PinoyDVD: The Pinoy Digital Video & Devices Community
Home Theater => Audio => Speakers => Topic started by: javauser on Nov 13, 2012 at 08:38 PM
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(http://www.fanthorpes.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/kefls50.jpg)
Named what hi-fi product of the year 2012.
Saw and heard these in the recent hifi show, and i was throughly impressed.
My only concern is that they are only sold in pairs, and i'm afraid of using a different center speaker because they may not blend well.
Ayone here would like to purchase 3 pcs to be used as left, right, and center channels? Maybe we can share a pair.
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how much do they go for ?
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Promo price is 52k
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is that fullrange or coaxial?
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Saw this one at the HiFi show. It has a lot of potential.
Too bad it was too crowded and noisy, I really couldn't tell how good this can be.
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One of my favorites in the Hi Fi Show. Very good price too.
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Cant wait to audition these in the showroom.
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pa review sa makakadinig, thanks :)
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Heard it at the show, its a coaxial driver. Like all small speakers that sound big. This must have a Mt Everest of hump on the lower mid bass. Sounds amazing though for its size.
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I heard the R300 but not this model. Slightly more expensive at 63K but it's a three driver set up in a bookshelf. Simply put I'm in love with its sound.
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Sorry OT but who is the distributor of KEF in the Philippines? Which stores sell KEF? Thanks
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SnS I think sells Kef. May post sila dati pero limited model lang ata ang carry nila.
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DCM Audio, near AliMall
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pang audio lang ata to....not sure kung may center na kapareho to..
splitting the pair for center i believe will not work best....
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pang audio lang ata to....not sure kung may center na kapareho to..
splitting the pair for center i believe will not work best....
Actually brader magandang idea to kasi talagang magiging similar ang tunog nang center sa left and right speakers.
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i audition this speaker with louie, timi and elms
i got to play my fav cd's hehe...nakakahiya ipasalang kasi ung cd player asa labas hihihi..umikot magisa..
pwede na...but for the price - ill go different route for ht...
walang tweeter to....hihihi..ang cute....
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walang tweeter to....hihihi..ang cute....
Asa gitna po yung HF transducer niya. :) Dual concentric driver ang design na phase and time coherent kaya nakapantay dun sa base ng woofer cone at calculated yung phase shift caused by the crossover.
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Asa gitna po yung HF transducer niya. :) Dual concentric driver ang design na phase and time coherent kaya nakapantay dun sa base ng woofer cone at calculated yung phase shift caused by the crossover.
sabi ko dun sa babae na kausap namin...wheres the tweeter?
I believe it doesnt have...and the lady mentioned it was a special designed 50th anniversarry etc...
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I also want to hear this speaker in a quiet store.
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i got to play my fav cd's hehe...nakakahiya ipasalang kasi ung cd player asa labas hihihi..umikot magisa..
pwede na...but for the price - ill go different route for ht...
compared to dyns for music, which is better?
thanks.
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ts you can use the extra unit as a single surround back speaker. anyway synthesized lang naman from surround channels yung rear surround sound, it doesn't matter much if you have 1 or 2 rears.
sabi ko dun sa babae na kausap namin...wheres the tweeter?
I believe it doesnt have...and the lady mentioned it was a special designed 50th anniversarry etc...
it has a 1 inch aluminum dome tweeter coaxially mounted in the center of the driver, typical KEF design.
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(http://www.fanthorpes.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/kefls50.jpg)
Named what hi-fi product of the year 2012.
Saw and heard these in the recent hifi show, and i was throughly impressed.
My only concern is that they are only sold in pairs, and i'm afraid of using a different center speaker because they may not blend well.
Ayone here would like to purchase 3 pcs to be used as left, right, and center channels? Maybe we can share a pair.
Get two pairs brad. Simply connect in parallel one pair for your center. And pag nasawa na, you can sell the pairs away easily. And this is a 50th anniv model, baka mas mataas pa ang price nyan if it becomes vintage.
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compared to dyns for music, which is better?
thanks.
havent heard the dyns at my reference volume sobrang hina ng patugtog dun sa hifi nahiya ako ipalakas
but dyns seperation was awesome
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Was able to listen to this speakers early morning of Sunday when there was still no customers.
