Advice on Kef LS50...

[audiokid]

Hello,

I enjoyed a demo of some KEF LS50 yesterday. They were partnered with a Naim Superuniti and I also listened to PMC Gold and B&W PM1.

Overall I preferred the KEF, although the PM1 were very close. The PMC Gold were decent, too. But, they had bass control issues with some tracks.

I currrently have some mini Harbeths which I adore, but I fancy a second set of mini monitors to swap round... and something that has a different signature to the Harbeths. My system is Mac>Naim DAC> Naim 282/250.2/Hicap DR.

The KEF LS50 were so transparent, detailed, dynamic.. and I'm trying to come to terms with the contemporary stylings! They're not as smooth or cuddly as the Harbeths, but would like to own both and see how it goes over afew months.

First question:

Do you think the KEF are good enough for this system? I have a niggling feeling that I'm buying £800 speakers to go with electronics that are over £11k. I know the KEFs are amazing, but should I aim higher to do the system justice, or would the KEFs enjoy every bit of upgrade they are given? I realise if a small manufacturer were to produce these spekers, they wwould proabably be much more expensive so might be answering my own question there.

Second question:

What stands would you recommend? My Harbeth have very light, skinny column stands. I hear the LS50 prefer very heavy stands. Would open frame stands work also, like the Custom Design FS104? Ideally, I'd like a stand that would work for both.

Thanks, and please do post any feedback of your experinces with KEF LS50, good or bad. I'm about to hit the button!

 

[audiokid]

I thought there would be more LS50 passion and knowledge on the forum!

 

[Overdose]

Perhaps people have better things to do?

 

[audiokid]

Perhaps, but the forum sure looks active.

 

[CnoEvil]

I'm sorry you haven't had any feedback on your questions, but FWIW here is what I think:

- The Kefs are superb, and won't be out of place in your system, provided they have enough scale for your needs.

- I think you are right to be be looking at heavy stands ie. Like the Custom Design you mentioned, or something from Partington.

- I heard them during a demo day, and gave my thoughts here: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/linn-kef-regaand-a-friend IMO. These speakers are a "game-changer".

 

[audiokid]

Thanks Cno, good reading.

 

[plastic penguin]

Couple of points (can't directly comment on the two components you mentioned) - Firstly, if you think the Uniti/Kef set-up sounds the cat's whiskers then I'd plump for that combo. If it sounds right then I can't see how someone giving you a list of other products will benefit your situation. Quite the opposite IMHO. It'll only confuse, then you'll become tired of auditioning... back to square one.

Secondly, PMC DB1 Gold, from what I read, aren't as good as the original PMC DB1is. The Gold was produced for Sevenoaks Sound and Vision, apparently.

As regards stand, look at Kudos. I had these stands with the DB1is and they are as heavy as f**k and sound terrific.

 

[nopiano]

There have been about 5 other very lengthy LS50 threads in recent weeks, so we may be getting a bit weary. 🙂 I put my listening impressions in the Bristol Show topic last month. Simply, the hype is justified - they are great!

Re 1. They are definitely not below par for your system. Think of LS3/5a brought up to date, and they were used on mega gear by some enthusiasts. They just happen to better than even KEF expected (my guess!). Everyone gets lucky sometimes, though CAD helps predict luck these days.

Have you heard PMC twenty:21 or 22? They have dedicated stands and will cost c £2000 inclusive, so a rival to the B&W in price. For something prettier than the KEFs, not difficult, Sonus faber Venere are worth tracking down, c £900 plus stands. At least you aren't buying Naim speakers which I think are an abomination - though I love their electronics.

Re 2. Track audio stands will cost more than your speakers and will satisfy your wish to spend more! Otherwise, see what your dealer recommends.

http://www.trackaudio.co.uk/precision/precision.html

 

[audiokid]

Thanks guys. I heard them again today but second impressions were not so good.

They were on the end or a Cyrus, and the bass was boomy and uncontrolled. Also, demo room was more like my own so I'm starting to wonder.

I need a home demo really.

 

[nopiano]

They were on the end or a Cyrus, and the bass was boomy and uncontrolled.

Nuff said!

Seriously, though, have look through this about room size. I don't recall anyone suggest Cyrus with these...

http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/ls50-to-big-a-sound-for-a-small-room

 

[alchemist 1]

I'd say buy with confidence.

I have my ls50's set on b&w fs700 stands which give a good solid foundation.

Boom is not a word i would have used to descibe their sound.

200mm from rear wall ,no bungs, no boom. [ as per other thread]..........🙂

 

[nopiano]

Further to my suggestions above, here's someone else's impressions:-

http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/pmc-twenty21-vs-sonus-faber-venere-15#

 

[csq2]

LS50s BLOWs all standmounts out of the water. However, you need at least 75W to drive the LS50s because they will sound thin with loose bass if your amp is weak. Ideally, the heavier the stand the better because they will boost the LS50s bass.

 

[AlfaMale]

Speaker choice is a very personal thing. I had read the reviews and was almost sure I would buy the LS50s, but when I went for a demo - as much as I tried - I just didn't like the LS50s and much preferred the KEF R100, so I saved some money and got the latter.

They R100s are sitting on the end of a Naim NAC 172 XS and NAP 150x and sounding (and looking) great. They are on top of Atacama Aurora stands.