And, blimey, it was a good'un.
I've not been on here for a couple of weeks because... well, if I had mentioned this I didn't want outside influences dinging away in the old grey matter.
Thanks to the guys at my local SSAV for their patience. Have to confess, however, I was quivering like a randy Shih tzu at the prospect of comparing the revered LS50s with my TB2is. So, without boring the pants off everyone, I'm going to give a blow-by-blow on looks, sound and compatibility with my amp - and I've marked them out of 10. believe me it's an interesting one, although I'm deliberately avoiding technical description - I'm useless at describing stuff anyway.
System used (obviously): Leema Pulse; Electro CDP; very heavy stands
Aesthetics:
Umm...erm... let's say they look different. Not sure who colour co-ordinated the drivers, but I'd advise them to look for alternative employment: White cabinets and blue drivers.They look like a frozen inverted nipple.
LS50 score 4/10
TB2i 7/10
Sound Affects:
This is a very different prospect to the disappointment of the looks. They are incredibly neutral, lashed with crisp detail. The bass is superb: Playing some bass-heavy Reggae the LFs were as tight as a drum. Vocals were very emotive, with a beautiful immediacy... by this time I was getting a 'semi' (almost). Immensely impressive allrounders. At low volumes, they also come across as accomplished. The only negative was the TB2s. Given more room the PMCs really do sing: I've not heard my system sound that good. The sound is expansive and holographic.
Nevertheless, I can see why they've picked up so many accolades. Superb.
LS50 8/10
TB2i 9/10
Home is where the hi-fi is:
Friday night and Saturday, with a £200 deposit, the dealer allowed me a home dem. Once set-up, the story of the two sonic gladiators is reversed. Without question the LS50 are slightly more adept when it comes to positioning: The PMCs, when cranked up, can sound a little boisterous by comparison. As a room-friendly piece of equipment, the LS50s are very good indeed.
There was mixed feelings from Mrs. P and our daughter: The Missus liked their shape while little'un just grunted... this usually means she doesn't entirely approve. Regardless of the design one can't help but to gravitate to them.
LS50 9/10
TB2i 7.5/10
What's next?:
Dunno. I have a big dilemma. We are on the list for moving. If we move to a more hi-fi friendly house/bungalow I'd suggest the PMCs would be the beneficiary, whereas if we don't move for a couple of years the LS50s, in the current environment, are the better choice. So it really is a case of the head fighting the heart.
Do they gel, sir?
The Kefs are well suited to the Leema. To my ears they sound better balanced than the Tannoy Precision 6.1 I dem'd last year (although I can't swear to this as the dems were at two different shops). Despite having an amp-munching 85db I didn't notice any significant 'dip' when it came to volume. As always the grip of the Leema was evident, so control isn't an issue.
LS50 9.5/10
TB2i 9.5/10
As it stands the current set-up is blindingly good, improved a little by the introduction of the LS50s. With a bit more breathing space the PMCs go into overdrive.
The bonios are put away and I'll chew of the telephone lead... I'm sure common sense will eventually prevail, regardless of my final decision.
I've not been on here for a couple of weeks because... well, if I had mentioned this I didn't want outside influences dinging away in the old grey matter.
Thanks to the guys at my local SSAV for their patience. Have to confess, however, I was quivering like a randy Shih tzu at the prospect of comparing the revered LS50s with my TB2is. So, without boring the pants off everyone, I'm going to give a blow-by-blow on looks, sound and compatibility with my amp - and I've marked them out of 10. believe me it's an interesting one, although I'm deliberately avoiding technical description - I'm useless at describing stuff anyway.
System used (obviously): Leema Pulse; Electro CDP; very heavy stands
Aesthetics:
Umm...erm... let's say they look different. Not sure who colour co-ordinated the drivers, but I'd advise them to look for alternative employment: White cabinets and blue drivers.They look like a frozen inverted nipple.
LS50 score 4/10
TB2i 7/10
Sound Affects:
This is a very different prospect to the disappointment of the looks. They are incredibly neutral, lashed with crisp detail. The bass is superb: Playing some bass-heavy Reggae the LFs were as tight as a drum. Vocals were very emotive, with a beautiful immediacy... by this time I was getting a 'semi' (almost). Immensely impressive allrounders. At low volumes, they also come across as accomplished. The only negative was the TB2s. Given more room the PMCs really do sing: I've not heard my system sound that good. The sound is expansive and holographic.
Nevertheless, I can see why they've picked up so many accolades. Superb.
LS50 8/10
TB2i 9/10
Home is where the hi-fi is:
Friday night and Saturday, with a £200 deposit, the dealer allowed me a home dem. Once set-up, the story of the two sonic gladiators is reversed. Without question the LS50 are slightly more adept when it comes to positioning: The PMCs, when cranked up, can sound a little boisterous by comparison. As a room-friendly piece of equipment, the LS50s are very good indeed.
There was mixed feelings from Mrs. P and our daughter: The Missus liked their shape while little'un just grunted... this usually means she doesn't entirely approve. Regardless of the design one can't help but to gravitate to them.
LS50 9/10
TB2i 7.5/10
What's next?:
Dunno. I have a big dilemma. We are on the list for moving. If we move to a more hi-fi friendly house/bungalow I'd suggest the PMCs would be the beneficiary, whereas if we don't move for a couple of years the LS50s, in the current environment, are the better choice. So it really is a case of the head fighting the heart.
Do they gel, sir?
The Kefs are well suited to the Leema. To my ears they sound better balanced than the Tannoy Precision 6.1 I dem'd last year (although I can't swear to this as the dems were at two different shops). Despite having an amp-munching 85db I didn't notice any significant 'dip' when it came to volume. As always the grip of the Leema was evident, so control isn't an issue.
LS50 9.5/10
TB2i 9.5/10
As it stands the current set-up is blindingly good, improved a little by the introduction of the LS50s. With a bit more breathing space the PMCs go into overdrive.
The bonios are put away and I'll chew of the telephone lead... I'm sure common sense will eventually prevail, regardless of my final decision.