My initial impression is that this small speaker definitely produces a big airy soundstage with detail from top to bottom. I believe it will still improve if properly set-up in a treated room with optimum placement.
The demo units during the show were sold on the spot.
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havent heard the dyns at my reference volume sobrang hina ng patugtog dun sa hifi nahiya ako ipalakas
but dyns seperation was awesome
I am theorizing that the dyns are probably more flexible in terms of:
a) setup (e.g. amp choice, speaker location), and
b) genres where it will sound great.
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LS50 is designed to be a studio monitor speaker just like the original LS3 where KEF contributed by supplying the drivers used on that legendary speaker. Pang nearfield po it like a studio, desktop or a small room. If your room is medium to large baka mabiitin sa output.
Using it as an HT speaker is like kicking a cute dog. As mentioned by another forum member, the reason why walang center and surround model to augment the mains is obvious...This is for pure audio pero kung gusto gamitin sa HT then why not. My .05 cents.
Check out this video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVTiMCUUCDk&feature=youtube_gdata_player
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IMHO, This would be a waste for HT, I guess this was designed for audio in small rooms or as what Synchro said for near field listening.
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IMHO, This would be a waste for HT, I guess this was designed for audio in small rooms or as what Synchro said for near field listening.
Question... If a pair of speakers is good enough for listening to music, which i feel is more discriminating, why would'5 they be appropriate for HT use? This question has always been in my mind.
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Question... If a pair of speakers is good enough for listening to music, which i feel is more discriminating, why would'5 they be appropriate for HT use? This question has always been in my mind.
Iba ung audio saka HT…
More extension of bass sa ht
Most uses FS for HT
You’ll knew it once you started HT and audio separately
At 50k you can buy a different brand FS for HT
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Question... If a pair of speakers is good enough for listening to music, which i feel is more discriminating, why would'5 they be appropriate for HT use? This question has always been in my mind.
These are near-field monitors; very few watch movies in the near field (around a meter away from the speaker). They are designed to sound proper and work well in that zone. Many near field monitors are not designed to deliver the high intensities required to get the right dynamic contrast/scale needed in a typical HT application where the listener sits much further away from the speakers. Furthermore, controlled dispersion is less of a design factor with near-field designs because they are meant to be close to the listener (unless poorly installed, surface effects do not matter as much in such a layout). Voicing in terms of frequency response can also be very different, as far-field speakers may be designed to be "hotter" in the HF region to counteract air absorption and to "cut through" LF room ringing.
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i audition this speaker with louie, timi and elms
i got to play my fav cd's hehe...nakakahiya ipasalang kasi ung cd player asa labas hihihi..umikot magisa..
pwede na...but for the price - ill go different route for ht...
walang tweeter to....hihihi..ang cute....
meron po, sa gitna, like the q300. :)
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It is good for music, but not at loud levels. Any speakers good for Music that can play loud will be good for HT, unless puro drama pinapanood mo na walang masyadong bass and midbass, then this would be OK
Question... If a pair of speakers is good enough for listening to music, which i feel is more discriminating, why would'5 they be appropriate for HT use? This question has always been in my mind.
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Bad trip Lang walang grill ito. Kids will find its design very intriguing and will be hard pressed not to poke the center hehehe
Seriously though...this pair together with a proper integrated and a very musical sub will impress.
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Bad trip Lang walang grill ito. Kids will find its design very intriguing and will be hard pressed not to poke the center hehehe
+1 I saw this almost happen, too.
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I am pretty sure, KEF would not design a speaker that would be easily damage. if you look at tweeter, the tweeter cone seems to be burried under flower looking "thingy" which is part of the tweeter assembly
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The flower looking thingy is the tangerine waveguide. It controls tweeter dispersion to match the woofer's off-axis response around the crossover point. This gives the speaker a very smooth off-axis response (and a very wide "sweet-enough" zone).
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Auditioned this speakers at Kef Cubao and my initial impression is that its good looking and build quality is astounding.its big sounding and very detailed, precise imaging with the vocals at the center.
At 1st I thought it was due to the fact that the room is treated so I ask them that I wanna audition the speakers on non treated room so the speakers were transferred downstairs that's not treated and open area with speakers being separated just few inches away but still the imaging was still precisely snap on.
