REVIEW: Radically improved KEF LS50 Meta Speaker

Ойын-сауық

Steve reviews the KEF LS50 Meta speaker! More info here, us.kef.com/speakers/flagship-... And here, us.kef.com/ls50-meta.html
Specs
Design Two-way bass reflex
Drive units Uni-Q Driver Array:
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with Metamaterial Absorption Technology
MF/LF: 130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminium 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
Weight* 7.8 kg (17.2 lbs.)
Dimensions (HWD per speaker) 305 x 200 x 311 mm (12 x 7.9 x 12.2 in.) ------------SUPPORT--------------
Thanks for watching, this channel can be supported through Patreon
/ audiophiliac
---SUBSCRIBE-----------------
/ @steveguttenbergaudiop...
Audiophiliac T-Shirts and Mugs! teespring.com/stores/audiophi...
Twitter: @AudiophiliacMan
Instagram: Steve.Guttenberg
#audiophile #KEF #KEFls50

Пікірлер: 992

  • @reaality3860
    @reaality38603 жыл бұрын

    Steve's enthusiasm is contagious. Just one of the reasons his videos are so popular.

  • @kevinweber5129

    @kevinweber5129

    3 жыл бұрын

    Rea Ality he’s very likable but you have to listen closely to here any criticism.

  • @joeschlabotnick1286

    @joeschlabotnick1286

    3 жыл бұрын

    However the enthusiasm isn't always warranted. That what a shill does.

  • @tshaolin971

    @tshaolin971

    3 жыл бұрын

    The thing is he listened to a large range of high end speakers for decades.

  • @pdsdownunder3010
    @pdsdownunder30103 жыл бұрын

    I've got tinnitus and have lost about 15% percent of hearing as a result, I had a Musical Fidelity and B&W setup and will never forget the initial listening session before buying the setup when younger and had full hearing. Love your reviews and one day will still setup a listening room for my personal preferences no matter how deaf I get!!....i can still appreciate good clean sound staging no matter my disability:)

  • @johngordon1175

    @johngordon1175

    3 жыл бұрын

    Youth often includes madness if not tempered with a wiser head!

  • @maestro0428
    @maestro04283 жыл бұрын

    Always happy to watch your show everyday Steve! These Kefs look awesome.

  • @thingone62
    @thingone623 жыл бұрын

    This is an AWESOME review! I am a Magnepan person and I know what you mean! Loved the great photos and discussion of the cool tweaky amps too!!

  • @AnotherAnonymousMan
    @AnotherAnonymousMan3 жыл бұрын

    I just adore Kef. I love their subtly forward thinking drive. One of the few audio brands I basically trust to deliver class-leading products across every range, every time. And they're staff are delightful too!

  • @fwalters4045
    @fwalters40453 жыл бұрын

    Steve is correct. A phenomenal speaker. As a former LS50 owner, these are a must buy.

  • @jeffsloane8628
    @jeffsloane86283 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Steve for calling out the comparisons. This really helps us understand the speaker. How everyday recordings sound, comparison with ELAC UB52, how it's different from the original, and how difficult it is to drive really compliments the standard review items like, looks, price, specs, sound signature, frequency range, etc. So glad to see some truly new technology in speaker design.

  • @edwardlewandowski
    @edwardlewandowski3 жыл бұрын

    Steve, so glad your channel is such a success. 150k subscribers is fantastic. You have earned it. You deserve it.

  • @3dimensionsofmusic3D
    @3dimensionsofmusic3D3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Steve. You conveyed that excitement of grabbing the next record to hear how it sounds with the Meta. Absolutely love the shirt! What a concept - birth of a song. Greg

  • @SuperMassman
    @SuperMassman3 жыл бұрын

    Just relocated to my new home in Weston Florida,,,this is on my "To Buy List" when I unpack my receiver and set it up...

  • @09876username
    @09876username3 жыл бұрын

    Congratulations on approaching 150K. This was a great review to celebrate the milestone.

  • @lucc7116
    @lucc71163 жыл бұрын

    man im just half way through i t and im loving it ,great work steve !

  • @johndangelo3989
    @johndangelo39893 жыл бұрын

    Steve! You did it again! I loved your review of the KEF LS50 Meta speakers. I think we all crave the sound they can produce as you described them. No box, open and clean with excellent range. What’s not to like? My living room speakers are KEF Q300’s that I have had for quite awhile, and your description of the LS50 Beta’s made me drool! Then you get me to thinking about what clean sounding amplifier would would work best with these beauties and I think, “ Here we go again!”. Steve, your unbound enthusiasm is great to see and your review made me grin from ear to ear! Thanks, John

  • @scotthare9670

    @scotthare9670

    3 жыл бұрын

    Any thoughts on pairing with audiolab 6000A Play (50W into 8 ohms)? Fits the recommended specs per KEF

  • @TheSecondof5
    @TheSecondof53 жыл бұрын

    Got a pair yesterday. Right out of the box they sound fantastic. They sound so alive, I am stunned. Guttenberg can tell it a lot better than I can. Nobody is getting a Christmas present this year 'cos I spent everything on these.

