KEF LS 50 and Arcam A49

[Q5]

KEF LS 50 and Arcam A49 overkill or great match.

 

[CnoEvil]

Two of my favourite products....and you could do a hell of a lot worse.

 

[Frank Harvey]

A powerful amp isn't overkill for a high quality speaker. I'm using mine with a power amp that will produce 500w into 4ohms - sounding stunning.

 

[Al ears]

It would really all depend on whether or not you found the KEFs sounded good in your room.

If they don't it doesn't matter what you drive them with.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Regardless of the room, they'll still sound better with a better quality amplifier. That goes for any room, any speaker.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi Q5

I've not heard them together however I will say the A49 is a top amp

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Al ears]

Regardless of the room, they'll still sound better with a better quality amplifier. That goes for any room, any speaker.

I quite agree.

However, utilised in the wrong situation they are going to sound rubbish and, with a better quality amp, slightly less rubbish.

Good though these speakers may be they are not going to suit all listening rooms (same can be said for all speakers).

 

[Q5]

Purchased a Arcam A49 connected up the LS50's and really do work well together.

Clear precise voices and seperartion of instruments.

Early days, now just need to add a Linn Majik DS.

 

[CnoEvil]

Purchased a Arcam A49 connected up the LS50's and really do work well together.

Clear precise voices and seperartion of instruments.

Early days, now just need to add a Linn Majik DS.

 

I approve of where you're heading....well I suppose that goes without saying.

 

[Andrewjvt]

Purchased a Arcam A49 connected up the LS50's and really do work well together.

Clear precise voices and seperartion of instruments.

Early days, now just need to add a Linn Majik DS.

?

I approve of where you're heading....well I suppose that goes without saying.

Should the a49 not deserve better speaker? Dont get me wrong i think the ls50s are great but that amps a beast. Atc scm19s perhaps?

Btw id love to listen to ls50s on my amp also though

 

[nexski]

Regardless of the room, they'll still sound better with a better quality amplifier. That goes for any room, any speaker.

Totally agree, likewise things won't go well with the reverse. Good quality speaker with low powered amp.

 

[CnoEvil]

Should the a49 not deserve better speaker? Dont get me wrong i think the ls50s are great but that amps a beast. Atc scm19s perhaps?

Btw id love to listen to ls50s on my amp also though

Most people don't get to hear how stunning the LS50s can sound in a pretty expensive system, as they are usually matched with components in the same price range.

But ultimately you are right; though personally I think the SCM19s, though better, wouldn't be a big enough jump. I would wait until I could afford something like the Ref 1s.

 

[ID.]

Should the a49 not deserve better speaker? Dont get me wrong i think the ls50s are great but that amps a beast. Atc scm19s perhaps?

Btw id love to listen to ls50s on my amp also though

Most people don't get to hear how stunning the LS50s can sound in a pretty expensive system, as they are usually matched with components in the same price range.

But ultimately you are right; though personally I think the SCM19s, though better, wouldn't be a big enough jump. I would wait until I could afford something like the Ref 1s.

All in good time. I'm a fan of getting the best amp one can afford and then building the system around that. I like the sound of some refs and a Linn streamer. The amp has laid the perfect foundation now

 

[CnoEvil]

I'm a fan of getting the best amp one can afford and then building the system around that. I like the sound of some refs and a Linn streamer. The amp has laid the perfect foundation now  

Though not the most popular approach, I too like to build a system around a good amp...then the quality of the source has to keep pace with the rest of the system.

I think that the OP is approaching his system build in the right way, as the amp and speakers are good enough to show how good the Majik DS is....and the Amp/Source is good enough to get some future Ref 1s singing.....but.....the Ref 1s have enough headroom to continue to improve with any subsequent upgrades. Such is the nature of Hfi. *diablo*

 

[Q5]

The Ref 1 speakers will be added at a later date but need a decent source now and the LS50's do sound good for now.

 

[CnoEvil]

The Ref 1 speakers will be added at a later date but need a decent source now and the LS50's do sound good for now.

