Does KEF LS50 trim ring rotate - use as centre channel

[LupoLoopy]

Hello again!

I was researching my options for upgrading my HiFi speakers, specifically my Quad 11L's I use for ocasionally light music listening.

I was originally looking at the Q Acoustics Concept 20, then after a bit more work (posting here, research etc), the KEF LS50 came onto my radar. I'm now considering these, as an upgrade for my 3.1 setup for the living room, letting me demote the Quad 12L's to music duties.

As the AV setup gets used every day, it seemed like a more 'sensible' option...

A while ago I saw Dave@FrankHarvey had a similar idea and was seeking steer from Kef as to whethere '50th Anniversary' trim ring could be rotated so the center channel could be put on it's side. Did he (or anyone else, for that matter) work out if it was possible?

 

[Al ears]

Having analysed the exploded diagram of the Kef's I would say not. It looks like it would have to be done at the manufacturing stage. Have a word with KEF if it's a necessary requirement.

 

[richardw42]

Was just going to post the exact same pic 🙂

 

[steve_1979]

Judging from this picture you may be in luck. If you click on the link below you can see a zoomed in view of the picture with the centre speakers trim ring rotated 90°.

http://www.fanthorpes.co.uk/kef-speakers/kef-ls50-speaker-package-2215926-383960-.php

 

[steve_1979]

Was just going to post the exact same pic 🙂

😛

 

[Al ears]

Yep. My point exactly 'can be done at the manufacturing stage'. The only place I have seen this is as has been posted which means you are probably going to have to buy the home theatre package. I have not seen them list a seperate centre speaker - yet. I am hazarding a guess that this is not something you can do to a LS50 if you already own a pair.

 

[DandyCobalt]

Manufacturers can sell singles though. Like spares.

I had similar problem, when going to 6.1 with B&W CM1 - needed a single speaker for the rear.

Dale at Fanthorpes is very helpful - give him a call. (That's where the pic is from).

 

[Frank Harvey]

Just because it is on a mock up, doesn't mean it is true... 🙂

I've not tried it myself as I didn't want to damage anything unnecessarily, but I was told that it is possible.

 

[Frank Harvey]

A while ago I saw Dave@FrankHarvey had a similar idea and was seeking steer from Kef as to whethere '50th Anniversary' trim ring could be rotated so the center channel could be put on it's side. Did he (or anyone else, for that matter) work out if it was possible?

By the way, I'm David - there is a Dave who know now works on HiFix (website) - just so there's no confusion 🙂

 

[DandyCobalt]

A while ago I saw Dave@FrankHarvey had a similar idea and was seeking steer from Kef as to whethere '50th Anniversary' trim ring could be rotated so the center channel could be put on it's side. Did he (or anyone else, for that matter) work out if it was possible?

By the way, I'm David - there is a Dave who know now works on HiFix (website) - just so there's no confusion 🙂

Sorry, forgot to say that David at Frank Harvey is also very helpful 🙂

 

[BenLaw]

A while ago I saw Dave@FrankHarvey had a similar idea and was seeking steer from Kef as to whethere '50th Anniversary' trim ring could be rotated so the center channel could be put on it's side. Did he (or anyone else, for that matter) work out if it was possible?

By the way, I'm David - there is a Dave who know now works on HiFix (website) - just so there's no confusion 🙂

Sorry, forgot to say that David at Frank Harvey is also very helpful 🙂

You mean there's a Dave and *two* Davids?

 

[Frank Harvey]

You mean there's a Dave and *two* Davids?

Nope, there's two Davids - me and another who is known as Dave to differentiate between us 🙂

(no, we don't look identical, before you pick up on that one)

 

[BenLaw]

Possibly missed the joke, I was suggesting there was Dave, you and a helpful David.

That image of a 'centre' LS50 looks like the driver is in a different position, not just rotated? So do kef make a special centre version?

 

[Frank Harvey]

Possibly missed the joke, I was suggesting there was Dave, you and a helpful David.

Yup. missed that one. Probably for obvious reasons 🙂

That image of a 'centre' LS50 looks like the driver is in a different position, not just rotated? So do kef make a special centre version?

There's been no official photos of an LS50 5.1 system (as it doesn't exist as far as KEF are concerned), so any you do see will have been photoshopped.

 

[BenLaw]

So what the hell would Fanthorpes sell you if you bought their 5.1 package? False advertising if you don't get a centre speaker like in the picture.

 

[gagagaga]

Your cinema room should be dark enough that you can't see it anyways

Not tried on min - the LS50s feel bloody solid and surely something moveable that close to the driver would be a prime candidate for vibration?

 

[The_Lhc]

Fanthorpes

I used to do a marvellous impression of Father Lionel Fanthorpe.

Just thought I'd mention it...

 

[Al ears]

As I posted earlier if you look at the exploded diagram on Kef website (listed below) you will see the front surround ring is fixed to the cast driver frame. Methinks you are not going to rotate this without removing the whole transducer. Not without voiding warranty your not. :read:
http://www.kef.com/html/gb/showroom/flagship_hi-fi_series/LS50/technology/index.html

 

[Sospri]

Fanthorpes

I used to do a marvellous impression of Father Lionel Fanthorpe.

Just thought I'd mention it...

Nah, it wasn't that good, I was bored......................

 

[The_Lhc]

Fanthorpes

I used to do a marvellous impression of Father Lionel Fanthorpe.

Just thought I'd mention it...

Nah, it wasn't that good, I was bored......................

It only used to last abouut two and half seconds.

 

[BenLaw]

Fanthorpes

I used to do a marvellous impression of Father Lionel Fanthorpe.

Just thought I'd mention it...

Good to know.

 

[alchemist 1]

You mean there's a Dave and *two* Davids?

Nope, there's two Davids - me and another who is known as Dave to differentiate between us 🙂

(no, we don't look identical, before you pick up on that one)

Well someone has to draw the short straw on looks David.............🙂

 

[Frank Harvey]

Well someone has to draw the short straw on looks David.............🙂

I'll leave that one to you to decide 🙂