Highly recommended speakers if you're looking for alternative for the harbeth,proac,etc then this is for you but if you're looking for speakers that will put you to sleep then this is not for you.I would have get this 1 if only it has front ported.Too bad I have small area distance from the back wall.
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bought these over the weekend as a Christmas gift to myself. they sound amazing. will post photos later.
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bought these over the weekend as a Christmas gift to myself. they sound amazing. will post photos later.
Congratulations bro. Mini review naman.
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bought these over the weekend as a Christmas gift to myself. they sound amazing. will post photos later.
Wow congrats!
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bought these over the weekend as a Christmas gift to myself. they sound amazing. will post photos later.
What amp are you using to power them?
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Onkyo TX NR807 :)
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Naman oh. Reading this thread makes me wanna get one...
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Got a pair of LS50s for my fronts and r200c as my center channel.
Breathtaking sound. I am out of town and i cant wait to get back to my media room.
I was able to audition the LS50s against the r700, and i can say that the r700 still sounded better and had tighter bass. Too bad i was not able to audition the LS50 against the r300.
I was also able to audition the r100 vs the LS50, and the LS50 was noticeably better.
I was given the chance to take home the r200c so i can compare it with the LS50 as a center channel. I could not hear any difference when watching avengers and dark knight.
It occurred to me to set my avr to Mono setting so that everything is only heard through the center channel. Thats when the r200c showed more detail not present in the LS50. In actual use however, i doubt anyone would use the Mono setting. But because of this, i stuck with the r200c.
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I am curious how the LS50s would compare to b&w 685s Or cm5. Any owners interested in doing a blind audition?
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I am curious how the LS50s would compare to b&w 685s Or cm5. Any owners interested in doing a blind audition?
calling TIMI....blind test with your 685
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I am curious how the LS50s would compare to b&w 685s Or cm5. Any owners interested in doing a blind audition?
I dont think they were made to compete against the 685, the Q300 is more likely the speaker in the same bracket with the 685.
CM speakers would be a better comparison :)
Hope somebody would bring in their CMs for testing :)
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Also curious how the LS50s would compare with golden ear aon3 :)
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Also curious how the LS50s would compare with golden ear aon3 :)
aon 3 is more on HT....
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aon 3 is more on HT....
Thats why i bought the LS50. I wanted speakers that can serve as stereo speakers and ht speakers na rin. And i can attest it's doing both really well.
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Thats why i bought the LS50. I wanted speakers that can serve as stereo speakers and ht speakers na rin. And i can attest it's doing both really well.
you need to hear aon3 paired with tube amp and its sound wonderful...
ung blind test ba brader na want mo e stereo listening or ht?
anu pala gamit mong amp to drive those kef?
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Onkyo tx nr807 po.
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ung blind test ba brader na want mo e stereo listening or ht?
Both? Hehe
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Onkyo tx nr807 po.
hehe....brader hindi kita kinukulam pero malayo tumunog ang int amp sa receiver
may potential pa yang kef mo if you will try INT AMP or TUBE AMP...
sasabihin mo saken in the future...tama nga malayo ung tunog hehe
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Bad trip ka raider. Haha
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Bad trip ka raider. Haha
haha... derick nalang brader tawag mo saken hehe...
totoo yan haha....i used receiver's yamaha 757, pioneer 1021, onkyo 805
layo ng tunog kahit ung onkyo 805 ko hihihihi...
magaling si onkyo ko sa ht...sa audio int amp...hihihihi.....lalo na kapag mga 75w onwards ang power busog na busog yang kef mo...
mga tipong 9oclock lang lumulutang ang highs hihihi...
nakalimutan ko na character nyan kef ng nagaudition kami sa watt hifi..
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hehe....brader hindi kita kinukulam pero malayo tumunog ang int amp sa receiver
may potential pa yang kef mo if you will try INT AMP or TUBE AMP...
sasabihin mo saken in the future...tama nga malayo ung tunog hehe
The difference is quite literally like night and day ;)
there's a reason "audioholics" prefer dedicated systems for both :)
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Also curious how the LS50s would compare with golden ear aon3 :)
I am curious how the LS50s would compare to b&w 685s Or cm5. Any owners interested in doing a blind audition?
