Kef ls50 vs Atc scm11

[damonster]

cheers pp and cno , i have a ssav store about 20 miles from me i could demo pmc and kef .I would have to travel further for Atc's . If they were worthwhile considering .

They are very worthwhile considering. If there is a chance that your tastes will be to avoid colouration from your speakers, then go and audition them. Take it from there.

Contrary to most people's views are regarding me and ATCs, I have to say when I've heard the SCM11s they were very good. However, given the OP's system (bright + bright) I think the neutrality of ATCs just may make it sound little too sterile. The Leema needs a bit of colour or smoothness IMO to bring it alive.

I think you are quite right on this PP as The Audiolab and Leema are very neutral sounding , adding a third party ( speakers ) will need to be on the warm side , i tend to listen to a lot of acoustic guitar based music ,so Leema and Audiolab suit my music tastes . Re -reading Atc reviews on their sheer neutrality,would probably suck the life out of my setup .Thanks !

 

[plastic penguin]

cheers pp and cno , i have a ssav store about 20 miles from me i could demo pmc and kef .I would have to travel further for Atc's . If they were worthwhile considering .

They are very worthwhile considering. If there is a chance that your tastes will be to avoid colouration from your speakers, then go and audition them. Take it from there.

Contrary to most people's views are regarding me and ATCs, I have to say when I've heard the SCM11s they were very good. However, given the OP's system (bright + bright) I think the neutrality of ATCs just may make it sound little too sterile. The Leema needs a bit of colour or smoothness IMO to bring it alive.

I think you are quite right on this PP as The Audiolab and Leema are very neutral sounding , adding a third party ( speakers ) will need to be on the warm side , i tend to listen to a lot of acoustic guitar based music ,so Leema and Audiolab suit my music tastes . Re -reading Atc reviews on their sheer neutrality,would probably suck the life out of my setup .Thanks !

IMO an all neutral system is great for short listening but I'd find it too sterile over longer periods.

When are you planning a dem?

 

[damonster]

Hopefully the end of the month .

 

[damonster]

Hopefully the end of the month .

 

[plastic penguin]

Hopefully the end of the month .

Good stuff. I honestly think the DB1is tick pretty much all the boxes with the Leema.They have great HFs, fairly smooth midband and the bass is big for the size of boxes; the soundstage and imaging is superb for their size.

I'm sure technically the LS50 will be better but as we all know the very best doesn't necessarily make the best system.

Keep us updated.

Good luck.

 

[mpapo]

I have owned both the ATC SCM 11 and Kef LS 50. I much preferred the Kef"s. More detailed, bigger soundstage, better bass response, clarity, responiveness. For me the choice would be absolutely clear, the Kef is a wonderful speaker.

 

[BigH]

Hopefully the end of the month .

Good stuff. I honestly think the DB1is tick pretty much all the boxes with the Leema.They have great HFs, fairly smooth midband and the bass is big for the size of boxes; the soundstage and imaging is superb for their size.

I'm sure technically the LS50 will be better but as we all know the very best doesn't necessarily make the best system.

Keep us updated.

Good luck.

I tried the DB1s before the LS50s and I did not like the DB1s they sounded cold and sterile. The LS50s were much warmer to my ears more natural and musical.

 

[damonster]

I am taking a 3 hour journey tomorrow, to Fanthorpes in Hull to demo Kef ls50 and Pmc Db1i s .

Last week i had a demo of the Ls50 and were pretty impressive . I am getting a £300 trade in off my old xeros , so i will still have to shell out £ 500 to complete a purchase

. I want to put to rest that i have finally purchased some speakers and know that i have to spend a lot more to better. Will let you all know on what i decided on .

 

[p_m_brown]

I'd have a listen to the R100 and R300 while you are there. I prefer my R100s to the LS50s...

Happy listening!

 

[damonster]

I'd have a listen to the R100 and R300 while you are there. I prefer my R100s to the LS50s...

