I love the GoldenEar reference tweeters for their natural presentation and air. Very few dome tweeters can match it unless you move up in price by a lot. Regrettably I've noticed many speaker companies moving to a bright tweeter as it provides a wow factor at first but will drive you nuts in the long run.

First of all, comparison is my favorite type of review - so thumbs up right out the gate. Also, your approach is spot on - just sitting there presenting your impressions in a spontaneous way that's relatable and easy to understand. Please do more speaker comparisons like this - very useful.

Your narrative is so easy to understand, and you get to the point. Love what you do! Pls do more! Subscribed, hooked onto you guys. I think a duo description gives the impression is more believable? One person is just... one person. But 2-3 people, they can't all be deaf, similarly tuned to a similar liking etc etc. As I said, do more reviews!!

That was a great Goldenear review 😀

@therealshanelee

3 жыл бұрын

😁

I bought both pairs of my Kef LS-50 for $1,000 a pair. On my tubed equipment I do not need a sub, and they are very smooth and refined. I have owned over 100 pair of speakers in my life. Many were harsh and unrefined, but NOT the LS-50's.

@PumpUptheJam81

Жыл бұрын

I agree. Everyone hears differently, but this review is counter to everything I have heard myself about these speakers.

@daysofnoah1748

Жыл бұрын

@@PumpUptheJam81 I have other speakers that are more harsh, and less refined.

Great review. Always appreciate our honest approach.

I own the goldenear 3d array sound bar complimented but the force field 4 subwoofer. Amazing piece. Couldn’t be happier. You are right about the ribbon tweeter. Beautiful sweet highs and never fatiguing. Another great review Shane.

Really enjoyed your comparison’s between these two models. Keep up the good work.

I completely agree with your assessment. I have owned the original LS50s which I love and Goldenear Tritons and the highs are exactly how you describe. I paid 899 cdn for my brand new Ls50s so they became one of my favorite speakers of all time. The Goldenears are an absolute exceptional value for the price. I had speakers at double the price that couldn't touch them.

I say it all the time GoldenEar speakers are awesome. Especially the reference. The instrument he referenced is called afuche

Nice review. You get a sense of how the BRX sounds. Worth the Price.

no surprise. i own all Goldenear in my HT atmos setup.

In my experiance, LS50s are pinnacle level speakers, not BASS speakers. You must low pass them between 70-79hz as their frequency response indicates. The KEFs have a metal tweeter, its odd to state the KEFs were not detailed, clear and with a relatively narrow soundstage. Concentric drivers are renowned for soundstage with and separation. They may need more or less tow-in for your room and they tighten up after a few weeks of run in, as im sure the BRX would improve as well. Regards.

@PumpUptheJam81

Жыл бұрын

I agree. These guys are entitled to their opinion but it is quite literally counter to so many other reviews regarding the KEF’s.

I compared the KEF’s to the GoldenEar Aon 3’s and went with the Aon’s for all the reason’s you mentioned. I have a Peachtree Nova 220SE along with a Node 2i and loved it! I’ve since sold the Aon 3’s and upgraded to GoldenEar Triton 2’s! Imagining, soundstage all very impressive with the Aon 3’s especially with 220 watts per channel! I couldn’t believe the improvements with the Triton 2’s!

@gregjones2472

2 жыл бұрын

Wow, that is quite an upgrade. Did you compare any other brands before going with the goldenears?

Spare change i.have a question.can you review the Mc257 Sounds. Would appreciate?

These are two speaker types that I have been very curious about in regards to sound, given their somewhat unique designs.

Glad to see you both again! Another great comparison video. Anyway, may I know what’s your best recommended stand for the BRX? Thanks a million🙏🏼

I am first hand familiar with the AON 3 and AON 2 along with the Triton 7. I find the AON's do very nicely and the Triton 7 gives a nice intimate sound for playing well produced music as well as creating a nice "phantom" center channel for front channel only movie watching. I am hoping the BRX is that happy medium between the AON and the Triton 7. Any thoughts?

