KEF LS50 experiences

[GreenKiwi]

I'm wondering whether anyone has had much experience with the KEF LS50s? I'm contemplating gettings some. They would play double duty as nearfield monitors in my office and occasional setup in the living room for listening. I was thinking about picking up the wireless versions as many of the reviews have commented that their DSP and digital crossover have really improved that speaker.

[Loop 7]

[GreenKiwi]

Yeah, there are lots of really good reviews, and I think that one hit the nail on the head. A DSP+Amp custom designed for a pair of speakers is a really good match.

[novisnick]

I personally prefer to have separates, especially if you roll gear through your home or already have some extra gear. Plus the fact that if the DAC amp or speaker needs repair your out of business! 🤔
That said they have great reviews and I really do love their sound. With SS or tubes they are wonderful!

[GreenKiwi]

Sorry, I should add that my current situation has changed a bit. We moved down to NZ, so all my gear is sitting in storage in the bay area. I think they would sound great with the nCores... and I have a Chord Hugo 2 for my headphones.

[tagmanz]

Jun 24, 2019 3:54:21 GMT -5 GreenKiwi said:

Sorry, I should add that my current situation has changed a bit. We moved down to NZ, so all my gear is sitting in storage in the bay area. I think they would sound great with the nCores... and I have a Chord Hugo 2 for my headphones.

Welcome to Middle Earth. If you have not lived here before you may find it quite a shock trying to demo audio gear especially anything that originates from the US. KEF are no problem and widely represented as are most British marques. I'm pleased to say Emotiva now have a distributor here which is great.

[GreenKiwi]

tagmanz -- where are you located? I'm down in Motueka.

Yeah, it's been an interesting move. I lived down here for a few years 15 years ago, but it's definitely a bit of a shock.

I mostly brought headphones down, but realized I'm mostly working in a "private office" - a 3m x 3m "pod/bedroom" - and can listen to speakers again. It looks like i can listen to a few sets of speakers in Nelson. The wireless KEF seemed to be at the top of the list, though I also want to listen to the Yamaha HS7 and NX-N500, since they are in the $700NZD range instead of $2300NZD.

[leonski]

Heard 'em at shows 3x time. Always with Parasound amps. If I were in the market for a small monitor or standmount, these would be on the list.

Very competitive space so you MUST listen first and not believe any reviewer.......

Always a good sounding room, with the Uber $$ 'blades' being a standout.

[tagmanz]

Jun 24, 2019 15:56:07 GMT -5 GreenKiwi said:

tagmanz -- where are you located? I'm down in Motueka.

Yeah, it's been an interesting move. I lived down here for a few years 15 years ago, but it's definitely a bit of a shock.

I mostly brought headphones down, but realized I'm mostly working in a "private office" - a 3m x 3m "pod/bedroom" - and can listen to speakers again. It looks like i can listen to a few sets of speakers in Nelson. The wireless KEF seemed to be at the top of the list, though I also want to listen to the Yamaha HS7 and NX-N500, since they are in the $700NZD range instead of $2300NZD.

I'm from further south in Christchurch. Motueka is a nice spot but certainly no HiFi stores there:-)

You may wish to check out AV World as they are running a special on the LSX at the moment.

www.avworld.co.nz/shop/product/kef-lsx/overview

They are based in Auckland but often ship for free when you spend over a certain amount. I've purchased from them before and found them good to deal with.

[GreenKiwi]

The LSX is definitely tempting, but I sort of think that if I"m going to spend $1500NZD, I might as well spend $2300 and just be done.