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dissapointed - new LS50w's vs old PioneerFS52's/Luxman R113 - so far Kef's not so great?

windows pc system,
listened an hour thus far, the Kef's are sitting on top of the Pioneers, straddling a computer desk, at the moment Kef's are usb connected and the luxman feeds into the pc via 3.5mm so I can kind of a/b
I plan on getting iso acoustic pucks soon

gotta say quite underwhelmed thus far, maybe a touch more clarity and imaging from kefs, slightly crisper highs
bass is not really close much better on the pioneers

I've played around with the app just a bit, guessing the kefs need break in also?
getting swan m300's next but not before I'm sure I've given the kefs a thorough workout over a few hundred hours
thoughts/advice?


audiocanada
turnbowm
353 posts
 
I've owned KEF LS50s for several years and found that they are quite sensitive to the equipment they're partnered with. Impedance drops below 4 ohms at low frequencies and you need an amp with good current capability to hear them at their best. If you have room problems (wall reflections, etc.), you will definitely hear them with the LS50s, but that's true of most highly-resolving speakers. As with most small standmount speakers, a good subwoofer is required for bass response below 50Hz.

For me, they offer a musical experience that is unmatched at their price point. 
steve59's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
steve59
1,759 posts
 
I think people read the class a rating of the speakers and expect more than a single 51/2" woofer in a small box is going to be able to deliver. Toe in with uniq drivers is also critical with regard to distance from side walls and room treatments.  
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
LS50's are the poster child for why one should never believe "professional" reviews.
itzhak1969
515 posts
 
I heard the Kef Blade 2 the flagship speakers and I can't say I was impressed , they have a unique sound signature which overshadow the recording and their bass was completely unstable sometimes to week sometimes too overhang .
rugyboogie
199 posts
 
@ audiocanadaHave the LS50 passive and they need a break in period of 200-300 hours.Have made some heavy trapezoid concrete stands for the Kef's. Have had them powered with a variety of amplifiers ranging from a Nait 5, NAD 3020, darTZeel, Wyetech Topaz 211 and a Classe DR-3b. The speaker is a keeper in my books. You are welcome to stop by for a listen. The LS50 are a good speaker which reveal any shortcoming of the upfront gear.
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