Happy listening!

What did you like about the R100 that made you choose them over the LS50s?

 

[g777o]

I am taking a 3 hour journey tomorrow, to Fanthorpes in Hull to demo Kef ls50 and Pmc Db1i s .

Last week i had a demo of the Ls50 and were pretty impressive . I am getting a £300 trade in off my old xeros , so i will still have to shell out £ 500 to complete a purchase

. I want to put to rest that i have finally purchased some speakers and know that i have to spend a lot more to better. Will let you all know on what i decided on .

Have you come across any other dealers which let you trade in your existing speakers? Seems like a nice stress free way of upgrading.

 

[damonster]

I am taking a 3 hour journey tomorrow, to Fanthorpes in Hull to demo Kef ls50 and Pmc Db1i s .

Last week i had a demo of the Ls50 and were pretty impressive . I am getting a £300 trade in off my old xeros , so i will still have to shell out £ 500 to complete a purchase

. I want to put to rest that i have finally purchased some speakers and know that i have to spend a lot more to better. Will let you all know on what i decided on .

Have you come across any other dealers which let you trade in your existing speakers? Seems like a nice stress free way of upgrading.

I think trade ins will depend on which dealer and what brand you are trading in ie do they deal with that brand or know that they could move it on .

 

[plastic penguin]

I am taking a 3 hour journey tomorrow, to Fanthorpes in Hull to demo Kef ls50 and Pmc Db1i s .

Last week i had a demo of the Ls50 and were pretty impressive . I am getting a £300 trade in off my old xeros , so i will still have to shell out £ 500 to complete a purchase

. I want to put to rest that i have finally purchased some speakers and know that i have to spend a lot more to better. Will let you all know on what i decided on .

Good luck tomorrow.

Make sure you have discs or music you are familiar with.

 

[p_m_brown]

I found them a lot warmer and fuller sounding. They seemed to have more composure and better separation too.

There are plenty of people who think I am crazy for not liking them, but that is the personal nature of hifi I guess.

 

[hoopsontoast]

Alternative idea, I would suggest the SCM7 with a small subwoofer for about the same price as the SCM11. I found the little BK Gemini II to work well with small, sealed monitors.

Gives you a little more flexibility with regards to bass levels at low/mid volumes. And I prefer the 7 to the 11 anyway, better soundstage definition and better integration between the mid-bass and tweeter. IMO, IME, YMMV etc etc

 

[damonster]

I am taking a 3 hour journey tomorrow, to Fanthorpes in Hull to demo Kef ls50 and Pmc Db1i s .

Last week i had a demo of the Ls50 and were pretty impressive . I am getting a £300 trade in off my old xeros , so i will still have to shell out £ 500 to complete a purchase.

. I want to put to rest that i have finally purchased some speakers and know that i have to spend a lot more to better. Will let you all know on what i decided on .

I travelled up to Hull yesterday ,Early start to the day and arrived at 10.30 am . I met a sales guy called Steve in fanthorpes who was very chatty and freindly.

We went up to the demo room on the top floor of the building , where he had 2 systems set up. one was an all Arcam set up and the other was an all Cyrus set up with a Cyrus streamer.4 sets of stands , 2 with Kef Ls50 and 2 with Pmc Db1i's side by side.

We first listened to Radiohead the bends on the Kef Ls50 with the Cyrus system .I once again i had a taste of the Kefs in which i was 99% convinced I would be taking home from the demo that i had had a week before.

I think the way the Kefs work so well is the the way they seem intergrate the bass ,midrange and top end so seamlessly. When i very first heard the Kefs at very low volume i thought the music sounded very compressed .Start to crank the volume up and ohh no , what you realise is that its not compressed it just fills in all the gaps between bass ,mids and top end so seamlesly linking all three it like its almost all one sound and every small detail in the recording is brought up before you in a glorious wide soudstage .I have never heard speakers intergrate so well.

