KEF vs KEF | LS50 Meta Review! Worth the UPGRADE?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.ค. 2024
- #meta #review #ls50
LS50 Meta: amzn.to/3r2aBLG (affiliate)
LOTS: bit.ly/2ZUaeIl
Cross the Streams! • Waveguides? Audiophile...
KEF LS50 META | Sound Clips with Commentary
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I appreciate this honest review. I often feel b/c audio is so subjective, some audio magazine make new versions sound like the greatest thing ever so you better toss your old gear. With this information and review in mind, I chose the older LS50.
Oh my goodness. Thank you for this, bro. Your video Looks like it’s from the discovery channel and the most detailed info I’ve seen on the speaker.
Thank you, good sir!
What a job you put into your reviews! Solid on every parameter. And the final thoughts are really worth their weight in gold for us who watch this while trying to orient ourselves in this equipment jungle✌️Thanks
Much appreciated!
Fantastic review! One of, if not your best explained review yet. Well done!
Loved the review. Thanks for the honest opinions. Absolutely delightful NRD episode!
Great job on that video, Ron. Maybe the best I’ve watched from you. It was terrific to hear someone give a true and objective review of these speakers. That hasn’t been the case with many reviewers. I’m not shading them. I’m sure they sound really good from 60 HZ up. Looking at them, I always wondered how something like that would deliver bass.
Very well done....again! Thanks. PS I keep going back and listening to the sound clips of the Elac ub 52....and really liking it!
Great review Ron and nice setup for your upcoming subwoofer review.
Thanks, Ron. Appreciate the honesty! 😉👍
Top review m8 I think your format for speaker reviews really nails it.
Literally the best speaker info wrapped up in a Folk style story telling session! 🤗😉😇 The key to all this TH-cam stuff is having the person watch your videos who aren't even in the market for audio! This is I suppose me! 🤔🤫🤭 I was in the market but now that I am not, I still Highly enjoy watching! Scotty Kilmer could learn a thing or two from you and take a little look at his audience.🤯 He's a mechanic! The videos that I refer to regarding Scotty are like his recent brake video. There are millions of people that watch him And don't even have a car🤪😝😉😇 And back waves don't bother us compression driver fans because there aren't any to worry about!🤭🤭🤫😉 And the wireless version is worth the upgrade for the same price. Many more changes than the passive version. One more thing as I watch the wrap up! Notice how some other reviewers mention a dramatic difference between the 2 passive versions? I call these people either delusional or just slick Sales people!🤔🤔🤔🤫🤫🤫🥴🤮
Also, I think some also fear retribution if they say anything negative so they may err on the overly positive side. I think Ron straddles the middle in a way that is both positive, but real (truth) that while there ARE improvements, they are subtle and points out what you may be needing if you are anything remotely close to being a bass freak with these.
Absolutely loved this review! The genuine, truthful, thoughtful candor is just what I wanted to hear and I have always trusted your ears. You and Tharbamar seem to be the most honest about the subtle differences between these two. And, yes, you are dead right about how the game has changed and the competition out here now. You reviewed the speakers I have now (and love) not that long ago and they retail for less than half the price of the Meta's and I guarantee you they compete in a huge way for way less money. Thanks again, Ron!
Agree with Tharbamar 1000% Have my speakers mainly due to him and Zeos!
Thanks Sean!
What are your speakers -- that you prefer?
As always, fantastic review. Great job Ron!
Thank you!
Hello from Suisse, thank you for you review, I appreciate it. I have both speakers and I agree with your comments about the differences. They are not very easy to drive and indeed they need quite a lot of power... Anyway, I am happy with the newer Meta despite the higher price...
Thanks for your expert and honest review Ron. You helped me satisfy my curiosity wondering how much different the new Meta would be to my current ls50 in my bedroom setup. Going to keep them just a little longer.
Cheers Ron. Thanks for the straight up lowdown.
