The TRUTH about the KEF LS 50

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

The biggest change for the better that I've noticed in the evolution of my system was how much more musically engaging the change from Arcam to MF made it. There is more to it than just distortion. But clearly the MA speakers couldn't let everything shine through, so it's swings and roundabouts. It seems logical to me that when the balance strays too far, you're likely not to be getting the best result for a given outlay.

 

[nopiano]

The KEF LS50 is supposed to be a giant killer! It should easily be able to beat an LS35a.

That it most assuredly does, except for those who possess a nostalgia for 25 watt van monitors.

 

[Deleted member 116933]

The biggest change for the better that I've noticed in the evolution of my system was how much more musically engaging the change from Arcam to MF made it. There is more to it than just distortion. But clearly the MA speakers couldn't let everything shine through, so it's swings and roundabouts. It seems logical to me that when the balance strays too far, you're likely not to be getting the best result for a given outlay.

Distortion is like the god particle to some. The only number that really matters on a spec sheet is the transformers VA number

and agree its all about balance.

 

[Surly Sid]

Another bad review:

https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/ife61w

View: https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/ife61w/i_listened_to_the_kef_ls50_speakers_but_im_not/

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Who cares? It doesn't seem that bad, or even to be what I would consider a 'review'.

I think we'd be suggesting to anyone who was considering them that they go and listen. This is getting a bit boring - going on about a particular product in one thread is one thing, but when it's all a contributor ever does it's quite another...

Besides, there's no opinion so crackpot that you won't find adherents to it on the internet, so I repeat: who cares?

 

[matthewpiano]

Repeating @12th Monkey's reply, who cares??!!

That 'review' is badly written, and seems to expect the LS50s to create magic from a pretty rough recording.

 

[TrevC]

I agree with regard to amplifier and speakers, as long as the amplifier delivers enough current to the chosen speakers, but I still believe to some extent in Linn's rubbish in rubbish out philosophy. If the source isn't good enough to provide all the information in the first place, nothing down the chain can change that, although it is more of an issue with vinyl than CD or high resolution digital sources.

That's a little confused because you flipped from discussing amplifiers to talking about sources. My point is that powerful amplifiers with inaudible distortion levels are available cheaply because electronics is cheap, so an inexpensive amp can more than comfortably drive expensive speakers.

 

[TrevC]

Another bad review:

https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/ife61w

View: https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/ife61w/i_listened_to_the_kef_ls50_speakers_but_im_not/

Yes, that review is bad. He should have listened to music.

 

[matthewpiano]

That's a little confused because you flipped from discussing amplifiers to talking about sources. My point is that powerful amplifiers with inaudible distortion levels are available cheaply because electronics is cheap, so an inexpensive amp can more than comfortably drive expensive speakers.

I get your point, but there is still importance in remembering that spending the most of speakers isn't necessarily the best move. The source is every bit as important.

 

[PrylarSwe]

There is a reason why there is so many LS50 on second hand market. You are guessing right - many buyers regret the purchase. I've listened LS50 in a small and in a large room. Driven by small, fine class A amps and large expensive beasts. Even with a middle sized Naim pre/power combo which usually sounds good with any (good) speaker. Played vinyl on LP12 and played hires digital formats from quality sources. For me the results were of course slightly different with different equipment and space, but these two things were always there - LS50 cannot be used without a sub. If you like female voices do not get this speaker, it can not play female voices correctly. I would not call this "truth" but if you are using LS50 and you are not noticing these two (for me - major) flaws then you can get ANY pair of speakers and they will sound good to your ears.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

WHF are certainly not alone in their glowing review:

KEF LS50 Review | SoundVisionReview

KEF's anniversary model, the LS50, is a visually gorgeous speaker with equally glorious sound. Rarely has a compact mini-monitor of this size sounded so amazingly good like these speakers from KEF. And at this price - it´s and absolute recommendation!

www.soundvisionreview.com

 

[matthewpiano]

There is a reason why there is so many LS50 on second hand market. You are guessing right - many buyers regret the purchase. I've listened LS50 in a small and in a large room. Driven by small, fine class A amps and large expensive beasts. Even with a middle sized Naim pre/power combo which usually sounds good with any (good) speaker. Played vinyl on LP12 and played hires digital formats from quality sources. For me the results were of course slightly different with different equipment and space, but these two things were always there - LS50 cannot be used without a sub. If you like female voices do not get this speaker, it can not play female voices correctly. I would not call this "truth" but if you are using LS50 and you are not noticing these two (for me - major) flaws then you can get ANY pair of speakers and they will sound good to your ears.