  • @respondent5226

    @respondent5226

    3 жыл бұрын

    Please compare B&w 606 s2

  • @psysword

    @psysword

    Жыл бұрын

    Ha ha. No one comes tonight!!

  • @buttonman1831
    @buttonman18313 жыл бұрын

    I feel the same way Steve, it is one speaker I keep and always go back to with amazement how good it is.

  • @bobsykes
    @bobsykes3 жыл бұрын

    Sounds like this is a professional speaker. Very good to know! Great review.

  • @octothorpe12
    @octothorpe123 жыл бұрын

    Congrats on the milestones! I've always been "LS50 Curious" for 2nd systems, and the Meta looks like a big win. Cheers!

  • @christinearmington

    @christinearmington

    3 жыл бұрын

  • @i1pro
    @i1pro3 жыл бұрын

    First time I see commercial applications for acoustic meta materials. Saw Duke University creating those mazes that do wonders with sound a couple of years ago. Thank you for another great review! You have an unmatched way to transfer feelings and information. Cheers!!

  • @yogarl7

    @yogarl7

    3 жыл бұрын

    It's because Steve is 'passionate' through and through about his life's calling...

  • @buck000yt
    @buck000yt3 жыл бұрын

    This video was quite influential in my pulling the trigger on some ls 50 metas a few months ago. Even with a little Sprout 100 amp, the sound can be really incredible with a well-produced song. Thanks for making this video, but on behalf of my wife, damn you for getting me addicted to good sound again...! PS - A REL T/7i sub makes the LS50s even more magical!

  • @Natemasterflex
    @Natemasterflex3 жыл бұрын

    I sure am glad I put off purchasing my set until now!!! Can’t wait to own these!!!

  • @ianpeck2719
    @ianpeck27193 жыл бұрын

    I am thinking this will be my first KEF speakers. Thanks Steve 😎

  • @yogarl7
    @yogarl73 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic review Steve! They sound like real winners, hands down! KEF does it again; a company, always pushing for the next new frontier...I believe the Meta's are going to continue to turn heads. Yeah!

  • @HallgrimurThorsteinsson
    @HallgrimurThorsteinsson3 жыл бұрын

    Really liking the metaphysics of this. I have the old ones & now I want the new.

  • @WDXash
    @WDXash3 жыл бұрын

    I love the look of these! I have Kef Ref floor standers which I never tire of despite hearing them every single day. I’d still like a pair of these, don’t need em, but I’d like them!

  • @zohanjj4079
    @zohanjj40793 жыл бұрын

    Steve I love your passion and style of being present and reviewing hifi equipment ❤️

  • @nadiraudio
    @nadiraudio3 жыл бұрын

    I've had my LS50s for less than a year -- and I really love them -- but I want a pair of these metas so bad!

  • @carlsitler9071
    @carlsitler90713 жыл бұрын

    Grats on the success. You have, and are, earning it.

  • @charlesclifton5896
    @charlesclifton58963 жыл бұрын

    The moment you mentioned open-baffle; you really got my attention. I am actually a little stunned with this review. Can't wait to hear what my other go-to reviewers have to say about this "meta" version. I'd like to hear this speaker with a really good tube amp or an Aegir or a Hegel or or or Thanks Steve.

  • @williamfoster1034
    @williamfoster10343 жыл бұрын

    Great review. I have two pairs of LS50s. I guess I'm about to order a new pair.

  • @joshuapasteur5724
    @joshuapasteur57243 жыл бұрын

    Just listen to these in an audio shop and wow! They are extremely clear and the sound is big! If I had eyes closed I would assume they were floor standing speakers they are awesome. They definitely sound like 1500 dollars not all speakers do but these.. oh yeah

  • @linnemeyerhere
    @linnemeyerhere3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome review Steve. I now own the GoldenEar BRX's and labored over the LS50's but if this Meta had been available I fear my labor would have been near impossible. May have to pull the trigger on these for my second system !

  • @michaelmartin3026
    @michaelmartin30263 жыл бұрын

    Great review as always Steve, thanks!

  • @veetour
    @veetour3 жыл бұрын

    I have the LS50 in black, but those new colors are dope, especially the blue.

