KEF LS50 Wireless II vs. Buchardt A500

[@DarkoAudio]

*PLEASE READ CAREFULLY* THIS IS A TEST -- With this video, we are trialling a new way of doing things: the comments section below has been switched ON but will be *moderated by a third party*. The upshot? You get to leave a comment below the video and I don't get tied up by comment moderation to stay focussed on making the next video or podcast as well as keeping the Darko.Audio website and Patreon up to date. That means more content for EVERYONE. Our new third-party moderator is under strict instruction not to approve racist or sexist remarks, URLs, (the seeds of) conspiracy theories or the unsubstantiated ramblings of grumpy geezers.

[@fidrewe99]

People don't seem to appreciate the EQ correction for consistent perceived loudness built into the Buchardt, which makes music have the same tonal balance irrespective of volume. It should be a standard in all speakers, but in fact it's still exceptionally rare. It makes music sound better and more consistent at volumes deviating from the average listening level. Otherwise optimizing the tonal balance for one listening level will lead to suboptimal outcomes at all other listening levels.

[@arunashamal]

What do you mean rare? B&O had it since the 90s.

[@kristofer_sens]

John, you are a great communicator and a joy to listen to, regardless of one's audio knowledge. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with me (us). I truly enjoy your productions. I can't imagine being on the receiving end of KZbin comments, but even though it's likely maddening, if I may, a piece of advice, don't let them know they are getting to you.

[@douglasbrooks2132]

Your detailed understanding and expertise are offered in such clear and helpful ways. (Too often high end audio presumes we know as much or should.) Thank you for making the nearly esoteric clear and accessible. Your opinions are honest and are willing to offer a preference without imposing. Thank you for that too. I have learned so much from your videos and you make it darn easy to respect your work. Please carry on.

[@samgab]

Even the KEF LS50 Wireless II's are out of my price range, let alone the Buchardts! So I got a pair of JBL 308P Mk.II's and a iFi Neo to run them, connected with balanced XLR cables.

[@guenthermarschall01]

I like the way you do your reviewing - quality instead of quantity. Please continue the way. Best. G.

[@martincraven4202]

Brilliant review. I bought the KEF's but now want the Bucharest too. Keep up the good work mr Darko

[@Soundoverload]

how are the KEFs doing, now a year later...still satisfied?

[@m_c_8656]

"it's Fisher-Price simple" - John Darko ... John is quite the word smith.

[@EvertPruis]

Thanks John! After a lot of thought I'm taking the plunge. Buchardt it is! My biggest gripe is that the level of really really good future fi that Mads Buchardt makes basically ends my hobby. No more fiddling with components and interconnects. Just listening, finding new music, enjoying instead of (re)building. Bit of a goodbye, really.

[@gatobakuniano]

So, after 5 months, how's your experience with the Buchardt?

[@patriktakacs]

I’m also curious

[@tubesticker]

Same here

[@Abraxus34]

really? what about pre-amp if we need to connect analogue XLR inputs? if we play files from pc? we need at least external dac/preamp (+2-3k usd more) nice XLR cables (+1k usd) and nice usb cable. so this is far away from total end game

[@rikardekvall3433]

How did it go. Nirvana or not?

[@francescodinucci4828]

I would like to see a more interesting comparison between the Kef LS60 and Buchardt A700 from you, since they cost almost the same price

[@TheDavo10001]

Your response to complaints about the KEF wireless I not being supported in the new Kef app is a key reason I have avoided streaming loudspeakers. If I am spending thousands on audio gear, I want the loudspeakers to last a very long time. I prefer passive speakers for this reason. Streaming hardware and DACs age much more rapidly so I’d prefer to be able to swap those out independently from the speakers.

[@Abraxus34]

@@En_Joshi-Godrez what calibration do you mean if they have xlr analogue inputs so you need anyway to use another one pre-amp dac to put analogue signal into Buchards

[@jimji2774]

Well Mr Darko thank you for letting us comment again. I see questions mostly won't be answered but sometimes commenters have some feedback and experience with products that can be very helpful. Like how you speak to American audiences.

[@geoffreyschuchardt5350]

Absolutely. I always read the comments to see what other people think or sometimes to problem solve a niche issue. Was there a reason commenting got limited on this channel? Anyways, I agree with you Richard 👍🏻

[@alfredoguadarramam]

I do like your attitude and hope could review Buchrdt 10 aniversary

[@guillermoburgosbarroso380]

Sorry, but I have to ask...how do these two compare to the DYNAUDIO FOCUS 10? Since you've reviewed the FOCUS30, maybe you could jump into this comparison? Thanks for the video! Good job!

[@edmundgil6008]

Amazing comparison. I like the objective details, as well as your personal feelings about the two. Darko at his cheeky best!

[@kobymile5453]

Hi John, now that you have checked KC62 sub, and since price wise LS50WII + KC62 and Buchardt A500 cost almost the same, which is sonically better?

