Speakers and room are one thing, you listen to the speakers + all reflections that build up in the room due to all the reflective surfaces. This is not the case for headphones unless you put your head in a box. I have owned several headphones (susvara, meze elite, meze liric, hd 800s, hd 700, sony z1r, denon d9200, diana v2) and recently started my journey into the realm of speakers with a pair of ls50 meta powered by a topping pa5. I listen in near field with speakers on the desk (placed on isoacoustic stands). The room is small but well treated acoustically with very thick absorbent panel on the front wall, thin foam panel spread on the side and rear walls and on the celling and bass traps behind the speakers. In short, the meta ls50 sounds better in some respects than my susvara (driven by the niimbus us5 pro), only the sub-bass is missing, but this can be solved with a sub-woofer. By the way, my current dac is the mojo 2 but I have had the holo may dac kte for several months (I haven't been able to notice any difference between the May and the mojo 2, neighter with headphones or speakers so I sold the May dac). Moral of the story, treat your room or forget about the speakers, the room is far more important than the dac and the amplifier, maybe even more important than the speakers.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. If you watch my next video I came to a different conclusion. Room acoustics is definitely important though and everyone hears differently. Let me ask you something. When you swapped out your Hollo May DAC, did you AB on your Metas or just your headphone rig? Here's my follow up video th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html
@@MisterChibs I did AB with Meta, Susvara and Elite. The topping pa5 has 2 inputs and a switch, so I was able to rapidly switch between the 2 sources. Some times, with the Meta, I forgot which source was the May dac and which the Mojo2, a friend of mine (he own the sony mdr-r10) failed a lot of blind test with both the Meta and the Susvara. I watched your other video, really interesting and informative. By the way, you missed the opportunity of a blind test with your wife. My experience is different from your, I'm very impressed by my topping pa5, it's an entry level class D amp with good measurements. I think this is the case because the Meta are 1 meter away from me and the room is 2mx5m, I listen at very low volume so the amp works in its confortable zone. I'm pretty sure the Meta would benefit from a better amp in a larger room at higther volume. In this time, I am skeptical about expensive DACs but I'm looking for a good streamer (with decent built-in DAC) and and amp, I have to decide if I want an all-in-one or a dedicated amp. P.S. Roon is fantascic
@@cuccaio83 Really interesting and thanks for letting me know. When we did the comparison, my wife didn't pay attention to what I was doing at first (or care for that matter haha) and the difference was night and day to us both. Keep in mind, this was in my small office too. If someone was with us switching cables, I'm confident we’d both be able to pick out the difference. Now I don't have experience with your Topping PA5 or the Holo May DAC but hear me out. The Topping is class D and similar power output to my Bluesound Powernode. This is most definitely your bottleneck. I'm willing to bet that if you had a class AB amp with the right amount of power output, you'd be able to tell the difference between the May and Mojo DAC Assuming the May is deserving of all the hype. Headphones even with proper amplifications are tougher to tell these differences, so I can understand things on that end. Loudspeakers, especially the Metas should magnify everything the DAC puts out much more distinctly and that's why I feel your PA5 is the culprit (not the May). If you check out my Venus/ Pontus review, I get more into how noticeable the difference is. th-cam.com/video/Skx6W58yErE/w-d-xo.html I think if you already have Roon, The Hegel H120 / H190 should definitely be considered. They'll both bring out what your LS50 Meta's are capable of. Meta's are many people's starter loudspeaker because you get a LOT for the money. Sort of. In my experience, you can't unlock what they're actually capable of with cheapish class D electronics. I do own the Chord Mojo 2 BTW and yes, it’s awesome. Review incoming. Will be interesting to put it up against my Venus II. 👍
Hey Mr Chibs, I had the exact same problem as you, when as a long time headphone listener I was trying to find speakers that sounded on par with my headphones (Focal Celestee, Fidelio X2, HD 660). Few comments: - Although the KEF LS50 are well reviewed, they are relatively small and not known for their warm sound and I wasn't impressed listening to them in a demo setting. - For the cheaper chi-fi amps (of like a 150 bucks) you might hear a difference in audio quality with more expensive amps, differences in amps are minimal and wouldn't change the sound characteristics of your speakers. Switching to a different amp would therefore not make a big difference. If you measure the power output that actually goes to the speakers, it's in the range of 2-4 watts at normal listening volume, less than the processor in your iPhone uses, this is why a chip (class-D) can amplify with little power use. One problem though is that these Class D amps do not have feedback current circuits like most A/B amps, which can adjust their output depending on the resistance from the cross-over in the KEF, improving sound quality. - A relatively cheap option to improve sound is the use of a miniDSP (2x4HD) with Dirac room correction, it will measure your room and apply a DSP (I haven't used this myself though). What I use: - Mission 700 floorstanders (these are quite massive and you definitely wouldn't need a sub), they sound almost the same to my headphones without any room correction or EQ applied. - Mission 778x amplifier (A/B amp) For a warmer sound (more bass) I would recommend the Wharfedale Linton speakers (very similar to the Mission 700, they're made in the same factory), they are however back ported and thus need much more distance from a wall.
Thanks for the well thought out reply and sharing your thoughts David. In my case, the amp actually did make a difference. Check out part 2 and you'll see what I mean. 🍻th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html
I have a powernode N330 and sonus faber venere speakers. I am a headphone guy too , but very happy with the powernode , with or without the bass option. I think that the source is very important. I listen too high res and MQA files. The source is on a NAS connected with high speed lan.
I power my Metas with a Crown XLS1502 (300W @ 8ohm) with a Cambridge Audio DACMagic Plus as my headphone amp / preamp, streaming from my PC. The DACMagic Plus outputs to the Crown by XLR. Also have the KEF 12" sub. It's pretty great with plenty of resolution, clarity, and oomf. I think you need more power than the 80W max from the Powernode to "effortlessly" drive the LS50 metas, but it depends a lot on the particular amp. Also I use HD800 as my daily driver headphones and you will never obtain the same clarity or soundstage with speakers as the HD800 or HD800S without getting into many many thousands of dollars for amps and speaker combos and spending a lot of time with speaker placement and room staging. Also consider that room dimensions, room staging, speaker placement, crossover settings,... these things can make or break your setup. Controversially, the wire gauge could also make a bit of a difference, aim for 12awg.
Thanks for such a thoughtful response. The lack of power from the Powernode (ironic naming 🤣) was indeed the culprit. Check out the Hegel H190 video that came after this one. Pretty great trip I’ve been on since and still going. I’ve got the HD800s too and still use them all the time. Managed to get better soundstage in each of my speaker setups including the LS50 Metas. As for wire gage, I recently switched to 7AWG which is probably overkill but they’re made soooo nicely! 🍻
you are right , headphones cannot be beaten , i have focal clears which i run through a ADI-2-DAC FS dac on my computer and they are sublime , i have kef lsx also on my computer which am very pleased with and had for some time , with kanto sub 6 subwoofer under my desk . down in my living room i have 5.1 setup with yamaha av recivever and kef ls 50 meta ,bluesound node , the kefs are execlent but do not blow me out the park , do not think its the kefs fault, i am using an av receiver , rxa1080 , i want to try a different amp and thinking of swopping bluenode for power node ? and use a switch to swap amps when i need it . i know in the uk powernode you can return in 30 days i think if you are not happy ? so may try that as this would be the cheapest option as could sell blue node ... also thinking maybe going for a better music av receiver maybe arcam avr5 ?
Clears are great cans. IMO, Keep the Bluesound Node and get a decent class A/B amp. LS 50 Meta need more power. I'm sure you saw this coming since you watched this vid 🤣. I'm at a place now where I really enjoy my loudspeaker setup so there's a nice light at the end of the tunnel. It just takes more work / money to get there than with headphones. Let me know what you end up with and your thoughts! 🍻
Hee man, great review! I also started out as an headphone guy. My headphone setup is: Audeze lcd 2c, Sennheiser HD6XX, fostex trx00, fidelio x2, DT 770 pro. Coincidencely I also bought the kef LS50 meta's as my first speaker. They sounded so thin, and had literally zero bass. My favourite headphones and the HD6XX and fostex trx00, which are way warmer. Ended up trying other more warmer speakers ( Triangle br03, elac debut reference, dynaudio special fortys ). Ended up LOVING these way more than headphones, I feel that a properly setup speaker setup just brings music to a whole other level. The difficulty however is the setup, you listen near field, personally I also don't like nearfield. If you sit a bit further back the soundstage will just be on a whole other level compared to headphones. Headphones will always be more detailed than speakers though, but the soundstage and realism on speakers can become really creepy, in a good way!
Thanks for sharing your experience! LS50 Metas do not sound thin anymore 😉Watch the next video in the series to see how I solved this. I'll link below th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html 🍻
Hi Mr Chibs. Great review. I am a bit in the same line as many of the colleagues in the chat. I need amplifier options that drive these speakers well, which like you, I perceive as hard but precise. Among the options, as you rightly say, I will choose the one that sounds best to me with my most familiar songs. Thanks
@@MisterChibs with the wharfedale linton heritage, a chunky boy but easy 90db speakers, much easier than Kefs. I’m also a headphone guy first but I had a great time with the Naim Uniti Atom. That’s a marvelous piece of streamer/dac/amp that pairs really well with the ls50. ;)
HDMI on the node needs to be connected to eARC on your TV to work. This is not a node problem, this is a TV or user error. Also, the LS50 meta are very power hungry and drop down to 3ohm. The node is not made for that. The LS50 meta themself are not very good unless paired with a big 200+ watt power amp.
HDMI was tested in the TV’s ARC port. As for the LS50 Meta paring, you’re (mostly) right. Problem was solved in the next video of the series. th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html Thanks for watching.
If you had the room acoustically treated correctly it would help out 100%. The glass and reflective surfaces smear the sound. with headphones, the sound enters your ears at the same time. A room full of reflective surfaces is the enemy of good sound.
