KEF LS50 Speaker - Best bookshelf speakers for $1000

KEF LS50 Meta Passive Bookshelf Speakers Review

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KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers Review – Short words

The KEF LS50 Meta represents a triumph of engineering in a compact bookshelf speaker. It offers a combination of precision, clarity, and refinement that is rare in this price range, with standout imaging and a remarkably coherent soundstage. The addition of Metamaterial Absorption Technology helps reduce distortion and coloration, making the Meta a more transparent and lifelike speaker than its predecessor.

At the same time, its price, limited bass extension, and the need for careful placement may dissuade some listeners who are looking for a more forgiving or all-around bass-heavy speaker. However, for those seeking accuracy, depth, and a truly enjoyable listening experience, the LS50 Meta is a speaker that should not be overlooked. Whether you’re upgrading from a less expensive speaker or stepping into the world of high-fidelity audio for the first time, the LS50 Meta offers a performance that punches well above its size, making it one of the best bookshelf speakers available today.

KEF LS50 Meta Passive Bookshelf Speakers review

KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers

two-way bass reflex, maximum output: 106dB, Uni-Q driver arrays: tweeter (1-inch)/mid & bass driver: 5.25-inch), metamaterial absorption technology to improve sound quality and eliminate the resulting distortion (provide pure and more natural sound)

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If there’s a single speaker in recent memory that has caused audiophiles and casual listeners alike to stop and take notice, it’s the KEF LS50. With the launch of the LS50 Meta, KEF takes its iconic bookshelf speaker to a new level, integrating groundbreaking technology with the same beloved sonic signature that made the original a household name. The LS50 Meta represents a refinement, a continuation of the quest for the ultimate compact loudspeaker. But as with any evolution, there’s always the question: How much better is it, really?

Having spent a few weeks with the LS50 Meta in a variety of listening environments, it’s clear that KEF’s design philosophy has pushed this little speaker to new heights. But as with any piece of high-end audio equipment, the devil is in the details.

KEF LS50 Meta Passive Bookshelf Speakers Review – Design and Build Quality

KEF LS50 Meta Passive Bookshelf Speakers review

Physically, the LS50 Meta retains much of the DNA of its predecessor. The distinctive curved, ported cabinet with its angular, modern aesthetic feels robust and visually striking in any room. Available in several finishes, including matte black, white, and a new striking titanium grey, the LS50 Meta is undeniably sleek, and its size is perfect for bookshelves or small stands—compact, but never diminutive. It’s one of those speakers that can blend into its environment but still command attention.

What really sets the Meta apart, however, is the introduction of KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). This innovative material, applied to the rear of the Uni-Q driver array, is designed to absorb unwanted sound from the rear of the driver, improving clarity and reducing distortion. It’s a clever piece of engineering, one that’s subtle in its implementation but noticeable in its performance.

Despite this technology, the speaker’s build is quite traditional in the sense that it uses a high-quality MDF enclosure with a standard baffle and driver arrangement. Nothing too flashy, but nothing about it feels cheap or rushed. The speaker’s weight (around 7.5 kg or 16.5 lbs per speaker) speaks to a well-built unit that feels substantial, not overly light or flimsy like some of its competitors.

KEF LS50 Meta Passive Bookshelf Speakers Review – Sound Quality

Where to buy KEF LS50 Meta Passive Bookshelf Speakers

Where the KEF LS50 Meta truly shines is in its sound. KEF’s proprietary Uni-Q driver array, which places the tweeter at the center of the midrange driver, has long been lauded for its superb imaging and wide dispersion. In the LS50 Meta, this design is further refined, with a sense of openness and transparency that’s almost holographic in nature.

Bass:

Let’s start with the low end. Given its compact size, the LS50 Meta doesn’t have the deep bass extension of larger floor-standing speakers or more dedicated subwoofers, but within its limits, it punches far above its weight. The bass is taut, controlled, and surprisingly well-extended, with a surprising amount of depth considering the size of the speaker. It won’t rattle the walls with bass-heavy tracks, but it offers a natural, accurate reproduction that is capable of delivering most genres—whether it’s the deep rumble of electronic music or the subtle kick of jazz percussion—without sounding bloated or underwhelming.

Midrange:

The midrange is the heart of the LS50 Meta’s performance. There’s a remarkable clarity to vocals and acoustic instruments that simply stands out. Whether it’s the warmth of a human voice or the complex textures of string instruments, the LS50 Meta handles these with an ease that feels effortless. The key here is balance—the Meta doesn’t artificially boost midrange frequencies, instead offering a natural tonal accuracy that lets the listener hear things as they are meant to sound. There’s no midrange honk or unnatural emphasis, and this is partly thanks to the MAT technology reducing cabinet resonance and unwanted diffraction.