[@edwardgrigg4193]

Same question!

[@patriktakacs]

I also can’t choose between the two setup. Which would you choose for a near wall situation? A follow up video with the kc62 would be awesome!

[@akilansakthi3250]

This

[@vega6379]

Yes good and correct approach to reviewing

[@carlselway6326]

I have KEF LS50 Wireless and am able to run Airplay, Qobuz, Amazon Hd and other apps using the Audio Pro Link1 (99 pounds) feeding into the KEF via a digital cable. So only small reasons to upgrade to Kef Wireless II would be the eArc and slight sound improvements of the II

[@listrahtes]

@carl selway Its a great solution but is there no problem with gapless or the range of quality ? Think Audio Pro has 24/96 which should be enough

[@sickhcivc]

This answered so many questions I had. like how to connect to a pc, and why the OG wireless cant be updated.

[@Abraxus34]

kef dont have exact right connection with pc, cuz they removed usb in this model. its a shame

[@timd7782]

Great video. I always appreciate your honesty and unbiased opinion. I don't own either of these but I suspect they are both absolutely fantastic. I was biased towards the Bucharts because of Zeos, but I think if I had to pull the trigger, the KEFs would be my pick based on your description of their high end fun factor (and lower price). For many years in the 80's I had big rack systems with Technics and giant Radio Shack Mach One speakers. Now I have the Klipsch the Fives (which I know are not your cup of tea), but now I love the integration and simplicity of built-in matched amps and DACs these days. I will be eagerly awaiting your review of the Klipsch Sevens and the Nines. Will their bigger size win you over? I almost bought the Hi Vi Swan M300 Mark IIs this week to replace my Klipsch The Fives at $900 because of Zeos glowing review of them. But I have decided to wait (unusual for me) to see what Swan, Klipsch, Edifier, SVS or KEF has in mind for their next product release.......The innovation going on with powered speakers these days is truly amazing...

[@rainergieringer7600]

Great comparison. If beside streaming also connecting a turntable, which is better for analog? the KEF has a 3.5 jack vs the A500 had WISA via RCA. thanks a lot

[@teslatalk42069]

The Kef are supreme. I’m taking them 10 out of 10 times.

[@danielpudvay1486]

I know you did a comparison the focus 30 vs bigger Buchardt and KEF’s, but I wonder how the focus 10’s would do against these.

[@GChris78]

Great comparism, can you do a review against dynaudio (xeo or Focus) and give us your opinion on the dynaudio approach?

[@michaelchristensen8350]

Great idea. I am looking at KEF's or Dyna Audio Focus 60

[@mrkage9279]

Hi , I am finally thinking of upgrading my Kef 203 reference, downsizing and get all the new tech but how does the Ls50 wireless 2 compare in sound & stereo imaging? I use Arcam P7 to power my Kef. But I want simplicity now.

[@geez-hd6dn]

I auditioned the Kef LS50 wireless 11 with the Kef KC62 sub in my home and liked it so much, I bought them and sold my Hegel H390 and Kef R900 speakers. Best quality is done with Tidal via Roon on my Innuos Zenith streamer though. Quality and imaging is superb. Speaker stands also play a very important role.

[@brantrosenberger7644]

@@geez-hd6dn I got a ls50 mk2 pair and am considering the same as your setup with sub . Could you mention the stands you purchased? Thank you

[@taramusichouse]

Hi. I’ve been following you for some time and I’m pleased with the info you provide. I noted that you keep adding some sort of weight on your DAC or transmitter I can provide you with a photo but I’m not sure how to send it to you. Can you please try to explain the weight for me. Kindest regards Ahmed / Malaysia

[@TheDavo10001]

John mentioned on another video is that the weights are to stop the cables pulling lighter components off the shelf.

[@keithbill310]

Great

[@jayeshpatel9502]

To give any speaker justice, you would have to listen with a subwoofer in my opinion.

[@mitchellbaumgartner9668]

If u,ad the,kef,kc62 sub it adds 1500 us making both speakers same cost and the kefmwouldmgo to 7 ha way below 20hz and the miss open more also

[@GeekKeeper]

Darko, Sir, What is that piece of kit with that black, large round (what I can only describe as) some kind of controller? I currently purchased the A500 Bundle and have seen this in a couple of other KZbin videos and we'll, I feel like I'm missing out on something. lol As a relatively new subscriber I really appreciate your video reviews. Nice work, sir!!

[@deonellis8577]

@James Leffew That is a S/PDIF converter, with an Amazon Door Stop (the round silver "controller"-thing) placed on top of the S/PDIF converter...in order to avoid the weight of the cables plugged into the converter pulling it off the table. So, not really missing out on something "technological" which could impact the sound quality.