  • @Diatonic5th
    @Diatonic5th3 жыл бұрын

    Bought my LS50's in 2014, so this will be a guilt free upgrade for me :^)

  • @WarinPartita6
    @WarinPartita63 жыл бұрын

    Thanks​ for​ the​ KEF​ update

  • @Megamare1
    @Megamare13 жыл бұрын

    Not usually a fan of metal dome tweeters but definitely will give them a listen! Thanks for the review/introduction Steve 💯✌🏽 #MusicIsTheBest 🎶

  • @rogercobb3092
    @rogercobb30923 жыл бұрын

    Every “box” speaker I have owned (with the exception of computer speakers) has been made by KEF. I currently have a pair of LS50’s in one room and R300’s in another. The only other speakers I have owned have been Magnepans. When I had large rooms, I preferred Magnepan. I will upgrade my LS50’s to the new model but I will keep my old ones. I hope to move to a larger apartment soon and I will probably get a new pair of Magneplanar speakers; size depending on the room. These two companies have always had my utmost respect for giving the audiophile the most for their money.

  • @normalman6686
    @normalman66863 жыл бұрын

    Many complain about the high cost of high-end audio. Those complaints loose sight of the fact now is the best time ever for the quality of hi-fi available at attainable prices. This LS50 META is a prime example.

  • @brucegelman5582

    @brucegelman5582

    3 жыл бұрын

    Sounds like your trying to convince your wife!😊

  • @carlosbauza1139

    @carlosbauza1139

    3 жыл бұрын

    The Price for a pair of LS50 is truly moderate. The Value is Great, though!

  • @lok777

    @lok777

    3 жыл бұрын

    I am not sure if ls50 is really considered high end. They are nice for computer speakers or something but 1500 bucks is not much in hifi.

  • @carlosbauza1139

    @carlosbauza1139

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@lok777 The sound of the original LS50 is among the most desirable.

  • @Freedom89984

    @Freedom89984

    3 жыл бұрын

    Buy the wireless as the passive ones need a €3000 amp.

  • @vincentrenaud7249
    @vincentrenaud72493 жыл бұрын

    About your metrics at the end of this episode: Congrats Steve! You totally deserve it 👍

  • @MrWslindsay
    @MrWslindsay3 жыл бұрын

    Might have to try these being a previous ls50 owner. Great to hear. Thanks for the review Steve

  • @billybunter3753

    @billybunter3753

    3 жыл бұрын

    "Previous" ls50 owner? There seems to be a lot of you guys...How good are they not?

  • @MrWslindsay

    @MrWslindsay

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@billybunter3753 I tend to always try new things when I can afford to make a jump. The ls50's were one of the most neutral speakers I've owned in my opinion. Their soundstage and layers of detail were hard to beat. I swing back and forth between bright and warm sounding speakers. Heading back toward the ls50 direction as of late. So I think this is a nice new option to explore personally✌️

  • @billybunter3753

    @billybunter3753

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@MrWslindsay Thanks for the reply Shane! Cheers!

  • @aldphillip2003
    @aldphillip20033 жыл бұрын

    add these to the list of shit I need to buy instead of saving up for a house.

  • @Talia.777

    @Talia.777

    3 жыл бұрын

    😂😂

  • @edwardz.rosenthal9946

    @edwardz.rosenthal9946

    3 жыл бұрын

    A house without a sweet sound system is not a home. 🏡🔊🎼🎶🎵🎷🎹🎸🎺💞💗💓💖❤️

  • @johanburger6109

    @johanburger6109

    3 жыл бұрын

    Amen brotha

  • @johnc3403

    @johnc3403

    3 жыл бұрын

    houses are soooo overrated

  • @hitz645

    @hitz645

    3 жыл бұрын

    WHAT?!? NO NO NO BUY THE HOUSE FIRST.

  • @tooboschbosch
    @tooboschbosch3 жыл бұрын

    Hi Steve, great review! 26 Hz is the 'typical in-room bass response'. The -6 dB bass extension spec (anechoic) 'frequency range' provided by KEF in their website is 47 Hz

  • @pjmt29

    @pjmt29

    3 жыл бұрын

    I was thinking that, I just couldn't see it going down to 26 Hz. Now that would be impressive.

  • @carlosoliveira-rc2xt

    @carlosoliveira-rc2xt

    3 жыл бұрын

    Their website is full of it.

  • @Ali_ReBORN
    @Ali_ReBORN2 жыл бұрын

    I just realized the meaning of your t-shirt and it is epic 😆 thank u for the review, i am sold! I remember the LS50 were launched back in 2012 and i was planning to get them but never happened because i became a father to my first son that very year and now 9 years later i am finally getting my first Hi Fi setup with the LS50 Meta and the KC62 sub with the Hegel H390 at the age of 40 lol.. Thank you 😊

  • @thomashobbes8786
    @thomashobbes87863 жыл бұрын

    Keep up the great work, Steve!