Bro si timi merong 685...
Ako merong Aon 3...
Ituloy na natin EB sa inyo para matest mo at makulam ka sa audio... Este malaman mo difference nila ;D
Magdadala na din kami ng integrated amp at tube amp para makulam ka ulit... Este narinig mo difference with AVR ;)
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aon 3 is more on HT....
I beg to disagree derick. Mas may edge sa music ang aon3. Come by the house to listen.
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Sama ko sa EB nyo. O0 I wanna hear the Aon3 and LS50
Attractive sana pricing kasi ng Aon3 ($999.98 US pricing) kaso bloated yung pricing pa dito satin eh. I wanna know whos gonna be the better value
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I beg to disagree derick. Mas may edge sa music ang aon3. Come by the house to listen.
nadinig ko na yan brader hehe...
you can ask audi....
good points ng aon3 when paired with tube amp...
im not saying hindi maganda sa audio...
halos second place yan sa harbeth when paired with tube...sa int amp medyo naiba character nyan...
ganda kasi sa ht ung bass radiator nya at makalansing....
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Sama ko sa EB nyo. O0 I wanna hear the Aon3 and LS50
Attractive sana pricing kasi ng Aon3 ($999.98 US pricing) kaso bloated yung pricing pa dito satin eh. I wanna know whos gonna be the better value
If ur willing to wait and sea ship the aons makamura ka nga pero tyaga lang sa waiting time. pero kung consider mo yung aftermarket support ni Marc avshop, i am convinced d na tayo lugi. We get to listen and audi pa freely the aons because we have exvlusive distributor in manila. Honestly kung wala grey market d naman natin buy GE consudering its price. Kaya panalo pa din tayo.
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hehe....brader hindi kita kinukulam pero malayo tumunog ang int amp sa receiver
may potential pa yang kef mo if you will try INT AMP or TUBE AMP...
sasabihin mo saken in the future...tama nga malayo ung tunog hehe
HIndi kinukulam? Eh anong tawag dyan? wahahahaha
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If ur willing to wait and sea ship the aons makamura ka nga pero tyaga lang sa waiting time. pero kung consider mo yung aftermarket support ni Marc avshop, i am convinced d na tayo lugi. We get to listen and audi pa freely the aons because we have exvlusive distributor in manila. Honestly kung wala grey market d naman natin buy GE consudering its price. Kaya panalo pa din tayo.
I actually considered the aon3s but reconsidered because of the overprice locally. The kef LS50s local pricing was at par with international pricing, and some times even cheaper - 50th anniversary edition pa.
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HIndi kinukulam? Eh anong tawag dyan? wahahahaha
hahaha..tumlab naman sayo yan ah...hihihi
ibig sabihin mabisa yan...lol
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hahaha..tumlab naman sayo yan ah...hihihi
ibig sabihin mabisa yan...lol
Hoy...tumigil ka.. Yung akin pangarap yun na natupad wahahahaha....
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I actually considered the aon3s but reconsidered because of the overprice locally. The kef LS50s local pricing was at par with international pricing, and some times even cheaper - 50th anniversary edition pa.
did you get the ls50 at 50k? or may less pa sa srp?
SIS Jason
hahaha....kung hindi ko pinakabit kay rex ung combo nayon hindi magiging pangarap haha
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did you get the ls50 at 50k? or may less pa sa srp?
Standard price is 54k locally. 800 gbp srp nya internationally, which is almost the same.
Aon3 $999 a pair internationally, or around 41k in peso. But selling price is 65k locally.
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did you get the ls50 at 50k? or may less pa sa srp?
SIS Jason
hahaha....kung hindi ko pinakabit kay rex ung combo nayon hindi magiging pangarap haha
Matagal ko ng gusto yung combo na yun.... Thats the reason i shifted speakers wahahaha... Wala lang akong intention na pakinggan yung combo kasi ayaw kong mapaaga ang pagbili wahahaha... pero since andun na tayo why not wahahahaha... Ang wala sa plano ko eh yung REGA..
Sorry for the OT sir JAVA....