This is a very honest & excellent review. I like it. Very much.
amazingly honest review! I wanted to get first LS50 Meta's but then when I heard them in store I did not hear anything different then regular LS50. Sales guy was literally telling me how you can not hear this or that, new meta's are soo much better! I started thinking first, okay I am getting older and my hearing might be not as it was when I was 30 but then I said myself that I need to go home and sleep over it first and get back tomorrow to the store. I went to same store but city next to me and asked to hear just LS50 but in a dedicated room and brought my iPad with choice of songs I know very well. Guess what almost no difference there and yes I did hear just slightly better higher frequency on some songs when they brought in LS50 meta's. To me was not worth paying more for Meta's and I walked away and decided to save some money over time and buy Wharfedale Linton's...
Hey NRD it will be amazing if you can take a honest look at Wharfedale Linton's and I already know that they can be improved with crossover mod's, speak also something for Danny...
So how do you like the Lintons?
I appreciate your insightful review❤
Ron, I want to thank you for what I perceive as probably the most honest review of the speakers. Other reviewers are gleaming of the changes and stating that here is such a huge difference. You listened, you measured, you have a quality system and measuring tools and you said it, the differences are small and I believe you. The most revealing thing to me is that you said if you had not heard about the hype in the driver design and just heard the two speakers, you would have thought no big deal between the two. You just saved someone some money on a possible upgrade. Keep doing what you do, the way you are doing it. Ron what stands are those Kefs sitting on?
Yep, with the original LS50, if it's not broken, don't fix it. It's a classic IMHO.
Thank you Ron for the honestly. It makes me look at your videos with some trust that it will be your words and not money talking! This makes me want to donate to your patreon
Thanks Luke! Appreciate that!
Good honest review. From someone that knows measurements,
builds speakers, and have heard these speakers you are spot on.
The meta maze tweeter design is basically Kef’s version of what Bowers and Wilkins has already been doing for a long time on their CCM662 series in-ceiling speakers. B&W has the nautilus swirl loaded disc that gets rid of the unwanted back wave of their vented tweeter.
Ron I have to admit I usually don't like your reviews but this one felt very honest and real and I appreciate it! You did a masterful job explaining your feelings on this speaker. Well done sir.
Thanks! I usually don’t like my reviews either so we do have that one in common! Ha!
Nice review. I agree with your conclusion and hope KEF makes that a reality!!
This really is a great in-depth review, opinion backed with some science. Thanks!
It would be interesting to see a review from you of the KEF R3, maybe vs the LS50 Meta. I haven't seen them compared by anybody on TH-cam yet!
The price points are quite similar and you get a dedicated LF with the R3.
Excellent review. I just ordered LS50 in blue, but back ordered for who knows how long. Now on to finding an amp to pair with them. Many thanks Ron.
Good thing is you can now get some great deals on eBay, I bought a pair of mint LS -50's (50th Anniversary model for £480.00 delivered) as the seller was upgrading to the Meta's !!!!..... The seller messaged me and said the difference was minor and certainly not a night/day difference !!!........ After seeing this review, I will happily pocket the difference !!!!
Just recently found your channel and I have been enjoying your content. Also just subscribed 😁 I was curious how the imagining and soundstage on the KEF LS50’s compare to your Gallo Strada 2? 🤔 I currently have Gallo’s Classico IV and may want to upgrade. Thanks, Arnold
Nicely done. Thank you.
Nice explanation!! Thank you
Refreshing and honest review, and I say that as a new owner of the Metas. One thing: when you say something like the game has changed and there’s more competition for KEF now, please mention two or three speakers you have in mind. It helps us continue our research and auditioning in the right direction. What do you think competes with or exceeds the Metas right now? Would love to know. Thanks!
Ron, your stuff is always great. Thanks for another fantastic review!
My pleasure!
nice work (best closing save ever!) the LS50W II amping backs this up - while I'm pretty darn sure that a KC62 (or two) will deliver a quite remarkable small form factor system - reckon this combo will be my office/desktop rig before long...cheers Ron
Your right about the amp needed, although I've just upgraded my Marantz PM700n to the Lyngdorf TDAI 1120. The difference is night and day even though they are the same 60w. Just doesn't seem to need to be driven as hard as the Marantz.