  • @dennisstempher9684
    @dennisstempher96843 жыл бұрын

    I just love my LS50s... They're an open window, so revealing of all the changes/tuning I've done to my system (which costs many, many, many times as much as a pair of LS50s)... Also they're as perfect for my relatively small listerming room as a pair of speakers can be... But now I can't wait to hear the Metas!!! Thanks for the heads up Steve :-)

  • @gustercc

    @gustercc

    3 жыл бұрын

    What kind of amp did you pair it with? I’ve heard they need lots of clean power if want them to really sing.

  • @gustercc

    @gustercc

    3 жыл бұрын

    What kind of amp did you pair it with? I’ve heard they need lots of clean power if want them to really sing.

  • @dennisstempher9684

    @dennisstempher9684

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@gustercc Jeff Rowland Model 2... Not a super powerful amp, but stable in to lower impedance loads...

  • @manojcooray2870

    @manojcooray2870

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@gustercc I use the Benchmark AHB2 at $3K. I would also consider a Puirifi amp at a lower cost which is almost as good, March Audio and NAD would be my first choices there.

  • @yogiwp_

    @yogiwp_

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thinking of getting these for bedroom/small room set up. Do these work placed only 3 inches from the wall?

  • @yveslateur9604
    @yveslateur96043 жыл бұрын

    Hello Steven, love to see a review of the active ls50 wireless II version . Is that something you are planning to do? Thanks for bringing these great reviews!

  • @wolverine3344
    @wolverine33443 жыл бұрын

    Awesome, great review Steve. You first turned me on to these years ago. Finally pulled the trigger on LS 50 Meta royal blue pair for mains. I’m open to suggestions for surrounds, and amplification. Thanks kindly in advance.

  • @realguyoz
    @realguyoz3 жыл бұрын

    You gotta love kef! You mention in this video you're on your way to 150K subscribers, 2/3 of that amount have viewed this one video alone :)

  • @johnsittard7025
    @johnsittard70253 жыл бұрын

    Bought a pair of LS50’s (Black Edition) back in May from Accessories4Less for $750. That is a bargain! I love them. I can’t imagine how KEF could improve upon them. Wow. Can’t wait to hear the Meta’s!

  • @hclandscapes

    @hclandscapes

    3 жыл бұрын

    I have just bought some black editions to for £630 , they are arriving tomorrow, im still tempted by these though but unsure if they are worth £360 more?

  • @3lueant347

    @3lueant347

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@hclandscapes LS50 Blacks are wonderful... let them play in and get them on stands and away from the wall if you can. Your feelings about the rest of your gear will be affected by their detail...

  • @hclandscapes

    @hclandscapes

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@3lueant347 im currently using them with a audiolab 6000A and it sounds great but im thinking about adding a power amp as the audiolab can be used in pre amp mode. Im either considering the audiolab 8300XP or rotel RB-1582 MkII. What do you think?

  • @totalplonker824

    @totalplonker824

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@hclandscapes we now know what speakers you are going for but what speakers are you coming from? Obviously you need a little bit of time but I would love to know what is the biggest noticeable difference coming from your old faithfuls to your lovely new ls50 s ??

  • @patrickmcguigan5939
    @patrickmcguigan59393 жыл бұрын

    I bought a pair of LS50s a few years ago and I've never looked back...until maybe now. I'll be interested to hear the new Metas in real life when the covid craziness passes. Until then I'll just enjoy the hell out of my LS50s listening to them all day while working from home 😆

  • @latle111
    @latle1113 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for bringing the meta to our attention Sir Steve. You are a mighty knight.

  • @mhart9279
    @mhart92793 жыл бұрын

    bought a pair of these speakers, in large part because of this review. Out of the box they are awesome. Experiencing a few surprises from albums I've owned for 40 years. I was under the misunderstanding that my old speakers were awesome, turns out they were just OK. KEF told me that after the break-in period they will sound even better. These are my first ever brand new speakers and I've been like a kid under the Christmas tree playing with a new favorite toy. Will get through the 60 hour burn in period with a smile. Thanks for the great review.

  • @justlookingaround9834

    @justlookingaround9834

    3 жыл бұрын

    What is the bass response like.

  • @mhart9279

    @mhart9279

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@justlookingaround9834 Bass is certainly not lacking, have not felt the need to add a subwoofer. Bass response is deeper than my M&K Monitors and more detailed than my Klipsch towers. My recent play list: Led Zeppelin, Dave Brubek, Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong, Fleetwood Mac, Janis Joplin Pearl, John Coltrane. I will probably experiment with subwoofer after break-in. Using a Peachtree Nova 300 amp and a Rega P3 TT with Ortofon Black MM cart.

  • @justlookingaround9834

    @justlookingaround9834

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@mhart9279 Thank you for the detailed response, I currently have the Buchardt A500 and may try to get a pair of these before my trial period runs out. My only problem is how to connect the CD player and record deck if I go for the KEF’s. As they aren’t as easy to connect to as the A500’s.