Just wanted to ask while you are on the topic of home theater speakers, what does everyone think of Klipsch as a home theater speaker set up. I am looking to create a full Atmos home theater/video game room, and I’m considering some Klipsch reference premiere speakers for my surround sound speaker set up. It will take some cash, but i am willing to keep saving up, for those speakers for a year or two. I’m also considering either a Marrantz or Denon avr?

I own the LS50 Metas and I had a slightly different experience. When I was demoing them in the store and after I brought them home, I didn't think they were bright (as in the treble wasn't elevated), but they had a bit of "sharpness" to them. After a month or two the sharpness went away. I can't say if I just got used to it or if the sharpness is physically gone now, but I definitely noticed a change over time and they sound much smoother now. I wish I had had the chance to demo the BRXs though. The way you describe them does make them sound like a general upgrade over the KEFs.

It sounds like the BRX have the same character as the rest of the GE family. I have a pair of GE Triton 3+. The first thing you notice is amazing soundstage & imaging, with proper toe in. Next is a very detailed and smooth top end. If the recording has detailed bass they will go deep with weight and texture.

I wish someon would review these with an amp that has high pass low pass or room correction, I’d be interested to know if relieved of everything below 80 or 90 ha paired with a couple of REL’s how the speakers performed then, how good was the mods, with no deep bass responsibilities

Are you guys sure you didn't have some shadow flare issues going on with kefs? While the kefs are still bright, the dip in the midrange can be huge and definitely create a really bright/fatiguing speaker. I realized awhile ago my trim was sticking out a little bit and it needs to be pushed in/recessed about .5mm. Went from bright/fatiguing to a wee bit bright and nearly perfect.

Next Goldenear BRX vs 705 S2 B&W, please.

Been going back and forth between Kef and Goldenears Center Channel. Definitely looking for a smooth Tweeter, so your review definitely helped sway me to the Goldenears brand. Hard to find much info on Goldenears, so.... Thank you!

Would be curious to see Shane compare the LS50 vs the LS50Meta

Hi, there Recently purchased the GoldenEar BRX as my front main speakers, will be receiving it after thanks giving day, I mainly use for Movie watching,would these set of BRX ,great for movie sounding ,I also use Kef Q150 as rear speakers, thanks

@TechinaSec101

Жыл бұрын

Hi, How did the BRX do as a front stage speaker for movies, I am on the fence between it and Kef R3. Regards.

It’s been hard to find any criticism of the meta’s so thanks for this. I’ve tested the meta speakers on the powernode (2021) and Sonos Amp and they seem to just sound better with the Sonos Amp. The powernode made them sound muddy on my favourite songs but the Sonos Amp seems to work magic on them in comparison. I hadn’t heard of the goldenears up until today so I’ll have to try to check them out.

Those Golden earsBRX are giving a run for their money even when compared to Dynaudio special 40s wich are twice as expensive.

How were the kids setup. Hopefully they weren't setup on axis.

Hi, I have the BRX now, and i thought to upgrade to Arendal 1723 monitor! What do you recommend? I have denon x3600h

@TechinaSec101

Жыл бұрын

Hi, DId you upgrade and if you did what did you think about it ? ( Just asking from a movie stand point )

Did your amp match the requirements of the KEF’s?

I’m doing the same comparison atm and so this is very interesting

@therealshanelee

6 ай бұрын

Well what's the consensus

@13thnotehifireviews7

6 ай бұрын

@@therealshanelee I agree with you the GoldenEar’s are better in most respects to the KEF’s

Hi, For movies at a front stage with subwoofers. Would you choose the Goldenears BRX or Kefs LS50 / R3 ?

@SlicedBread1001

Жыл бұрын

I’ve not heard the BRX but I’ve spent some time with the LS50 and as good as they are , they wouldn’t be my choice for movies. 1) They’re not a light load for the amplifier so most AV amplifiers will not be able to get the best out of them. Prob not a problem if you’re using external power amps. 2) I’ve heard other users complain that they’ve ran out of travel and *very* high volume for movies. 3) I personally like HT speakers to have a little more weight, even if high passing to a sub. Just my opinions.