Treble:

High frequencies are where the KEF LS50 Meta truly excels. The tweeter’s performance is utterly pristine, offering a level of refinement and airiness that is rarely found in such compact designs. Cymbals shimmer with a natural sense of decay, strings glisten with detail, and subtle background nuances are clearly presented without harshness or fatigue. The LS50 Meta maintains this balance from the lower treble all the way up to the highest frequencies, ensuring a coherent, seamless presentation.

Imaging and Soundstage:

This is where the LS50 Meta stands head and shoulders above many other speakers in its category. Imaging is razor-sharp, and the soundstage is both expansive and precise. The Uni-Q driver does a remarkable job of creating a speaker that disappears in the room, leaving you with an impression of sound coming from a much larger, more sophisticated system. Stereo placement is spot on, and you can easily pinpoint instruments within the mix.

The LS50 Meta excels at delivering a sense of scale, even with its small footprint. This is a speaker that can sound much larger than it is, and with the right positioning in the room, the soundstage will open up in an incredibly natural way.

Critical Review

KEF LS50 Speaker - Best bookshelf speakers for $1000

Price and Competition in the High-End Market

While the KEF LS50 Meta impresses on many fronts, its premium price tag may be a potential sticking point for many listeners. At this price point, it faces stiff competition from other high-end bookshelf speakers, such as the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2 and Dynaudio Emit M20. These alternatives offer a slightly different tonal character but are similarly priced—or even more expensive—making the LS50 Meta a premium option in a crowded market.

Bass Limitations, Placement Sensitivity, and Listening Preferences

The LS50 Meta’s low end, while tight and controlled, lacks the deep, visceral impact that larger speakers or subwoofers provide. Bass enthusiasts or those into genres like hip-hop or EDM may find it lacking. Additionally, the speakers require careful placement to truly shine; improper positioning can compromise soundstage and imaging. The LS50 Meta is also quite revealing of poor-quality recordings, meaning it might not be forgiving with less-than-ideal sources. Finally, while its performance is outstanding, it may not immediately “wow” all listeners due to its refined, natural sound, which may not appeal to those seeking more pronounced bass or a more forward midrange.

The KEF LS50 Meta is a set of high-quality passive bookshelf speakers known for their detailed sound, compact design, and innovative technology. Here’s an overview of their key specifications and features:

Key Specification

  • Speaker Type: Passive (Requires an external amplifier to drive the speakers).
  • Drivers (Uni-Q Driver Array): The LS50 Meta features KEF’s signature Uni-Q driver array, which places the tweeter in the center of the midrange cone, offering better sound dispersion and more accurate imaging.
    • Tweeter: 25mm (1-inch) vented aluminum dome.
    • Mid/Bass Driver: 130mm (5.25-inch) aluminum cone.
  • Frequency Response: 45Hz – 28kHz ±3dB, which means the speakers can reproduce deep bass (for their size) and extend to high frequencies with clarity.
  • Impedance:
    • 8 Ohms, making them compatible with a wide range of amplifiers.
    • Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms, with a minimum of 3.7 ohms (meaning care should be taken when matching with lower-powered amplifiers).
  • Sensitivity: 85 dB (2.83V/1m) – relatively low sensitivity, meaning they perform best with amplifiers capable of delivering a bit more power to drive them optimally (often requiring around 50W-150W per channel).
  • Power Handling: Recommended Amplifier Power: 25W – 100W per channel.
  • Crossover:
    • Frequency: 2.2 kHz (with a 12 dB/octave slope).
    • Uses high-quality components for the crossover network, ensuring a smooth transition between the drivers.
  • Dimensions:
    • Height: 302 mm (11.89 inches).
    • Width: 200 mm (7.87 inches).
    • Depth: 280 mm (11.02 inches).
    • Weight: 7.6 kg (16.76 lbs) per speaker.
  • Finish Options: The LS50 Meta comes in a variety of finishes, including Gloss Black, Gloss White, Titanium Grey, and Royal Blue, with a textured, premium feel.

