2. speakers
  3. 173951-150722

Kef LS50s - great like me but need to come up for air

So over the years I've really enjoyed my primary speaker the Kef LS50s. They work well in my current setup: Schiit Aegir, NAD preamp (class A) in a small room (11'x14').

Maybe I like them so much because they are very much like me: precise, balanced, neutral but not overly. Contrary to many they are more on the warm than bright side. You just need to know how to place them and match them to the right components. Like me :)

However, l've gone through a change. I need to and been told by my wife and doctors that I need to relax some and come up for air. I've been working on this for the past 2 years. Now I've seriously realized my beloved music system has come to the same change point.

Like me and my ears I'd like to find a speaker with the same basic qualities of the LS50s but that can come up for air - call it more relaxed, warm...whatever. Those in the know will know what I mean. I can explain this more if necessary.

My budget is up to 1,500.00...I've online researched Harbeths, Dynaudio Evoke 20, Usher, Spendor but don't really know where to go from here. I've thought about higher sensitivity speakers but most quality speakers are physically too large (maybe).

Any input is appreciated.

lmartinez_02170

Showing 1 response by dbong

dbong
20 posts
 

2nd on straightwire.  I upgraded to their 2nd to top of line xlr cables and top power cord for amp, second to top for dac and pre.  Not that expensive and a huge! improvement.  Ultimately though replacing my solid state amp with with a BAT VK60 SE gave me exactly what you are looking for.

problem with the LS50 is it’s not quite high enough impedance at some frequencies for some amps, and they are brutally honest.  I used them with an Ayre V5xe, an indisputably quality amp and did not like it.  Not bad, just not mellow.

I also found the LS really shows what the pre is doing so don’t be surprised at the difference swapping out a pre.  

More to discover