Slickdeals is community-supported.  We may get paid by brands for deals, including promoted items.
Missed This Deal? Get alerts when similar deals are posted.
expired
expired
id10tsandwich 34.3K Views
Dec 24, 2022 6:14 AM

KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Carbon Black)

$1,131

$1,600

29% off
+ Free Shippingat Amazon
Visit Amazon

Why are you downvoting this deal?

Good Deal?
162Comments
Save
Share
Deal Details
Amazon has KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Carbon Black) on sale for $1,131.46. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Community Member id10tsandwich for sharing this deal.

Note: Price may fluctuate

Specs:
  • Design: Two-way bass reflex
  • Drive units:
    • HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome
    • MF/LF: 130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminum cone
  • Crossover frequency: 2.1 kHz
  • Frequency range (-6dB): 47 Hz - 45 kHz
  • Typical in-room bass response (-6dB): 26 Hz
  • Frequency response (±3dB): 79 Hz - 28 kHz
  • Harmonic distortion (90dB, 1m):
    • <0.4% 175 Hz - 20 kHz
    • <0.1% 300 Hz - 10 kHz
  • Maximum output: 106 dB
  • Amplifier power (recommended): 40-100 W
  • Nominal impedance: 8 Ω (min. 3,5 Ω)
  • Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 85 dB
  • Dimensions (HWD): 12" x 7.9" x 12.2"
  • Weight: 17.2 lbs.

Editor's Notes

Written by SubZero5 | Staff
  • About this Deal:
    • While supplies last.
    • Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon from over 200 reviews.
    • Rated 5 out of 5 at What Hi-Fi, 9.2 out of 10 at Hi-Fi Trends

Original Post

Written by id10tsandwich
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Amazon has KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Carbon Black) on sale for $1,131.46. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Community Member id10tsandwich for sharing this deal.

Note: Price may fluctuate

Specs:
  • Design: Two-way bass reflex
  • Drive units:
    • HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome
    • MF/LF: 130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminum cone
  • Crossover frequency: 2.1 kHz
  • Frequency range (-6dB): 47 Hz - 45 kHz
  • Typical in-room bass response (-6dB): 26 Hz
  • Frequency response (±3dB): 79 Hz - 28 kHz
  • Harmonic distortion (90dB, 1m):
    • <0.4% 175 Hz - 20 kHz
    • <0.1% 300 Hz - 10 kHz
  • Maximum output: 106 dB
  • Amplifier power (recommended): 40-100 W
  • Nominal impedance: 8 Ω (min. 3,5 Ω)
  • Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 85 dB
  • Dimensions (HWD): 12" x 7.9" x 12.2"
  • Weight: 17.2 lbs.

Editor's Notes

Written by SubZero5 | Staff
  • About this Deal:
    • While supplies last.
    • Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon from over 200 reviews.
    • Rated 5 out of 5 at What Hi-Fi, 9.2 out of 10 at Hi-Fi Trends

Original Post

Written by id10tsandwich

Community Voting

Deal Score
+41
Good Deal
Bad Deal

Why are you downvoting this deal?

Visit Amazon

Top Comments

sr2002
172Comments
58Reputation
Just a PSA for those who don't already know. The KEF LS50 (including Metas) have been notoriously picky with the type of amplifier they are paired with. These speakers require high power as their impedence goes pretty high in the mid and low frequencies. They tend to sound thin and harsh if paired with cheap Class D amps from a receiver or cheaper amps in general that dont have the ability to provide high current on-demand.

Would highly recommend Class AB amps with these speakers to get the best out of them. Example: Rotel RB-1552 or RA-1572; Arcam SA20 or higher; Monolith 2x200watt amp or higher; McIntosh MC152 (have personal experience with this one and sounds amazing with the LS50s). Etc.
Go to Comment
greenwich
993Comments
232Reputation
I'm a KEF fan but these speakers are not for everyone. You need a good amp + a good subwoofer. You'll be in for a disappointment if you don't do the pairing correctly. Previous comment did mention the amps, but i would skip the Rotel and Monolith. They r bright amps. Bright amp + bright speakers = ear bleed. Get warmer amps like Arcam SA20, Marantz 40n. And yes, big no-no to class D amps.
Go to Comment
LivelyThread9350
24Comments
10Reputation
I don't want to get into a debate here but this is absolutely wrong advice. All amps sound the same given they have enough current and low floor noise and distortion. Class D has come a long way, you can easily get your hands on sota class D amps like Purifi for $800.

