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id10tsandwich 34.4K Views
Dec 24, 2022 6:14 AM

KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Carbon Black)

$1,131

$1,600

29% off
+ Free Shippingat Amazon
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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

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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.
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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.
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162 Comments

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Dec 24, 2022 9:17 PM
2.3K Comments
Joined Feb 2010
MR_FLY_GUYDec 24, 2022 9:17 PM
2.3K Comments
Quote from Gavica View quoted comment :
Which you recommend?
I use a Sonos amp to power my KEF Q750s and they run amazingly. But that amp is about 600$
1
Dec 24, 2022 10:14 PM
3.1K Comments
Joined Jun 2006
luk350Dec 24, 2022 10:14 PM
3.1K Comments
Quote from kabukicho View quoted comment :
Wireless version, as in via Bluetooth would it be?

Say laptop bluetooth audio to this? (but the wireless speakers need an amp is that right)
Quote from darkestwhite View quoted comment :
If these were active airplay speakers I might be more interested.. Otherwise a pair of Sonos Fives will be more practical.
Quote from JackDiesel14 View quoted comment :
Ugh. I was hoping to go simple and use a Sonos Amp for them. At 125W per channel it's on the high side of amplification but it's a class D amp.
LS50 wireless are powered speakers:
Uni-Q Driver Array:
LF: 130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminium cone powered by 280W Class D amp
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome powered by 100W Class AB amp

AirPlay 2
Google Chromecast
ROON Ready
UPnP Compatible
Bluetooth 4.2

For all tech specs visit KEF site.

On the negative side, KEF app sux big time IMHO.
Dec 24, 2022 10:16 PM
158 Comments
Joined May 2014
ilumoDec 24, 2022 10:16 PM
158 Comments
Quote from kabukicho View quoted comment :
Wireless version, as in via Bluetooth would it be?

Say laptop bluetooth audio to this? (but the wireless speakers need an amp is that right)
Wireless as it has built in amp, dac and other accessories to allow you to just plug it in to power and everything else can be done over Bluetooth, AirPlay, etc. I have the ver II wireless's since they came out on my PC setup. I have it paired up with some JL audio 8" subs and the sound is awesome. That said they removed the usb port (version 1 had it) so direct connect to Pc is not ideal. So for any master audio files I just stream it directly to the speakers wirelessly.
Dec 24, 2022 10:25 PM
26.7K Comments
Joined May 2006
namlookDec 24, 2022 10:25 PM
26.7K 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.
For simplicity in a man cave I'd get the LS50 wireless II. It has a built in amp that is perfectly matched to the speakers, will sound amazing, and it's in a nice compact design.
Dec 24, 2022 10:45 PM
695 Comments
Joined Aug 2010
jsuh0Dec 24, 2022 10:45 PM
695 Comments
Quote from JackDiesel14 View quoted comment :
Ugh. I was hoping to go simple and use a Sonos Amp for them. At 125W per channel it's on the high side of amplification but it's a class D amp.
I run my Metas with the Sonos Amp in my bedroom. Sounds perfectly fine to my ears with Sonos One SLs as surrounds.
Dec 24, 2022 10:53 PM
2.4K Comments
Joined Oct 2006
samgotitDec 24, 2022 10:53 PM
2.4K Comments
1,113.90 now

Anyone playing with rolling amps and speakers needs this and the ability to level match:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093GSS...ct_details

