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.
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.
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)
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Thanks for this candid refreshing review. I listened to the acrive version of the LS50 once and was not very satisfied. Similar to what you described, the midrange is not quite transparent and layered. Now I have a pair of Omega Super Alnico speakers at home which have much better spectrum response and the sound is faster and cleaner without driness.
Seems the honeymoon is over for this speaker:)
Finally, an accurate review of the LS50! LOL, Stereophile has this speaker in "Class A", as if it is a reference speaker.
The passives can be a tad bright, but the actives are a whole other ballgame...brightness is gone, much deeper bass, same great soundstage and imaging (I owned both at same time and had plenty of time to compare).
I agree with most of your points after having owned and A/B comparing them with Magnepans for a year, sounds better with tube amplification, coherent and fast. Their main limit is resonance coloration from the cone material, hopefully KEF will research a MkII version using a superior material.
What was the break-in time prior to your review? I am pleased with these speakers. They're very transparent for voice and acoustic instrument, folk, piano jazz et al. I think they're less kind to rock, but overall, I'm still loving them.
These were broken in for a few months. I agree they're very transparent - just not a very warmblooded speaker (which I prefer).
very useful review, to the point.
Do these Ls50 need stands?. That should always be clarified, becuase it's useful information for people with not space for that.
Looking forward to more reviews of bookshelves.