Pros
Beautiful design
Sound great
Substantial upgrade for many users
Detailed mids and highs
Rich lower range
Excellent for orchestral music, classical, jazz, and vocals
Solid build quality
Full, wide, smooth natural soundstage
Good bass for size
Impressive imaging and clarity
Pair well with high-quality components
Good value in the 2K range
Demanding in a good way, encourages attentive listening
Cons
Requires optimal positioning
Directional speakers
Needs high-quality amplification to shine
Main Product Advantages
10 Sound Quality
The KEF LS50 Meta speakers are praised for their exceptional sound quality, particularly in the mids and highs. The clarity, detail, and imaging they provide are unrivaled, making vocals, guitars, and percussion sound spectacular. Several reviewers mention hearing subtleties in music that were not noticeable before using these speakers.
9 Versatility
These speakers are versatile in their applications, performing well with various music genres, including classical, jazz, and vocals, as well as movies. Reviewers noted good performance when paired with components like Bluesound Node and Schiit Aegir, although they are not ideal for very loud or bass-heavy music without a subwoofer.
8 Design and Build Quality
The design and build of the KEF LS50 Meta have received positive feedback for their solid and well-made construction. They are described as cool and visually appealing, although the design might not be for everyone. The compact bookshelf form factor is appreciated for not being obtrusive in living spaces.
8 Amplification Needs
The LS50 Meta performs best with high-quality amplification. Reviewers suggest using Class A or AB amplifiers with at least 80 watts per channel for optimal performance. The speakers need a substantial amount of power to shine and might not perform well with lower-tier or underpowered amps.
7 Bass Response
The bass response of the LS50 Meta is good for its size, though some users feel it can be insufficient without a subwoofer for those who prefer louder and bass-heavy sound. It provides natural and adequate bass for moderate listeners but might need enhancement for those who want more robust bass output.
7 Directional Sound
These speakers have a highly directional sound due to the driver design, which can be both a positive and negative. For optimal performance, they need to be positioned correctly at head height and toed-in to the listening location. This feature helps achieve a precise soundstage but can be limiting in less-than-ideal setups.
6 Warmth and Tone
Some reviewers note that the LS50 Meta has a slightly warmer tone compared to earlier models like the Anniversary LS50s. This added warmth is not universally loved, as some prefer the original's clarity and dispassion. The warmer tone is subtle and may contribute to a richer lower range perception.
6 Value for Money
The value of the LS50 Meta is contentious. While many believe they are worth the investment and perform exceptionally well in their price range, others feel they do not live up to the hype and are overpriced. Comparison to similarly priced or cheaper alternatives like ELAC UNI-FI shows mixed preferences.
5 Ease of Use and Break-in Period
The LS50 Meta requires a significant break-in period, with some users reporting up to 100 hours before the speakers fully open up. Initial tightness and 'boxiness' may lead to buyer's remorse, but patience is rewarded as the sound improves over time. Additionally, they produce a noticeable chemical odor out of the box that dissipates after a few days.
KEF LS50 Meta Passive Bookshelf Speakers - Pair (Royal Blue) Review
The KEF LS50 Meta speakers are highly precise and emotionally engaging. This is due in part to their revolutionary acoustic technology.
Design and Build Quality
These speakers are built around the Uni-Q 12th Generation with Metamaterial Absorption Technology driver array. The design is solid and compact, making them suitable for any room.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is exceptionally detailed, providing an immersive listening experience. Whether you're near or far, the detailed sound remains consistent throughout the room.
Technology
The innovative Metamaterial Absorption Technology helps in reducing distortion, thereby enhancing the overall sound quality. This technology sets them apart from other options in the market.
Conclusion
The KEF LS50 Meta Passive Bookshelf Speakers in Royal Blue offer a combination of precision, emotional engagement, and advanced technology. They are a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for high-quality sound in a compact form factor.
