I got mine pretty cheap on ebay. I thought the High and Low frequency drivers being so far apart would be a problem, but it never was when listening. The Studio 130's coat my music with love. I was so surprised. The tweeters rarely get harsh, but have good pinpoint detail. Only problem was the bass bottomed out easy, I had to run crossed with a sub at 100Hz to have it perform competently at volume. However, I need to bring them out again, run full range and try them closer to the wall, with a better amp. Some rear ported speakers suck bad unless you get just the right about of distance to the wall. ALSO , I GOT JBL STUDIO 590 TOWERS DELEVERED TO MY HOME FOR LESS THAN 1000 AMERICAN BUCKS, WHILE THESE KEFS COST 1300 AMERICAN BUCKS AND ARE JUST BOOKSHELFS. Says the financial side of my brain. Still, I'd love to try a nice expensive coaxial some day. I've thought of making my own with random car speakers, and just making a better crossover myself.

[@stereoreviewx]

Good info thanks I’m keen to try some of those JBl I don’t know them very well Cheers K

[@beslemeto]

If you got the JBL Studio 590s you don't need anything else.I've got the 530's and they are magical small speakers.Epos ES14's are even better.

[@raidendigital1003]

@@beslemeto I've got the 530's, 570's and the 590's. I got the 570's on sale for $200 each a month ago. If they had the 570's and they were on sale when I got the 590's I coulda just bought 5 of the 570's. The 570's are freaking great. My ears can't tell they are smaller 90% of the time. Gotta get one more 570 for a center channel if they go on sale again. Also, I think the 570's might sound a little better too, I'll have to ab them sometime. They're like 530's but without all the port chuff.

[@andrewrae50]

These have been reviewed to death since 2012. A comp review of the Meta (passive) and the new Active II are what’s of interest. Get those and your channel will spike!

[@tonyhodgkinson4586]

I concur with your findings, I found the bass too much for my liking and not much control.

[@stereoreviewx]

Interestingly quite a few people said to me oh I heard he’s at a show and they sounded amazing and that’s the thing for two minutes you would be impressed to live with is actually different. Cheers K

[@Freedom89984]

I’ve got news for this reviewer. The Kef LS50 is a monitor speaker, meant to use for analyzing music, editing music etc. Analytical and clean. I use them to listen back recordings and edit recordings. But the are also nice companions to listen to my favorite bands, singers, musicians. But only with my class G (read A) Arcam amp and MJ acoustics sub. The LS50 will not leave my house, as everyone who visits me is impressed by the musicality of these lovely speakers.

[@r423sdex]

Who told you that ?

[@englishsteve1465]

You might be able to make a case for the active ones being aimed at the pro monitor market and also the home listener, but no passive speaker would be in the majority of studio's. Kef certainly don't market them that way. Also, which Arcam are you talking about ?

[@muhendisabi1697]

Ls50 is not the studio monitor.

[@Aniol_2]

I totally agree with this. LS50 sound too analytical. Also I find they sound artificial. It seems to me that the tangerine tweeter is adding some information to the highs, that doesn't exist to the recording. I measured them and didn't find distortion, but they do not sound natural to me.

[@daveselbow9128]

I know this isn't really the topic but if you really want to hear how good these speakers are, get the LS50 wireless. better still, get the mk2 that's just been released. my ls50w have 230W per channel in a dual mono set up. (380WPC in the mk2's) So to defend, the commentor wouldn't be saying any of this if he were to listen to the wirelii.

[@hotdogryalls]

A lot better and cheaper old stuff around. .think these were around £600 when I saw them in the shops

[@patricknicolucci5073]

If you like progressive rock The YES Talk Cd is all digital DDD 106 DB bass goes very low I test my gear with this cd and a few others

[@yttean98]

Soundwise the different between 100Watter and 140Watter is only 1.5dB is not significant. Drive them with >200watter. It is not that type speakers that keep the listeners involved. Not for long term listening. This could partly due to the material used in the mid and bass driver, made of metal, aluminium alloy. A pair of speakers to own just to impress your friends. Good review, BTW there are many pairs of LS50 in the market now sold as second hand, I was told esp. in Canada.

[@AlcatrazCrylake]

And i heard often enough that this one of the best speakers you can buy. Its not that expensive but has very good performance for its money. This speakers are not made to impress friends... Who would do this? Even Q150s would be enough for that... The material is as well very good and has mostly to do with accuracy. They play very flat for Hifi speakers. Many get sold second hand cause the new version is out. Btw they don't need that much watts but an amp that can take 4 Ohms cause the LS50 will drop down to 3.5Ohms at some frequencies. SO they do not work well with every amp.

[@yttean98]

@@AlcatrazCrylake When you enjoy these speakers no one is going to argue with you. Bearing in mind in my experience with speakers the human ears are very smart, they quickly learn the nature of the sound characteristics of that pair and slowly or quickly for some getting used to them and then want a change or you switch speakers for the sake of changing your pick.

[@AlcatrazCrylake]

@@yttean98 Thats true. But it looked like that you were saying that the LS50 are just something to show off which isn't right. But i get your point.

[@yttean98]

​@@AlcatrazCrylake WHen you hear these speakers for the first time(usually your friends if you own a pair) your friends will be very impressed. On extended listening for longer period of listening time for more experienced listeners quickly, they may run out of favour for the reason I explained above.

[@AlcatrazCrylake]

@@yttean98 I know what you mean but that can happen with every speaker because taste. Thats not the speakers fault. You can impress casual people with way less if you want that. The Q150 will give you a similar stage experience but not on that level. If i would want to impress people, I would get myself an 2000Watt Subwoofer... Much more wow effect for casuals.