Thanks for watching William, I don't disagree with this but the percentage is debatable. Check out my part 2 to this vid and you'll see what I ended up doing. th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html 👍🍻
Hello ... great review ... I just bought the Powernode. (80 watt per channel) and the acquired a set of used Totem Staff floor standers ... great sound (to me). But I'm new to higher end audio so I don't know how "good" sound should be at any price point. I can't seem to find part 2 of this video. I really liked the video on the Peachtree GAN amplifier. Seems like the Kef LS50 really loved that Amp. But did you ever get a satisfactory result from the Bluesound Powernode??
Thanks Pierre. Part 2 is here: th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html If you're happy with the way your Totum and Powernode combo sounds, I would personally stick with it. This hobby is quite a rabbit hole!😅 🍻
@@MisterChibs I've just set up a low power sub to round out the bottom end and am liking that ... but still i'm thinking there could be a little more ... is it the amp, or the speakers, or ... | Help !! there's the rabbit hole !! 😅 BTW I found your video very thoughtful and well presented !!
@@PJJTremblay Thanks Pierre! I totally get how you feel, there'll always be a little more! 😆 The most important thing is to make sure you're enjoying the music every step of the way. If you "upgrade" and find yourself not wanting to listen as much, then it wasn't for you. That was me in this Powernode situation a year ago. Having said that, you can't go wrong with getting a great amp. It's best to demo if you can. Failing that, make sure you buy from somewhere with a good return policy. Hope that helps!🍻
Ok, you are a dead man. I was all set to buy the Powernode and the LS50s but with the Kef sub! What the hell do I do now? Good honest, refreshing review. The copy on the screen regarding headphones was not up long enough for an old geezer like me to read. Looking for part 2.
Haha my first death threat 😂 At least you didn't already buy anything yet. (where was someone like me when I was buying? 🤔)Best advice I can give you is try and demo that combo first with some familiar tracks and see if you like it. As for my headphone rig, follow this like an hit pause immediately. th-cam.com/video/ko6xq6Q1gYQ/w-d-xo.html I'm working on my next video now and testing a different amp as we speak. Stay tuned, and thanks for watching!
Nice video!! Which one is your favorite dac you own? Is the pontus way better than Gustard? I’m going to buy a new dac and my choice will be between x26 pro and Pontus 2 but I’ve not the chance the hear them before the purchase..
Thanks man! That X26pro has a lot of positive reviews but I’ve never tried it. What I can tell you is that once you get a taste of R2R, it’s tough going back. I’m going to be doing a review on this in the near future so stay tuned. Having said that, I’ll steer you towards Pontus II 100%.
I have to agree with Mr Chibs, the Pontus II if you like to listen for long periods, the sound is amazing. If you like that clinical sound, where you can hear the janitor down the hall from the studio cursing the stopped up toilet, then the Gustard, or any Delta Sigma DAC in that price range will suffice.
I’ve found a great deal on the Gustard (almost half the price of the Pontus) and went for it, will be in my hand this coming week.. I can’t say if it’s going to be my cup of tea but considering the price I paid I won’t lose many money if I decide to not keep it!! For sure I’ll keep my eyes opened for a good price on the Pontus
I don't like 'near field' listening and, although I have some B&W bookies in my small den, like you I prefer my headphones and (even) some IEMs. However, I find the sound of a good pair of floor-standers in a large room with the 'wick turned up' is emotionally much more satisfying. I like the KEFs well enough, but try some bigger Elacs or Wharfdales with your N330 and I think you'll enjoy what the room can add to the listening experience. Or maybe you just don't like the live sound of a room - a valid choice, just stay with the cans.
Outstanding review. I have been looking at getting the exact speakers and exact deck from kef and power node and never in a million years that I think they would be a bad combination. It makes me sad because I have to find something else now that will be decent
Thank you! There's a lot of alternatives out there. If you're stuck on getting the LS50 Metas, check out my Hegel H190 Video. If you want something more budget friendly, stay tuned for my next upcoming video. 😉🍻
Did you even consider powered studio monitors? For what you paid for the LS50’s alone you could have bought a very nice set Adam or Genelec studio monitors. No need to buy an amp just add a DAC of your choice. Even monitors under $300 will get you very good sound quality from JBL, Presonus or Kali.
Holy shit! Something about this review is so refreshing. I think it's just your approach and honesty. I think you are picking up on this audio stuff way faster than you think. You probably already have your problem answered! Those kefs are transparent and power hungry. And while class D amps have come so far and can sound amazing, with a truly transparent speaker you may need a smoother amp. I would look at a class a/b... my favorite at the moment, purely off reviews is the Marantz model 40. Still I think it's only 80 or so watts, but it's extremely high current and is said to handle speakers like an amp with much more power and is said to be very musical and not at all harsh. I have a pm7000n and could not love it more. Then again I have easy to drive horn speakers:)... can't wait for the follow up video!
Thanks so much Brian!! Working on part 2 as we speak. Need my filming and editing skills to catch up with my purchasing stuff (never going to happen haha). You’re not wrong about class D. Such a shame, I wanted to love this little Powernode because it makes things so easy. See you in the next one!
@@MisterChibs can't wait. Editing is fine. Your video had an instant sense of honesty and humility that was refreshing. I've watched a ton of TH-cam amp/speaker reviews. Not sure I've looked forward to a follow up video this much... haha! Good luck and can't wait for the follow up.
Nice review. I have a question that is so subjective that it’s probably impossible to answer, but here goes: I just bought the Graham ls 6 speakers for their lush mid range. I thought of getting the powernode but was concerned that it wouldn’t let me get enough of the mid range quality of the speakers, but I just don’t know. Would you have an opinion as to whether I would get most of the performance of those speakers with the Powernode as opposed to purchasing a different integrated amplifier in the $2000-$3000 range? One of the things I’m attracted to about the Powernode is its ease of operation and simplicity.
Hi Michael, I don't have the Grahm speakers but with a sensitivity close to what my LS50 Metas are, I would make sure you can demo the Powernode first or you buy from a place with a good return policy. Apart from the Powernode, I recommend Hegel H120 and if you're interested in simplicity, I just did a review on Gan 1. th-cam.com/video/28GQzI5meB0/w-d-xo.html Hope this helps! 🍻
Please help me understand if you were using the direct stream to your music by way of the powernode itself. Or was your tv handling the file and outputting directly via optical? Just trying to validate this as my Powernode is coming to be my garage amp due to size and benefits of BluOS in my house.
Streaming music was done directly from the Powernode. Playing Xbox and computer audio was optical. For a second system with the right speakers, Powernode should be great. What speakers will you be running with it?
@@MisterChibs thank you for clarifying! I’ll be trying two options in Bowers and Wilkins 607 S2 and Monitor Audio Bronze 50. I’m going to audition both and whichever don’t work I’ll be returning. And in the winter this will be moving to my living room to encourage my wife why a bookshelf setup on stands is better than a crap soundbar (le sigh…Bose tv speaker). This isn’t my main setup, I’ve got a Rotel RA-1570 with a Bluesound Node, Focal speakers, and Revel sub for my basement which is extremely versatile.
@@chupacabratx Totally agree with you regarding soundbar. The problem with wife approval (for me at least) is unsightly speaker wires. If you can figure out how to hide them somehow, you’ll have a better chance. Let me know which speakers you end up with! I think the Powernode needs something on the warm side to balance things out. Or perhaps it just needs easier to drive speakers. We’ll find this out!
@@MisterChibs I’m keeping the Monitor Audio Bronze 50. On first impression they have a lottttt of detail and it’s not too bright. I use a few songs to test based on what I listen to. Purple Disco Machine, Steely Dan, Jim Croce, Tame Impala, Blues Traveler, and Prince are all very happy through this. Can already tell these will be great after they’ve broken in some more.
Thanks for sharing your experience. As long as you’re happy. If you ever get curious, try and demo class A/B amp in the same room with the same speakers. You may be surprised with how your sound changes. If you watch part 2, this made a huge difference in my case👍🏻
@@MisterChibs If you go from a amplifier from 1k to one that cost you 4K the difference should be huge. Not a fair comparison. Even I didn’t test it myself, I do expect the Powernode will perform reasonably for its price point paired with the Meta’s when you combine it with a subwoofer and set the crossover in the Powernode around 80 hz. The Powernode will set in that case an appropriate high pass filter. It demands a lot of power to let the small woofers from the meta’s produce low base. If you let the amp inside the subwoofer let take care of that the Powernode will be powerful enough to produce the mid and higher base with authority. John Darko tested the LS50 Meta with a sub and a crossover for low base and he didn’t experience a shortage of current. In fact he preferred the pairing above the LS50WII.
@@leokuiper2593 First off, thanks for watching part 1+2 and sharing your thoughts. I saw that particular Darko review and used crossover with my sub on the powernode. It didn't work for me. Maybe it worked for Darko and all the other professional reviewers. But did they end up living with that powernode? I never saw saw it again in any videos that followed. That goes for the other reviewers I based my purchase decision on after watching. So you feel my comparison isn't fair? Who says it has to be? I just didn't like the sound, and upgrading made a notable difference. I live with my H190 and love it. I do have something coming down the pipeline that may be more of a fair comparison so stay tuned.🍻
@@MisterChibs Your right, I am sure Darko doesn’t use the Powernode for his private listening. As a professional reviewer he probably doesn’t have a lot of private listening at all, because he will be always preparing the next review. Point is that not everybody has the means to buy a 4K amplifier, $1500 speakers and then add a high quality subwoofer. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy for you you found the pairing you liked and that you are able to afford the combination. As a story about your hifi journey it is valid. I stand with the opinion though there is an unfairness in the comparison. It is obvious that equipment at four times the cost will blow the lesser one out of the water. But for people with a lower budget it is important to know what to buy within the limits of their means. Entry level hifi may not be for you, but for a lot of people it is the only thing they can afford or willing to spend. Equipment should be considered and compared within their price point. The Darko review was made in that perspective, to serve those with a lower budget. I did really like your videos as in the perspective of your personal journey, but find it a bit weak as a comparison. It’s like comparing an Opel Record with a luxurious BMW. It’s obvious that the BMW will perform better in any aspect. My critical remarks are not to look down on you. But it is a bit rude to say that a combination that you know a lot of people bought, because that’s what they can afford, sounds like shit. The same goes for people with gear worth maybe 100k that are burning the combination you have down. I don’t think you did that intentionally, I think you are a nice guy, but it is something to consider. Btw, I don’t feel like this because I own a Powernode. I am myself considering to buy the Meta’s and am looking to my options how to amplify those speakers myself. I to want an only add speakers solution. The h190 is more then I am willing to spend, so I am doubting now between a h120, NAD M10 V2, Lindorf 1120, EVO 150, etc. Again as a story for your personal experience I liked your videos, but if you desire to become a professional reviewer I had this critical notes. Up to you if you want to do something with it or not.