Nice review.
I have heard a hundred different bookshelf speakers over the years in all price ranges. I have never heard a single pair that satisfied me in the low end. I always add a sub. I have the KEF Metas and use a sub at a relatively low to medium volume. The KEF's need a little help with the low end and when I use my sub conservatively, the detail of the system is incredible. I use a Rotel A14 integrated amp (80 wpc). Using a low quality amp or low power and the KEF's sound much different. They need some beef.
Best review in the internet !!! Thank you !!
I bought my new LS 50’s 18 months ago and really enjoy them, without a sub., in a fairly large room (19x19). I drive them with a 95wpc amp @ 8ohms. The bottom line is the only review that counts is your own. Everyone has different opinions. I trust my own assessments, in my room, the most.
For me, upgrading to the Meta’s would be a total waste of money. I suspect they sound a little different but better than the original? I’m happy and content with what I own and have never suffered from upgrade fever.
Moreover, the Meta’s are not available in white / electric blue (like I own) and looks do matter to some of us.
Nonetheless , thanks for a very well done review! We just
Awesome analysis!!! Appreciate Your Knowledge & Passion! Thank You! Have a Great Sunday!!!
Thanks Mark! Appreciate it and happy Sunday to you.
@@Newrecordday2013 also love your banter with cheapaudioman! Enjoy some music for fun today!!! I will: the 50 year release of tea for the tillerman: Yusuf aka Cat Stevens...an awesome recording both then and now....my format: vinyl on vintage technics gear with buchardt s400's....
Those are some killer speakers!
@@Newrecordday2013 they sound great in 1933 home small room...texas red oak floors and ceiling....acoustics are studio quality...
Very good review Ron. The LS50 is a partial speaker and must have a sub or subs to be a complete solution. The resonance absorption would be a lot more noticeable if it was for the woofer but that's a whole different problem. The best solution today is Open Baffle, no added resonances from an enclosure and a real noticeable versus subtle improvement.
Thanks Stewart!
Awesome, honest review!
Great review Ron! I totally agree that LS50’s really need a high quality (fast) sub or two to get a satisfying full range experience.
Thanks for the detailed comparison. I’d e curious to hear your take on the Ohm Walsh, since they embrace the backpressure.
The older LS50 is being discounted and be had (new) for almost half the price of the meta. SevenOaks in the UK has them for £549 a pair while the meta is £999. That is £450 pounds you could use to buy a decent subwoofer or a better amp to get the whole enchilada.
Bingo!
Yep picked a pair of the originals from Sevenoaks like you said for £549 delivered. Got them on cat litter filled gloss stands 🤭 and had a Wharfedale sub which works well to boost the lower range and picked up an NAD356BEE with onboard DAC and sound is insanely good! 😁🙏👌
Very good review! I think the "deep meaningful bass" where a subwoofer would be needed comment really applies to any bookshelf speakers...and really many floor standing speakers as well. If you're interest is in full range presentation, you'll need a subwoofer, preferably a pair.
While you are absolutely correct, I gotta say, I was surprised how soft the bass can sound with both the older 50s and newer Meta.
@@Newrecordday2013 I'm sorry if you mentioned, but what amp did you test with?
@M Pi I think you might be confused. When I evaluate a speaker, I try a number of places with the speaker and will always start with them based on the manufacturers suggestions. In this case, as close as 1 foot away from the front wall and up to 2 feet without the plugs.
Even in those situations, while the bass was decent, (dropping off around 50) there are many - and I mean MANY speakers out there that will dig lower than the LS50s or Metas. Being objective, I can see the data to back this up as well as I also measure after listening.
In regards to your comments on gear being used with these speakers, I cycled through a number of options with some amps that cost 6x the price of the Metas. I wont bother listing them all cause it doesnt matter. They were all suitable and fine with driving the Metas with authority.
Based on your initial (earlier) comment calling me a "complete moron" and now the continued defense of all things KEF, I think whats going on here is you are emotionally reacting to my review. I get it. We are equally passionate about hifi and thats understood.
