LS50 + Amp Power

Jon Atkinson used Parasound JC-1 monoblocks (800 watts @ 4 Ω) with LS50 Metas for his review in Stereophile. But LS50s sound very good with my Ayre A7e integrated (120 watts @ 4Ω).  I haven't tried pairing my JC-1s with the LS50s.

For a while I used LS50s with a Parasound A21 and was pleased with the sound. Then I tired them a lesser A23 and was less pleased with the sound. They seem sensitive to the amp that drives them.  Strangely though, I really liked the sound with vintage 20-watt Cary SE tube monoblocks.

I think reputable companies rate RMS continuous throughout the pass band with both channels driven simultaneously, not maximum wattage at a certain frequency for a short period of time.

I think reputable companies rate RMS continuous throughout the pass band with both channels driven simultaneously, not maximum wattage at a certain frequency for a short period of time. There is a difference between watts and gain. IIRC, both Dynaco and McIntosh amps were rated at 60 watts, but the Dynacos required triple the input voltage to reach those 60 watts. I don’t recall if the MC-60s were three times heavier, but they were much more massive.

The OP might do well to checkout the new LS50 Wireless IIs and matching sub.  $2500 plus sub -- don't know cost of sub -- could eliminate concern about matching electronics and speakers.  Darko's review suggests KEF has done it well.  It makes a neat looking setup that's ready for streaming and Roon.  I'm going to try it for our living room.

Re crossovers:  I was pleased with the result of raising a pair of Velodyne HGS-15s that supplement KEF Reference 1s from 40 to 80 Hz.  I'd recommend OP try 80 Hz with the LS50s.