Fun fact. Well actually not so fun. Within the BluOS app you cannot select your Qobuz albums to be in an order other than a default of last date added. Bluesound have been aware of this for at least 3 years but have not attended to it, or can’t attend to it. No such problem with Tidal within the BluOS app. This pretty much makes Qobuz hopeless to use within the BluOS app as you would lose your mind trying to find a given album within your 1000 or so albums without an alphabetical arrangement. So Tidal looks like the preferred app within BluOS. Well unless you use the Qobuz native app via Airplay to the node. But personally I got the node as a proper wired streamer not everything through the air. Even though Qobuz sounds a tiny bit better than Tidal, at least with Tidal you can choose between the BluOS app or the native Tidal app as Tidal Connect. Tidal also have a bit better music library plus videos. So I guess one needs to put aside the whole MQA stuff and forego the way Qobuz tell you the quality if you can’t arrange your albums in artist alphabetical order for Qobuz within BluOS.
Hey Aussie, Blue OS is far from perfect but compared to most others, it's more flushed out. Having said that, you may want to give Roon a try. I've used it and it makes the browsing experience so much better. Qobuz and Roon work very well together in this respect. If I had Roon or liked Tidal, this would be my next step. The Node also functions as a Roon endpoint. Not sure if their service has a trial, if it does I would suggest giving it a shot.
@@MisterChibs None of the streaming apps are perfect. Though Apple music is really user friendly but for some reason just isn’t as audibly detailed as the other two. I can see where certain changes to both Qobuz and Tidal would be good, but this inability for BluOS to be able to arrange albums within its app is just crazy. Crazy for both Bluesound and Qobuz. I have a feeling short of buggy issues I will be using the native Tidal Connect app as the controller for the node. It lacks the larger album artwork that the BluOS tidal app has but I think the native app is a bit more straight forward to use, and from there you can access videos unlike within the BluOS tidal app, and you can more effectively search and download. I know nothing of Roon in detail but I will look into it, from my basic understanding it would be of no great benefit to me though as I don’t have music anywhere online. I have about 1,000 CDs stored on the hard drive of an Olive4 music server/cd player but I’ve basically retired that in favour of the convenience of streaming. Though I can connect it’s digital output into the node to play those ripped CDs through the node should I choose to. But why bother when they’re in the Tidal library. Maybe my next step is to step right over to the dark side and get an MQA compatible ext DAC 😈 The DAC in my amp, as good as it is, is not MQA. I watched a very good video where the very credible host blind tested 16 tracks, MQA and not MQA and he chose MQA as the preferred track for all 16 tracks. I don’t know what secret sauce MQA uses but it appears to sound better. I doubt I will but it will be something to consider.
@@aussie8114 I would avoid an MQA Dac and MQA altogether, but that’s just my take after having been through it. Not sure if you’ve seen the golden sound MQA videos, if not check em out. Bottom line is FLAC will give you as much detail as you can possibly eek out of any track. MQA, is lossy and the majority of it is just converted by an algorithm. Weather or not you hear the difference between formats is up to you. I just feel Tidal is shady and didn’t like my experience with them including their tech support. Definitely look I into Roon! As soon as I can get my hands on Quobuz, I’ll pay for a lifetime sub and only use for streaming.🍻
@@MisterChibs I watched the Golden sound video at the time he uploaded it. But even though he’s a smart guy he is a bit pedantic if that's the right term. I pay more attention to Hans and a few others that understand the theory better. Golden sounds is all about measurements, our ears are not measuring devices they are for listening. I’m not convinced Golden Sounds fully grasps the logic / theory of MQA. Having said that I might personally get more benifit running Tidal from the Bluesound into an R2R DAC like the Aries. The R2R “sound” might be more pleasing than whatever comes from MQA unfolding.
@@aussie8114 some great points I agree with here. It’s definitely not just about measurements or subjective opinions either. The truth lies somewhere in the middle (for me at least.) what I did take away from Golden sounds MQA videos was that MQA it’s self wasn’t the problem so much as how Tidal implemented it. The guy uploaded test tones and their service compressed them through some automated process. This did not bug me as much as the story of how they took Neil Young’s tracks and made them “Masters” without having access to said masters. For a while, Tidal was the only high resolution services available. So if someone was serious about high fidelity streaming, that’s just what they chose back then. Now there are a lot more options to choose from and that’s great for people like you and I. So now imagine getting into Tidal when it was the only game in town + building yourself extensive playlists and so on. Would you want to jump ship and start over fresh? I did this with Spotify and it was a total PITA. So while I don’t doubt that Hans and other great TH-camrs enjoy what their hearing, I do prefer Flac to lossy. Even though MQA is marketed as Master quality, you can’t get back what you lose plain and simple. All big companies are inherently evil though and it’s good to know things like this before deciding which to spend your money on.
Hi there, thanks for the honest video! Was looking into a new setup (I'm a hifi newbie) and also into this particular combination. Glad I came across your video before buying 😉 Would you say you weren't impressed by the combination of these two or just the Bluesound Powernode? I'm still looking into buying the KEF LS50 Meta but curious to hear if you think these are worth the price with another amp (from an honest reviewer like yourself). Thanks!
Thanks Josh! I'm a speaker noob too so no worries there haha. It's a real process getting everything dialed in. I'm in the midst of making part 2 now and don't want to give away to much. What I can tell you is yes, I still recommend the Metas. They're amazing, just not with the Powernode. I would get a 2021 Node and a good amp to start off with those Metas. Shop around and demo first if at all possible.
I personally have sold many systems during my work especially kef ls50Meta , for a convenient, affordable and sound good set up is Bluesound Powernode + Ls50 meta, you should go and listen it up, they sound v good for that price range.
@@MisterChibs a friend of mine who is a dealer of KEF LS50, he said that their best selling system is KEF LS50 Meta w Bluesound Powernode, one of the simplest, sound good and reliable system, no fuss.
I was highly underwhelmed hearing the LS50w2. The bottom half of base on Macklemore "Downtown" is cut off and it all sounded muffled. Saw many speaker reviews until I was fed up with the amount of choice but took a different approach after watching DIY speaker reviews. Fortunately a local speaker shop sells Scan-speak Minimonitor and a serie of lower cost kits. 1st kit was lean, 2nd better, 3rd good, 4th (Scanspeak minimonitor) gave me goosebumps with Marilyn Manson"warship my wreck" in the total frequency range and the base is great despite the 7 Litre cabinet volume! Even the salesman stated this song really gets into him with the powernode combo. All demoed with the powernode and for me it feels like an endgame for an appartment living room. You may be suprised if it is not the powernode to blame. In fact, I asked the shop owner to switch from tidal to spotify on "downtown" and it shows artificial snow all over. This speaker needs Hires. I enjoyed my Sundara quite a bit and knew a regular speaker would likely not be my cup of tea. I love the LS50 design but I was happy to hear it demo first. Luckely I found a 2nd hand Scan-speak Minimonitor. You may reconsider DIY as well. Make a material list first they are not cheap when finished. Yes, waiting to buy a used N330. total savings approx 1800euro. greets,
Thanks for your thoughts! I feel the LS50's low end is helped by a subwoofer(s). Sounds like you got to where you want to be with your powernode and that's fricken awesome! I'm just editing part 2 now and have lots more to say. I 💜 Downtown and will give it a listen once i finish here🍻
@@MisterChibs Looking forward to part 2! Downtown has a wide musical airyness. great for testing at a dealer imo. Macklemore's throat sounds smooth on my Sundara but it is a raw voice on these speakers. A game changer for me getting into Hires. The upgrade to berillium tweeters isn't audible according the previous owner who tested both versions side by side for 4 days in a row. Have a browse for DIY you might be engaged. cheers!
I think the worst part of your experience is that it just flat out didn't work via HDMI. That's one of the major appeals of an all in one box like this that it can integrate with your TV, use your TV remote etc... The Powernode is still a consideration for me, but if the HDMI didn't work it would go straight back. I'm considering pairing it with some Wharfedales which, only from what I've read/watched, seem to be a less cold and revealing sound profile than something like the Metas, so may work better with the Powernode in that respect.
@@MisterChibs Great that it worked through toslink but imo it's a massive failing that it didn't work through HDMI. I don't know enough exactly but know that eARC is meant to give many advantages over toslink. Also if you were looking to use both of the analog/digital inputs for other sources and then TV via HDMI this would scupper your plans somewhat. I've been looking at the Diamond series from Wharfedale. Lintons a bit above my budget and also size restrictions in my room!
@@ednewmy Things aren't always compatible I guess. I can get eARC to work on my newer LG tv's. All is moot if you don't like the sound though. That's the most important thing in my case. With less demanding speakers I'm sure the Powernode will sound much better 👍
That happens when you buy your speakers to match your design and do not think about pairing at all. That KEF is not good with class D, at least not with the one in PowerNode. Very hard to drive speakers, but hey, they look great in blue :). To get even near headphone level, you need really expensive gear. But I see you bought Hegel, so I guess that is much better. And you own Focal headphones, why not go with Focal speakers? I bet you would love them... Like any Focals, Chora, Aria... Doesn't matter.