I also understand it can be frustrating when it seems like someone is attacking you for liking a speaker and I am sorry if thats how you feel. As I stated in the review, there are many great qualities to be found in both the original LS50 and Metas (Staging and imaging being the standout) but it doesn't mean its a perfect loudspeaker for everyone. It's my job to paint realisitic expectations so people know what to expect when they pull the trigger.
Thanks again for the comment.
@@Newrecordday2013 absolutely agree
@@Newrecordday2013
Regarding the "soft bass", a few notes:
1. To be fair it's just a single 5.25" driver, which must also provide clean, accurate midrange. Even a dedicated 5.25" midbass driver isn't going to produce substantial bass with any type of true authority.
2. In addition, when compared to a typical 5.25" midwoofer, a significant percentage of the KEF Uni-Q midwoofer cone's Sd is sacrificed and taken up by the concentric HF driver, where otherwise the midwoofer would have a full dustcap for more overall cone area.
So you are effectively left with a midwoofer with a usable cone area that's just slightly larger than that of a typical 4.5" driver! This lowers its sensitivity significantly, and also requires significantly more linear excursion to offset the loss in Sd. HOWEVER, providing that extra LINEAR excursion is NOT easy, and there's another problem with that increased excursion as well...
3. In these types of concentric drivers, the midwoofer's cone acts as a "waveguide" for the HF driver. Even with KEF's advances in regards to the "tangerine" tweeter lens and optimized surround profile, the higher the excursion or increased inward/outward movement of the midwoofer cone, the more IMD and comb filtering that will be generated through modulation of the HF.
In these types of concentric driver designs, you ideally want to limit the midwoofer's low frequency bandpass so as to mitigate significant excursion and the resulting IMD. You can see the effects of this interaction in your impedance and amplitude response charts.
I use the well-regarded 5" BMS 5CN162HE concentric MR/HF drivers in my DIY studio monitors, and the IMD is also clearly affected by increased excursion of the 5" midwoofer cone.
My solution was a 3-way design that combines the BMS concentric driver with a nice Ciare HW251N 10" midbass/LF driver. Obviously, the tradeoff is a much larger "bookshelf" or stand-mount loudspeaker, but one with vastly superior definition and accuracy, as well as output capability.
I built these custom DIY studio monitors for less than $1500 and they replaced my former ATC SCM25A active studio monitors.
Even with the cost of the Zapco HDSP-Z8-V processor that is used for XO, Time Alignment, EQ, Phase Matching, and AD/DA, along with a 6-channel Hypex Ncore car audio amplifier that is used to drive them, I still came out WAY ahead in terms of cost, as well as performance.
*TL;DR* Just sayin' that it's just not releastic to expect real bass extension and authority from a TINY midwoofer that also has to provide extremely clean midrange (captain obvious).
IMO, the KEF LS50 & LS50 META are remarkable for what they actually do achieve given the limitations and price point.
Well, now i would strongly recommend that its time to go for the Full Badabum... KEF LS50 Wireless II with KC62...
I bought the Metas and I use them in my small room with an SVS SB2000 and Dirac Live 3. Think they sound amazing as an ensemble. I have the OG LS 50s and I find these to be an upgrade, but I'm extremely picky and very sensitive to an anomalies in the upper mid-lower treble and the OG LS 50s seemed to as you put it "have the treble poke out of the mix" from time to time, while the new guys never bite, but present all the detail in a very matter of fact way.
Needless to say, I really like them especially considering how I'm using them.
The originals will now go to surround duty in a 4.1 home theater setup.
I've been living with the original LS50s for 2 years after I had to downsize my system.....giving up my Spatial M3 turbos 😔 I have to say these have been completely satisfying.....with a pair of Rel T7 subs in stereo. Now I'm back in a 14 x 17 ft room and they fill it with a big sound. That being said they don't compare to the Spatial OBs for top end detail and air....no surprise.
BTW Ron....thanks to you I'm about to pull the trigger on some NX-Otica's and OB subs!
Dude, you wont regret it!