I have heard KEF speakers sa MCS and they sound amazing.. They were paired with very expensive Music Fidelity Amp, Pre-Amp and CD player he he he..
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I have heard KEF speakers sa MCS and they sound amazing.. They were paired with very expensive Music Fidelity Amp, Pre-Amp and CD player he he he..
yeah, nga nga tayo nun while listening to those MF highend separates with the q500. even without room correction, it sounded very well, this is in spite of the wide dispersion of the coaxial design employed by those floorstanders which was located next to a glass door.
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yeah, nga nga tayo nun while listening to those MF highend separates with the q500. even without room correction, it sounded very well, this is in spite of the wide dispersion of the coaxial design employed by those floorstanders which was located next to a glass door.
Ang ganda noh.... Ano yung mas malaki na katabi ng Q500? Yung hindi natin nadinig.. Mas high end ata yun di ba?
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The Q series parang mid range nila. Hi end nila R series.
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Ang ganda noh.... Ano yung mas malaki na katabi ng Q500? Yung hindi natin nadinig.. Mas high end ata yun di ba?
R-series yung hindi natin nadinig, yung napakaganda nung finish. Yung Q-series parang Image line ng PSB natin. KEF R pang Imagine line. KEF C, Alpha line naman. Yung all-time KEF bookshelf that I liked was the KEF Reference 201/2 that I heard in last years hifi show.
(http://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/708kefpic1.jpg)
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meron sila xq series
ang type ko ung REFERENCE series haha...
million lol
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ge, eto type ko
REFERENCE 207/2
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meron sila xq series
ang type ko ung REFERENCE series haha...
million lol
i think the xq series is an older model. parang ganito nagevolve yun afaik, iq-->xq-->q
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Standard price is 54k locally. 800 gbp srp nya internationally, which is almost the same.
Aon3 $999 a pair internationally, or around 41k in peso. But selling price is 65k locally.
very true. Definitives as well have exhorbitant prices here thats why I opted to import my Mythos set back then. laki ng mark up ng sellers.
Javauser,
if I was in your position i'd do the same and choose the LS50. bear in mind that what you got there is a 50th anniversary special edition model. the same cannot be said for the others.
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As promised, here are the pics.
Christmas gift to myself :) - KEF LS50 50th Anniversary Model
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8356/8325100381_75b919a230_c.jpg)
Another Christmas 2012 Acquisition - KEF R200C Center Channel
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8326264418_77c09b7932_c.jpg)
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As promised, here are the pics.
Christmas gift to myself :) - KEF LS50 50th Anniversary Model
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8356/8325100381_75b919a230_c.jpg)
Another Christmas 2012 Acquisition - KEF R200C Center Channel
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8326264418_77c09b7932_c.jpg)
ANg pogi.... Congratulations sir.. Happy new year!!!!!
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I like the modern design of the kef LE. Kasing gwapo sguro may ari yung kef BS. Congratulations.
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I like the modern design of the kef LE. Kasing gwapo sguro may ari yung kef BS. Congratulations.
Correct ka jan! Hehe. Thanks!
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Very nice. Those are speakers that are for keeps. The tweeters of those are the ones used in their flagship Blade model if I'm not mistaken. Nice gift
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Thats cute! ^-^ :-[
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Heard it at the show, its a coaxial driver. Like all small speakers that sound big. This must have a Mt Everest of hump on the lower mid bass. Sounds amazing though for its size.
LOL @ hump
I heard these last november. Its sad that the adjacent rooms were HT hence it was NOISY and didn't do these LS50s justice.
It was partnered to a Musical Fidelity Pre+Power so that explains that it was just too warm for my taste.
I'm willing to give these another whirl for a brighter pre+power combo.
But I have to admit aliw yung midbass for its size, reminds me of the AE Reference 1s for less money.
Anyone tried them for pure/dedicated 2 channel audio and on 'bright' gears?
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LOL @ hump
I heard these last november. Its sad that the adjacent rooms were HT hence it was NOISY and didn't do these LS50s justice.
It was partnered to a Musical Fidelity Pre+Power so that explains that it was just too warm for my taste.
I'm willing to give these another whirl for a brighter pre+power combo.
But I have to admit aliw yung midbass for its size, reminds me of the AE Reference 1s for less money.