Originally bought the Powernode based on reviews of that same combo. I actually have the LS50 Metas paired to an other class D amp at the moment. They now sound AND look amazing 😉. Definitely open to to trying modern Focal speakers at some point, thanks for the suggestion.🍻
With 🎧 you don't hear the room, especially that beautiful TV smack in the middle where normally you shouldn't have anything there, especially something so reflective ;)
Late comment, but I just think that NAD/Blusound has muffled, less forward sound. As someone who is not versed in the world of stereos like yourself, I am tend to think that the lower budget amplifiers have their shortcomings. With NAD though, I have tried Blusound Powernode and one of the their recent hybrid digital integrated NAD amps. The Blusound's bass is less sloppy than the NAD somehow. Neither have forward midrange to bring out the best in rock ensemble music or heavy metal (list acoustic and electric instruments that require good midrange sound, including vocals and cymbals, sax, electric guitars, etc.). I would guess that part of what goes on with amp design is a tradeoff with distortion and EQ profiles versus the raw power output or something along those lines. I had a "real British" class A/B amplifier last year with a test run on the Cambridge Audio AXR100. This amp is a budget amp that will blast your eardrums but with less trebly detail than a class D Yamaha amp. Both can fatigue, but the distortion in the Cambridge Audio amp took just one or two tracks to make me fatigued and semi-nauseous. To conclude here: I've tried a number of budget amps recently and none of them really hit the spot with their EQ profile, connectivity, features, etc. The best you might do is find an amplifier that others like for rock music/metal music (rock ensembles) that has low distortion but plenty of mid frequency presence (or use an EQ to boost 1kHz to 2kHz), try Klipsch speakers for a more forward sound (this also introduces some more distortion or crispness beyond the KEFs). So, what have you learned in the past 12 months since this video???
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! To answer your question: Yes, I've learned quite a bit since this vid and continue to do so. Completely solved this with a new integrated amp. Part 2 goes through the process, linked below. th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html More recently, I have the LS50's hooked up to a GaN 1. More of a budget oriented option but sounds great with the Metas. th-cam.com/video/28GQzI5meB0/w-d-xo.html 🍻
@@MisterChibs Later in last night, I found your two subsequent videos and watched most of them. I’m happy for your discovery of a Hegel that worked well. Price is understandable for these amps, ultimately, but as a person with lesser means, the price on some of the standalone DACs on top of the amp, spkrs and subwoofer makes the entire effort underwhelming -underwhelming when one recognizes he just doesn’t have enough money for what truly sounds good. Of course, I would be fine with an old analogue EQ unit and good speakers connected a decent amp with low distortion and enough current -adequate current, as you discuss with the home audio guy at the retail store. But that situation leaves out the quality DAC-streamer. It’s not easy; easy is how Mrs. Chibs listens. 😀
@@moribnd glad you watched the other vids. Definitely check out my Gan 1 review. It covers DAC, amp, and if you get it with the Bluesound node it becomes a versatile / more budget friendly solution than the Hegel. 🍻
@@MisterChibs That’s an interesting proposition although the lack of inputs needs to overcome by the Bluesound Node or a WiiM Pro. It might work for me but the lack of EQ with the Node or lack of sub out with the WiiM could still be a problem. Thanks for the recommendation! BTW, the Bluesound Powernode is just embarrassingly bad when you discover how good audio can be. Mine is still here; the article of my failed effort to something truly good last summer.
Good Video and yes YMMV. Like Apple, Bluesound is forcing you to stay n their ecosystem. Not cool unless you upgrade to the NAD stuff. On the intro to Shine On, I've always heard the cough (not sure who's it is) whether it was on my homebrew Towers or on a pair of Cheap Headphones. CBS Mastersound Vinyl, 2003 SACD, or the 1994 CD version. Don't get too hung up on the Node. "If I were you".......split the Balanced Analog Output from you DAC/Digital Preamp, and send it to a good F'in Amplifier under/over $1k USD. I can give you some recommendations via email Bro. Dump the Powernode ASAP. That's the LS 50 Meta's are burying the cough. Yo just proved the Class D Amp's suck in the Node. A pair of Orchard Audio BOSC/StarKrimson (with protection added). It'll make that cough loud & clear (of course I'm a Shill for Orchard Audio...but that's besides the point). Good work my friend. How's the Snow in T.O. these days ?
Thanks Joey! I have so much to say in my next video!! Got an other Amp already but not giving up on Powernode 100%, yet. Need to streamline making these things because they take so fricken long 🤣 Going to give "Shine on you crazy diamond" a listen. It was actually 16 degrees out today so we got lucky. Talk soon!
Hey Joey, just listened to "Shine on your crazy diamond" and didn't hear anyone coughing. Were you referring to the cough in Wish you were here? Was this a Floydian slip? hehe In any case, got me listening to it again. Such a good effing track!!!!!! Hope you're doing well!
This is a hard hobby to get into because everything has its own sound and trying to match it is complicated honestly I would tell you to get the wireless twos from Kef and Call it a day and for extra bass the kc subwoofer
@@MisterChibs my tip for anyone watching reviewers to buy audio equipment is watch what the reviewer is using with the review product instead of what’s actually being reviewed. Sad but true😂😂
Please research good speaker placement. The way you have it now is not the best. Also you have many hard surfaces like monitors, walls, and windows that will screw up for soundstage and image focus. Also speaker cable quality will help with details. I switched my speakers cables between three different brands and they all sounded different along with the levels of details heard. Also class d has no warmth. Sub integration with the metas probably needs experimentation, too. Good luck.
@@jagjitjosan2755 I don't know I can't get over the fact that what is great about it is the fact that yes it's a little light in the bass department in my opinion but it just makes up for it so much with this pure sense of musicality. And to me also when I hear it I just feel like I'm having fun and I'm really enjoying the music. I've been into stereo gear now for a while and my philosophy on stereo gear has really coalesced into something very simple, when I listen to a piece it can sound good and it can sound fine but when I turn it off I want to be able to still have fun and enjoy the thought of what I was listening to.
Don't you read what the ingredients are in your food? Mini-Whets are equivalent to eathing a bowl of sugar. KEF speaker get tiresome very fast for many people.
@@MisterChibs So how would you like folk being obsessed with gear instead of listening to what is happening? Most audiophiles don't know shit about music.... How does this one sound? th-cam.com/video/JAnQAnyOdeA/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=ArnoSiemons
Thanks man. I tend to gravitate more towards loudspeakers these days. You’ll see that if you check out my more recent vids. Having said that, don’t give up on headphones altogether until you try the Empyreans! 🍻
Just looking at the specs of the power node it would not be recommended, and certainly not for the Kef’s. The node is class D. There is a lot of hype about class D, but basically it sucks. Midland class D will certainly suck the life out of the speakers. Any mid-fi class a/b amp would be a much better choice. The speakers will respond very well to better electronics. They deserve much better then than a crappy class D amp. Adding insult onto injury I believe it uses a digital preamp. This is low-fi at its worst. Just so you know I have the Bluesound node 3 and I thinks it’s great, but a big no to the powernode.
Big no indeed! It’s frustrating when some of the big hifi YT channels recommended this exact combination. So much BS to sift through on here. Such is life 🙃. Part 2 will have a much better solution. Thanks for your comment!
Have you burn in your speakers??. Ls50's need some burn in time to get the drivers to set and sound much better!!. Also pairing class D with the ls 50s (they are way tranparent ) can make the sound a bit brittle a the top end !!.
I disagree regarding class D one of the few that I've heard it just sounds tremendous is the rogue sphinx. It's another product that has succumb to the hype machine but it's one of only two class D amplifiers that I've heard that sounds good to me.
![If you can't hear this then you're not an audiophile [See description for link to followup video]](/img/n.gif)
Speakers and room are one thing, you listen to the speakers + all reflections that build up in the room due to all the reflective surfaces. This is not the case for headphones unless you put your head in a box. I have owned several headphones (susvara, meze elite, meze liric, hd 800s, hd 700, sony z1r, denon d9200, diana v2) and recently started my journey into the realm of speakers with a pair of ls50 meta powered by a topping pa5. I listen in near field with speakers on the desk (placed on isoacoustic stands). The room is small but well treated acoustically with very thick absorbent panel on the front wall, thin foam panel spread on the side and rear walls and on the celling and bass traps behind the speakers. In short, the meta ls50 sounds better in some respects than my susvara (driven by the niimbus us5 pro), only the sub-bass is missing, but this can be solved with a sub-woofer. By the way, my current dac is the mojo 2 but I have had the holo may dac kte for several months (I haven't been able to notice any difference between the May and the mojo 2, neighter with headphones or speakers so I sold the May dac). Moral of the story, treat your room or forget about the speakers, the room is far more important than the dac and the amplifier, maybe even more important than the speakers.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. If you watch my next video I came to a different conclusion. Room acoustics is definitely important though and everyone hears differently. Let me ask you something. When you swapped out your Hollo May DAC, did you AB on your Metas or just your headphone rig?