I love your honest review. So so refreshing
That’s an audiophiles sweater if I’ve ever seen one
That was great. I think everything needs dual subs. I would never look back. I still want a pair of the 50's. I'll handle the power. I think they are great for showing off to friends just on design alone.
Great review.
According to Kef’s own white paper the Metas sister the active version the Kef’s LS50 wireless 2 measures a bit better in the frequency domain and substantially better in the time domain than the Meta. The former probably more important than the latter. So I would take the wireless any day.
Now we are waiting for a Meta absorber behind the bass/mid driver. It’s probably going to be expensive so it’s probably going to be used in a new generation Kef’s Blade. And only behind the midrange cone. Let’s see, the future will tell.
More to go wrong with the wireless version over time. Amps don’t last forever.
Awesome review
Very nice review my friend as always! 👍
Love the nod to the new Kc62 unicore sub at the end.
I was going to say the same thing.
Meta plus that = the whole enchilada!!!🤓👍
0% chance that KEF will let you review the KC62. Small subs like that have so many problems. They look great on a spec sheet and people with money will buy it just for the looks and size. A review will only hurt sales.
Hey Ron seriously best review I seen ls50s. You are completely right about they need serious power. The better the amp, the better they perform. They can be seriously underwhelming with mediocre amps. I still love my ls50s and they still compete with many speakers under 10k with the right amplification. I had multiple highly regarded, well reviewed speakers over 5k that I sold and kept ls50s. They do need a sub, but they disappear so damn well. I also agree with the midrange bite. That characteristic is either complimentary to music or detrimental to music depending on the recording.
Thanks for being honest and saying it needs a sub instead of just telling users their the greatest thing since slice bread like most of the other U-tubers reviewers
Agree with the last comment. Imagine if KEF came out with a sub small enough to match the LS50 that drops down to 11hz. Something with dual opposing drivers in maybe an aluminium cabinet. Something around the size of maybe a basketball or even smaller that came in either white or black. That would be something…😂
But the old LS50 is half price of the Meta if you can find them. No comparision to me, just get the old one.
I was thinking the same thing. You can find the previous LS50 for $500 less than the Metas. That would seem to be the way to go if you like the LS50 sound.
www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefls50tntgrya/kef-ls50-5.25-2-way-mini-monitor-titanium-gray-pair-new/1.html
@@r423sdex Any examples?
Thanks for the comparison! I just bought the original LS50 Wireless and really enjoy them. I was torn between them and the new Metas...but when the dealer knocked $1100 off an open box pair, I couldn’t justify the minimal gains with the Meta. Buyers may find dealers wanting to move pre-Meta inventory which means a great deal for the consumer.
In other reviews, people have ranted about the metas being substantially better. I think this review sounds more objective. That the difference is more subtle.
very nice review!
Great review. Thanks! Looking to resurrect my dads Antigue Sound USA Model 103 tube amp. Do you think that amp would pair well with these speakers?
I liked your honesty in your review. Great job. Would you review the KEF Q950 if KEF sent you a set? I would love to hear your thoughts on that speaker. 1.5" tweeter and 8" drivers. I personally think when they go on sale they're worth it, but not at their MSRP.
Your experience with the Metas completely mirrored my own during the month I auditioned them! From A to Z, and start to finish, this was truly an honest and fair review!
Thanks for jumping in here and sharing your experience, I appreciate it!
Thanks Ron for telling it as it is!
Thanks for watching!
Very honest review I will keep my old ls50
Tremendo video gracia Ron 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Refreshingly candid review.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the extensive and honest review! Have you tried the LS50 (old/new) in combination with the small KEF sub?
Great content as always. I do however think I need to chime in. I like the comparison of the original and meta which is what us ls50 owners want to know if we have to rush out and buy the new ones. I think I can hold off. But I do have to question the criticism of the bass. I think the bass is what really surprised me when i bought the ls50s without hearing them. The advertised 79 hz +/- 3db bass makes it sound like they would be small home theater satilites, but this wasnt my experience. The bass isn't the most controlled, but it does seem deep and meaty, much more so than many stand mounters I've owned and heard. I think many people will also benefit from the wall reinforcement as compared to the positioning for the listening test in the other video. I don't think its that far to harp on them for the bass. Is it the price? Are there other speakers that have more for less? The ls50 are some of the clearest speakers I've heard especially at that price. Anyway, a comparison of how the ls50 stacks up to the competition would be cool. As always, nice video!
