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?
The ls60s are quite appealing, but I can’t get by the non-analog setup. Yah it know - it’s crazy. I always thought I would come around to the ls60s at some point - now is probably as good a time as any to dive in. About 1/2 of my listening is analog source, so I think my (unreasonable) issues are that of analog purity…. I mean, no power amp, no speaker cables, less is more I bet. Selling my current setup and I’m more than half way there. |
@kraftwerkturbo : Sorry, I left the SW out -- Probably the most important detail when talking about eh LS50s! I have dual PSA 1500 crossed over at (i think 100hz). Don't get me wrong i've been satisfied - more so then ever - with the LS50s in my room. Actually "room" is a bit of a misnomer. My listening area is part of our finished basement and I have about a 15'W x 45'L x 9'H room (but the listening area really occupies 15x25x9 area of the basement). I think I can get more "oomph" with a larger speaker and liked the LS50s so much that I'm already sold on my next kef purchase. The LS60s are nice and all, but - for me - there might be an interim financial step before I get there. I'd also like to give KEF time to evolve the wireless / powered speaker technology a bit more. Some have suggested the R3s as well and that's a very viable solution. Really, anything in the R line is interesting to me at this point. |
@kraftwerkturbo : You're asking the right questions. It's playing plenty loud enough without fatigue. Analyzing my thoughts a bit, I think there is something missing with small bookshelfs in my room; and I think it's the midrange fullness that is suffering. Though, given what I'm asking from the LS50s it's a stelar performer - I'm just being overly critical. When thinking about an upgrade the LS50 are wonderful at fine detail, but what I think i'm missing is the broad brush strokes 'in the middle' if that makes any sense at all. So, keeping with the meta line, I'm thinking that the R (or even LS60s) might fill in some of the middle parts that the LS50s just can't do because of physical limitations.
@avanti1960 : I'm partial to the LS50s because it was the first speaker that really excelled in my room and met my expectations. I continue to be wow'ed every time I listen to them. So, maybe what I'm really looking for is *more* LS50. |
@steve59 : Yep, a huge area. My listening area only occupies about a 15x10 space, but the entire are is open. I've often through about putting some sort of decorative / accordion style separation or a curtain, but these options have been vetoed by the aesthetics committee. Plus, I don't even know if it will make any difference. @avanti1960 : I'd be tough to audition - i can't find them anywhere, plus It's hard to drop $3k+ w/o hearing them. Also, after the vinyl debacle i'm hard pressed to give them any consideration. |
