I wanted to buy the KEF LS50 Wireless2 but I see the LS50 Meta are much cheaper. I have a Marrantz PM6005 and a chromecast audio (this is all I need to stream). Is it worth the money to spend an extra £1250?
Can LS50 Meta paired with a good DAC/AMP combo perform better than the LS50 Wireless II or should I just go with the flow and buy the wireless version?
What are those features and how do they apply to my use case? (The DAC I use already has streaming features built-in, has Roon support and has it's own app to control when necessary)
I’m more familiar with the previous generation passives and wireless, and there’s little doubt in my mind that on day 1 the wireless can yield better sound.
However, I’m less confident how it’ll be five years hence, when the passives will still be great and give their best with any fine amplifier, whereas what updates and redundancy will occur with the Wireless version is speculation.
On that basis, if you swap every few years get the Wireless, but if they’re keepers get the passives.
+1 🙂I’m more familiar with the previous generation passives and wireless, and there’s little doubt in my mind that on day 1 the wireless can yield better sound.
However, I’m less confident how it’ll be five years hence, when the passives will still be great and give their best with any fine amplifier, whereas what updates and redundancy will occur with the Wireless version is speculation.
On that basis, if you swap every few years get the Wireless, but if they’re keepers get the passives.
Digital audio and streaming is the fastest changing aspect of this hobby.The old audiophile Angst about redundancy.
Let's see, streaming technology has not changed much for years. Protocol updates can be made via updates. A good amplifier/speaker is still a good amplifier in 5 years.
That leaves whether you (me) can resist when the next 'best and greatest' is released ... or whether the manufacturer continues to support the product. - In the worst case scenario they don't but you still have a perfectly functional product until streaming technology completely changes and will not be backward compatible ... unlikely. That leaves future streaming services which may not be compatible if the manufacturer does not support the product anymore ... . There are (and will be) plenty of cheap streamers around which, as a Work around, can be connected.
That was for a 'worst case' scenario. You will not be left with a door stop.
Let's look at a more likely option; Any long standing manufacturer of mettle will continue to provide updates and support indefinitely. It doesnt cost them much to so. Updates will, at some stage, omit certain features that are reserved for 'the latest and greatest' ... that is to be expected.
Kef's original Wireless gets regular updates. The B&W Formation Duo does despite the app having been created by a part of Bowers & Wilkins that is not there anymore.
It will cost a manufacturer of good name potentially far more to abandon their customer base rather than providing a modicum of support.
Imho redundancy is a small factor compared to what you get.
It's usually our own desire for 'the latest ...' that is the issue and makes us spend money on first world stuff.
Digital audio and streaming is the fastest changing aspect of this hobby.
Not all manufacturers will keep up…or even want to! They would rather sell you the latest Mk2 version…..🙂