The KEF LS50 speakers have been a topic of discussion among audiophiles and music enthusiasts for years. These compact, high-performance speakers have garnered widespread acclaim for their exceptional sound quality, sleek design, and versatility. But are they truly that good? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of KEF LS50 speakers, exploring their history, design, features, and performance to help you decide if they’re the right choice for your audio needs.
A Brief History of KEF LS50 Speakers
KEF, a renowned British loudspeaker manufacturer, has been producing high-quality speakers for over 50 years. The LS50 model was first introduced in 2012 to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. The LS50 was designed to pay homage to the iconic KEF LS3/5a, a BBC-designed speaker that was widely used in the 1970s and 1980s for music production and broadcasting.
The LS50 was created by a team of skilled engineers who aimed to produce a speaker that would deliver accurate, detailed sound while maintaining a compact and stylish design. The result was a speaker that quickly gained popularity among audiophiles and music enthusiasts, praised for its exceptional sound quality, sleek design, and affordability.
Design and Features
The KEF LS50 speakers are designed to be compact and versatile, making them suitable for a variety of listening environments. Here are some key design features and specifications:
- Dimensions: 11.9 x 7.9 x 10.9 inches (302 x 200 x 278 mm)
- Weight: 15.8 pounds (7.2 kg) per speaker
- Driver Configuration: 1 x 5.25-inch (130 mm) Uni-Q driver, 1 x 1-inch (25 mm) vented aluminum dome tweeter
- Frequency Response: 47 Hz – 45 kHz
- Sensitivity: 85 dB
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Power Handling: 100 watts
The LS50 speakers feature KEF’s proprietary Uni-Q driver technology, which combines the midrange and treble drivers into a single unit. This design allows for a more accurate and detailed soundstage, with improved imaging and sound dispersion.
Uni-Q Driver Technology
The Uni-Q driver is a key feature of the LS50 speakers, and it’s what sets them apart from other speakers in their class. The Uni-Q driver uses a single motor to drive both the midrange and treble drivers, which are mounted on the same axis. This design allows for a more accurate and detailed soundstage, with improved imaging and sound dispersion.
The Uni-Q driver also features a unique vented design, which helps to reduce distortion and improve sound quality. The vented design allows for a more efficient transfer of energy from the motor to the drivers, resulting in a more accurate and detailed sound.
Performance
So, how do the KEF LS50 speakers perform? In short, they deliver exceptional sound quality, with accurate and detailed sound reproduction. Here are some key performance characteristics:
- Soundstage: The LS50 speakers deliver a wide and deep soundstage, with excellent imaging and sound dispersion.
- Frequency Response: The LS50 speakers have a flat frequency response, with excellent bass extension and treble clarity.
- Dynamics: The LS50 speakers are capable of delivering excellent dynamics, with good transient response and attack.
- Sound Quality: The LS50 speakers deliver accurate and detailed sound reproduction, with good sound quality and minimal distortion.
Sound Quality Comparison
The KEF LS50 speakers have been compared to other high-end speakers in their class, and they consistently deliver excellent sound quality. Here’s a comparison of the LS50 speakers to other popular speakers in their class:
| Speaker | Frequency Response | Sensitivity | Impedance |
| — | — | — | — |
| KEF LS50 | 47 Hz – 45 kHz | 85 dB | 8 ohms |
| Bowers & Wilkins 606 | 52 Hz – 28 kHz | 88 dB | 8 ohms |
| ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 | 44 Hz – 35 kHz | 87 dB | 6 ohms |
| Q Acoustics 3020i | 64 Hz – 30 kHz | 88 dB | 6 ohms |
As you can see, the KEF LS50 speakers deliver excellent sound quality, with a flat frequency response and good sensitivity. They’re well-suited for a variety of listening environments, from small rooms to larger spaces.
Conclusion
The KEF LS50 speakers are an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality, compact speakers. They deliver exceptional sound quality, with accurate and detailed sound reproduction, and they’re well-suited for a variety of listening environments.
While they may not be the cheapest option in their class, the LS50 speakers offer excellent value for money, with a unique design and proprietary technology that sets them apart from other speakers.
If you’re in the market for a new pair of speakers, the KEF LS50 is definitely worth considering. With their exceptional sound quality, sleek design, and versatility, they’re an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their audio setup.
Final Verdict
The KEF LS50 speakers are an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality, compact speakers. They deliver exceptional sound quality, with accurate and detailed sound reproduction, and they’re well-suited for a variety of listening environments.
With their unique design and proprietary technology, the LS50 speakers offer excellent value for money, and they’re definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new pair of speakers.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommendation: The KEF LS50 speakers are an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality, compact speakers. They’re well-suited for a variety of listening environments, and they offer excellent value for money.