Ooooh, now that's a beard! Love it! Great vid also :)
Thanks man!
The question is, is the Meta beta for the price? The answer in my opinion is no. The KEF LS50 and, the KEF LS50 W are both game changers. They both trounce the competition. I have both, and love them. KEF may need to make an 8" woofer version to get any relevant improvements. That said, you just made one of the best, and most honest audio review's in history.
@M Pi Have you ever seen other reviews? lol
@@r423sdex Ummmm... they get 5 Star reviews in every magazine. lol They can't be touched.
@@r423sdex Don't know if their reference line is boring but not the bargain of the the century. Now the Blades are a rip off!😉🤭🤭🤭🤫🤗
Narrowed down my choices between the LS50 Meta and the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition. Went with the B&W due to bass performance and easier to drive two pairs in HT. Great review!
Very well done Ron. You put so much work, time and analysis into your reviews. Your honest thoughts on the product are so much appreciated, especially since so many reviewers just jump on the over-hyped bandwagon like cheerleaders earning their commission.
The META tweeter back wave absorber is a tweak. Just look at the frequency response. Like you, I believe that a voicing change via Xover, accounts for the sound differences. META is not the holy grail. It's just great marketing idea to boost sales.
However, giving the META speakers their due, I'm wondering if you think the META can be beat for less money? I'm considering these and the baby Maggies. I have an old pair of Maggie SMGa but apparently the new Maggies are voiced entirely different.
I remember you reviewing the Maggies years ago. And they're cheaper than the META. Do you think you might review the new Magnepan LRS+? It would be great to hear your take on these 2 compared. Thx again.
Interesting review.
Due to the frequency cancelation, the Metas sound much better close to a wall and in small rooms, especially compared to the original. The new KC62 sub goes down to 11hz and will certainly solve any remaining low bass extension problems.
Good revieuw , i have the LS 50 originals and this is the second time someone said the difference is so small that you better actually buy the originals because they are much cheaper now. KEF have a very new sub now but not yet on the market it is KC62 sub very new and vveerryyy small check it out . i'm gonna buy one i think. Greetings.
Thanks Willy
Great review Ron. I've owned the LS50s in the past and have long talked about how they really an amp with a great 4ohm rating (near 2x the 8ohm rating) to wake them up.
I had to get rid of the LS50s though, I told the significant other I either need 2 subs or bigger speakers. She picked bigger speakers and I'm fine with her choice ;)
Thanks amigo! Appreciate it!
Realy great review! Every magazine or Reviewer tells us that the Metas are so much better, its suppose to be marceting.
I want to buy the metas vs the old ones for an homecinemasystem. I uae a denon x3600h. Did you thing with roomea like audyssey xt32 the will sound th same?
Have the original ls50 and sub is a necessity as well as power. I had it connected to an anthem receiver pushing 150W, but just got the Naim Supernait 3 and omg, the ls50s kicked into another gear.
Probably the best reviews of the Meta I've seen so far. I recently got them in and I'm kind of meh about it (mostly the bass). Highly unlikely I'm going to be keeping these...
@@LuxAudio389 EQ on the app for the RELs or the KEFs?
@@LuxAudio389 I guess I expected a little bit better with the meta's "typical" room response of 26hz (maybe they measured it inside a dog house). I've thought about getting a pair of Rel subs, but I don't really want to deal with subs in my already small desktop nearfield room and the added expense. I'm returning these and going back to my Sierra 2EX that I had before.
Great review, Ron. Telling it like it is. Good, clear explanations. Nuanced.
Your delivery and confidence gets better and better. Highlight on the listening experience with data (charts) to back it up. Pace, structure, clarity...spot on!
You could have mentioned that with sensitive neighbors that rolled off bass can prevent many awkward "situations".