  • @isaacsykes3
    @isaacsykes33 жыл бұрын

    You know it's going to be a good video when Steve starts off the review laughing...👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿 Also, I need that shirt!!

  • @sunillekhi7924
    @sunillekhi79243 жыл бұрын

    Incredible. Would love to hear about the active version thanks

  • @skyediver

    @skyediver

    3 жыл бұрын

    Agreed. And I'm already thinking about how this, or more likely the active version, compare to the Buchardt A500 and their DSP wizardry. Great time to be a music and audiophile fan!

  • @johnshore3095

    @johnshore3095

    3 жыл бұрын

    Darko just posted a review.

  • @mrebear9758

    @mrebear9758

    3 жыл бұрын

    Me too. I'm driving the Metas with a Brio, but can't help but think if I was better going with the Wireless II (I didn't, because I already had the Brio). Would love to hear Steve's thoughts, given he loved the io Meta combination.

  • @adamarmstrong3991
    @adamarmstrong39917 ай бұрын

    Love the t-shirt Steve! I went looking for it but it's gone now! You find the coolest shirts!

  • @PatrickVeitch
    @PatrickVeitch3 жыл бұрын

    Bought mine a couple of weeks ago now and absolutely adore them - crystal clear imaging and separation, wonderful soundstage, and plenty of bass extension... in fact more than I'd anticipated - and given I was coming from some floor standing transmission line loudspeakers (TDL RTL3s), that's saying something! Certainly no need to race out and buy a sub to augment them. And of course, aesthetically, they're just stunning. Just sensational loudspeakers.

  • @kenhiett5266

    @kenhiett5266

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm sorry, anyone that cares about the lower frequencies will want an articulate subwoofer to compliment the LS50's.

  • @CoolCourt777
    @CoolCourt7773 жыл бұрын

    Steve, enjoyed the review. One big change KEF could make is to increase the sensitivity. If they could increase the sensitivity to 92dB/1W/1M this would probably make the LS50 Meta the best small speaker in world.

  • @kelvinhung9434
    @kelvinhung94343 жыл бұрын

    Got a pair of LS50 Meta today from my local dealer. I have the old version for the last 6 years. The improvement of the meta is very obvious. The sound is more clear, more transparent. Pretty much similar impression as mentioned in the video. The improvement is not subtle. The salesman and I A/B tested the new version and the old version in the showroom. The new version the speakers feel more “disappear” than the old version and the improvement can easy tell. And the new pair only has 50 hours in it. Update: So I have this meta for 5 days now with about 30 hours in. I’m so amazed every time I listen to it. The sound is soooo clean. I have a small room (10x10). With the previous LS50, I can’t play too loud for too long because of listening fatigue. Certain frequency range feels last longer in the room than what it should be (near field listening + square room). This issue has improved greatly with meta. The pressure to my ear has reduced a lot. My setup for reference: Prima Luna Prologue Premium Schiit gungnir multibit REL T5i x 2 Qobuz source

  • @iragerson1062

    @iragerson1062

    3 жыл бұрын

    How does this speaker compare to the sound Artist 5B?

  • @kelvinhung9434

    @kelvinhung9434

    3 жыл бұрын

    Not familiar with that speaker. But this meta is great !

  • @hclandscapes

    @hclandscapes

    3 жыл бұрын

    Was it a massive difference in quality?

  • @kelvinhung9434

    @kelvinhung9434

    3 жыл бұрын

    Not “massive”... considering the previous version is already a great speaker. But definitely easily noticeable.

  • @hclandscapes

    @hclandscapes

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@kelvinhung9434is the bass much better on the newer speakers?

  • @carlitomelon4610
    @carlitomelon46103 жыл бұрын

    Exciting news Steve! Thanks for a great review. I bought my Black edition ls50s 18 months ago for 900 bucks.I held out until the Black edition came out since I did not like the piano lacquer versions. Absolutely love the sound . Looks like they're destined to become classics :-) I'd like to audition the new version at home too... Wonder how I'm going to swing that in Montana? Also wondering how they will compare with the original ls3/5a. Lots of interesting reviews coming up for the winter . Well done KEF!

  • @robertwang7825
    @robertwang78252 жыл бұрын

    I think I have seen this review multiple times and finally convinced to buy the Kef’s this mth. I have also seen the Audio Science review measurements which are quite exceptional confirming your take on this spkrs. Thanks for all the insights and details. Looking forward to enjoying some great listening sessions. Kudos. It’s all about the sound.

  • @ld4974

    @ld4974

    2 жыл бұрын

    Did you buy them? If so, what are your thoughts?

  • @robertwang7825

    @robertwang7825

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ld4974 Yes I bought them. They are accurate and transparent. I paired it with a Klipsch sub placed next to the listening position (as Steve recommended. It really requires a good amp and DAC. I’m using a Sim Audio Moon I5 which is sufficient and a Matrix Audio I Pro3 ( which is ok but a Denafrips Pontus would be a better choice IMO). Also make sure to buy the S2 stands and fill them with sand and get IsoAccoustic for the spikes , the spkr is secured to the stands by 4 screws so it’s very stable.