Next up I wanted to hear some female vocals ,so put some Adele on with the Kefs and switched between Cyrus and Arcam so i could familiarise myself with speakers brand sound.

We then switched speakers to Pmc Db1i's .Pmc's house sound soon became apparent compared to Kefs , Not as detailed midrange but warmer to my ears. A big smile appeared on my face the tonal ballance was lush , Detailed smooth bass and midrange. I found that the Kefs midrange sounded a bit too sharp and metalic ( in your face ) compared to the Pmc's. I wouldnt of realised this unless i could have switched speakers over so quickly. Playing some Fleetwood Mac on the Pmc's my foot starting tapping , These little boxes just sounded so damn musical.

Steve suggested throwing something else into the mix ,so we tried some Neat Motive 3 . These are very good speakers I think sound wise they are somewhere in between the sound of the Ls50's and Db1i's well worth an audition but i just seemed to be hooked on the Pmc sound.

Then tried MA Gx50 speakers ,the ribbon tweeters produce lovelly highs but the overall sound didnt seem to have enough character for me , just too clean sounding . I just wanted to hear the Pmc's again .

We tried the Ls50's one more time , then i knew ...I just wanted to hear that Pmc sound.

I can see why so many people on here rate the Kefs so highly . Probably best in their class in what they do. I just felt that if i took them home i would spend the next year or two analyzing my music again instead of actually listening and enjoying it .

I never thought i would be saying this but I am now the proud owner of a walnut pair of Pmc Db1i's .These little gems are just so damn enjoyable to listen to . Set up last night and listening to Vampire Weekend halfway through the album and i noticed my foot was tapping , looking over at my missus her hand was tapping the side of the sofa and my four year old was tapping out drumbeats on her lap. Neither of them realised they were doing it .Thats when i knew that i had finally got things right.

This just underlines what most people on this forum say that if you want a system right for yourself . Don't buy blind ,go demo and trust your own ears.

Thanks to Ls50 owners for their input , and PP again for mentioning the Db1i's.

Also to Steve at Fanthorpes for his great service.

Im off now before this turns into an Oscars thankyou speach

Got some speakers to break in

 

[CnoEvil]

This just underlines what most people on this forum say that if you want a system right for yourself . Don't buy blind ,go demo and trust your own ears.

Thank you for sharing your experience......and that above sentence should be cast in stone.

 

[matt49]

I never thought i would be saying this but I am now the proud owner of a walnut pair of Pmc Db1i's .These little gems are just so damn enjoyable to listen to . Set up last night and listening to Vampire Weekend halfway through the album and i noticed my foot was tapping , looking over at my missus her hand was tapping the side of the sofa and my four year old was tapping out drumbeats on her lap. Neither of them realised they were doing it .Thats when i knew that i had finally got things right.

Great result, and thanks for posting the detailed report. Sounds like you have a fine system there.

 

[damonster]

This just underlines what most people on this forum say that if you want a system right for yourself . Don't buy blind ,go demo and trust your own ears.

Thank you for sharing your experience......and that above sentence should be cast in stone.

Cheers ! Cno

 

[plastic penguin]

I am taking a 3 hour journey tomorrow, to Fanthorpes in Hull to demo Kef ls50 and Pmc Db1i s .

Last week i had a demo of the Ls50 and were pretty impressive . I am getting a £300 trade in off my old xeros , so i will still have to shell out £ 500 to complete a purchase.

. I want to put to rest that i have finally purchased some speakers and know that i have to spend a lot more to better. Will let you all know on what i decided on .

I travelled up to Hull yesterday ,Early start to the day and arrived at 10.30 am . I met a sales guy called Steve in fanthorpes who was very chatty and freindly.

We went up to the demo room on the top floor of the building , where he had 2 systems set up. one was an all Arcam set up and the other was an all Cyrus set up with a Cyrus streamer.4 sets of stands , 2 with Kef Ls50 and 2 with Pmc Db1i's side by side.