Here's my follow up video
th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html
@@MisterChibs I did AB with Meta, Susvara and Elite. The topping pa5 has 2 inputs and a switch, so I was able to rapidly switch between the 2 sources. Some times, with the Meta, I forgot which source was the May dac and which the Mojo2, a friend of mine (he own the sony mdr-r10) failed a lot of blind test with both the Meta and the Susvara. I watched your other video, really interesting and informative. By the way, you missed the opportunity of a blind test with your wife. My experience is different from your, I'm very impressed by my topping pa5, it's an entry level class D amp with good measurements. I think this is the case because the Meta are 1 meter away from me and the room is 2mx5m, I listen at very low volume so the amp works in its confortable zone. I'm pretty sure the Meta would benefit from a better amp in a larger room at higther volume. In this time, I am skeptical about expensive DACs but I'm looking for a good streamer (with decent built-in DAC) and and amp, I have to decide if I want an all-in-one or a dedicated amp. P.S. Roon is fantascic
@@cuccaio83 Really interesting and thanks for letting me know. When we did the comparison, my wife didn't pay attention to what I was doing at first (or care for that matter haha) and the difference was night and day to us both. Keep in mind, this was in my small office too. If someone was with us switching cables, I'm confident we’d both be able to pick out the difference. Now I don't have experience with your Topping PA5 or the Holo May DAC but hear me out. The Topping is class D and similar power output to my Bluesound Powernode. This is most definitely your bottleneck. I'm willing to bet that if you had a class AB amp with the right amount of power output, you'd be able to tell the difference between the May and Mojo DAC Assuming the May is deserving of all the hype.
Headphones even with proper amplifications are tougher to tell these differences, so I can understand things on that end. Loudspeakers, especially the Metas should magnify everything the DAC puts out much more distinctly and that's why I feel your PA5 is the culprit (not the May). If you check out my Venus/ Pontus review, I get more into how noticeable the difference is.
th-cam.com/video/Skx6W58yErE/w-d-xo.html
I think if you already have Roon, The Hegel H120 / H190 should definitely be considered. They'll both bring out what your LS50 Meta's are capable of. Meta's are many people's starter loudspeaker because you get a LOT for the money. Sort of. In my experience, you can't unlock what they're actually capable of with cheapish class D electronics. I do own the Chord Mojo 2 BTW and yes, it’s awesome. Review incoming. Will be interesting to put it up against my Venus II. 👍
Hey Mr Chibs,
I had the exact same problem as you, when as a long time headphone listener I was trying to find speakers that sounded on par with my headphones (Focal Celestee, Fidelio X2, HD 660).
Few comments:
- Although the KEF LS50 are well reviewed, they are relatively small and not known for their warm sound and I wasn't impressed listening to them in a demo setting.
- For the cheaper chi-fi amps (of like a 150 bucks) you might hear a difference in audio quality with more expensive amps, differences in amps are minimal and wouldn't change the sound characteristics of your speakers. Switching to a different amp would therefore not make a big difference. If you measure the power output that actually goes to the speakers, it's in the range of 2-4 watts at normal listening volume, less than the processor in your iPhone uses, this is why a chip (class-D) can amplify with little power use. One problem though is that these Class D amps do not have feedback current circuits like most A/B amps, which can adjust their output depending on the resistance from the cross-over in the KEF, improving sound quality.
- A relatively cheap option to improve sound is the use of a miniDSP (2x4HD) with Dirac room correction, it will measure your room and apply a DSP (I haven't used this myself though).
What I use:
- Mission 700 floorstanders (these are quite massive and you definitely wouldn't need a sub), they sound almost the same to my headphones without any room correction or EQ applied.
- Mission 778x amplifier (A/B amp)
For a warmer sound (more bass) I would recommend the Wharfedale Linton speakers (very similar to the Mission 700, they're made in the same factory), they are however back ported and thus need much more distance from a wall.
Thanks for the well thought out reply and sharing your thoughts David. In my case, the amp actually did make a difference. Check out part 2 and you'll see what I mean. 🍻th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html
Yep same issue with the NAD C700 (fancier Powernode). No digi output. Node is your "separates" pick among these.
Looks awesome! This subject can be dry to some people so, adding fun clips makes it so much more intriguing!
Thank you 😊
I have a powernode N330 and sonus faber venere speakers. I am a headphone guy too , but very happy with the powernode , with or without the bass option. I think that the source is very important. I listen too high res and MQA files. The source is on a NAS connected with high speed lan.
Thanks for your input Elvis! I like Sonus Faber. Demoed Sonetto 8 and wow!!👍🏻
I power my Metas with a Crown XLS1502 (300W @ 8ohm) with a Cambridge Audio DACMagic Plus as my headphone amp / preamp, streaming from my PC. The DACMagic Plus outputs to the Crown by XLR. Also have the KEF 12" sub. It's pretty great with plenty of resolution, clarity, and oomf. I think you need more power than the 80W max from the Powernode to "effortlessly" drive the LS50 metas, but it depends a lot on the particular amp. Also I use HD800 as my daily driver headphones and you will never obtain the same clarity or soundstage with speakers as the HD800 or HD800S without getting into many many thousands of dollars for amps and speaker combos and spending a lot of time with speaker placement and room staging. Also consider that room dimensions, room staging, speaker placement, crossover settings,... these things can make or break your setup. Controversially, the wire gauge could also make a bit of a difference, aim for 12awg.
Thanks for such a thoughtful response. The lack of power from the Powernode (ironic naming 🤣) was indeed the culprit. Check out the Hegel H190 video that came after this one. Pretty great trip I’ve been on since and still going. I’ve got the HD800s too and still use them all the time. Managed to get better soundstage in each of my speaker setups including the LS50 Metas. As for wire gage, I recently switched to 7AWG which is probably overkill but they’re made soooo nicely! 🍻
you are right , headphones cannot be beaten , i have focal clears which i run through
a ADI-2-DAC FS dac on my computer and they are sublime , i have kef lsx also on my computer
which am very pleased with and had for some time , with kanto sub 6 subwoofer under my desk .
down in my living room i have 5.1 setup with yamaha av recivever and kef ls 50 meta ,bluesound
node , the kefs are execlent but do not blow me out the park , do not think its the kefs fault,
i am using an av receiver , rxa1080 , i want to try a different amp and thinking of swopping bluenode
for power node ? and use a switch to swap amps when i need it .
i know in the uk powernode you can return in 30 days i think if you are not happy ?
so may try that as this would be the cheapest option as could sell blue node ...
also thinking maybe going for a better music av receiver maybe arcam avr5 ?
Clears are great cans. IMO, Keep the Bluesound Node and get a decent class A/B amp. LS 50 Meta need more power. I'm sure you saw this coming since you watched this vid 🤣. I'm at a place now where I really enjoy my loudspeaker setup so there's a nice light at the end of the tunnel. It just takes more work / money to get there than with headphones. Let me know what you end up with and your thoughts! 🍻
Thank you very much and I’m glad I watch this
Happy to help! 👍🏻
Hee man, great review! I also started out as an headphone guy. My headphone setup is: Audeze lcd 2c, Sennheiser HD6XX, fostex trx00, fidelio x2, DT 770 pro.
Coincidencely I also bought the kef LS50 meta's as my first speaker. They sounded so thin, and had literally zero bass. My favourite headphones and the HD6XX and fostex trx00, which are way warmer. Ended up trying other more warmer speakers ( Triangle br03, elac debut reference, dynaudio special fortys ). Ended up LOVING these way more than headphones, I feel that a properly setup speaker setup just brings music to a whole other level. The difficulty however is the setup, you listen near field, personally I also don't like nearfield. If you sit a bit further back the soundstage will just be on a whole other level compared to headphones. Headphones will always be more detailed than speakers though, but the soundstage and realism on speakers can become really creepy, in a good way!
Thanks for sharing your experience! LS50 Metas do not sound thin anymore 😉Watch the next video in the series to see how I solved this. I'll link below th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html
🍻
Hi Mr Chibs.
Great review. I am a bit in the same line as many of the colleagues in the chat. I need amplifier options that drive these speakers well, which like you, I perceive as hard but precise. Among the options, as you rightly say, I will choose the one that sounds best to me with my most familiar songs. Thanks
Thanks Ricardo, next video should drop soon! (I hope)
Maybe you try the NAD M10v2 instead of the Bluesound Powernode?
Since I saw you use a Hegel in the next part this could become a long story...
Really happy with the Hegel but that would be an interesting comparison for sure. That M10 looks really nice!
Love the doggo graphics and straightforward review. Bought my Powernode yesterday, let's give it a try.
Thanks Diego, let me know what you think. Which speakers are you pairing it with?
@@MisterChibs with the wharfedale linton heritage, a chunky boy but easy 90db speakers, much easier than Kefs. I’m also a headphone guy first but I had a great time with the Naim Uniti Atom. That’s a marvelous piece of streamer/dac/amp that pairs really well with the ls50. ;)
@@dinfreitas Nice! Haven’t demoed Lintons but would like to. I hear they’re supposed to be awesome. 👍🏻
@diego Freitas, how was the powernode n330 with the Lintons?
Your speakers and amp are not up to scratch , in comparison to the your headphone setup.
Yep yep yup!
HDMI on the node needs to be connected to eARC on your TV to work. This is not a node problem, this is a TV or user error. Also, the LS50 meta are very power hungry and drop down to 3ohm. The node is not made for that. The LS50 meta themself are not very good unless paired with a big 200+ watt power amp.
HDMI was tested in the TV’s ARC port. As for the LS50 Meta paring, you’re (mostly) right. Problem was solved in the next video of the series.
th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for watching.
If you had the room acoustically treated correctly it would help out 100%. The glass and reflective surfaces smear the sound. with headphones, the sound enters your ears at the same time. A room full of reflective surfaces is the enemy of good sound.
Thanks for watching William,
I don't disagree with this but the percentage is debatable. Check out my part 2 to this vid and you'll see what I ended up doing.
th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html
👍🍻
Hello ... great review ... I just bought the Powernode. (80 watt per channel) and the acquired a set of used Totem Staff floor standers ... great sound (to me).
But I'm new to higher end audio so I don't know how "good" sound should be at any price point.
I can't seem to find part 2 of this video.
I really liked the video on the Peachtree GAN amplifier. Seems like the Kef LS50 really loved that Amp.
But did you ever get a satisfactory result from the Bluesound Powernode??
Thanks Pierre. Part 2 is here:
th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html
If you're happy with the way your Totum and Powernode combo sounds, I would personally stick with it. This hobby is quite a rabbit hole!😅 🍻
@@MisterChibs I've just set up a low power sub to round out the bottom end and am liking that ... but still i'm thinking there could be a little more ... is it the amp, or the speakers, or ...
|
Help !! there's the rabbit hole !! 😅
BTW I found your video very thoughtful and well presented !!