  • @tomthompson7400
    @tomthompson74003 жыл бұрын

    These look really handy.

  • @philbert9117
    @philbert91173 жыл бұрын

    The new Maze reminds me of Westworld:) I've had my LS50's for about 2 years and absolutely love them. After watching Steve's review, now I want to upgrade to the Metas! It probably won't happen unless I can find someone local who want my existing pair.

  • @KAL-589
    @KAL-5893 жыл бұрын

    Man, this channel reminds me of Whathifi back in the day, just cannot resist the purchase of something I really don't need, starting with the T1s (already have the first gen but could always do with more bass)…to my Dali Zensor AX active speakers which are absolutely fine but ...... :-) Keep the great content coming. :-)

  • @dilbyjones
    @dilbyjones3 жыл бұрын

    Considering that works it would be amazing to learn the rationale behind this “meta absorber” it’s a killer speaker for sure. Really like that the tech comes out for the more affordable first.

  • @sean_heisler
    @sean_heisler3 жыл бұрын

    Ugh, Steve, did you have to mention the Elac UB52 like that? You're killing me.

  • @thathorrorshow4126
    @thathorrorshow41263 жыл бұрын

    I'm a new subscriber. I like the channel. Congrats. Good content. I'm trying to learn a thing or rwo.

  • @justanotheryoutubeuser5029

    @justanotheryoutubeuser5029

    3 жыл бұрын

    Youll really leqrn a lot from steve. Also try watching zero fidelity. Both are my go to for audio gear reviews

  • @thathorrorshow4126

    @thathorrorshow4126

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@justanotheryoutubeuser5029 nice. I want to go back to turn tables and I want decent equipment.

  • @martybousum1010
    @martybousum10103 жыл бұрын

    That's why they had that insane sale price on the old models. Great lesson moving forward!

  • @stevec3526
    @stevec35263 жыл бұрын

    Steve, I think this is the most excited I have ever seen you...

  • @poetryonplastic
    @poetryonplastic3 жыл бұрын

    We all want an R3 comparison I think.

  • @kevinweber5129

    @kevinweber5129

    3 жыл бұрын

    poetryonplastic read the whathifi.com review.

  • @NaveenKumar-uh2gk

    @NaveenKumar-uh2gk

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes

  • @happinessliving6713

    @happinessliving6713

    3 жыл бұрын

    Really? The R have never sounded like the Ls 50...

  • @justlookingaround9834

    @justlookingaround9834

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@kevinweber5129 Do you trust What HiFi? I take everything they say with a pinch of salt. It’s like reading the news in the Sun or Mirror.

  • @dmartyn3809
    @dmartyn38093 жыл бұрын

    Please review LS50 Wireless II. Thanks. Great review!

  • @stimpy1226
    @stimpy12263 жыл бұрын

    Fabulous review. Anxious to hear what they sound like versus my Maggies.

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    3 жыл бұрын

    If you like the Maggie sound, no box can compete.

  • @stimpy1226

    @stimpy1226

    3 жыл бұрын

    Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac i've been living with them for over 20 years so the answer is a resounding I love my Maggie 3.6 R's

  • @seedood
    @seedood3 жыл бұрын

    Great review. Thanks!

  • @WhiteBubblySoup
    @WhiteBubblySoup3 жыл бұрын

    Will be interesting to see how the powered version compares to the Buchardt a500

  • @morespinach9832

    @morespinach9832

    3 жыл бұрын

    Both are great but Buchardt has this beat in every department. Both are beasts for small city apartments.. perhaps decent for 1,200 sq ft or above.

  • @russellbaston974

    @russellbaston974

    3 жыл бұрын

    A guy called John Darko has done a comparison with the Buchardt. His music choices are very different from mine, and with speakers of this quality ones preferred music is as big a factor as the equipment. Darko seems to listen to pop/rock groups as far as I can determine. He describes the Kef’s as more ‘precise’ than the Buchardt, but the Buchardt’s more visceral with deeper bass, my take is that if you listen mostly to classical music and singers and want precision and insight then it’s the Kef, ‘ heavier’ music then probably the Buchardt ( which are quite a bit more expensive, and the Buchardt ‘hub’ ( at more cost) is also necessary to enable full functionality and features such as room correction via an app, at the moment only Android I think.

