I’ve received plenty of emails regarding the KEF LS50 and how it stacks up with everything else. Before a few weeks ago, I’ve only heard this speaker in passing and in showrooms.

Every reviewer seemingly references the KEF LS50. I figured it was time to give it a listen. I hooked it up to my near-field reference system (about $60,000 worth of front-end gear) and also tried a few different amplifiers and DACs.

KEF LS50 Rear View
  • Amplifiers
    • Chord Electronics TToby
    • Benchmark AHB2
    • NuForce STA200
  • DACs
    • Denafrips Terminator
    • Chord Electronics DAVE, Qutest, Hugo TT2
  • Server
    • Innuos ZENith SE Mk.2

I haven’t read any of the reviews but realize they’re ridiculously popular and have received an enormous amount of praise. These are my quick, unadulterated impressions. As with all Quick Bits, I’ll be focusing on sound.

KEF LS50 Front View

How Does the KEF LS50 Sound?

  • A very resolving, airy, and spacious sounding speaker.
  • Decent bass but sounds much better with a subwoofer. It’ll provide a good amount of fill in the mid-bass. You could place them against the wall to reinforce as well.
  • The tonal balance is tilted towards the treble and could sound a tad bright and rough at times. It’s not a warm sounding speaker – at all.
  • Sounds better with a powerful, lusher sounding amplifier – such as the Benchmark AHB2. Tubes may also synergize well.
  • More vibrant than meaty. Plugging the ports does give a fuller midrange but takes away clarity and speed.
  • Overall this speaker promotes resolution and transparency. The energy is also more focused on the top end of the spectrum – which could sound fatiguing on some systems.

Pros

  • One of the aesthetically pleasing bookshelves I’ve had on my desk (girlfriend agrees). I have a feeling this is one of the main reasons why these speakers are so popular.
  • Build quality is fantastic.
  • Resolution. It’s easy to hear the textural cues and micro-dynamics in a recording.

Cons

  • Coherence. Outlines aren’t clean, there’s a bit of midrange haze, and delineation has more grain. It doesn’t quite layer out and combine the elements as smoothly.
  • A bit thin. Doesn’t have that weight and tangibility in the vocals and instrumentation.

Comparisons

  • Omega Compact Alnicos Monitors ($1,500)
    • A warmer and much more coherent sounding speaker. It doesn’t have that metallic and dynamic shine on highs versus the LS50 but remains sweet. The CAMs are more romantic sounding while the LS50 is more excited.
  • ATC SCM7 ($1,749)
    • This speaker has much more solidity, better imaging, and more accurate tonality. It also has better depth and delineation. I personally prefer the SCM7s in every way – but it is costlier.
  • SVS Ultra ($1,000)
    • The LS50 is more of a HiFi speaker whereas the Ultra is better for home theater. The Ultra came off a bit dull but puts off a powerful and huge image. The LS50 is far better for music.
  • CSS Model P215 with upgraded crossovers (~$1,000)
    • The LS50 has more shine and hype. The Model P215 is a smoother and is the more technically superior speaker – for less money. It’s more solid and analog-sounding over the LS50. BUT – it’s also much uglier and you have to build it yourself. The upgraded crossovers are a MUST.

Final Thoughts

To be honest, I was surprised the KEF LS50 monitors weren’t more polarizing. It isn’t going to be for everyone. Some are going to prefer a more organic, richer, and fuller sounding speaker.

The KEF LSX might actually be a great alternative if you enjoy some of that KEF signature but prefer a more euphoric sound. It won’t beat the LS50 on the technicals, but undeniably sweet sounding.

That’s all folks.

Purchasing: KEF LS50 ($1,299.98)