[@kobymile5453]

I am a wannabe audiophile with a limited budget. While KEF is readily available locally, buying anything other is international import, hefty shipping and tax payments. Can someone help me choose between these three - 1. KEF LS50W II + KEF Kube 12b 2. Budchardt A500 3. KEF R3 + Marantz PM6006

[@nte2336]

Buchardt pays for shopping and import tax

[@jimji2774]

Buchardt A500 is an incredible piece of gear with sky the limit possibilities but right now 07/21 software tunings are a big mess. Thought they would be good to go by now but I was mistaken - lots of bugs being worked out and the interesting tunings reviewers all tried like a year ago are not working. Maybe it will be fantastic in a month or will it be a year ? Sorry not a put down of a great designer and product but if not fixed in my 45 day trial I will send mine back.

[@JuhoLankila]

How'd it go, any place with more info about these bugs? I'm looking to maybe get a pair and ur comment seems to be the only mention of such problems

[@fakamada]

@@JuhoLankila Let me join you as a reminder to Jim. Maybe he sees a the notification this time around. I am not a Buchardt user or anything btw.

[@bryancasler]

A500 owner that got in just over a couple years ago. The software issues have been worked out, only thing to be mindful of is you really do need to keep 5ghz signal sources away from the speakers/wisa hub, it actually does interfere. We moved a router 20 feet away from both and that solved the last issue. Importantly, two years on they bring me SO much joy. No regrets except maybe not getting the A700’s because I love the way they look too and no stand can compete.

[@rca6576]

@@bryancasler This helped me decide a bit as I want to like the Kefs but, I find them bright. I am really thinking the A500 are a better fit for me but, wow, they are not cheap.

[@scrameck]

John, taking about gear you have already tested at home, if you had to pick up only one set, for almost the same budget, what’s your selection between HEDD type 20 and the A500 ? Thank you

[@limftw1565]

With the budget of buchardts a500s, I could get the Kefs + 2x SB 1000 Pro subs. (and with the buchardt I can only connect WISA subs, not sure if even 2) I might compare both combinations soon... :O

[@JuhoLankila]

Any news? Did you get to compare

[@kobymile5453]

Please do the comparison between Kef + KC62 vs A500.

[@sebastianwesterhoff6204]

Interesting taste in music. Among others I saw Autechre, Kangding Ray, Morphology...which are in my record case as well. But I'm pretty sure the Morphology doesn't sound like this Trip Hop track in the video. ;)

[@zorrobabouche5419]

Hello all, thanks a lot @Darko Audio for your precious work. I have an interesting aditionnal question. Can we compare the buchard A500 + Hub with this combo : LS50 meta + sub Kef kc62 + bluesound powernode 80W. What would be the best choice in terms of sound quality and presence for a 50m2 room ?

[@Abraxus34]

the only shame for KEF is that they removed usb-b connection, so now i cant use my pc right to kernel audio playing music using my foobar/ and I dont understanbd why do you recommend topping usb device if it has only one rca digital coaxial output but we need 2 to connect each speaker

[@kesm66]

Brilliant…otherwise you’ll be drawn into defending your reviews all day by folks considering to purchase the gear. There’s really only one way to know…on a personal level…buy it and try it for yourself and draw your own individual conclusions.

[@as-wl1uy]

KEF la50 wireless II t's comparable to the sound of Tannoy gold 8?

[@LOCOMAN]

Yes i wanna know that also cause I have Tannoy gold 8?

[@wataki_watcheswatakiwatche3160]

Thanks. Big fan of music system that has unfortunately wained over time. Got tired of systems not keeping up to modern era. I find I just stream these days. Pro’s and con’s to that. I have a naim system that doesn’t see the light of day since my kids rammed their cars into my neat petite’s. Went out and got a Sonos system, but frustrated with wifi only signal, and sound quality ok but not great. Hence looking for the modern hifi equivalent, with flexibility. Found the Buchardts and wanted to know more, hence finding your channel. Going to look now if you have compared the linn’s...

[@as-wl1uy]

A question John. The KEF LS50 Wireless II evolution is absolutely impressive, technically and I know that the sound is so good. But, why not buy active speakers with lower prices, TANNOY 7 Gold and 8 Gold cost only 600 USD pair, ill manage the wireless connection with a dac streamer that cost only 400 USD.

[@xtriple000x]

Hey Darko, love your work, thanks for all you do. HiFi Unrelated comment here. But I'd be okay if your editor stopped taking the time to try and track the names of products on to a live action non-locked-off shot. Pretty personal here, but I just don't think it's worth the time.

[@richardzedman1160]

why are they called wireless when they have more wires than normal speakes lol

[@Paprika526]

Because of the internal streamer

[@listrahtes]

you want them to offer less options? You can use them with just current plugged in streaming everything.

[@kobymile5453]

The same reason why you cannot eat Apple products :p

[@keithbill310]

crap