  • @perosa99
    @perosa993 жыл бұрын

    Would have liked to hear the comparison to the open Magnepans instead of the ELACs. Cool review as always

  • @MichelLinschoten

    @MichelLinschoten

    2 жыл бұрын

    Imho vs magnepan ....not even in the same league as a well driven and set up magnepan

  • @estnolck
    @estnolck3 жыл бұрын

    I have the original LS50's and love them. Read a couple of reviews of the new meta's that seemed quite honest, saw this video in which Steve seems like he's discovered hifi aaand placed my order 🤷🏻‍♂️😂. Excited is an understatement as I couldn't imagine the LS50's sounding better and have no chance to audition them because I live in Costa Rica. We do have a KEF distributor here but by the time they get these here they'll have a new model out haha.

  • @kelvinhung9434

    @kelvinhung9434

    3 жыл бұрын

    It sounds wonderful

  • @joeycastillo1496
    @joeycastillo14963 жыл бұрын

    Oh wow !! Here I go again, I need this new speaker, I currently own the original ls50, and this new news is getting excited to check out the meta version

  • @totalplonker824

    @totalplonker824

    3 жыл бұрын

    Sell me your old ones and just think of the endgame! 😁

  • @bartwalczak2715
    @bartwalczak27153 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for that review. Any chance for a comparison with Buchardt Audio A500?

  • @schnitzel456
    @schnitzel4563 жыл бұрын

    Hi Steve, I am thinking of buying the Martin Logan Motion 35XTI, because I love the clarity of the sound. Have not had a change to listen to the Kefs, but your video is making me doubt. Could you do a comparison or give me some notes on which is better according to you?

  • @kingvisu

    @kingvisu

    3 жыл бұрын

    Motion transformer tweeter seals the deal for 35xti over this.

  • @liamo4
    @liamo43 жыл бұрын

    Clearly a genuinely enthusiastic review. Seems like an important technical contribution to speaker design, which I have not come across before. Wondering if it is a proprietary and patented invention?

  • @wolverine3344
    @wolverine33443 жыл бұрын

    This video is even better the 2nd watch. Amazing 🤩

  • @avjake
    @avjake3 жыл бұрын

    KEF should sell a matching Sub that doubles as a speaker stand.

  • @Audfile

    @Audfile

    3 жыл бұрын

    Are you a little person?

  • @carlosbauza1139
    @carlosbauza11393 жыл бұрын

    The distinctive Low Bass in both LS50's is product of great engineering combining scientifically advanced "bass reflex" with "intelligent" tuning vent, and "purpose-aligned" multiple parameters (coil wire diameter, coil length, magnet and gap size, surround material, spider material, internal cubic capacity , cone mass and characteristics including free-air resonant frequency, etc.). The engineering design has to be exquisite!

  • @rfbead321
    @rfbead3213 жыл бұрын

    Love the meta t-shirt!

  • @giangvu7902
    @giangvu79023 жыл бұрын

    Can't wait to hear it!

  • @edincleve1955
    @edincleve19553 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Steve for your review of the "Meta's" I own the original LS50's and I tried pointing them at my ears but that seemed a little bright for my taste. When I pointed them straight ahead that seemed to eliminate the treble brightness and I enjoyed them much more. You didn't mention anything about placement or toe-in of the Meta's, so could you tell us about that? Thanks

  • @edincleve1955

    @edincleve1955

    3 жыл бұрын

    @Vox Daze No buyer's remorse here, but like with all speakers one must learn their strengths and weaknesses and use them accordingly. I also have two 12 subs that make the system that much better. I love the LS50's, especially after changing toe-in, replacing speaker wires and adding subs.

  • @kristwi37

    @kristwi37

    3 жыл бұрын

    Upgrade ur amplifier then they won't be as bright. They sound completely different on different Amplifiers.

  • @yarocig
    @yarocig3 жыл бұрын

    Hi Steve, how would you briefly compare these to the R3s? Is it worth the extra money for the larger volume of the R3s or are the Metas simply better in every aspect? Thank you very much!

  • @FlyHighWavesSounds
    @FlyHighWavesSounds3 жыл бұрын

    Love your T-Shirt! Vinyl Forever

  • @robclendenning2806
    @robclendenning28063 жыл бұрын

    Love Kef and their approach. To be honest though PMC figured this out a while ago with the Advanced Transmission Line tech. More importantly PMC even uses the back wave to great effect for in phase bass along with the clean mids!! But I do love those Kefs

  • @nicksundby
    @nicksundby3 жыл бұрын

    Steve could sell snow to the Eskimos

  • @stephencosta6814

    @stephencosta6814

    3 жыл бұрын

    I am an Eskimo and I already bought snow from him twice

  • @chrisvinicombe9947

    @chrisvinicombe9947

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hahahaha

  • @billybunter3753

    @billybunter3753

    3 жыл бұрын

    Snow? I'm thinking ICE!

  • @chrisvinicombe9947

    @chrisvinicombe9947

    3 жыл бұрын

    Best kind

  • @stephencosta6814

    @stephencosta6814

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@billybunter3753 as in class D lol

  • @De132an
    @De132an3 жыл бұрын

    I’ve got a feeling a lot of original LS50s will hit the market any second!