@@PJJTremblay Thanks Pierre! I totally get how you feel, there'll always be a little more! 😆 The most important thing is to make sure you're enjoying the music every step of the way. If you "upgrade" and find yourself not wanting to listen as much, then it wasn't for you. That was me in this Powernode situation a year ago. Having said that, you can't go wrong with getting a great amp. It's best to demo if you can. Failing that, make sure you buy from somewhere with a good return policy. Hope that helps!🍻
Ok, you are a dead man. I was all set to buy the Powernode and the LS50s but with the Kef sub! What the hell do I do now?
Good honest, refreshing review. The copy on the screen regarding headphones was not up long enough for an old geezer like me to read. Looking for part 2.
Haha my first death threat 😂
At least you didn't already buy anything yet. (where was someone like me when I was buying? 🤔)Best advice I can give you is try and demo that combo first with some familiar tracks and see if you like it.
As for my headphone rig, follow this like an hit pause immediately.
th-cam.com/video/ko6xq6Q1gYQ/w-d-xo.html
I'm working on my next video now and testing a different amp as we speak.
Stay tuned, and thanks for watching!
Nice video!! Which one is your favorite dac you own? Is the pontus way better than Gustard? I’m going to buy a new dac and my choice will be between x26 pro and Pontus 2 but I’ve not the chance the hear them before the purchase..
Thanks man! That X26pro has a lot of positive reviews but I’ve never tried it. What I can tell you is that once you get a taste of R2R, it’s tough going back. I’m going to be doing a review on this in the near future so stay tuned. Having said that, I’ll steer you towards Pontus II 100%.
I have to agree with Mr Chibs, the Pontus II if you like to listen for long periods, the sound is amazing. If you like that clinical sound, where you can hear the janitor down the hall from the studio cursing the stopped up toilet, then the Gustard, or any Delta Sigma DAC in that price range will suffice.
I’ve found a great deal on the Gustard (almost half the price of the Pontus) and went for it, will be in my hand this coming week.. I can’t say if it’s going to be my cup of tea but considering the price I paid I won’t lose many money if I decide to not keep it!! For sure I’ll keep my eyes opened for a good price on the Pontus
@@Iuglus Nice, let me know how you like it. Would be an interesting comparison between the two. Just working on my Pontus review now 👍
@@MisterChibs long story short: I bought the Pontus, compared, sold the Gustard
I don't like 'near field' listening and, although I have some B&W bookies in my small den, like you I prefer my headphones and (even) some IEMs. However, I find the sound of a good pair of floor-standers in a large room with the 'wick turned up' is emotionally much more satisfying. I like the KEFs well enough, but try some bigger Elacs or Wharfdales with your N330 and I think you'll enjoy what the room can add to the listening experience. Or maybe you just don't like the live sound of a room - a valid choice, just stay with the cans.
Thanks for sharing! I ended up fixing my problem in the next video. You're not wrong abut a good set of floor standing speakers though. 😉 Stay tuned.
Outstanding review. I have been looking at getting the exact speakers and exact deck from kef and power node and never in a million years that I think they would be a bad combination. It makes me sad because I have to find something else now that will be decent
Thank you! There's a lot of alternatives out there. If you're stuck on getting the LS50 Metas, check out my Hegel H190 Video. If you want something more budget friendly, stay tuned for my next upcoming video. 😉🍻
Did you even consider powered studio monitors? For what you paid for the LS50’s alone you could have bought a very nice set Adam or Genelec studio monitors. No need to buy an amp just add a DAC of your choice. Even monitors under $300 will get you very good sound quality from JBL, Presonus or Kali.
Thanks for the suggestion. Coming from the Kanto Yu6 and Yu4, I wanted to try a passive set of speakers.
Holy shit! Something about this review is so refreshing. I think it's just your approach and honesty. I think you are picking up on this audio stuff way faster than you think. You probably already have your problem answered! Those kefs are transparent and power hungry. And while class D amps have come so far and can sound amazing, with a truly transparent speaker you may need a smoother amp. I would look at a class a/b... my favorite at the moment, purely off reviews is the Marantz model 40. Still I think it's only 80 or so watts, but it's extremely high current and is said to handle speakers like an amp with much more power and is said to be very musical and not at all harsh. I have a pm7000n and could not love it more. Then again I have easy to drive horn speakers:)... can't wait for the follow up video!
Thanks so much Brian!! Working on part 2 as we speak. Need my filming and editing skills to catch up with my purchasing stuff (never going to happen haha). You’re not wrong about class D. Such a shame, I wanted to love this little Powernode because it makes things so easy. See you in the next one!
@@MisterChibs can't wait. Editing is fine. Your video had an instant sense of honesty and humility that was refreshing. I've watched a ton of TH-cam amp/speaker reviews. Not sure I've looked forward to a follow up video this much... haha! Good luck and can't wait for the follow up.
@@brianyearling7810 Thanks again Brian!!! 🍻
Nice review. I have a question that is so subjective that it’s probably impossible to answer, but here goes: I just bought the Graham ls 6 speakers for their lush mid range. I thought of getting the powernode but was concerned that it wouldn’t let me get enough of the mid range quality of the speakers, but I just don’t know. Would you have an opinion as to whether I would get most of the performance of those speakers with the Powernode as opposed to purchasing a different integrated amplifier in the $2000-$3000 range? One of the things I’m attracted to about the Powernode is its ease of operation and simplicity.
Hi Michael,
I don't have the Grahm speakers but with a sensitivity close to what my LS50 Metas are, I would make sure you can demo the Powernode first or you buy from a place with a good return policy. Apart from the Powernode, I recommend Hegel H120 and if you're interested in simplicity, I just did a review on Gan 1.
th-cam.com/video/28GQzI5meB0/w-d-xo.html
Hope this helps! 🍻
@@MisterChibs Thanks.
Please help me understand if you were using the direct stream to your music by way of the powernode itself. Or was your tv handling the file and outputting directly via optical?
Just trying to validate this as my Powernode is coming to be my garage amp due to size and benefits of BluOS in my house.
Streaming music was done directly from the Powernode. Playing Xbox and computer audio was optical. For a second system with the right speakers, Powernode should be great. What speakers will you be running with it?
@@MisterChibs thank you for clarifying! I’ll be trying two options in Bowers and Wilkins 607 S2 and Monitor Audio Bronze 50. I’m going to audition both and whichever don’t work I’ll be returning.
And in the winter this will be moving to my living room to encourage my wife why a bookshelf setup on stands is better than a crap soundbar (le sigh…Bose tv speaker).
This isn’t my main setup, I’ve got a Rotel RA-1570 with a Bluesound Node, Focal speakers, and Revel sub for my basement which is extremely versatile.
@@chupacabratx Totally agree with you regarding soundbar. The problem with wife approval (for me at least) is unsightly speaker wires. If you can figure out how to hide them somehow, you’ll have a better chance. Let me know which speakers you end up with! I think the Powernode needs something on the warm side to balance things out. Or perhaps it just needs easier to drive speakers. We’ll find this out!
@@MisterChibs I’m keeping the Monitor Audio Bronze 50. On first impression they have a lottttt of detail and it’s not too bright. I use a few songs to test based on what I listen to. Purple Disco Machine, Steely Dan, Jim Croce, Tame Impala, Blues Traveler, and Prince are all very happy through this.
Can already tell these will be great after they’ve broken in some more.
And I’m using Kanto speaker stands which hide the wires, only $160 USD (around $200 CAD) and look great.
The sensitivity of the ls50 meta is 85 dB. My powernode sounds fine to me on my smallish 2way book shelf speakers rated at 87 db
Thanks for sharing your experience. As long as you’re happy. If you ever get curious, try and demo class A/B amp in the same room with the same speakers. You may be surprised with how your sound changes. If you watch part 2, this made a huge difference in my case👍🏻
Sensitivity is not the only factor. The LS50 is 8 ohm nominal, but drops to 3.5 ohm. That’s why it needs a lot of current.
@@MisterChibs If you go from a amplifier from 1k to one that cost you 4K the difference should be huge. Not a fair comparison. Even I didn’t test it myself, I do expect the Powernode will perform reasonably for its price point paired with the Meta’s when you combine it with a subwoofer and set the crossover in the Powernode around 80 hz. The Powernode will set in that case an appropriate high pass filter. It demands a lot of power to let the small woofers from the meta’s produce low base. If you let the amp inside the subwoofer let take care of that the Powernode will be powerful enough to produce the mid and higher base with authority. John Darko tested the LS50 Meta with a sub and a crossover for low base and he didn’t experience a shortage of current. In fact he preferred the pairing above the LS50WII.
@@leokuiper2593 First off, thanks for watching part 1+2 and sharing your thoughts. I saw that particular Darko review and used crossover with my sub on the powernode. It didn't work for me. Maybe it worked for Darko and all the other professional reviewers. But did they end up living with that powernode? I never saw saw it again in any videos that followed. That goes for the other reviewers I based my purchase decision on after watching.