I listened to the ls50 and didn't like them at all haven't heard the golden ear brx but have you tried the neat petite Holly crap what a terrific speaker that is amt tweeters and a massive soundstage good review fellas

Is the Techniques amp the only amp you all used for testing ?? If so synergy will play a huge roll My Kef sounds amazing on my warm smooth amps I thought the goldenear was more hometheater speaker

@SlicedBread1001

2 жыл бұрын

To be fair this is a good comment. I don’t really like some of the other “never criticise ls50” comments on this review, but you are right synergy is a very fair point.

JB making a rare comment: The year was 1968 & Ron Wood was in the Jeff Beck Group at the time and is playing bass on the album Truth: The late Brian Jones was on Beggar's Banquet. It was his last album with the Stones before he joined the 27 Club: He was replaced by the legendary Mick Taylor who previously was playing in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers on the album Crusade(1967). Mr Taylor was the third of the Bluesbreakers legendary guitarists that included Eric Clapton & Peter Green. Ron Wood then replaced Mick Taylor in !974 after Its Only Rock in Roll. His first album with the stones was 1975's was Black & Blue: The holy grail of Stones albums have Mick Taylor on 2nd guitar: Let it Bleed: Sticky Fingers: Exile on Main St: Goats Head Soup & Its Only Rock In Roll.

@DougMen1

3 жыл бұрын

How could you leave out the live album- Get Yer Ya Yas Out?

This review is spot on with regards to the sound of the KEF. I disliked the original and while the Meta is better but just not by much. I've owned not 100 but hundreds of pairs of speakers over more than 45 years in this hobby. Additionally this nonsense about we all hear differently is just that......nonsense. While people may have different preferences this is mostly due to the level of experience and sophistication of the listener. If we all heard differently Shane and Bill couldn't agree to anything here yet they do.

I'd like some comparison with the Sony saz-1 as well

Now if only the KEF LS50 would make their speaker with passive radiators instead of an open port on the back, it would make a huge difference. Passive radiators make bass sound clearer and drums sound punchier. In addition add a mid-range speaker with a folded twitter. I dunno I have that thought.

You shouldn’t use the 50th Anniversary remix for Sympathy for the Devil - the treble is way too emphasised. Plus it would never be Ron Wood playing guitar - heck when this was recorded Brian Jones was still in the band. The Goldenears seem to be great speakers - hope to check them out.

I listened to the Kef LS50 wireless speakers at Best Buy and the midrange was so forward that it hurt my ears right away. Never before had I wanted to run away from Adele's vocals, lol.

@Audfile

Жыл бұрын

Because you were listening to a best buy amplifier that was getting mauled by the 3.2 ohm dip.

@Audfile

Жыл бұрын

@pt265 beaming? That doesn't make any sense. I have the Metas and 7 other pairs of speakers, all different types, I've got folded ribbons, Magnepan ribbons, silk dome, textile domes, ring radiator. Beaming? Lmao, something strange happening to your ears because the sound field emanates from the speaker almost as a sphere, as the measurements show. Beaming means you have to point the speakers right at you to get any treble information, and the Kefs don't do that.

I wonder if the new KEF mini sub would take some of the perceived edge out of the LS50s performance? The KEF is a masterclass in industrial design for sure. Beautiful.

@therealshanelee

3 жыл бұрын

We have them paired with dual Rel T9x's. They're still bright. Atleast too us.

@parkermackenzie9848

2 жыл бұрын

My experience with the REL T9x and LS50W: that sub with default hi-pass and low-pass settings in the KEF app dramatically improves the sound across the spectrum. It's more organic, not edgy, I can't find anything in the sound I would want to improve.

Never heard the ls50 but thought the Reference 3 fell far below their price. The Revel 328be and I assume 228be was better in every way. Sonus faber Olympica III was also all around better to my ear.

Did you test the kef out of the box or after 100-300 hours? Did you "tow" them in?

@inko123

3 жыл бұрын

My thoughts too, how they described the sound of the Meta's has been completely opposite of my experience with them for only two months of ownership.

