Been a fan of KEF LS50 and using it for a while? I’m very happy to inform you that its sequel is more amazing than KEF LS50. Since KEF LS50 is serving you well, you should try the sequel as well.
The company named the sequel as KEF LS50 Meta. It has been around for quite some time now. However, I have recently got a chance to try them out. So, here I’m sharing my thoughts on these speakers.
KEF LS50 Meta Review
The KEF LS50 Meta arrived within 3 to 5 working days. As expected, it was packaged in a well-built cardboard box.
As the cardboard box was opened, there was a user manual placed on the top of the foam protective cover. You can choose to set aside the user manual and read it later. However, I gave it a read first and would suggest you do the same.
Under the foam protective cover, there were well-wrapped speakers. I was very happy to find out that the speakers were not wrapped in plastic bags.
First Impression and packaging
Most speakers I have bought in the past were usually packaged in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not good for the environment, they cause global warming.
As soon as the cover was removed, the speaker more or less looked the same as KEF LS50. There was not much difference, one can easily get these speakers confused with KEF LS50.
At the time of purchasing the speakers, I knew this was the sequel to my favorite KEF LS50. So, I was expecting the KEF LS50 Meta to look more or less the same. Since the speakers met my expectations, my first impression was pretty good.
Appearance and build
The KEF LS50 Meta is built to last. The cabinet is made of several compounds such as glass fiber, calcium carbonate, and polyester resin. The combination of these molding compounds makes the speaker impressively rigid.
The speakers have curved front and somewhat round edges. The speakers come in a variety of finishes; royal blue, titanium gray, carbon black, and mineral white. The KEF LS50 speakers I own are in black, I got the sequel in white color.
The white looks more magnificent than the black color. If you are confused about what color to get I would suggest you have the white one. The size and weight of the speakers are also more or less the same as KEF LS50.
Sound quality
As you know, the KEF LS50 Meta is an improved version of the KEF LS50, therefore, the sound quality is noticeably better.
The KEF LS50 has an uneven frequency response, fortunately, these speakers have no such issues.
The sound quality of the KEF LS50 is transparent, warm, finer, and clear. However, it is a little plump and juicy but lacks depth.
Frankly, It’s not an issue for me. I grew up listening to digital music. So, the lack of depth did not bother me much.
If you are also a fan of digital music, I can say you might not have any issues with these speakers as well.
Before moving ahead, I would like to inform you that the speakers are “totally” worth the price you pay. However, they are a little over-hyped. I have no issues with the sound but they did not meet my expectations.
Do not expect the sound quality to be 100x better than the previous version. It might hardly be 10x better. So, keep your expectations as low as possible.
Type
The KEF LS50 and KEF LS50 Meta are both bookshelf speakers. Since our subject of discussion is KEF LS50 Meta we would not go into details about its previous version. The sequel is passive.
The passive speakers are the speakers that do not come with a built-in amplifier and they do not work without an amplifier either. So, what you normally do is connect an amplifier and get the job done.
There are a lot of people who love active speakers because they save them from the hassle of finding and connecting the amplifier.
The passive speakers might require you to connect an amplifier, however, they are still my favorite for a variety of reasons.
They are easy to upgrade, lightweight, and easy to set up. If I am asked what I love the most about the KEF LS50 Meta? I would say a passive version.
Compatibility
Fortunately, this improved version is compatible with more devices. It gives you the freedom to connect to a surround system, gaming console, TV, DVD player, and music player.
Usability
Like most of the speakers I have reviewed recently, the KEF LS50 Meta is also suitable for unprofessional purposes.
They are more suitable for home theater, gaming, and music. This is a truly improved version but it still is not as improved that you can use them for any professional purpose.
Price
The sequel of the KEF LS50 is expensive. The Meta is being sold at $1599, the Meta+10b subwoofer is $2214, the Meta+KC62 subwoofer is $3099, Meta+ speaker stands at $2049. To be honest, the speakers are overpriced. You can easily get a decent pair for under $1000.
So, KEF LS50 Meta yay or nay?
It gets a yay as the speakers are quite improved than the KEF LS50. However, they are still not exceptional and slightly overpriced. If you are looking for a professional-grade speaker, they would not impress you much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the KEF LS50 Meta really good?
The KEF LS50 Meta are nice speakers. They look more or less the same as KEF LS50. However, they have better sound quality as compared to the previous version.
Is KEF LS50 Meta Active or Passive?
The KEF LS50 Meta speakers are passive. They do not come with a built-in amplifier. Therefore, they are categorized as passive speakers.
Are KEF LS50 Meta really loud?
No, they are loud but not “really” loud. Like most bookshelf speakers, they can only serve in a small to medium-sized room.
Are KEF high-end speakers?
Yes, KEF is a reliable brand that manufactures high-end products. The company’s Hifi speakers, subwoofers, architecture, and wireless speakers have won millions of hearts.
Cian has 7 years of experience in the musical instruments industry. His press and research articles are published in many well-known journals. Cian is part of our product testing team so he knows the criteria for the best products. Here at sound keen cian covers how to set up instruments and selection criteria for new products.