So you feel my comparison isn't fair? Who says it has to be? I just didn't like the sound, and upgrading made a notable difference. I live with my H190 and love it. I do have something coming down the pipeline that may be more of a fair comparison so stay tuned.🍻
@@MisterChibs Your right, I am sure Darko doesn’t use the Powernode for his private listening. As a professional reviewer he probably doesn’t have a lot of private listening at all, because he will be always preparing the next review. Point is that not everybody has the means to buy a 4K amplifier, $1500 speakers and then add a high quality subwoofer. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy for you you found the pairing you liked and that you are able to afford the combination. As a story about your hifi journey it is valid. I stand with the opinion though there is an unfairness in the comparison. It is obvious that equipment at four times the cost will blow the lesser one out of the water. But for people with a lower budget it is important to know what to buy within the limits of their means. Entry level hifi may not be for you, but for a lot of people it is the only thing they can afford or willing to spend. Equipment should be considered and compared within their price point. The Darko review was made in that perspective, to serve those with a lower budget. I did really like your videos as in the perspective of your personal journey, but find it a bit weak as a comparison. It’s like comparing an Opel Record with a luxurious BMW. It’s obvious that the BMW will perform better in any aspect. My critical remarks are not to look down on you. But it is a bit rude to say that a combination that you know a lot of people bought, because that’s what they can afford, sounds like shit. The same goes for people with gear worth maybe 100k that are burning the combination you have down. I don’t think you did that intentionally, I think you are a nice guy, but it is something to consider. Btw, I don’t feel like this because I own a Powernode. I am myself considering to buy the Meta’s and am looking to my options how to amplify those speakers myself. I to want an only add speakers solution. The h190 is more then I am willing to spend, so I am doubting now between a h120, NAD M10 V2, Lindorf 1120, EVO 150, etc. Again as a story for your personal experience I liked your videos, but if you desire to become a professional reviewer I had this critical notes. Up to you if you want to do something with it or not.
Fun fact. Well actually not so fun. Within the BluOS app you cannot select your Qobuz albums to be in an order other than a default of last date added. Bluesound have been aware of this for at least 3 years but have not attended to it, or can’t attend to it.
No such problem with Tidal within the BluOS app. This pretty much makes Qobuz hopeless to use within the BluOS app as you would lose your mind trying to find a given album within your 1000 or so albums without an alphabetical arrangement.
So Tidal looks like the preferred app within BluOS. Well unless you use the Qobuz native app via Airplay to the node. But personally I got the node as a proper wired streamer not everything through the air.
Even though Qobuz sounds a tiny bit better than Tidal, at least with Tidal you can choose between the BluOS app or the native Tidal app as Tidal Connect. Tidal also have a bit better music library plus videos.
So I guess one needs to put aside the whole MQA stuff and forego the way Qobuz tell you the quality if you can’t arrange your albums in artist alphabetical order for Qobuz within BluOS.
Hey Aussie, Blue OS is far from perfect but compared to most others, it's more flushed out. Having said that, you may want to give Roon a try. I've used it and it makes the browsing experience so much better. Qobuz and Roon work very well together in this respect. If I had Roon or liked Tidal, this would be my next step. The Node also functions as a Roon endpoint. Not sure if their service has a trial, if it does I would suggest giving it a shot.
@@MisterChibs None of the streaming apps are perfect. Though Apple music is really user friendly but for some reason just isn’t as audibly detailed as the other two.
I can see where certain changes to both Qobuz and Tidal would be good, but this inability for BluOS to be able to arrange albums within its app is just crazy. Crazy for both Bluesound and Qobuz.
I have a feeling short of buggy issues I will be using the native Tidal Connect app as the controller for the node. It lacks the larger album artwork that the BluOS tidal app has but I think the native app is a bit more straight forward to use, and from there you can access videos unlike within the BluOS tidal app, and you can more effectively search and download.
I know nothing of Roon in detail but I will look into it, from my basic understanding it would be of no great benefit to me though as I don’t have music anywhere online. I have about 1,000 CDs stored on the hard drive of an Olive4 music server/cd player but I’ve basically retired that in favour of the convenience of streaming. Though I can connect it’s digital output into the node to play those ripped CDs through the node should I choose to. But why bother when they’re in the Tidal library.
Maybe my next step is to step right over to the dark side and get an MQA compatible ext DAC 😈 The DAC in my amp, as good as it is, is not MQA.
I watched a very good video where the very credible host blind tested 16 tracks, MQA and not MQA and he chose MQA as the preferred track for all 16 tracks. I don’t know what secret sauce MQA uses but it appears to sound better.
I doubt I will but it will be something to consider.
@@aussie8114 I would avoid an MQA Dac and MQA altogether, but that’s just my take after having been through it. Not sure if you’ve seen the golden sound MQA videos, if not check em out. Bottom line is FLAC will give you as much detail as you can possibly eek out of any track. MQA, is lossy and the majority of it is just converted by an algorithm. Weather or not you hear the difference between formats is up to you. I just feel Tidal is shady and didn’t like my experience with them including their tech support. Definitely look I into Roon! As soon as I can get my hands on Quobuz, I’ll pay for a lifetime sub and only use for streaming.🍻
@@MisterChibs I watched the Golden sound video at the time he uploaded it. But even though he’s a smart guy he is a bit pedantic if that's the right term. I pay more attention to Hans and a few others that understand the theory better. Golden sounds is all about measurements, our ears are not measuring devices they are for listening. I’m not convinced Golden Sounds fully grasps the logic / theory of MQA.
Having said that I might personally get more benifit running Tidal from the Bluesound into an R2R DAC like the Aries. The R2R “sound” might be more pleasing than whatever comes from MQA unfolding.
@@aussie8114 some great points I agree with here. It’s definitely not just about measurements or subjective opinions either. The truth lies somewhere in the middle (for me at least.) what I did take away from Golden sounds MQA videos was that MQA it’s self wasn’t the problem so much as how Tidal implemented it. The guy uploaded test tones and their service compressed them through some automated process. This did not bug me as much as the story of how they took Neil Young’s tracks and made them “Masters” without having access to said masters. For a while, Tidal was the only high resolution services available. So if someone was serious about high fidelity streaming, that’s just what they chose back then. Now there are a lot more options to choose from and that’s great for people like you and I. So now imagine getting into Tidal when it was the only game in town + building yourself extensive playlists and so on. Would you want to jump ship and start over fresh? I did this with Spotify and it was a total PITA. So while I don’t doubt that Hans and other great TH-camrs enjoy what their hearing, I do prefer Flac to lossy. Even though MQA is marketed as Master quality, you can’t get back what you lose plain and simple. All big companies are inherently evil though and it’s good to know things like this before deciding which to spend your money on.
Hi there, thanks for the honest video! Was looking into a new setup (I'm a hifi newbie) and also into this particular combination. Glad I came across your video before buying 😉 Would you say you weren't impressed by the combination of these two or just the Bluesound Powernode? I'm still looking into buying the KEF LS50 Meta but curious to hear if you think these are worth the price with another amp (from an honest reviewer like yourself). Thanks!
Thanks Josh! I'm a speaker noob too so no worries there haha. It's a real process getting everything dialed in. I'm in the midst of making part 2 now and don't want to give away to much. What I can tell you is yes, I still recommend the Metas. They're amazing, just not with the Powernode. I would get a 2021 Node and a good amp to start off with those Metas. Shop around and demo first if at all possible.
I personally have sold many systems during my work especially kef ls50Meta , for a convenient, affordable and sound good set up is Bluesound Powernode + Ls50 meta, you should go and listen it up, they sound v good for that price range.
@@DRICKismyNAME is this what you have?
@@MisterChibs a friend of mine who is a dealer of KEF LS50, he said that their best selling system is KEF LS50 Meta w Bluesound Powernode, one of the simplest, sound good and reliable system, no fuss.
I used to work there where this was a popular combination as well for that price range.
I was highly underwhelmed hearing the LS50w2. The bottom half of base on Macklemore "Downtown" is cut off and it all sounded muffled. Saw many speaker reviews until I was fed up with the amount of choice but took a different approach after watching DIY speaker reviews. Fortunately a local speaker shop sells Scan-speak Minimonitor and a serie of lower cost kits. 1st kit was lean, 2nd better, 3rd good, 4th (Scanspeak minimonitor) gave me goosebumps with Marilyn Manson"warship my wreck" in the total frequency range and the base is great despite the 7 Litre cabinet volume! Even the salesman stated this song really gets into him with the powernode combo. All demoed with the powernode and for me it feels like an endgame for an appartment living room. You may be suprised if it is not the powernode to blame. In fact, I asked the shop owner to switch from tidal to spotify on "downtown" and it shows artificial snow all over. This speaker needs Hires.
I enjoyed my Sundara quite a bit and knew a regular speaker would likely not be my cup of tea. I love the LS50 design but I was happy to hear it demo first. Luckely I found a 2nd hand Scan-speak Minimonitor. You may reconsider DIY as well. Make a material list first they are not cheap when finished.
Yes, waiting to buy a used N330. total savings approx 1800euro.
greets,
Thanks for your thoughts! I feel the LS50's low end is helped by a subwoofer(s). Sounds like you got to where you want to be with your powernode and that's fricken awesome! I'm just editing part 2 now and have lots more to say. I 💜 Downtown and will give it a listen once i finish here🍻
@@MisterChibs Looking forward to part 2! Downtown has a wide musical airyness. great for testing at a dealer imo. Macklemore's throat sounds smooth on my Sundara but it is a raw voice on these speakers. A game changer for me getting into Hires. The upgrade to berillium tweeters isn't audible according the previous owner who tested both versions side by side for 4 days in a row.
Have a browse for DIY you might be engaged.
cheers!
@@electrobob1 Will do!
It’s unrealistic to expect deep bass from a small speaker like the LS50. For full range listening a subwoofer is essential.
What are the speakers under 1,000 euros that you advise to use with Powernode? Thanks.
Something easy to drive would be my recommendation. Something from Klipsch maybe? You can try RP-600M II. 🍻
I think the worst part of your experience is that it just flat out didn't work via HDMI. That's one of the major appeals of an all in one box like this that it can integrate with your TV, use your TV remote etc...
The Powernode is still a consideration for me, but if the HDMI didn't work it would go straight back. I'm considering pairing it with some Wharfedales which, only from what I've read/watched, seem to be a less cold and revealing sound profile than something like the Metas, so may work better with the Powernode in that respect.
It still worked through toslink cable so no big deal there. I hear good things about the Lintons. Let me know what you end up getting!
@@MisterChibs Great that it worked through toslink but imo it's a massive failing that it didn't work through HDMI. I don't know enough exactly but know that eARC is meant to give many advantages over toslink. Also if you were looking to use both of the analog/digital inputs for other sources and then TV via HDMI this would scupper your plans somewhat.