@hofmarskal

3 жыл бұрын

@@inko123 I set mine up 17. April, and now 3 weeks later, the base is better and punchy. The soundstage is larger and clerer. And I am still trying to find the perfect position and tow in, crossover for the sub. But they almost sound good enough without the sub! The base is realy good now👍

@hofmarskal

3 жыл бұрын

@@inko123 Has the sound changed notisably after more time has passed? Im 3 weeks in, and i have used them every day for many hours

@inko123

3 жыл бұрын

@@hofmarskal Without a sub in my room, they sound excellent! No need for a subwoofer. The mids and treble are smooth, no harshness at all with vinyl, streaming, or movies.

@hofmarskal

3 жыл бұрын

I am actually quite pleased with how much bass they produce. My old speakers were the kef q100 and they had almost no bass. But I use them for everything including bluray movies, so I need my sub. And the ls50 metas cant go below 60hz. Altleast in my room they fall of fast at about 60hz.

I have a pair of Triton Reference and I will be the first to say many of the Golden Ear speakers beat the competition. Facts are they really don’t have the eye candy going for them. But sound wise, they are hard to beat at their given price points.

@FloricaFlorin

3 жыл бұрын

I am also looking forward to buy the Triton Reference. Would you please elaborate more on your experience? Any issues so far?

@djapache2326

3 жыл бұрын

@@FloricaFlorin I have paired it with a Line Magnetic 805iA and it sounds absolutely amazing. Due to the speakers high sensitivity and powered bass section you can achieve great sounds by pairing it with a tube amp. These speakers are great at all types of music. I have had multiple people come over and take a listen and everyone was impressed. No issues at all with speakers. Would recommend three upgrades, IsoAcoustic GAIA feet, upgrade power cable and last but most important give them space to breathe. They like being far apart and toed in directly to listener. I would recommend if you have any local dealers to take over some music you know very well and take a listen. I’ve always had the audio upgrade bug, but I honestly don’t want anything else. I am completely content and happy with this setup.

@FloricaFlorin

3 жыл бұрын

@@djapache2326 Glad to hear. Where I live there is only one dealer that works with AudioQuest (they acquired Goldenear last year), but they don't have the Reference or the One.R. I am looking forward to build an Atmos system with all GoldenEar speakers, Reference for the fronts and One.R for surrounds. Thank you for the suggested upgrades, will keep them in mind, also thank you for sharing your experiences, much appreciated because it's hard to find people that own the Reference model.

@djapache2326

3 жыл бұрын

@@FloricaFlorin I am in Central Florida if you want to take a listen. I actually am lucky enough to have a two channel setup and home theater. Both have Golden Ear Speakers. In my home theater I use a pair of Triton One as L/R along with a SuperCenter. For rears and surrounds I use SPS in walls. For subs I went with SVS PB-16. They sound great for home theater as well!

@djapache2326

3 жыл бұрын

@@FloricaFlorin and for Atmos I use four HTR-7000 which are amazing for Atmos!

I have given a lot of thought to buying the Golden Ear BRX loudspeakers but, unfortunately, they are too tiny. I lean towards the KEF LS50 Meta loudspeakers.

@therealshanelee

2 жыл бұрын

They're about the same size. Not sure why you think they're tiny.

@Teachering

2 жыл бұрын

@@therealshanelee Thank you for your reply. Yes, I guess each loudspeaker is the same size. Am I wrong in thinking that the KEF produces a larger soundstage? That was my impression.

Fantastic review. How do you feel about the Golden Ear vs Q Acoustic 300?

@therealshanelee

3 жыл бұрын

Goldenear

@brianmaxey4034

3 жыл бұрын

Not the 300’s but I home auditioned the Concept 500’s and the Triton 1.r’s for two weeks. The bass was fun and impressive on the Triton, but in the end, the Concept 500’s stayed. They were more articulate, the midrange was more accurate and real and the tweeters were smoother. I use them only for music, but if I also did home theater I probably would have kept the Triton’s. I may eventually try the Reference when I decide to upgrade.

