KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers Review


Specs:

MSRP $1600
Dimensions
(H × W × D)
11.90” × 7.90” × 11.00”
302mm × 201mm × 279mm
Power Type Passive
Frequency Response 79-28,000 Hz
ASR Score 4.6
ASR Score w/Subwoofer 6.7
KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: The KEF LS50 Meta speakers astound with their Uni-Q driver array, delivering an expansive soundstage and pinpoint imaging. This newest iteration boasts Metamaterial Absorption Technology, ensuring a purer, more natural sound. Aesthetically, they're a minimalist's dream, though they demand high-quality amplification to truly shine. Bass response, while accurate, may leave some wanting. Overall, these bookshelf beauties are a compelling blend of innovation and performance, ideal for discerning listeners in small to mid-sized rooms.

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KEF LS50 Meta: Our Take

The KEF LS50 Meta is a highly acclaimed bookshelf speaker that has been designed to deliver exceptional sound quality in a compact and stylish package. Drawing from its predecessor, the original LS50, the LS50 Meta incorporates advanced technologies and design improvements that aim to set a new benchmark for high-fidelity audio in its class. As part of KEF's acclaimed LS series, these speakers are known for their detailed soundstage and precise imaging, appealing to both audiophiles and casual listeners who prioritize audio performance in their home setup.

One of the standout features of the LS50 Meta is KEF's patented Uni-Q driver array, which positions the tweeter in the acoustic center of the bass/midrange cone. This unique design allows the LS50 Meta to deliver a more detailed, accurate, and integrated three-dimensional sound image. This innovation helps to eliminate the sweet spot, ensuring that the audio experience is immersive and consistent regardless of where the listener is positioned in the room.

Innovative Materials and Design

The KEF LS50 Meta utilizes Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), a highly complex maze-like structure that absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. This technology effectively eliminates distortion caused by sound waves bouncing back from the rear of the speaker, resulting in purer, more natural sound. The MAT is one of the most significant enhancements over the original LS50, giving the Meta version its name and representing a leap forward in acoustic engineering.


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Build quality is another area where the LS50 Meta shines. With a solid and dense enclosure, these speakers feel robust and well-constructed. Attention to detail can be seen in every aspect of the design, including the sleek, contemporary aesthetic that makes them as much a statement piece as a high-performance audio device. They are available in a range of finishes, allowing users to match them with their interior decor.

Performance and Sound Quality

In terms of performance, the KEF LS50 Meta offers impressive detail retrieval and tonal balance across a wide frequency range. The lows are tight and controlled without overwhelming the mids, which remain clear and articulate. High frequencies are crisp and extended without being harsh or sibilant. The overall sound signature is neutral with a slight warmth, making them versatile for various music genres and audio content.

However, potential buyers should be aware that the LS50 Meta speakers are passive, meaning they require a separate amplifier to power them. This can be an advantage for those who want to tailor their sound system with a specific amplifier but might be an extra cost and consideration for those who prefer an all-in-one solution. Additionally, while the bass response is impressive for their size, those seeking room-shaking lows may need to pair them with a subwoofer.

Competition and Alternatives

When considering alternatives to the KEF LS50 Meta, potential buyers might look at other high-end bookshelf speakers like the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition, which also offers exceptional sound quality with a similar size profile. Another competitor is the Dynaudio Evoke 10, known for its detailed highs and dynamic midrange. Both alternatives present their unique sonic characteristics and design features that cater to different preferences.

The price point of the KEF LS50 Meta places it in the premium segment of bookshelf speakers, which may not suit every budget. For those looking for a more affordable option without significantly compromising on sound quality, models like the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 or Q Acoustics 3030i could be considered. These speakers deliver commendable performance at a lower price bracket but may lack some of the advanced technologies found in the LS50 Meta.

In conclusion, the KEF LS50 Meta bookshelf speakers are a compelling choice for anyone looking to elevate their listening experience with top-tier audio performance and cutting-edge technology. While they command a premium price and require careful pairing with an amplifier, their exceptional sound quality and build make them a worthy investment for discerning audiophiles. The market offers various alternatives tailored to different needs and budgets, ensuring there's a high-quality bookshelf speaker option available for nearly every type of listener.


Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Main Acoustic Advancements in the KEF LS50 Meta Over Its Predecessors?

The KEF LS50 Meta speakers are a testament to KEF's commitment to innovation, particularly with their implementation of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). This groundbreaking approach involves using a complex maze-like structure to absorb unwanted sound from the rear of the driver, eliminating the resultant distortion that usually occurs in a typical speaker enclosure. The result is purer, more natural sound. This is a significant leap forward from the original LS50 speakers, which were highly regarded in their own right but did not feature this advanced technology.

Additionally, the LS50 Meta speakers benefit from refinements to the Uni-Q driver array, which places the tweeter in the acoustic center of the midrange cone. This design ensures improved time alignment and a more integrated sound. By optimising the shape and positioning of the tangerine waveguide over the tweeter, there's better dispersion and a wider sweet spot, enhancing the listening experience for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. These refinements clearly illustrate KEF's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in bookshelf speaker design.

How Do the KEF LS50 Meta Speakers Perform in Terms of Imaging and Soundstage?

Imaging and soundstage are areas where the KEF LS50 Meta speakers truly shine. Thanks to the aforementioned Uni-Q driver and MAT, users report a remarkably precise stereo image. The placement of instruments within the soundstage is pinpoint accurate, giving the listener a sense of depth and space that is uncommon in speakers of this size. This precise spatial representation allows each element of the music to breathe, providing an immersive listening experience that is both expansive and tightly focused.

The LS50 Meta's ability to create a wide and deep soundstage is also impressive. Listeners often comment on the way these speakers project sound far beyond their physical boundaries, making the walls of the listening room seem to disappear. This uncanny ability to evaporate into the listening space is a hallmark of high-fidelity sound reproduction and a feature that KEF has clearly prioritized in the design of the LS50 Meta.

Can the KEF LS50 Meta Speakers Be Integrated Into a Larger Home Theater System?

KEF has long been known for designing speakers that excel in both stereo and home theater setups, and the LS50 Meta speakers are no exception. They possess the versatility needed to serve as either stand-alone bookshelf speakers for a pure stereo listening setup or as front, side, or rear channels in a multi-channel home theater system. Their coherent and detailed sound signature ensures that they can blend seamlessly with other high-quality speakers, including those from KEF's extensive range of home theater products.

For those looking to integrate the LS50 Meta speakers into a larger system, it's crucial to pair them with a matching center channel speaker and subwoofer to maintain tonal balance and a cohesive sound field. KEF offers a variety of options that are voice-matched to the LS50 Meta, ensuring a symmetrical and immersive cinematic experience. With the right components, these speakers can be the cornerstone of a high-performance home theater system that delights both movie buffs and audiophiles alike.


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KEF LS50 Meta

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