LS50 vs R11/7/5 Meta


I have the LS50s (non meta) since it launched many years ago.  Since then, I've upgraded around the Ls50s -- Parasound Hint6, Mogami wire / interconnects, Technics TT.   For me, the only issue has been that the LS50s are too small for my room, but they're just too a good a platform that I really couldn't want for anything more.    The R series and LS60s have recently piqued my interest.  LS60s are not for me as they are powered and I want a separate amp.  So, I'm wondering if anyone has experience upgrading from the LS50s to something in the R line?  

128x128martinman

Showing 3 responses by avanti1960

@martinman

Depends on how critical of a listener you are. I was in the same boat- loved the sound of the LS50s but even with subs and in my medium room they didn’t sound big enough.

I have upgraded several times since the originals and listened to all of the recent R series and REF series including Meta.

KEF has altered the voicing of the newer speakers including the LS50 meta to a point where I feel they ruined the sound of the original LS50s, a very special sound that is basically the only KEF speaker I like. The newer models sound too rolled off and bland to my ears, they veil the midrange. Also many can sound metallic with the wrong amplification.

My recommendation to you would be the Andrew Jones designed MoFi Sourcepoint 10 which are much more efficient, have a huge sound and perfect for your room.

I listened to these for quite a while at the last AXPONA audio show and they were a favorite. Crushing deep bass from the 10 inch woofers, clear neutral midrange and treble. Highly recommended.

@martinman 

Which is why I recommended the MoFi Sourcepoint 10- it is a point source system with tweeter in the center of the main driver just like the KEFs but with a 10 inch woofer ! 

Also the Sourcepoint 8 is excellent too.  

MoFi Electronics SourcePoint 10 (Black) Bookshelf speaker at Crutchfield