@latle111

3 жыл бұрын

@@brianmaxey4034 Thank you for the comparison. I've finally decided on a pair of Tekton Moabs. If you want to upgrade I would respectfully recommend the MOABs to look at as well. There are quite a few very vocal haters of the Tekton brand on virtually every forum thread. But pretty much all of them have not heard either the MOAB or the Double Impact.

The goldear SuperSat 50 ore paradigm Millenia lp2

I have to say that I have seen a lot of reviews over the years for the LS50s and never seen these complaints about the treble at least to this degree. I wonder if you had them setup correctly, and played around with the height of the stands, tow-in (which affects treble and overall aggressiveness), you were also using an amp that was new to you and it might not have been compatible and a second one wasn't tried. Also you need to verify they have been broken in. I went and watched 3 other review videos of the Goldenears that are on youtube and 2 also compared them to the LS50s. They weren't so one sided, there were the things the Kef did better and things the Goldenears did better (John Darko and Soundstage network), they both said that the Goldenears could also have harsh treble if they weren't setup perfectly with the right tow in and height. Maybe the lower bass helped make the Golden ears sound warmer, but I actually like that the Kefs don't try to go that low so I can use a sub instead. If it was me though, I wouldn't get either and instead get the LS50 Wireless because you would have to spend more than the cost of the wireless version just on a DAC, Amp/Streamer and cables and it still wouldn't sound as good as the active version. I would also setup the high pass in the Kef app and use a good quality music focused sub. The wireless version can also go down a fair bit lower if you don't want a sub. The Kefs have been around since 2012 so I think the hype would have worn off by now if that is all it was, but people keep buying them and they release new versions and colours.

@therealshanelee

3 жыл бұрын

These were not sent to us by Kef so there’s no need for us to beat around the bush and give them high praise. They aren’t bad by any means they just didn’t sound as good as the BRX’s. Our subjective opinion of course. And this is not the first time we have reviewed speakers or set a pair up.

@777galamian

3 жыл бұрын

They didn’t sound good with rock music.

@ashneel

2 жыл бұрын

Darko LoL

@robertrollins7983

2 жыл бұрын

@@therealshanelee review is that what you call it?

I own horns now Klipsch Cornwalls and they are less bright than my original ls50s. They only become a tad bright with the grills removed, all horn speakers are not created equal.

If it’s about quality of sound per dollar spent, look at the polk R700’s.

The Golden Ear tweeter can't play down low enough leaving the woofer to play at way too high a frequency to sound best, the crossover can't fix the tweeters limitations so for me this speaker is a no go.

Im very surprised at this review. I own the metas and out of the 30 plus speakers ive owned over the years, ive never experienced the sort of level detail and Soundstage and center imaging that the metas produce. Ive had many ribbon tweeter speakers and they were always too high and grating to my ears. The ls50 metas are my last ever speaker unless they come out with a meta 2 some day.

Pairing the LS50’s with a better amp will change your mind on them.

I don’t really understand why people are so defensive of the LS50 when they receive even the slightest of criticism. I’ve heard them and like them, but they *do+ have a rather unnatural top end. Just stick ATC / spendor etc next to kef and you’ll quickly hear it. No speaker is perfect. I have b&w cm and they suffer from being overly forward. None of us have perfect systems.

@SlicedBread1001

Жыл бұрын

@pt265 I’d like to hear the GoldenEars some day. Ribbon tweeters I’ve heard on other speakers have often impressed me. Agree on the LS50 treble description.

@SlicedBread1001

Жыл бұрын

@pt265 Nice 👌 I’ll definitely have to get a demo of them some time.

Im guessing you liked the Goldenears then. Lol

Any treble extension beyond 20khz is just marketing nonsense.

@phetmoz

2 жыл бұрын

Nope. If a tweeter can reach 50kHz and another can only reach 22kHz, the 50kHz tweeter will be much more smooth and controlled on its way to 22kHz.