  • @scottmeyer6005

    @scottmeyer6005

    3 жыл бұрын

    Should be some good prices out there!

  • @khoi83

    @khoi83

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah that,s cool for those Who are waiting for getting the ls50 cheaper.

  • @Audfile

    @Audfile

    3 жыл бұрын

    The only problem is, none of them will be ls50 metas!

  • @daniannaci3258
    @daniannaci32586 ай бұрын

    I love my KEF LS50 Meta’s. They’re awesome on my desktop with a 1989 vintage Kyocera R-461 receiver. Then there’s Mel Torme. If you’re a fan of the man, you must seek out the album he made in the late 70’s with the Buddy Rich Big Band called “Together Again for the First Time” on Century Records. I was lucky enough to see Mel and the Buddy Rich band live during that time. One cut, “Blues In the Night” won the Grammy for best jazz number in 1977 or 1978. It’s available in two versions: a regular multi-miked studio release in a purple jacket, and the other is a purist, two-mike recording of the exact same performance recorded Direct to Disc, golden jacket. THAT is an amazing, must-hear, particularly on your new LS50 Metas.

  • @williamjueschke9960
    @williamjueschke9960 Жыл бұрын

    Love your shirt Steve.

  • @derbygreg
    @derbygreg3 жыл бұрын

    I hope you are right, i have ordered them in blue and gold SE and have already sold my LS50 (which I have loved for 3 years) based pretty much on this review!!

  • @scarabeo500gt

    @scarabeo500gt

    3 жыл бұрын

    Man your going to be PISSED...not really just kidding, Good Luck!

  • @hclandscapes

    @hclandscapes

    3 жыл бұрын

    I have just bought the black edition ls50's for £600 new, i didn't think the new version would be £400 better, so far i have only had them for a couple of days but they have been playing almost continuously with my audiolab 6000A and the sound is amazing, so smooth but still detailed and the bass is ridiculous for a speaker of this size, Not sure if im going to need a subwoofer at all!

  • @djhmax09
    @djhmax093 жыл бұрын

    Buchardt A500 vs KEF Wireless II is what I want to know! Hopefully, KEF actually spent some time improving their abysmal app. The inclusion of chromecast support is pretty nice!

  • @ATommy-lz4jd

    @ATommy-lz4jd

    3 жыл бұрын

    What is Bucharest in front the kefs haha

  • @djhmax09

    @djhmax09

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@ATommy-lz4jd Who knows? Neither have been released to the masses yet

  • @LAIZY_TM
    @LAIZY_TM3 жыл бұрын

    Time of an upgrade, I have a LS50 for a number of years now and i have enjoyed every moment of it, I hope the meta would be better in everyway

  • @DSupremeLounge
    @DSupremeLounge3 жыл бұрын

    Nice! Thanks Steve

  • @alexanderboehm80
    @alexanderboehm803 жыл бұрын

    Now I know how records are multiplied... (Can't get this out of my head..)

  • @Michael-xz1nk
    @Michael-xz1nk3 жыл бұрын

    Well coordinated marketing communication with KEF on launch day! No doubt, the Meta's will be a huge hit given their historical / legendary reputation. Nonetheless, I am sticking with my beloved, original LS50's and continuing to focus on the music and not spending more money chasing the latest and greatest innovation, despite the improvements. Just what I do as a musicphile first. PS: As you know, KEF has promo-ed the originals for $899 for awhile now. It's a shame they are now discontinued. Just a matter of time until they do the same with the Meta's...probably sometime in 2021 once all the early adoptors / must have's pay full price and the hyped new product demand settles down.

  • @theerasers13

    @theerasers13

    3 жыл бұрын

    Didn't they start discounting the original LS50's to $899 some time last year? That's when I bought my pair. I believe they held pretty steady at around $1200-1300 for a long long time. So I doubt the new version will drop in price significantly any time soon unless they obviously have other models in the works.

  • @Michael-xz1nk

    @Michael-xz1nk

    3 жыл бұрын

    They started promo's at $999 in 2018, mostly from KEF Direct. They will lower the price again, maybe not till 2022 (?), especially if sales forecasts underwhelm management...I have no crystal ball....just saying. In the meantime, they will enjoy full margins.

  • @photohum

    @photohum

    2 жыл бұрын

    Price on the metas went up in 2021

  • @Finn-McCool
    @Finn-McCool3 жыл бұрын

    Initially I was thinking that you were going to say that they were like Mr. Carver's design that sent pressure information back through the speaker wire and read the room for the amplifier that then adjusted accordingly. Machine learning 😊

  • @albertoperezgalindo5475
    @albertoperezgalindo54753 жыл бұрын

    Nice review Steve! Now can you please compare it to the R3? Thanks!

Келесі