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?
Weare a kef dealer the ls50s were great in their day the Metas r3 are a far more advanced design they do everything better then the ls50s
adding subs to originals will not equil r3 or r5 and especially r11 the new r series come close to the reference line although the references are still more amazing
Dave and Troy audio intellect nj full line Kef dealer |
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. |
I prefer small jazz and classical groups, but I tried selections of Aida and Mahler's 2nd using the LS60. The sound was awesome. The LS60s can get big when asked to do so. I think their dynamics may exceed that of my Reference 1s driven by the Ayre VX-5 Twenty, and the sound remained pure and unstrained. My Thorens 124 with SME III and Ortofon is connected to the LS60, but I've yet to try it, because I rarely spin vinyl. |
@martinman What do you mean by 'too small for my room'? Not reaching the SPL you desire? In the mid range or bass? or just 'not loud enough'? I did not see a subwoofer in your equipment list. I use a subwoofer (in both of my systems, one very large, one normal room); do you think a sub would help your problem? I am considering small (bookshelf, stand) speakers for my large system, since they are often known for providing a wide and deep sound stage and imaging. |
@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. |
