KEF LS50

Larrybou,

Am I interpreting your post correctly? Are you saying the top end is good but the problem is the lack of lower frequency response to balance the presentation?

Larrybou, did you indicate how large your room is?

I found ls50s lacking in a larger room but quite sufficient in a smaller 12X12 sunroom with vaulted ceiling.

If low end authority and extension is the issue, adding a sub or two will address that.

Generally, you need larger speakers with more or larger drivers for larger rooms. Yes, good ones will cost more. It cost more to fill a larger room with quality full range sound. Adding subs also provides flexibility in placement of subs versus main in order to maximize everything together. Larger speakers often need placement closer to walls in order to deliver bass in larger rooms. Close placement to walls usually works against soundstage, imaging and detail, so getting an ideal setup for everything can be a challenge with most any full range speakers versus monitors + sub(s).

Actually they're surprisingly coherent speakers top to bottom with the lower frequencies in balance with the upper. The problem I have (and it has to do with my own preferences) is the overall tonal balance top to bottom is just too bright for my liking.

Also they're not fully burned in so I expect that to improve though not be completely cured for my taste. Most people these days seem to go for super revealing sound and for the price these definitely won't disappoint if that's what you're looking for.

Though they're bright, they're not very sibilant. I don't find the tweeters to be the most refined, but I have a feeling that will also improve with a complete burn in.

Since my exchange window has hit 30 days at Amazon, I'll send them back - but other than the tonal balance they did a lot right.

I ended up buying Verity Parcifal Ovations on A-gon used for yes, about 5 times the price.

Actually I find the high and low end very coherent (as you'd expect from a single driver) and very well balanced. The balance actually very organic and correct.

And I don't find the output to be strained for the size of room they're in (15X20). My only real gripe is that they're on the tonally bright side - and the tweeters don't seem quite as refined as I'd like. The tweeters could continue to improve dramatically with further break in however.

But I'm not being fair either. I'm comparing this monitor speaker to high end floor standers I'm used to and hoping they'll do something similar for a fraction of the price.

Taking these for what they are; essentially monitors - you almost couldn't ask for more. Incredibly coherent 3D sound with amazing sound staging, imaging depth etc.

In fact after having the LS-50's in my system, I've come to hear how really good and capable my Cary Audio solid state amp is. I've had a prettier and richer sound from my former speakers, but never heard the kind of speed, nuance, air, imaging and staging I hear with the LS-50.

Yes the tonal balance is brighter than I prefer - that's how monitors are. Studio engineers need to hear every nuance and detail. Is it the fault of the LS-50's that they don't deliver the sound I'm used to from an entirely different type of speaker?

Not at all. In terms of a monitor speaker I'd give these an A+. The plus is because these also deliver a musicality, dynamic and involvement factor you don't usually get from even the best monitor speakers.

Has anyone found the lowest price for the Kefs on the internet? I see Amazon offers free shipping but full retail. Thanks..