We first listened to Radiohead the bends on the Kef Ls50 with the Cyrus system .I once again i had a taste of the Kefs in which i was 99% convinced I would be taking home from the demo that i had had a week before.

I think the way the Kefs work so well is the the way they seem intergrate the bass ,midrange and top end so seamlessly. When i very first heard the Kefs at very low volume i thought the music sounded very compressed .Start to crank the volume up and ohh no , what you realise is that its not compressed it just fills in all the gaps between bass ,mids and top end so seamlesly linking all three it like its almost all one sound and every small detail in the recording is brought up before you in a glorious wide soudstage .I have never heard speakers intergrate so well.

Next up I wanted to hear some female vocals ,so put some Adele on with the Kefs and switched between Cyrus and Arcam so i could familiarise myself with speakers brand sound.

We then switched speakers to Pmc Db1i's .Pmc's house sound soon became apparent compared to Kefs , Not as detailed midrange but warmer to my ears. A big smile appeared on my face the tonal ballance was lush , Detailed smooth bass and midrange. I found that the Kefs midrange sounded a bit too sharp and metalic ( in your face ) compared to the Pmc's. I wouldnt of realised this unless i could have switched speakers over so quickly. Playing some Fleetwood Mac on the Pmc's my foot starting tapping , These little boxes just sounded so damn musical.

Steve suggested throwing something else into the mix ,so we tried some Neat Motive 3 . These are very good speakers I think sound wise they are somewhere in between the sound of the Ls50's and Db1i's well worth an audition but i just seemed to be hooked on the Pmc sound.

Then tried MA Gx50 speakers ,the ribbon tweeters produce lovelly highs but the overall sound didnt seem to have enough character for me , just too clean sounding . I just wanted to hear the Pmc's again .

We tried the Ls50's one more time , then i knew ...I just wanted to hear that Pmc sound.

I can see why so many people on here rate the Kefs so highly . Probably best in their class in what they do. I just felt that if i took them home i would spend the next year or two analyzing my music again instead of actually listening and enjoying it .

I never thought i would be saying this but I am now the proud owner of a walnut pair of Pmc Db1i's .These little gems are just so damn enjoyable to listen to . Set up last night and listening to Vampire Weekend halfway through the album and i noticed my foot was tapping , looking over at my missus her hand was tapping the side of the sofa and my four year old was tapping out drumbeats on her lap. Neither of them realised they were doing it .Thats when i knew that i had finally got things right.

This just underlines what most people on this forum say that if you want a system right for yourself . Don't buy blind ,go demo and trust your own ears.

Thanks to Ls50 owners for their input , and PP again for mentioning the Db1i's.

Also to Steve at Fanthorpes for his great service.

Im off now before this turns into an Oscars thankyou speach

Got some speakers to break in

Great stuff. They'll sound the biz once you give it a few days to adjust.

 

[damonster]

I am taking a 3 hour journey tomorrow, to Fanthorpes in Hull to demo Kef ls50 and Pmc Db1i s .

Last week i had a demo of the Ls50 and were pretty impressive . I am getting a £300 trade in off my old xeros , so i will still have to shell out £ 500 to complete a purchase.

. I want to put to rest that i have finally purchased some speakers and know that i have to spend a lot more to better. Will let you all know on what i decided on .

I travelled up to Hull yesterday ,Early start to the day and arrived at 10.30 am . I met a sales guy called Steve in fanthorpes who was very chatty and freindly.

We went up to the demo room on the top floor of the building , where he had 2 systems set up. one was an all Arcam set up and the other was an all Cyrus set up with a Cyrus streamer.4 sets of stands , 2 with Kef Ls50 and 2 with Pmc Db1i's side by side.

We first listened to Radiohead the bends on the Kef Ls50 with the Cyrus system .I once again i had a taste of the Kefs in which i was 99% convinced I would be taking home from the demo that i had had a week before.