[@soundhein7807]

one big hype.

[@draganantonijevic2441]

Similar to (cheap) digital vs analog; sample vs live gig; instant food vs slow cooked; engine vs sails; front-wheel drive cars with computerized controls vs rear-wheel drive and pure mechanics; controlled descent vs free fall; artificial impression vs natural pleasure.

[@edwardbalboa5528]

Ls50 needs an amp that can handle 4 ohm speakers...that's all ...doesn't need lots of power ..just the right amp

[@Michael-xz1nk]

I think something is wrong if you can’t enjoy the LS50’s or any high end speakers for that matter. I guess I am so much more of a musicphile than audiophile. Just different strokes...

[@edwardbalboa5528]

Bs

[@JukeboxAlley]

I do understand, having had the ls50 and the original chartwells now, once you hear those ls3/5a and their midrange magic and vocal quality, your spoiled then, unmatched. It is true the kef ls50 has more bass heft, but quality bass realism? Well id have to say id give the ls3/5a the win on overall magic and midrange and vocals, at the expense of lower bass, but quality bass.

[@stereoreviewx]

Get in the human voice right is such a important and pleasurable experience

[@edwardbalboa5528]

Steve you need to listen to Epos ES14...or ES11.... You won't need your ls3/5s any longer

[@ctr289]

The internet is full of pictures of LS50 speakers with destroyed woofers that idiots put tons of power into because they heard is the right way to do it. Yes, they are very insensitive, but they're also limited in power handling

[@joeyjustin6895]

I'M WITH YOU. ONE CONE. AND A PEAK BASS PORT. NOOOOO WAYYYY. AND. THE POWER THING. NO. A GOOD SPEAKER WILL SOUND GOOD AT ANY POWER. IF THEY NEED MORE POWER. JUST MEANS. NOT ENOUGH MAGNET OR A HOLLOW CORE. SOMTHINGS GOING ON.

[@leifholm9185]

Did he ever heard him self reading. 😳

[@stereoreviewx]

Pardon

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Today there is the LS50 Meta.

[@johnsweda2999]

I think a lot of improvement could be done with those KFCs they seem to be very bright and sibilance harsh and get the impression where would you say the harshness is around 3, 5, 8 khz A simple process could be done be reversed, if you get some headphones sponge cups cut it to the diameter of the outer waveguide not touching the woofer, and resting against the whatever they call it inner waveguide the funny shaped thing, get a bit of double-sided tape and stick it on. Did you try the LS5 on the other KFCs. Can you turn your volume at post production to KZbin I've got it on maximum hardly can hear you

[@r423sdex]

Wow you need to work for KEF !!!!

[@Mickparrysstepdad]

A speaker for the hifi lover, not the music lover...

[@edwardbalboa5528]

Ls3/5 are sealed ..so deeper bass in room

[@tonyhodgkinson4586]

Sealed won’t give deeper bass, ported speakers do, sealed give dryer tighter bass.

[@sebd6307]

Friend of mine has a hifi stores here in the Netherlands. Recently did some testing including the new lS50 meta. Sound was very nasale and not much life in it. We both looked at eachother completely surprised by the awful sound. And there was a healthy hegel h390 to provide the power needed. A monitor audio silver 50 or even de bigger silver 100 would walk all over the KEF. It is simply to dapened and lifeless. No idea why all these people like them so much? Very good marketing I guess?

[@stereoreviewx]

And yes, marketing has to be the answer and I don’t really know what they do or how they approach people

[@justinparkman3585]

I had a pair for about a week with a caspain m2 up their back side they were way too bright and forward and tiring for me overrated is a understatement that's why there's plenty on ebay

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes it’s incredible how the speakers got so rated by other reviewers et cetera

[@atxplus]

I must admit that there are certain records I can't stand listening to on these speakers. Such as supertramp breakfast in America. The high end makes my ears bleed. The top end is my greatest criticism of these speakers. They sound edgy and grainy. Missing the smoothness of a lot of female vocals. Also Eric Clapton August. I need to turn down the volume. I don't know whether I have a mis matched amp, musical fidelity 2si. I thought it could be my rega planar 3. But on my Cambridge audio cd player it's more or less the same. Must admit. I have only put about 20 hours on these speakers. Maybe they need to be broken in a bit more.

[@stereoreviewx]

There is one thing I overlooked in talking about these speakers . Which is the cone material that’s what is really colouring this sound. It’s rigid plastic or certainly something close to rigid plastic. Good feedback thanks K

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

Jim Rogers designed the LS3 5A to replicate his wife's voice, he rightly assumed that by designing speakers that replicated the human voice accurately then they would handle music and other sounds well. Kef made the original drivers but the whole design is only intended for near-field listening but they have a character all of their own. However, we know there is no substitute for large-quality drivers. The LS50 is a modern iteration of this design that tries to overcome the LS3 5A's shortcomings but the speaker can never be as good as a live performance as the designer is faced with so many design constraints, they just do the best that they can at the time. I fear the LS50 suffers from having a harsh sound due to the design of the coaxial driver that is a woofer, squawker and tweeter at all the same time.

[@stereoreviewx]

yeah I mean the box looks thick its heavy its really a small speaker with a very rigid cone

[@donpayne1040]

shhit.

[@edwardbalboa5528]

Ls50 is a small speaker.....I agree that no way is it a full range speaker and bass will be one note due to small driver .. also they look like toys , awful orange drivers , not exactly elegant

[@user-yk9tk9cj5s]

your sound recording is very low

[@Gadgetdad007]

Ears are getting old.