Key Features and Technology

  • Meta Material Absorption Technology (MAT): This is the standout feature of the LS50 Meta. KEF introduced MAT to improve the sound quality by reducing unwanted resonances and distortion that often occur within the speaker cabinet. MAT is a specialized material applied to the rear of the Uni-Q driver, which absorbs the sound waves that would otherwise reflect back into the driver. This results in more accurate and transparent sound.
  • Uni-Q Driver Array: The LS50 Meta uses KEF’s Uni-Q driver, which allows the tweeter and midrange cone to radiate sound from a single point, improving time alignment and stereo imaging. This design helps the speakers sound larger and more immersive than you might expect from a compact bookshelf speaker.
  • Acoustic Design: The LS50 Meta’s cabinet is carefully engineered to minimize resonance, using a complex internal bracing structure and a curved rear panel to improve overall sound quality.
  • Compact Form Factor: Despite the advanced technologies, the LS50 Meta maintains a relatively small footprint, making it suitable for smaller spaces and setups where high-performance audio is needed without large speakers.
  • Acoustic Performance: The LS50 Meta offers excellent imaging, clarity, and soundstage for their size. They are particularly noted for their ability to deliver detailed and accurate midrange frequencies, with tight bass and sparkling highs.
  • Use Cases: These speakers are highly regarded for both stereo listening and as part of a home theater system. They excel with high-fidelity setups, and their small size makes them suitable for a variety of environments, including apartments or rooms where space is limited.

The KEF LS50 Meta Passive Bookshelf Speakers represent a refined version of KEF’s legendary LS50 line, adding cutting-edge MAT technology to further enhance performance. These speakers are perfect for audiophiles who want exceptional sound reproduction, accuracy, and a premium listening experience in a compact form factor.

KEF LS50 Meta Passive Bookshelf Speakers Review – Pros & Cons

The KEF LS50 Meta Passive Bookshelf Speakers are highly regarded in the audio community, but like any speaker, they come with their strengths and potential drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:

Pros

  • Clear and Detailed Sound: Uni-Q driver and Meta Material reduce distortion for transparent sound.
  • Wide Soundstage and Imaging: Excellent stereo imaging and precise instrument placement.
  • Compact Size: Small footprint ideal for limited spaces.
  • Premium Build Quality: Attractive, stylish design with quality finishes.
  • Versatile Placement: Flexible setup with good dispersion.
  • Tight Bass: Impressive bass for a bookshelf speaker, especially in the mid-bass range.
  • Sturdy Construction: High-end materials and solid build quality.

Cons

  • Low Sensitivity: Requires a powerful amplifier (50W+ recommended).
  • Limited Bass Extension: Lacks deep bass; a subwoofer is recommended.
  • Expensive: Premium price may be a barrier for some.
  • Not for Large Rooms: May struggle to fill very large spaces at high volumes.
  • Requires Careful Placement: Best sound requires optimal positioning.
  • Limited Dynamic Range at High Volumes: Struggles with very loud or dynamic content.
  • No Stands Included: Stands or wall mounts are sold separately.

The KEF LS50 Meta: A Triumph in Audio Engineering

The KEF LS50 Meta is a triumph of audio engineering, offering a level of refinement, accuracy, and imaging that is rarely found in a compact bookshelf speaker. With the addition of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), KEF has further refined the sound, reducing distortion and improving transparency. This results in a speaker that delivers a more lifelike and natural listening experience than its predecessor. The soundstage is expansive, and the imaging is pinpoint-precise, creating a sense of musical space that is quite impressive for a speaker of this size.

KEF’s Q-Series: More Affordable Alternatives

The LS50 Meta is not without competition within KEF’s own lineup. The KEF Q350 and KEF Q150 are notable alternatives at a lower price point. The Q350 offers a similar sonic signature but lacks the advanced MAT technology and the ultimate level of clarity and detail found in the LS50 Meta. The Q150 is an even more affordable option, delivering solid performance with KEF’s Uni-Q driver but offering less bass extension and refinement compared to the Meta.

While the Q-series speakers are excellent for those on a budget or seeking a more relaxed sound, the LS50 Meta stands in a different league in terms of overall performance. Its precise imaging, exceptional midrange clarity, and sparkling treble make it ideal for high-fidelity environments where detail, accuracy, and transparency are paramount.

Considerations and Final Thoughts on the LS50 Meta

The LS50 Meta’s limited bass extension and the need for careful placement may not make it the best choice for everyone. If you’re looking for deep, thumping bass or a more “exciting” sound right out of the box, the Q350 or Q150 might be better suited for you. However, for audiophiles and critical listeners who want a speaker that faithfully captures the nuances of music with astonishing precision, the LS50 Meta is hard to beat.

In the end, the KEF LS50 Meta punches well above its size and price, setting a new benchmark for what’s possible in compact bookshelf speakers. Whether you’re upgrading from an entry-level option like the Q150 or stepping into high-end audio for the first time, the LS50 Meta offers an unmatched balance of transparency, detail, and musicality, elevating it to the top of its class.

Where to buy KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers

KEF LS50 Meta Passive Bookshelf Speakers reviewKEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers:

two-way bass reflex, maximum output: 106dB, Uni-Q driver arrays: tweeter (1-inch)/mid & bass driver: 5.25-inch), metamaterial absorption technology to improve sound quality and eliminate the resulting distortion (provide pure and more natural sound)

 

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