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The KEF LS50 price drop has me considering a small system for my office. Suggestions?

I don't pay close attention to the hifi market, but I noticed that the KEF LS50s dropped from $1,500 to $1K.  This has me thinking about adding a small system to my office, a 16' by 12' room with hardwood flooring and a floor to ceiling bookcase (full) on the back wall.  It won'd ever be a treated room.  I'm not talking an end all hifi system, but something fun and digital only.  Here's what I've come up with, but I'd love to hear what others would do.

KEF LS50 on stands
Schiit Vidar amp (maybe two)
Mytek Brooklyn Bridge (preamp/DAC/streamer)

Maybe add a couple small subs, a 12V power supply for the Mytek, and a power conditioner later.  Also considered the Kinki EX-P7 pre and the Border Patrol DAC in place fo the Mytek.  Then I'd need a streamer, so maybe a Bluesond Node 2i.  What are your thoughts?
kcpellethead

Showing 3 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,919 posts
 
I'd say any good quality amp 80-100w/ch or more won't hurt, robust with good current delivery,  damping factor, not unusually low, should work well.   Does not seem a natural to match with a tube amp but not to say a good one with enough power might not have it's niceties.

I recall teh active ls50s are actually even biamped, which does  not appear possible with the passives, FWIW.   I would not worry about that though with a proper amp in play.  ls50s are a bit on the demanding side though I would say...not just any amp will make them sing.
 

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,919 posts
 
I mention the active ls50 option mainly because the ls50 sound seems to vary a lot depending on amp and I read KEF nails that for you with the active version for only ~ 1K more.

I have the passives and have heard them sound meh on some amps and wow on others. Currently using them with Bel Canto ref1000m Class D, a pricier option that seems to work very well.

Then there is the smaller lsx which I have not heard but also read only good things about.

Then there is the new passive R3 that I have heard that seems easier to drive and I would go with personally if no sub involved and not a smaller room.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,919 posts
 
You could build around the active version of ls50 and  save space and money invested.  
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