Have you heard the Ref 1s on the end of Linn DS/A49?

 

[Q5]

The Ref 1 speakers will be added at a later date but need a decent source now and the LS50's do sound good for now.

Have you heard the Ref 1s on the end of Linn DS/A49?

Not at this stage but it is on the planned route, I won't purchase without listening first.

I had heard the LS50's and the A49 before purchasing.

 

[CnoEvil]

The Ref 1 speakers will be added at a later date but need a decent source now and the LS50's do sound good for now.

Have you heard the Ref 1s on the end of Linn DS/A49?

Not at this stage but it is on the planned route, I won't purchase without listening first.

I had heard the LS50's and the A49 before purchasing.

My advice...don't....until you are ready to change.....or they'll be in the boot of your car before you realise what's happening.

Also, don't listen the the Ref 3s, if it's the 1s you're after....and avoid the Blades at all costs (even the baby ones)!!!

 

[Q5]

The Ref 1 speakers will be added at a later date but need a decent source now and the LS50's do sound good for now.

Have you heard the Ref 1s on the end of Linn DS/A49?

Not at this stage but it is on the planned route, I won't purchase without listening first.

I had heard the LS50's and the A49 before purchasing.

My advice...don't....until you are ready to change.....or they'll be in the boot of your car before you realise what's happening.

Also, don't listen the the Ref 3s, if it's the 1s you're after....and avoid the Blades at all costs (even the baby ones)!!!

Ha ha ha, understand your point. I have some Spendor A3 speakers which I need to sell and not tried those on the A49. I liked them in my previous setup but do't want to feel dissapointed in them.

 

[Andrewjvt]

Should the a49 not deserve better speaker? Dont get me wrong i think the ls50s are great but that amps a beast. Atc scm19s perhaps?

Btw id love to listen to ls50s on my amp also though

Most people don't get to hear how stunning the LS50s can sound in a pretty expensive system, as they are usually matched with components in the same price range.

But ultimately you are right; though personally I think the SCM19s, though better, wouldn't be a big enough jump. I would wait until I could afford something like the Ref 1s.

All in good time. I'm a fan of getting the best amp one can afford and then building the system around that. I like the sound of some refs and a Linn streamer. The amp has laid the perfect foundation now  

Thats what i have done also and agree that a great amp with good speakers much better than great speakers with good amp set up.

Either way thats going to sound stunning

 

[Andrewjvt]

Should the a49 not deserve better speaker? Dont get me wrong i think the ls50s are great but that amps a beast. Atc scm19s perhaps?

Btw id love to listen to ls50s on my amp also though

Most people don't get to hear how stunning the LS50s can sound in a pretty expensive system, as they are usually matched with components in the same price range.

But ultimately you are right; though personally I think the SCM19s, though better, wouldn't be a big enough jump. I would wait until I could afford something like the Ref 1s.

While i do agree and we both kef fans. I personally think the atc mid range driver technology is the best of any
Brand regardless of price and id love to do a blind test or demo both side by side. Refs v atc scm 50s and 100s. In looks the refs would win but on sound i wouldnt be sure

 

[Q5]

Well CNO i have gone and done it.

Added a Linn Majik DS, just plugged it in a couple of hours ago.

Need to twiddle with it now.

 

[CnoEvil]

Let us know how it goes....it should sound brilliant!

 

[Q5]

Let us know how it goes....it should sound brilliant!

Hi CNO,

Just realised I never came back after adding the DS.

It is an excellent sounding streamer and I am glad I purchased it instead of a CDP, the overall system is now sounding fantastic.

Also purchased a pair of Custom Design FS104 signature stands, which we discussed on a previous post.

 

[CnoEvil]

Let us know how it goes....it should sound brilliant!

Hi CNO,

Just realised I never came back after adding the DS.

It is an excellent sounding streamer and I am glad I purchased it instead of a CDP, the overall system is now sounding fantastic.

Also purchased a pair of Custom Design FS104 signature stands, which we discussed on a previous post.

Thank you for getting back....success stories are always good to hear.