About turn to simplicity

[Macmill245]

As an avid hi-fi entusiast I am going to dip my toe into the active/passive conversation. As I am always on the lookout for simplicity, I am considering switching from current 2 box Naim Uniti Atom/Core/Kef LS50 streaming setup to an active powered streaming speaker - Kef LS50 Wireless 2 or LS60 series. Has anyone made the switch in this manner?

 

[skinnypuppy71]

I'd go Acoustic energy ae1 active with a small form factor pre-amp /streamer....very good indeed....I can't say I've switched...but I have the Acoustic Energy as a second system in my small summer house, that reminds me..I really need to turn the bass down a tad.
I didn't fancy the kef route...I had a dem a few years ago and wasn't really that impressed, plus I like to keep the Streamer /dac section separated from the active part of the speakers....it makes sense this way as dac and streaming technology moves so fast and your streaming active speakers could become obsolete quicker than you'd be willing to shell out for again.
Also, I should add I had Naim nait xs /pmc 2021 speakers when I demd the kefs, ls wireless mki, they didn't really come close to the separates.....but maybe the newer gen might be better.....but as I mentioned, I prefer to keep the streaming part separated from the amp section.

 

[Messiah]

Why are you considering changing?

A number of years ago I switched from a traditional set-up to AVI ADM 9.1 active speakers. That system served me well for at least 10 years.

I have switched back to a traditional system now (for a number of reasons) but one of them was that AVI are no longer in business so if the speakers ever failed I would have no easy way to get them fixed.

Just something to consider when putting all your eggs in one basket. I certainly do not see KEF shutting up shop, but IF the speakers failed in 5 years, will they still have the parts to fix them? (I was reminded of this type of issue recently when someone posted that Denon no longer stocked parts to fix their (not long) discontinued HS2 amp).

Having said that, the KEF LS50/60 wireless do sound great, as do the Acoustic Energy actives.

 

[jonboywalton75]

I just switched from Marantz receiver, Focal speakers, to Kef LS50 wireless ii.
Love these speakers, bass is great, love the looks as well.
Have you seen the new Triangle Capellas, they look like they might challenge the KEFs.
Happy with mine though.

 

[DiggyGun]

Has anyone made the switch in this manner?

Yes.

Went from a ten box active Linn / Naim system into a one box Linn active system.

For me, found it to be a big improvement; more clarity, better control of bass, percussion very detailed and clear, more toe tapping and enjoyment.

DG…

 

[Macmill245]

Update!! I made the switch a couple of weeks back and I am thoroughly impressed 😌. SQ is beyond why I heard in the demo. The Kef app allows a certain level of room compensation and I love the simple tidy layout. I have them wired to network so no connectivity issues. All in all very pleased 😁

 

[jonboywalton75]

I'm loving my Ls 50 wireless speakers
Just one minor niggle
I have them wired together rather than using the wireless option.
The slave speaker always takes about 60 seconds to fully connect and then is stable
Just a slight annoyance.
Wondered if anyone else gets this?

 

[Jasonovich]

As an avid hi-fi entusiast I am going to dip my toe into the active/passive conversation. As I am always on the lookout for simplicity, I am considering switching from current 2 box Naim Uniti Atom/Core/Kef LS50 streaming setup to an active powered streaming speaker - Kef LS50 Wireless 2 or LS60 series. Has anyone made the switch in this manner?

Not quite, in my study. I have Adam A7V active studio monitors, it's fed off from headphone/preamp. The source WiiM Pro Plus and the Eversolo Z8 DAC.
If you're looking for minimalist Nirvana, you could try the WiiM Pro Ultra, pair this up with an active speaker of your choice but I would suggest, if music fidelity is your preference, I would hard wire it directly to the Ultra's rather than working off the wireless. 🙂

 

[jonboywalton75]

Update!! I made the switch a couple of weeks back and I am thoroughly impressed 😌. SQ is beyond why I heard in the demo. The Kef app allows a certain level of room compensation and I love the simple tidy layout. I have them wired to network so no connectivity issues. All in all very pleased 😁

Did you go for the Ls 50 or 60??