...And that if you insist in prolonging the bass you can add subs to round out the setup.
You may have just boosted "the secondary market value" of existing last gen LS50's. Around 650 the demand will be high "if you can get them". If you buy used make sure they are ok.
About wattage: I agree wholeheartedly about the need for a 80-100 W amp, and don't settle for less unless you are listening nearfield or in a small room at polite levels..
Small, good sounding beasties are hard to drive and need headroom for the transients. It will be a better experience overall. They needn't be expensive as long as you don't fall for the 'refinement game'. ("Yeah, they are 30+30, ...but the refinement!") There are plenty of good, affordable class D amps (with the stress on "GOOD", not bazaar stuff) that make these speakers (still quite "radical" after all these years) "sing" to their full potential. (by that I don't mean 'loud', just more dynamic, not running out of breath) The powered version of the LS50 uses class D. Nobody is complaining.
Good to hear that there isn’t that much of an improvement. Got the old ls50 a few weeks ago for 666€ but wasn’t sure if I should go for the meta for their improvements which are 1200€
Bought them also for 666 and i am super happy. The bass is great
@@monaco308308 what amplifier are you using ?
@@cestgratuit Yamaha RN 803 d. Works great.
@@monaco308308 Thanks !
@@monaco308308 how can you be satisfied with bass of bookshelf speakers. I mean..I have aria 936 with 3 bass drivers per speaker and I am hardly satisfied with bass. Bookshelf + subwoofer is must. My opinion
Good honest review Ron. Curious, how do you think the LS50s stack up against the Elac UniFi52 2.0? Both are 5.5 inch coax metal drivers. I'm assuming that the KEF uses better crossover parts and has a nicer cabinet, but is the additional $900 for the LS50s actually worth is?
Can u answer please?
Thank you Ron for your honest take. Given this was the view of other two reviewers I trust that puts Steve G on a hard spot for his rave review on the Meta and night and day improvement on the older version according to him.
Hey Ben, nothing wrong with Steve having a different opinion about the differences. If he was attached to the new Meta for whatever reason, I’m not going to question his enthusiasm or integrity. We all enjoy different flavors of Hifi ice cream and nothing wrong with that!
@@Newrecordday2013 Ha ha Ron, very diplomatic jargon here. Have a nice day.
i have the Q15.2 and an improvement that i would love to see is to have a great bass dept with low and medium volumes, that would be a good improvement
I'm getting a serious dose of old school NRD with that opener :)
And with a warm welcome back...
Kef has done the new sub... almost similar spec you mentioned...
@@atishaysingh5114 haha, yes... I’m aware
Ron, I agree with many of your observations. I have owned the original for 5-years and have enjoyed thousands of hours of critical listening with them. I love their ability to image and reveal details. I have found that that top end can get a bit harsh with some instruments, such as violin and harmonica, and with complex orchestral pieces, the mid-range can get congested. Bass is not an issue as I have a decent sub that integrates nicely (crossover at 70 Hz). I purchased the new Meta 4-months ago and have over 100 hours of careful listening with them. I believe that I have a strongly dialled-in sense of how the original sound and after hours of comparisons, the Meta is clearly a better speaker. Relative to the significance of tube-rolling and cable swapping, the differences are not subtle. Gone is the harshness with violins and the like. Complex music is much more intact and defined. These are important differences that contribute to a more enjoyable experience. The Meta takes what was a very good compact speaker and, apart from bass production, solves the few blemishes of the original. (Note: break-in is most significant with the LS50 and would play a role in evaluative comparisons)
Got a smokin deal on the Metas for $650 and they get here tomorrow. I'm actually pleased to hear it's not a huge departure since the LS50's were so good to begin with.
The whole purpose of a coaxial speaker is smooth off axis response, among other things. Be it a studio monitor or live audio monitor or your home stereo/AV system the results are the same. Everything is a compromise. Mo speakers Mo problems.