This deal is cracking though, have been very happy with my metas being drive by a 18 yr old receiver. To reach 90DB SPL at 1m distance, you only need 8W of power to drive these (just use any power calc). Don't let anyone try to sell you audiofool bs.
Would recommend getting a sub if its for a larger space.
Go to Comment

Join The Conversation

Share your experience with the Slickdeals community

Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!

162 Comments

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Dec 24, 2022 4:52 PM
172 Comments
Joined Nov 2015
sr2002Dec 24, 2022 4:52 PM
172 Comments

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank

Just a PSA for those who don't already know. The KEF LS50 (including Metas) have been notoriously picky with the type of amplifier they are paired with. These speakers require high power as their impedence goes pretty high in the mid and low frequencies. They tend to sound thin and harsh if paired with cheap Class D amps from a receiver or cheaper amps in general that dont have the ability to provide high current on-demand.

Would highly recommend Class AB amps with these speakers to get the best out of them. Example: Rotel RB-1552 or RA-1572; Arcam SA20 or higher; Monolith 2x200watt amp or higher; McIntosh MC152 (have personal experience with this one and sounds amazing with the LS50s). Etc.
1
6
Dec 24, 2022 5:17 PM
993 Comments
Joined Dec 2013
greenwichDec 24, 2022 5:17 PM
993 Comments
I'm a KEF fan but these speakers are not for everyone. You need a good amp + a good subwoofer. You'll be in for a disappointment if you don't do the pairing correctly. Previous comment did mention the amps, but i would skip the Rotel and Monolith. They r bright amps. Bright amp + bright speakers = ear bleed. Get warmer amps like Arcam SA20, Marantz 40n. And yes, big no-no to class D amps.
4
Dec 24, 2022 5:47 PM
69 Comments
Joined Oct 2020
BrightCaption3906Dec 24, 2022 5:47 PM
69 Comments
This is the lowest I have seen the Metas, but the prior generation used to drop down to $900 for their big sale. I was hoping the Metas would too. I'm still considering them as some people really love this speaker for it's if it is paired up with the right gear and I have always like the aesthetics of them.
Dec 24, 2022 5:59 PM
4.1K Comments
Joined Dec 2004
XtracheeseDec 24, 2022 5:59 PM
4.1K Comments
Thx for the comments all. I am a KEF fan but was unaware of the pairing notes. I'd been contemplating these for my man cave but def not running one of those amps.
Dec 24, 2022 6:03 PM
4.1K Comments
Joined Dec 2004
XtracheeseDec 24, 2022 6:03 PM
4.1K Comments
Quote from Xtracheese View quoted comment :
Thx for the comments all. I am a KEF fan but was unaware of the pairing notes. I'd been contemplating these for my man cave but def not running one of those amps.
Wow, I didn't realize McIntosh gear had gotten this expensive. Think an integrated would be enough oomph? My separates days were over when I got married. Smilie
Dec 24, 2022 6:34 PM
1.4K Comments
Joined Mar 2004
waltsniderDec 24, 2022 6:34 PM
1.4K Comments
You'd maybe want to mention that these are speakers. I had no clue personally, but maybe I'm just dumb.
3
Dec 24, 2022 6:38 PM
3.1K Comments
Joined Jun 2006
luk350Dec 24, 2022 6:38 PM
3.1K Comments
Quote from greenwich View quoted comment :
I'm a KEF fan but these speakers are not for everyone. You need a good amp + a good subwoofer. You'll be in for a disappointment if you don't do the pairing correctly. Previous comment did mention the amps, but i would skip the Rotel and Monolith. They r bright amps. Bright amp + bright speakers = ear bleed. Get warmer amps like Arcam SA20, Marantz 40n. And yes, big no-no to class D amps.
I second this. LS50 very picky for proper amplification. After all i sold them and got LS50 wireless. They still one of my favorites for listening music. Highly recommend auditioning any LS50 before making final decision.
1

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Dec 24, 2022 6:46 PM
5.3K Comments
Joined Dec 2009
SDSummerDayDec 24, 2022 6:46 PM
5.3K Comments
consider the cost of the AMP to drive them, the LS wireless is a better deal
2
Dec 24, 2022 6:52 PM
528 Comments
Joined May 2019
Matrix80Dec 24, 2022 6:52 PM
528 Comments
Quote from sr2002 View quoted comment :
Just a PSA for those who don't already know. The KEF LS50 (including Metas) have been notoriously picky with the type of amplifier they are paired with. These speakers require high power as their impedence goes pretty high in the mid and low frequencies. They tend to sound thin and harsh if paired with cheap Class D amps from a receiver or cheaper amps in general that dont have the ability to provide high current on-demand.