Many years ago when the original version of that KEF driver came out I saw it tested and was dissappointed.It is certainly unique and beautiful.However the L 50 cabinet is cheap and ugly.In every aspect the Golden Ear trounces the KEF.I wouldn't pay $800 for them.Compared to the GE I would consider them spare change.

Audio quest

Your musical examples are not varied enough. You guys literally just listen to rock music. So, if you have a very detailed speaker like the LS50, you need to listen to very well recorded music - Classical, Jazz, Bluegrass. Seriously, Lenny Kravitz? Yeah, that music is going to sound pretty grating with most all speakers.

@therealshanelee

3 жыл бұрын

If you say so.

@777galamian

3 жыл бұрын

@@therealshanelee I do say so...in fact I already did.

@therealshanelee

3 жыл бұрын

@@777galamian I know you said so. Thanks for telling us twice.

@777galamian

3 жыл бұрын

@@therealshanelee You’re welcome.

That's not a ribbon, it's AMT (Air Motion Transformer), they are cheap and mass-production nowadays, every second speaker has it, but it's great anyway. Ribbon is for example RAAL, it's expensive, it has almost no mass (plasma tweeter beats it in even lower almost non existent mass), so it sounds the fastest, very detailed and airy.

1st !

Interesting - I think the Kef LS50 Meta's are ugly AF. I'd take the look of the BRX's any day. To each their own.

I don't like the Kef's but from the git-go this sounded like a staged Goldenear ad not a real review.

Gg, swedish shops dont carry these....

Big mistake, Kef’s are not very suitable for rock music. LS50’s are better most music styles. I get a bit tired of this GE BRX promotion.

@therealshanelee

3 жыл бұрын

So you think golden ear is promoted more than the LSX's? I find that hard to believe.

I'll say it, don't buy the very over rated Kef.🤔🤭🤫 Goldenear for the win!😬 Focal if you can afford them.🤑

Sorry, but maybe the worst speaker review I have ever read or watched. They also came to conclusions that every other review I have seen opposed. Stereophile and The Absolute Sound both agreed that the LS50 meta were a class leading and best sounding speaker is this class. It sounds like they did not have the speakers setup correctly or broken in what so ever. The sound they are describing is exactly what would be expected from a speaker straight out of the box with no run in at all. It also sounds like the Technics amp was again brand new with no breaking in. They were also using different cables for the two speakers... all this sums up to a very poor review that would be impossible to make any real buying considerations from.

@therealshanelee

3 жыл бұрын

That's a No on all your assumptions. These were also not supplied to us by KEF so we've zero obligation to be easy. And two different cables for both speakers? Now your just making things up. C'mon now. But thanks for your opinion.

@ricksiow2953

3 жыл бұрын

I watched a few reviews and they seemed to agree with the reviewers of this video that the BRX is hands down better sounding in a few aspects than the meta. No reviewers actually said that the metas are "best sounding" for the class but it is a very good pair of speakers within its price range. Both speakers had their pros and cons and it is up to the reviewers of this video to give their honest and professional opinions. I thank the reviewers for lending me great help to choose between the BRX and Meta, in fact, after watching this video, I think I don't mind spending the extra $100. Thanks again, peace out.

That KEF is the most hyped and at the same time has the worst vocal of all bookshelves, also no emotion because vocal is flat, an overhyped massproduction toy for people that have never heard a proper full/widerange unit that has all the effects (even better) of coax KEF, but the best vocal

Sound please , not talks !

LOL two blokes one who wears a flat cap indoors and some old dude who wears cartoon tee shirts .playing 44.1 16 bit files from roon stating that KEFs are harsh when 90 % of reviewers using decent recordings say otherwise is really going to float my boat when buying speakers ! if anything with those recordings you are saying that the KEFs are MORE revealing because the recordings are so bad .Jesus try a little harder please?

@robertrollins7983

2 жыл бұрын

PS i don't own KEFs, but i know from hearing them in stores they are not harsh with decent DSD or pcm 192 . or flac files but will show up any crap or flawed recordings instantly

@therealshanelee

2 жыл бұрын

You don't even own the speakers but your passing judgement. Lol. Move along now.