That's your opinion, to which you are entitled, but the LS50s can handle female voices when matched and set-up properly.
They are also as capable as any stand mount of working well without a sub. It would be interesting if you could elaborate, with some musical examples and with some details on how you feel these 'shortcomings' manifest.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Matthew, I suspect you're wasting your time there!

It's strange how often someone promoting a fringe view is suddenly and completely supported by a mysterious new arrival!

 

[Paul.]

There is a lot of everything on eBay at the moment, probably because so many people experiencing financial hardship and the people who aren’t are bored senseless and box switching.If you think these sales are because KEF have been “found out” there are plenty of alternative possibilities.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

There is a lot of everything on eBay at the moment, probably because so many people experiencing financial hardship and the people who aren’t are bored senseless and box switching.If you think these sales are because KEF have been “found out” there are plenty of alternative possibilities.

Plus they were first released in 2012 weren’t they? So they are bound to be on eBay now.

 

[Deleted member 116933]

this is already getting way more attention than it needs TBH

 

[nopiano]

Plus they were first released in 2012 weren’t they? So they are bound to be on eBay now.

True, and I’ve always thought that their ‘giant killer’ reviews probably tempted many who knew they could resell.

I bought a nearly new pair about 18 months ago for £550. (The first owner had got them for a surround system, but switched to floorstanders, plus Atmos)

They were a great listen, and I could have lived with them if I had to do without my ATCs. The plan was to use them in a second system, but realistically that was some way off - my study needs a huge clear out! - so I sold them for the same money via another forum.

I would have them again any time, especially the new Metas. I suspect they appreciated the decent source and amplifier.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

True, and I’ve always thought that their ‘giant killer’ reviews probably tempted many who knew they could resell.

I bought a nearly new pair about 18 months ago for £550. (The first owner had got them for a surround system, but switched to floorstanders, plus Atmos)

They were a great listen, and I could have lived with them if I had to do without my ATCs. The plan was to use them in a second system, but realistically that was some way off - my study needs a huge clear out! - so I sold them for the same money via another forum.

I would have them again any time, especially the new Metas. I suspect they appreciated the decent source and amplifier.

View attachment 1822

Nice.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

This bloke tells the truth about the KEF LS 50. It's amazing what a non "sponsored" (Cough cough paid reviewer) will say about a product. 2012 What Hifi product of the year my ***!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkCL2ZLwaLg

You do realise you are picking upon one of the most loved speakers on the Internet forums ever?

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Red rag > Bull.

 

[nopiano]

Red rag > Bull.

I’m not sure who is the rag and who is the bull. I’d love to know how many LS50s that KEF have actually sold. I suspect a lot!

 

[Surly Sid]

WHF are certainly not alone in their glowing review:

KEF LS50 Review | SoundVisionReview

KEF's anniversary model, the LS50, is a visually gorgeous speaker with equally glorious sound. Rarely has a compact mini-monitor of this size sounded so amazingly good like these speakers from KEF. And at this price - it´s and absolute recommendation!

www.soundvisionreview.com

There are a lot of bad reviews in forums. A simple Google search reveals the truth.

 

[Surly Sid]

I’m not sure who is the rag and who is the bull. I’d love to know how many LS50s that KEF have actually sold. I suspect a lot!

Of course they sold a lot. Mags like What Hifi and Stereophile BSed people into buying them. People bought LS50s thinking they were getting a giant killer, a Class A product that could compete with 50K$ speakers from Magico and Wilson.
How disappointed they were... That is why the used market is flooded with used LS50s and has been for years.

 

[Surly Sid]

You do realise you are picking upon one of the most loved speakers on the Internet forums ever?

There are a lot of LS50 owners in denial. They don't want to admit they have been had.

 

[Surly Sid]

Matthew, I suspect you're wasting your time there!

It's strange how often someone promoting a fringe view is suddenly and completely supported by a mysterious new arrival!

If you are suggesting we are the same person, you are wrong.