It's the only way you can actually know. All else is parroting youtube or just straight horse shit.
Last edited by samgotit December 24, 2022 at 03:32 PM.
Dec 24, 2022 11:02 PM
26.7K Comments
Joined May 2006
namlookDec 24, 2022 11:02 PM
26.7K Comments
Quote from jsuh0 View quoted comment :
I run my Metas with the Sonos Amp in my bedroom. Sounds perfectly fine to my ears with Sonos One SLs as surrounds.
Less than ideal amps will still sound good with LS50 until you A/B compare them to amps that are well matched and then you realize what was missing.
Last edited by namlook December 24, 2022 at 03:06 PM.
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Pro
Dec 24, 2022 11:06 PM
3.4K Comments
Joined Jul 2020
ThirstyCruz
Pro
Dec 24, 2022 11:06 PM
3.4K Comments
If you dont have the gear already, and dont intend on expanding, better off ls50 v2 wireless which sound amazing for same price if assuming the paired equipment
Dec 24, 2022 11:34 PM
695 Comments
Joined Aug 2010
jsuh0Dec 24, 2022 11:34 PM
695 Comments
Quote from namlook View quoted comment :
Less than ideal amps will still sound good with LS50 until you A/B compare them to amps that are well matched and then you realize what was missing.
I have the Audiolab 6000A which was superb with the Metas. I'm not noticing a difference with the Sonos Amp. It's not worthwhile to exponentially increase your budget into the amplifier for miniscule improvements in the sound. Speakers are more important to me.
Dec 24, 2022 11:39 PM
2.4K Comments
Joined Oct 2006
samgotitDec 24, 2022 11:39 PM
2.4K Comments
Amazon is doing some funky Christmas stuff. They are showing up in my cart for 1110.40 now.
Dec 24, 2022 11:58 PM
26.7K Comments
Joined May 2006
namlookDec 24, 2022 11:58 PM
26.7K Comments
Quote from jsuh0 View quoted comment :
I have the Audiolab 6000A which was superb with the Metas. I'm not noticing a difference with the Sonos Amp. It's not worthwhile to exponentially increase your budget into the amplifier for miniscule improvements in the sound. Speakers are more important to me.
If you are happy with what you hear that's what is most important. I used to own the original LS50 and they sounded good with the amp I had. I then tried a LS50 wireless and they sounded dramatically better. A properly matched amp can make a huge difference. You really need to have them both connected and go back and forth with a switch for an accurate comparison as was mentioned in post #38 above.
Last edited by namlook December 24, 2022 at 04:08 PM.
Dec 25, 2022 12:09 AM
993 Comments
Joined Dec 2013
greenwichDec 25, 2022 12:09 AM
993 Comments
Quote from jsuh0 View quoted comment :
I have the Audiolab 6000A which was superb with the Metas. I'm not noticing a difference with the Sonos Amp. It's not worthwhile to exponentially increase your budget into the amplifier for miniscule improvements in the sound. Speakers are more important to me.
I've it too. Pls don't recommend it. it fking hurts my ears. They both r dry. Not a good combo.
Dec 25, 2022 12:09 AM
28 Comments
Joined Apr 2022
600lbs_of_SinDec 25, 2022 12:09 AM
28 Comments
Quote from namlook View quoted comment :
If you are happy with what you hear that's what is most important. I used to own the original LS50 and they sounded good with the amp I had. I then tried a LS50 wireless and they sounded dramatically better. A properly matched amp can make a huge difference. You really need to have them both connected and go back and forth with a switch for an accurate comparison as was mentioned in post #38 above.
What did you do with them and why did you get rid of em if you don't mind
Dec 25, 2022 12:17 AM
403 Comments
Joined Nov 2003
ryewoodsDec 25, 2022 12:17 AM
403 Comments
Quote from JackDiesel14 View quoted comment :
Ugh. I was hoping to go simple and use a Sonos Amp for them. At 125W per channel it's on the high side of amplification but it's a class D amp.
Modern class D amps are leaps and bounds from where they were a decade or so ago. Offerings from Purifi and Hypex exceed performance from competitors in class A/B/AB/G/H when it comes to output and distortion. I have seen bench tests of the Sonos and it performs fairly well. It certainly will have enough power to drive them. You can always start there and upgrade later if you feel like you are missing something.

Also consider this: If KEF thought ultra high end amps were needed to drive the speaker to satisfying levels, they would have used them in the active version of the LS50, but didn't.

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Dec 25, 2022 12:34 AM
236 Comments
Joined Apr 2009
slickyslackDec 25, 2022 12:34 AM
236 Comments
Seems like many people here like to mix and match speakers and amps until they find a sound that they like rather than just getting neutral speakers and amps and learning to EQ to taste. One option is significantly cheaper and better…

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