Anyone tried them for pure/dedicated 2 channel audio and on 'bright' gears?
@Mikee
when we played around with the B&W 685,the Golden Ear AON3, Harbeth P3ser and the KEF LS50 we paired it with an AMX minima tube amp and a vintage technics stereo integrated amp(bright in nature imho so i think this fits into your question).
The 685 and P3ser worked well with the integrated and sounded quite similar(but the harbie of course had better vocals). While using the tube amp though I felt like the two needed more power to bring out the best in them.
The LS50 though was in a class of its own when it was paired with the tubes, the little bugger was not little at all when it started singing. :) separation was nice, bass was good (felt like a sub was somewhere in the room!) and the vocals were upfront and it felt like a front row seat of a concert. Strings(violin) in particular was very pronounced with the LS50 but was hardly audible with the 685.
We listened to tracks from The Eagles (Hotel California), Tony O'Malley(Autumn leaves), Noel Cabangon(forgot the track, but i think it was kahit maputi na ang buhok ko) and Sarah Maclachlan(Angel) and some songs performed by Juris.
Overall I think the LS50 is an excellent for an audio set up, I can listen to it for hours and will never grow tired. It' s very good speaker and is bang for the buck at 54k.
The AON3 though was also in a class of its own when used for HT.
I'm kinda new to all of this so my observations may be found a bit vague but I'm hoping the others who were in the same room (Louie, Derick and Gavin) would be able to provide their own opinion of our nice little shootout. :)
I hope I was able to answer at least a bit of your question. :)
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@Mikee
when we played around with the B&W 685,the Golden Ear AON3, Harbeth P3ser and the KEF LS50 we paired it with an AMX minima tube amp and a vintage technics stereo integrated amp(bright in nature imho so i think this fits into your question).
The 685 and P3ser worked well with the integrated and sounded quite similar(but the harbie of course had better vocals). While using the tube amp though I felt like the two needed more power to bring out the best in them.
The LS50 though was in a class of its own when it was paired with the tubes, the little bugger was not little at all when it started singing. :) separation was nice, bass was good (felt like a sub was somewhere in the room!) and the vocals were upfront and it felt like a front row seat of a concert. Strings(violin) in particular was very pronounced with the LS50 but was hardly audible with the 685.
We listened to tracks from The Eagles (Hotel California), Tony O'Malley(Autumn leaves), Noel Cabangon(forgot the track, but i think it was kahit maputi na ang buhok ko) and Sarah Maclachlan(Angel) and some songs performed by Juris.
Overall I think the LS50 is an excellent for an audio set up, I can listen to it for hours and will never grow tired. It' s very good speaker and is bang for the buck at 54k.
The AON3 though was also in a class of its own when used for HT.
I'm kinda new to all of this so my observations may be found a bit vague but I'm hoping the others who were in the same room (Louie, Derick and Gavin) would be able to provide their own opinion of our nice little shootout. :)
I hope I was able to answer at least a bit of your question. :)
Nice review on the shoot out Timmy. When you used the term a class of its own when driven by tube power and its against a Harbeth at that then there must be really something good in the sound of the LS50.
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Nice review on the shoot out Timmy. When you used the term a class of its own when driven by tube power and its against a Harbeth at that then there must be really something good in the sound of the LS50.
Bro Hector, I'm not sure if the sensitivity played a big role with the shootout, my tube amp could only do 15wpc and with the harbeth at 83 or 84 db sensitivity, I think it had a hard time driving them so i think i should have included a caveat with the review. When we first listened to the harbeth at Louie's place using tube monoblocks that can do 35-40 WPC it sounded really nice out of the box, it was full of detail and it had very good bass for easy listening ( I tested a track by Jheena Lodwick - Do that to me one more time).
One thing is certain for my ears though, with all components used being identical, the LS50, was able to reach lower frequencies compared to the harbeth but the harbeth had slightly (almost unnoticable) better vocals.
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Like Timi I'm still a newbie when it comes to pure audio listening. I don't know much of the very intricate and technical details of the audio spectrum but I will try to be subjective as possible which are all based from my very noob hearing...
As with all audio gears and components, one of the key factor is pairing...