I think the way the Kefs work so well is the the way they seem intergrate the bass ,midrange and top end so seamlessly. When i very first heard the Kefs at very low volume i thought the music sounded very compressed .Start to crank the volume up and ohh no , what you realise is that its not compressed it just fills in all the gaps between bass ,mids and top end so seamlesly linking all three it like its almost all one sound and every small detail in the recording is brought up before you in a glorious wide soudstage .I have never heard speakers intergrate so well.

Next up I wanted to hear some female vocals ,so put some Adele on with the Kefs and switched between Cyrus and Arcam so i could familiarise myself with speakers brand sound.

We then switched speakers to Pmc Db1i's .Pmc's house sound soon became apparent compared to Kefs , Not as detailed midrange but warmer to my ears. A big smile appeared on my face the tonal ballance was lush , Detailed smooth bass and midrange. I found that the Kefs midrange sounded a bit too sharp and metalic ( in your face ) compared to the Pmc's. I wouldnt of realised this unless i could have switched speakers over so quickly. Playing some Fleetwood Mac on the Pmc's my foot starting tapping , These little boxes just sounded so damn musical.

Steve suggested throwing something else into the mix ,so we tried some Neat Motive 3 . These are very good speakers I think sound wise they are somewhere in between the sound of the Ls50's and Db1i's well worth an audition but i just seemed to be hooked on the Pmc sound.

Then tried MA Gx50 speakers ,the ribbon tweeters produce lovelly highs but the overall sound didnt seem to have enough character for me , just too clean sounding . I just wanted to hear the Pmc's again .

We tried the Ls50's one more time , then i knew ...I just wanted to hear that Pmc sound.

I can see why so many people on here rate the Kefs so highly . Probably best in their class in what they do. I just felt that if i took them home i would spend the next year or two analyzing my music again instead of actually listening and enjoying it .

I never thought i would be saying this but I am now the proud owner of a walnut pair of Pmc Db1i's .These little gems are just so damn enjoyable to listen to . Set up last night and listening to Vampire Weekend halfway through the album and i noticed my foot was tapping , looking over at my missus her hand was tapping the side of the sofa and my four year old was tapping out drumbeats on her lap. Neither of them realised they were doing it .Thats when i knew that i had finally got things right.

This just underlines what most people on this forum say that if you want a system right for yourself . Don't buy blind ,go demo and trust your own ears.

Thanks to Ls50 owners for their input , and PP again for mentioning the Db1i's.

Also to Steve at Fanthorpes for his great service.

Im off now before this turns into an Oscars thankyou speach

Got some speakers to break in

Great stuff. They'll sound the biz once you give it a few days to adjust.

Thanks PP , Well worth the 360 mile round trip . Will let you know if i notice any improvement over the next few days.

 

[plastic penguin]

Also, let us know how the DB1s compare to the Xeros. That's one thing I'd be interested in, as I've not heard them before.

Cheers, pp

 

[ABM78]

Thats exactly why I love my Leema/Dynaudio combination for that same reason the toe tapping enjoyable sound. Often thought about PMC as an alternative but where I live I can only buy blind or fly 4 hours to another part of the country! Happy for you and your new purchase!

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

Thats exactly why I love my Leema/Dynaudio combination for that same reason the toe tapping enjoyable sound. Often thought about PMC as an alternative but where I live I can only buy blind or fly 4 hours to another part of the country! Happy for you and your new purchase!

The Dyns X12 give so much pleasure to listen to! They are a real joy, give me chills some times.

:cheers:

 

[plastic penguin]

Thats exactly why I love my Leema/Dynaudio combination for that same reason the toe tapping enjoyable sound. Often thought about PMC as an alternative but where I live I can only buy blind or fly 4 hours to another part of the country! Happy for you and your new purchase!

The Dyns X12 give so much pleasure to listen to! They are a real joy, give me chills some times.

:cheers:

I think he's only using the Leema as a preamp. He did have a Quad AFAICR, although doesn't show it on his sig.