I've been looking at the Diamond series from Wharfedale. Lintons a bit above my budget and also size restrictions in my room!
@@ednewmy Things aren't always compatible I guess. I can get eARC to work on my newer LG tv's. All is moot if you don't like the sound though. That's the most important thing in my case. With less demanding speakers I'm sure the Powernode will sound much better 👍
I plugged a chep HDMI cable (5€) and it worked straight away. No lag. It just works.
That happens when you buy your speakers to match your design and do not think about pairing at all. That KEF is not good with class D, at least not with the one in PowerNode. Very hard to drive speakers, but hey, they look great in blue :). To get even near headphone level, you need really expensive gear. But I see you bought Hegel, so I guess that is much better. And you own Focal headphones, why not go with Focal speakers? I bet you would love them... Like any Focals, Chora, Aria... Doesn't matter.
Originally bought the Powernode based on reviews of that same combo. I actually have the LS50 Metas paired to an other class D amp at the moment. They now sound AND look amazing 😉. Definitely open to to trying modern Focal speakers at some point, thanks for the suggestion.🍻
With 🎧 you don't hear the room, especially that beautiful TV smack in the middle where normally you shouldn't have anything there, especially something so reflective ;)
Something I looked after in the next video in the series (Hegel H190 review).😉
Late comment, but I just think that NAD/Blusound has muffled, less forward sound. As someone who is not versed in the world of stereos like yourself, I am tend to think that the lower budget amplifiers have their shortcomings. With NAD though, I have tried Blusound Powernode and one of the their recent hybrid digital integrated NAD amps. The Blusound's bass is less sloppy than the NAD somehow. Neither have forward midrange to bring out the best in rock ensemble music or heavy metal (list acoustic and electric instruments that require good midrange sound, including vocals and cymbals, sax, electric guitars, etc.). I would guess that part of what goes on with amp design is a tradeoff with distortion and EQ profiles versus the raw power output or something along those lines. I had a "real British" class A/B amplifier last year with a test run on the Cambridge Audio AXR100. This amp is a budget amp that will blast your eardrums but with less trebly detail than a class D Yamaha amp. Both can fatigue, but the distortion in the Cambridge Audio amp took just one or two tracks to make me fatigued and semi-nauseous. To conclude here: I've tried a number of budget amps recently and none of them really hit the spot with their EQ profile, connectivity, features, etc. The best you might do is find an amplifier that others like for rock music/metal music (rock ensembles) that has low distortion but plenty of mid frequency presence (or use an EQ to boost 1kHz to 2kHz), try Klipsch speakers for a more forward sound (this also introduces some more distortion or crispness beyond the KEFs). So, what have you learned in the past 12 months since this video???
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! To answer your question: Yes, I've learned quite a bit since this vid and continue to do so. Completely solved this with a new integrated amp. Part 2 goes through the process, linked below.
th-cam.com/video/fzVxzfnxCEI/w-d-xo.html
More recently, I have the LS50's hooked up to a GaN 1. More of a budget oriented option but sounds great with the Metas.
th-cam.com/video/28GQzI5meB0/w-d-xo.html
🍻
@@MisterChibs Later in last night, I found your two subsequent videos and watched most of them. I’m happy for your discovery of a Hegel that worked well.
Price is understandable for these amps, ultimately, but as a person with lesser means, the price on some of the standalone DACs on top of the amp, spkrs and subwoofer makes the entire effort underwhelming -underwhelming when one recognizes he just doesn’t have enough money for what truly sounds good.
Of course, I would be fine with an old analogue EQ unit and good speakers connected a decent amp with low distortion and enough current -adequate current, as you discuss with the home audio guy at the retail store. But that situation leaves out the quality DAC-streamer.
It’s not easy; easy is how Mrs. Chibs listens. 😀
@@moribnd glad you watched the other vids. Definitely check out my Gan 1 review. It covers DAC, amp, and if you get it with the Bluesound node it becomes a versatile / more budget friendly solution than the Hegel. 🍻
@@MisterChibs That’s an interesting proposition although the lack of inputs needs to overcome by the Bluesound Node or a WiiM Pro. It might work for me but the lack of EQ with the Node or lack of sub out with the WiiM could still be a problem. Thanks for the recommendation!
BTW, the Bluesound Powernode is just embarrassingly bad when you discover how good audio can be. Mine is still here; the article of my failed effort to something truly good last summer.
@@moribnd my pleasure. I would definitely recommend the Node over the Wiim pro for the GaN 1🍻
Good Video and yes YMMV. Like Apple, Bluesound is forcing you to stay n their ecosystem. Not cool unless you upgrade to the NAD stuff.
On the intro to Shine On, I've always heard the cough (not sure who's it is) whether it was on my homebrew Towers or on a pair of Cheap Headphones. CBS Mastersound Vinyl, 2003 SACD, or the 1994 CD version.
Don't get too hung up on the Node. "If I were you".......split the Balanced Analog Output from you DAC/Digital Preamp, and send it to a good F'in Amplifier under/over $1k USD. I can give you some recommendations via email Bro. Dump the Powernode ASAP.
That's the LS 50 Meta's are burying the cough. Yo just proved the Class D Amp's suck in the Node. A pair of Orchard Audio BOSC/StarKrimson (with protection added). It'll make that cough loud & clear (of course I'm a Shill for Orchard Audio...but that's besides the point).
Good work my friend. How's the Snow in T.O. these days ?
Thanks Joey! I have so much to say in my next video!! Got an other Amp already but not giving up on Powernode 100%, yet. Need to streamline making these things because they take so fricken long 🤣 Going to give "Shine on you crazy diamond" a listen. It was actually 16 degrees out today so we got lucky. Talk soon!
Hey Joey, just listened to "Shine on your crazy diamond" and didn't hear anyone coughing. Were you referring to the cough in Wish you were here? Was this a Floydian slip? hehe In any case, got me listening to it again. Such a good effing track!!!!!! Hope you're doing well!
Ah man the ls50s are so hard to drive from what I hear. Class a/b 150 watts or more.
This is a hard hobby to get into because everything has its own sound and trying to match it is complicated honestly I would tell you to get the wireless twos from Kef and Call it a day and for extra bass the kc subwoofer
Truth!
@@jakegibson6096 this is how we learn 😂 You’re bang on with Class a/b 150 watts 👍🏻
@@MisterChibs my tip for anyone watching reviewers to buy audio equipment is watch what the reviewer is using with the review product instead of what’s actually being reviewed. Sad but true😂😂
@@jakegibson6096 One of my goals is honest balanced reviews. Too much BS to wade through on here. Oops on that double-entendre? 😅
Please research good speaker placement. The way you have it now is not the best. Also you have many hard surfaces like monitors, walls, and windows that will screw up for soundstage and image focus. Also speaker cable quality will help with details. I switched my speakers cables between three different brands and they all sounded different along with the levels of details heard. Also class d has no warmth. Sub integration with the metas probably needs experimentation, too. Good luck.
Thanks for your help Henry, thats good advice! I address most of your points in Part 2 and I'm almost done filming, so see you there!
Three words for you. Naim uniti atom.
Thx, will have to check that out at some point.
Yes agree. Tested , Naim atom, Cambridge Audio Evo 150, NAD M10, Bluesound Powernode - All together....Naim was the best with the Kef Ls50 meta
@@jagjitjosan2755 I don't know I can't get over the fact that what is great about it is the fact that yes it's a little light in the bass department in my opinion but it just makes up for it so much with this pure sense of musicality. And to me also when I hear it I just feel like I'm having fun and I'm really enjoying the music.
I've been into stereo gear now for a while and my philosophy on stereo gear has really coalesced into something very simple, when I listen to a piece it can sound good and it can sound fine but when I turn it off I want to be able to still have fun and enjoy the thought of what I was listening to.
Don't you read what the ingredients are in your food? Mini-Whets are equivalent to eathing a bowl of sugar. KEF speaker get tiresome very fast for many people.
Do you play an instrument?
I sing 😉
@@MisterChibs So how would you like folk being obsessed with gear instead of listening to what is happening?
Most audiophiles don't know shit about music....
How does this one sound?
th-cam.com/video/JAnQAnyOdeA/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=ArnoSiemons
Funny video. I absolutely hate headphones. Just cant stand it. For me its the opposite. Headphones for me are sterile. Likes the video though
Thanks man. I tend to gravitate more towards loudspeakers these days. You’ll see that if you check out my more recent vids. Having said that, don’t give up on headphones altogether until you try the Empyreans! 🍻
Boring~
These vids can be a bit dry sometimes. I do my best to dull the pain as much as possible though. My latest video’s pretty fun. Thanks for watching.
Just looking at the specs of the power node it would not be recommended, and certainly not for the Kef’s. The node is class D. There is a lot of hype about class D, but basically it sucks. Midland class D will certainly suck the life out of the speakers. Any mid-fi class a/b amp would be a much better choice. The speakers will respond very well to better electronics. They deserve much better then than a crappy class D amp. Adding insult onto injury I believe it uses a digital preamp. This is low-fi at its worst.
Just so you know I have the Bluesound node 3 and I thinks it’s great, but a big no to the powernode.
Big no indeed! It’s frustrating when some of the big hifi YT channels recommended this exact combination. So much BS to sift through on here. Such is life 🙃.
Part 2 will have a much better solution. Thanks for your comment!
Have you burn in your speakers??. Ls50's need some burn in time to get the drivers to set and sound much better!!.
Also pairing class D with the ls 50s (they are way tranparent ) can make the sound a bit brittle a the top end !!.
@@Jeipr yea, sufficiently burnt in before I started listening. Not an ideal combo imo.
I disagree regarding class D one of the few that I've heard it just sounds tremendous is the rogue sphinx. It's another product that has succumb to the hype machine but it's one of only two class D amplifiers that I've heard that sounds good to me.