I have originals.Nice near fields but think the price hike might not be worth it.Having also had Minitor Audio Bronze and Elac B6's I agree everybody has stepped up game.Thought about trying Triangle Bro3 but screw it I should just get a set of Harbeth P3ESR SE's and call it done.Now the weird thing is I was planing on a RELT7i with any set up since it's mainly music but maybe that new $1500 sub has the SVS3000 and REL T series goods in one package.
Curious to know what your preference of speaker is for nearfield listening
Neva meta LS50 I didn’t like. Now that’s a dad joke.
Nailed it!
Noiceee!!!🤓👍 Dad jokes are the be(s)ta!👍
Big respect for telling it how you see it.
Takes strength not to go full stream on the hype train.
Diminishing returns? Are speaker manufacturer reaching the peak or are they holding back something
I owned the original LS50's and they are a nice speaker, but they are made for a very specific listening situation and type of listener. And that is for small rooms/nearfield listening or a desktop environment. And they are specifically targeting listeners who value high resolution/detail. Beyond that, they fall flat in other areas. For someone that is either new to hi-fi or coming from more budget speakers, they are impressive upon first listen because you are struck with their immediate detail/resolution. But after that honeymoon phase, I found they sounded sterile and a bit lifeless. For me, they were a nice glimpse into what hi-fi can be in a nearfield/desktop setup. But for pure musical enjoyment, I could not live with them long term as my primary speaker.
Edited: Before anyone asks, I drove them with a 205 watt @ 8 ohm Parasound John Curl designed power amp so they definitely weren't in need of more power.
An excellent review overall. I enjoy your reviews and listening videos. I can attest to the need for a sub if you want a Full Range Stereo image. Physics is the fundamental issue. At the end of your review you nod to the new KC subwoofer a great comment. Please review the set, a pair of Metas, and KC subs as a whole system for $3ish K. Which puts some perspective when considered against other setups, like those Q Acoustics in the video
I think folks misunderstand or are mislead at the store about what the Metas are. The LS50, (I own 7); and the LS50Meta, I own one pair, are part of the Kef Flagship line. Folks seeing this may not understand that at this level it is incumbent on the buyer to understand what they are buying, which was the Top half of the Full range Blade 2 loudspeaker. Kef makes full range speakers in their Reference line and to price point lower down that are really excellent value for sound. Buying an LS50 means you either don’t need or want high performance below 80hz. Apartments, Near Field while little ones are sleeping etc. Kef and Rel and SVS, all have excellent sub woofers to nail those last couple of octaves. After over 50yrs when I hear that a speaker needs power to come alive from a reviewer, I understand what is said. I am driving my Metas with a fully updated Yamaha M4 with 120rms/channel two channels driven. They sound outstanding in my treated room. Of course, I run them with a KF92 sub and two antique Def. Tech. Subs (for theater) in both my HT and Stereo rig (same room). Put 11 LS50s/Metas & 3 subs in a 20x15’room and you have home theater and stereo to enjoy anytime. I don’t believe that Metas could have departed from the essential tone and tenor of the original. Folks like myself who have run LS50s for 8 years and added to the collection along the way would have found this difficult to swallow. As it is the Metas meld with the older speaker seamlessly. My 11.1 system is now amazing. But My Vintage two channel rig, Yamaha C2/M4, AR the TT(Jelco 750D arm/Benz Ace L cart), Sony RtR, and Metas on S2 stands with KF92 sub is many thousands of dollars less money invested than buying Full Range current production equipment for the same quality. The two channel rig breaks down to 3K speakers, >1K TT setup, >1K pre/pwr amps, >1K cables. You have reviewed speaker pairs, and electronics which individually value more than my whole two channel system. Going in folks need to be aware of the limitations of small bookshelf speakers in general. Speakers optimized for the upper 2/3s of the spectrum require a Sub-woofer. If you like the Kef sound, and lust for the high end Refs, or Blades, then a pair of Metas and Kefs latest subs is an amazing value period. Get a great amp and don’t look back.
Glad someone is being honest on them. I thought they were lacking. Now that I see the actual response from them yep. They were lacking in mids and drop off fast.
I would like to have seen you add a few different subs and see how that setup works. I have a KEF cube sub with a passive radiator and for what it is it is shockingly good.