KEF ls50 meta’s are on the way

@patrickdowns

@KENJIT never disappoints. :) LOL
The engineers at KEF have a lot more work to do before they can impress a master audiophile such as myself.



Yes, thanks for pointing it out.

Can’t let a gem like that slip by.

Definitely worth taking a screenshot of.

Beautiful work kenjit, you dare to say out loud what many others would dare not.

Hey mapman,

I’m thinking about getting a pair of LS50 Meta’s and read most of this thread.  I have some questions for you.
Are you still happy with them?What equipment have you tried and what are you currently using?
How long was break in?
I’ve heard they’re a bit bright and I might want to put tubes somewhere into my setup.  What do you think?
 How far from the wall is the sweet spot?

I’m sure I’ll think of more later. 😀

Thanks in advance.

JD

@curiousjim

Yes still very happy.
Have only run them off my main system which is powered by Bel canto ref1000m monoblocks. They should do well off most any good quality SS amp. I would not run them off a tube amp. Not designed for that really.

I do use them with a Audio Research sp16 tube preamp. About 1/3 of the way into the room which is only 12x12. Also a Klipsch sw308 powered sub though the bass in that room is quite suitable without but that does help fill in the lowest octave.


Personal preferences aside, they are top notch for their size. Very insightful but not bright. Just detailed and dynamic. Great with transients. The music can startle you when it first starts in conjunction with a dead quiet noise floor.
Their size is their limitation. I would not use them in a large room and I find they are best if volume level stays modest. I seldom would ever go over 85db SPL at one meter distance listening approximately. I have larger full range speakers for that.


Within their limits they are hard to beat IMHO. Top notch for the size and cost.

@mapman  - Just wanted to share an experience.

I've had my LS50s (non Metas) for a few years at my old place (1st in a 12' x 15' den, then my 10' x 12' office) and just over a year at my new place (1st in my 13' x 16' office then in the 15' x 19' living room). 

All setups were/are run with 4 subwoofers.

Then, a few months ago, I set them up in a square room a little larger than yours at 14' 6'' x 14' 6'' with 9' ceiling.  Thickly padded wall to wall with minor room treatments.

They sounded the worst in there until I set them up diagonally.  
After minor placement tweaking, they sound much better than I have ever heard in any other room. 

Better imaging and bigger sound stage, among other improvements I am still wrapping my head around.

Interestingly, my LRS also sound better in some ways set up diagonally in there.

Would be curious of your findings with the Metas should you try this out.

@curiousjim --

**KEF dealer disclaimer**

Just wanted to add a couple a quick things for your questions....  The Metas are not super troublesome with room setup.  If you need to run them somewhat close to a wall, they will work (especially when utilizing port plugs if super close).  Of course a little breathing room is generally a good thing with "most speakers", so if you can bring them out a bit into the room, certainly try it.
I don't really consider the Metas to be "bright" in sound.  You can add tubes somewhere in the chain if you desire (one of my favorite combos here is a Rogue Cronus Mag with my Meta demos), but it's not necessary if you don't want to play around with tubes.  There are plenty of great sounding solid state options that work well with the Metas.

As Mapman noted, due to their size, they do have some limitations to overall volume and large room size.  But they really are fun speakers, and play well above their price point (IMHO).

Hope this helps!

Taylor
www.goldprintaudio.com