KEF Speakers

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I don't know if there is a generic KEF thread.

Anyway, Stereophile measured the KEF LS50 and it looks pretty good.

KEF LS50 Anniversary Model loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com

If I didn't already own the KEF Reference 201/2, I might feel compelled to buy the LS50.....even w/o the grilles.

 

[slipperybidness]

It's certainly a little different than the average BS.

I can't decide whether I like the styling or not.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

It's certainly a little different than the average BS.

I can't decide whether I like the styling or not.

I hate the no-grilles thing. At least have some grilles like the TAD 2201.

 

[slipperybidness]

I hate the no-grilles thing. At least have some grilles like the TAD 2201.

Personally, I prefer no grills, I like seeing the drivers. But, I don't have kids either.

And my Goldenears as DT SMs don't really have the no-grill option (black socks)

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Personally, I prefer no grills, I like seeing the drivers. But, I don't have kids either.

Yah, kids, in-laws, and other house guests.

Take the grilles off when you are alone.

 

[3db]

Take the grilles off when you are alone.

Some intimate time with one's speakers... take em off Baby!!! All of it!!

 

[ridikas]

The speakers measure flawless, but it's a shame that they only use such a tiny midwoofer I suppose one can make an amazing clock radio out of them. Or possibly a high end stereo system in a closet Unfortunately, I just can't see them in any normal size home theater, or stereo set up, even with an 80Hz high pass filter.

 

[monkish54]

Some intimate time with one's speakers... take em off Baby!!! All of it!!

I don't know about you, but I've never said that to my speakers!

The speakers measure flawless, but it's a shame that they only use such a tiny midwoofer I suppose one can make an amazing clock radio out of them. Or possibly a high end stereo system in a closet Unfortunately, I just can't see them in any normal size home theater, or stereo set up, even with an 80Hz high pass filter.

It's a studio monitor. It's not designed to sit in one's living room and play 110db. If you crossover high you can you can have a sweet monitor + sub system!

 

[ridikas]

It's a studio monitor. It's not designed to sit in one's living room and play 110db. If you crossover high you can you can have a sweet monitor + sub system!

Maybe a basement studio? Because a studio even remotely legit must have monitors that can put out 85dB at listening position, with 20dB of headroom.

Acu's TAD 2201, those are real studio monitors...

 

[monkish54]

Because a studio even remotely legit must have monitors that can put out 85dB at listening position, with 20dB of headroom.

They do. Studio monitors are not made to be listened to at 8 feet. If you sit close to them, they will play plenty loud.

That said, your requirement for studio monitors isn't even fulfilled by my Phil2s.

 

[lsiberian]

The sensitivity + power handling is a little low for my tastes, but for a monitor it's fine. What person needs 85 db at their listening position for a baseline? I know what trolling is. I even live on a bridge(my apartment is over the drive in), but give it a little creativity at least.

It's 75db with 30 db and that's THX reference not home listening. Home listening reference is 60db with 30db dynamic range.

 

[KEW]

Originally Posted by 3db View Post
Some intimate time with one's speakers... take em off Baby!!! All of it!!

I don't know about you, but I've never said that to my speakers!

It saddens me to hear that.

Perhaps with time and therapy you will be able to cast off your inhibitions and become comfortable exploring your speakers' sexuality!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would like to see Stereophile measure the KEF Blade next.

I guess they have not measured the KEF R either.

 

[3db]

The speakers measure flawless, but it's a shame that they only use such a tiny midwoofer I suppose one can make an amazing clock radio out of them. Or possibly a high end stereo system in a closet Unfortunately, I just can't see them in any normal size home theater, or stereo set up, even with an 80Hz high pass filter.

Can we get this guy banned please? Complaining about an accurately measured speaker ..WTF... seriously..

 

[3db]

I don't know about you, but I've never said that to my speakers!

oh well ermmm ... I actually never said that....

 

[ratso]

i was actually thinking along the same lines as ridikas, seems to me that there aren't many realistic rooms these would work well in. small rooms yes, maybe the most awesome computer speakers ever? btw, someone may rub you the wrong way but that's not trolling guys.

 

[templemaners]

btw, someone may rub you the wrong way but that's not trolling guys.

You're obviously not familiar with his post history...

I certainly wouldn't mind having a pair of LS50's

 

[macddmac]

I listened to LS 50 and the B&W cm-5 consecutively at RMAF in similar sized rooms with no subs. Different source material, sitting 8' from the speakers and what a world of difference between the two!
I wouldn't hesitate to run the 50's in a 2.0 system as long as the room was under 2000 cubic ft. and the LP was no more than 8' from them.
My 2 cents, Mac
Ps 1500.00 they're a good value, at 1000.00 I'd already own them

 

[monkish54]

i was actually thinking along the same lines as ridikas, seems to me that there aren't many realistic rooms these would work well in.

They would work in 99% of rooms!! They are studio monitors, people. Not floorstanding models. You sit 1 foor or so in front of them!

btw, someone may rub you the wrong way but that's not trolling guys.

I completely agree with this. However, it's trolling when he is aware they are studio monitors, and he *****es about them not being designed like horns!

 

[ridikas]

I'm going to make multiple replies in one post. First of all, the name calling is getting old. It really shows who the REAL trolls are.

The KEF LS50s are NOT studio monitors. What kind of studio would that be if you have to listen to the speakers at a one foot distance to get any realistic output? Are you going to use them as headphones? These are nothing more than overpriced (and yes, well measuring) computer speakers. If they are sitting right in front of you, next to the monitor, then they might work. But that's not something that I would call a studio. More like a bedroom with a pretend sound engineer in it.

The THX spec says that the system must provide 85dB at listening distance, with 20dB of headroom. A real studio should be able to mix movie soundtracks as well as music. If the speaker cannot provide a reference level at the listening position (which varies), then it's not a studio monitor. It's an expensive toy.

You guys make it seem like hitting 85dB at a listening position with 20dB of headroom is some impossible task. Nonsense. Tons of THX and non THX speakers on the market can do it with easy. You don't need floorstanders to reach this goal. Here's a simple THX certified monitor, with two 5" midwoofers, which can do it if crossed over at 80Hz high pass. You can buy it on Amazon for $250 each! It should measure (and probably sound) even better than the KEF LS50, because the THX spec calls for +/-1.5dB frequency response and they have very strict requirements for off-axis response. No crossover, or driver selection cheating there.

http://www.jamo.com/speaker-lines/thx-speakers/D500/?sku=D500LCR