Dougsat,
We had both speakers side by side same system, and the Athoms smoked the LS 50 in every way.
Really wasn't close, Athom is one of those secret brands in audio that makes surprisingly good loudspeakers.
The Athoms had a bigger sound with a fuller midrange, and more bass.
The question as to value is a different one, The LS 50 is a very special loudspeaker that has a clairty that reminds us of a good electrostatic loudspeaker.
With that being said the Athom was better $3,000.00 better is a tough call these days, as you now have the Elac Adantes at $2,500.00 and that is a lot of performance for twice the price.
Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
