LS50 vs R11/7/5 Meta

@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.

@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.  

I recently purchased a pair of used LS50 Metas at $900 including shipping. As stated previously, they are now on sale everywhere for $999 with free shipping. I have a small room and listen at moderate levels most of the time. I purchased the LS50 Metas because of all the reviews and several reviewers made them part of their 'keepers'. I'm no expert, but have found myself trying to decide whether to keep them or not. I have a pair of Harbeth Compact C7ES-3 XD speakers. I didn't intend on keeping both speakers, but I really like both of them. I have purchased a KEF KS62 sub to add a little bass, but have not received it, yet.

@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

15x45x9'!!! Even if the actual area is closer to 25' that's still a lot of air to pressurize. The problem I always had with subs is they didn't fill in the lowest octave of the male voice. The ls60 or if your intent is to stay passive the R7 or Ref3 would be the minimum. I've found Kef uniq speakers really respond to power. 

I would hope the R7/ls60/ref3 would do a better job filling the mid and upper bass br4 handing off to sub/s. 

Regarding the MoFi, or even Tannoy, these speakers do address the bass limitations, but the mids won't sound the same, better, worse, or sideways our OP chose the ls50 specifically for what they do well. I haven't heard the MoFi, but can say with confidence Tannoy concentric with a tweeter in the VC of a 10-12 or 15" woofer sound nothing like a Kef ls50.