Would highly recommend Class AB amps with these speakers to get the best out of them. Example: Rotel RB-1552 or RA-1572; Arcam SA20 or higher; Monolith 2x200watt amp or higher; McIntosh MC152 (have personal experience with this one and sounds amazing with the LS50s). Etc.
I'm completely with my PC speakers which are LS50W II's. No worries about amp selection. It goes through a simple USB to Coaxial adapter for full resolution. For me I've never felt it lacked bass, for this scenario.

KEF makes great speakers. I used to have R11's but traded them for Revel F228Be's. Much nicer sounding on my McIntosh MA352. I'll probably switch up to the F328's or 802D3, but the latter requires a huge WAF approval.
Dec 24, 2022 6:53 PM
403 Comments
Joined Nov 2003
ryewoodsDec 24, 2022 6:53 PM
403 Comments
A bit inefficient, and because of the small woofer distorts at higher volumes, but overall excellent, and this is a solid price for a speaker at this performance level. Some measurements for data nerds are over at audiosciencereview.com.
Last edited by ryewoods December 24, 2022 at 11:00 AM.
Dec 24, 2022 6:54 PM
1.2K Comments
Joined Jan 2011
SolariumDec 24, 2022 6:54 PM
1.2K Comments
I feel like the wireless version is a better option for most people who don't have the right amps to drive these. They're amazing as computer speakers.
Pro
Dec 24, 2022 7:00 PM
9.4K Comments
Joined Jul 2005
fourml8r
Pro
Dec 24, 2022 7:00 PM
9.4K Comments
Quote from Matrix80 View quoted comment :
KEF makes great speakers. I used to have R11's but traded them for Revel F228Be's. Much nicer sounding on my McIntosh MA352. I'll probably switch up to the F328's or 802D3, but the latter requires a huge WAF approval.
I was all set for a pair of R11 when they were on sale earlier this year. Also did a demo of the Revel. I liked the Revel better than the R series, but was able to find a better deal on KEF Reference 1 for not that much more than the R11 and found those to be even more revealing.
Last edited by fourml8r December 24, 2022 at 11:03 AM.
1
Dec 24, 2022 7:09 PM
7.3K Comments
Joined Dec 2006
GavicaDec 24, 2022 7:09 PM
7.3K Comments
Quote from sr2002 View quoted comment :
Just a PSA for those who don't already know. The KEF LS50 (including Metas) have been notoriously picky with the type of amplifier they are paired with. These speakers require high power as their impedence goes pretty high in the mid and low frequencies. They tend to sound thin and harsh if paired with cheap Class D amps from a receiver or cheaper amps in general that dont have the ability to provide high current on-demand.

Would highly recommend Class AB amps with these speakers to get the best out of them. Example: Rotel RB-1552 or RA-1572; Arcam SA20 or higher; Monolith 2x200watt amp or higher; McIntosh MC152 (have personal experience with this one and sounds amazing with the LS50s). Etc.
Which you recommend?
Dec 24, 2022 7:09 PM
172 Comments
Joined Jun 2015
KonradUDec 24, 2022 7:09 PM
172 Comments
I am waiting for the unobtanium version, meta so yesterday...
1

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Dec 24, 2022 7:22 PM
9.9K Comments
Joined Oct 2008
DanzillaDec 24, 2022 7:22 PM
9.9K Comments
Good little speakers, but really think they're overpriced for what you're getting.
Last edited by Danzilla December 24, 2022 at 11:26 AM.
3

Join The Conversation

Share your experience with the Slickdeals community

Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!

Related Searches

Free ShippingTech & ElectronicsAudio / VideoSpeakersKEFAmazon