What are KEF LS50 speakers, and why are they so popular?
KEF LS50 speakers are a pair of bookshelf speakers designed by KEF, a renowned British loudspeaker manufacturer. They were created to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary and have since become a benchmark for high-fidelity sound reproduction. The LS50 speakers are popular among audiophiles and music enthusiasts due to their exceptional sound quality, compact design, and affordability.
The KEF LS50 speakers have received widespread critical acclaim for their accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making them an ideal choice for music lovers who value precision and clarity. Their popularity can also be attributed to their versatility, as they can be used in a variety of settings, from home theaters to music studios, and can be paired with a range of amplifiers and equipment.
What sets KEF LS50 speakers apart from other bookshelf speakers?
Several features set the KEF LS50 speakers apart from other bookshelf speakers. One of the most notable is their proprietary Uni-Q driver array, which combines a 1-inch vented aluminum dome tweeter with a 5.25-inch magnesium/aluminum alloy cone midrange driver. This design allows for a more accurate and detailed sound reproduction, with improved dispersion and a wider soundstage.
Additionally, the LS50 speakers feature a rear ported design, which enhances bass response and provides a more immersive listening experience. The speakers also have a sleek and compact design, making them easy to place in small rooms or on bookshelves. The combination of these features makes the KEF LS50 speakers a standout in their class and a popular choice among audiophiles.
How do KEF LS50 speakers perform in terms of sound quality?
The KEF LS50 speakers are known for their exceptional sound quality, with clear and detailed highs, smooth midranges, and tight bass. They are capable of reproducing a wide range of frequencies, from 47 Hz to 45 kHz, making them suitable for a variety of music genres. The speakers also have a high sensitivity rating of 85 dB, which allows them to produce a loud and immersive sound with minimal amplification.
In terms of soundstage and imaging, the LS50 speakers excel, providing a wide and detailed soundstage with accurate instrument placement. They are also capable of handling complex musical passages with ease, making them a great choice for classical music and jazz enthusiasts. Overall, the KEF LS50 speakers deliver a sound that is both accurate and engaging, making them a great choice for music lovers.
Are KEF LS50 speakers suitable for home theaters?
While the KEF LS50 speakers are primarily designed for music listening, they can also be used in home theaters. Their compact size and rear ported design make them easy to place in small rooms or on bookshelves, and their high sensitivity rating allows them to produce a loud and immersive sound with minimal amplification.
However, it’s worth noting that the LS50 speakers may not be the best choice for very large home theaters or for listeners who prioritize extremely low bass response. In these cases, a larger speaker or a subwoofer may be necessary to provide the desired level of bass. Nevertheless, the KEF LS50 speakers can still provide an excellent sound quality for home theaters, especially when paired with a good amplifier and other equipment.
Can KEF LS50 speakers be paired with any amplifier?
The KEF LS50 speakers can be paired with a variety of amplifiers, but they do require a certain level of power and quality to sound their best. The speakers have a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a sensitivity rating of 85 dB, which means they can be driven by amplifiers with a power output of 25-100 watts per channel.
It’s recommended to pair the LS50 speakers with a high-quality amplifier that can provide a clean and stable power output. A good amplifier will help to bring out the best in the speakers, providing a more detailed and accurate sound reproduction. Some popular amplifier options for the KEF LS50 speakers include the Naim Uniti Atom, the Rega Brio, and the Cambridge Audio CXA60.
Are KEF LS50 speakers worth the investment?
The KEF LS50 speakers are a significant investment, but they are worth it for music enthusiasts who value high-quality sound reproduction. The speakers offer a level of sound quality that is rare in their class, with clear and detailed highs, smooth midranges, and tight bass.
While there are certainly cheaper options available, the KEF LS50 speakers offer a level of performance and build quality that is hard to find at lower price points. Additionally, the speakers are built to last, with a durable design and high-quality components that will provide years of reliable service. For those who are willing to invest in their music listening experience, the KEF LS50 speakers are an excellent choice.
What are some alternatives to the KEF LS50 speakers?
There are several alternatives to the KEF LS50 speakers, depending on your budget and preferences. Some popular options include the Q Acoustics 3020i, the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2, and the Wharfedale Diamond 11.1. These speakers offer a similar level of sound quality to the LS50 speakers, but at a lower price point.
Other options to consider include the Bowers & Wilkins 606, the Monitor Audio Bronze 2, and the Focal Sib Evo. These speakers offer a slightly different sound signature and design aesthetic, but are still highly regarded for their sound quality and build. Ultimately, the best alternative to the KEF LS50 speakers will depend on your specific needs and preferences, so it’s worth doing some research and listening to different options before making a decision.