Listening to the Kef Ls50 partnered with the AMX minima gives a semi sweet sound character, when I say semi sweet its like in the middle of "malambing" and forward/bright SQ. The LS50 almost have the same character with the Aon 3 but with the Aon 3 tending to be closer to bright sounding at times... I can safely say that tube amp+Ls50 combo is music to my ears :)
I'm with Timi regarding Harbeth and the AMX Minima combo. It seems that it somewhat lacks the power to drive the Harbeth's woofer to give that lower frequency punch.
When driven by the monster vintage technics int amp, the Ls50 and Aon 3 gives a more forward and aggressive SQ. These combination would be very good for fast paced/rock type of music. Lower frequencies were very evident that you might think there is a subwoofer integrated to the set up. The difference for me between the Ls50 and Aon 3 is that the Ls50 gives a somewhat cleaner and controlled highs(Aon 3 really tends to be bright when paired with SS amps). Hotel California and Rossana are a joy to listen to...
What separates the Harbeth was the mids and vocals. Harbeth has a very natural, round/weighted and engaging mids that it gives the illusion of live performances especially with vocal materials. You can match the Harbeth with any amp and you can listen to any music genre all day without getting your ears tired. Sweet and smooth sounding indeed. But I think you need a little help from the sealed subwoofer with the Harbeth that it lacks that bass omp. Some advices also suggest that a very good speaker stands would improve the bass.
I also would like to add that both Ls50 and Aon 3 are very very good in HT department. Top notch DETAIL and surround CLARITY.
P.S. - I own both the Aon 3 and Harbeth - I tried to be subjective as possible and not to sound biased. I sighted the strenghts and weaknesses of the speakers :)
I love music ;)
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tagalog lang ako sa review ko hehe
mauubos ung english ko sa monday sa OPS meeting haha
i'm not very technical - eto lang ung impression ko
ROOM IS WELL TREATED
Materials
CHORD CABLE
MF VDAC II connected to MARANTZ CD6002 CDP
IC ( monster interlink 300 ba un hehe)
Laptop via USB to VDAC II
1.KEF LS50 + 15w Tube Amp ( will not mention brand hihihi)
Very musical and balance
detailed highs/mids and good lows for the size
easy to drive
2. KEF + INT AMP = it sounded bright with same details (not bagay to each other hehe)
3. AON + tube amp = Very good details(violin was really heard on this)
on the bright side the bass somewhat overhang 1 time due to placement (AON NEEDS proper placement) MY SUGGESTION for Aon3 is to be fed by atleast 45w to 65w tube amp i believe the brightness can be tame
3. HARBETH + TUBE AMP = kinakabahan ako baka hindi magbass si harbie but it did.. vocals was really good.
wanting more for the pairing more powerful tube amp....
malambing
4. B&W + TUBE amp = wanting more (sound stage was dead)
5. Harbeth + int amp = just added punch on the lows - vocals was still ok
power hungry si harbie
6. B&W 685 + int amp = impressive sound stage , very good dynamics , warm and type ko sya hehe...
for the price of b&w 685 - lumabas ung potential ng speaker when fed by int amp
overall they have different character hence it will be subjective...
if price will be consider then this will be my suggestion
B&W 685 + INT AMP
KEF LS50 + TUBE AMP
AON 3 + Powerful tube
Harbeth + Tube Pre Amp/Int AMP ( SIS LOUIE try mo to)
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It's great for you guys to have organized shoot outs like this. I suggest to create a thread re your findings as it may help people who are in the market for these brands. As it is we can never discount the fact that the Harbeth was severely handicapped with the low power that the tube amp offered. I'm quite sure that the Harbeth would come to its own when used with at least 100 watts based on its sensitivity rating and it will display its true character. The KEF though is an eye opener because its a lot cheaper than the Harbeths and is easier to drive based on your findings. That trait is something that buyers should consider since they save money in the initial investment.
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yup harbeth extended highs and mids was awesome....
first time i heard it...need more punch on lows...but after hours of playing ni LOUIE lows has great improvement
others may want more....but for easy listening....vocals was really good..
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as for me, I felt the ls50 really had a bigger sound stage. it's as if you're in a live concert.
but admittedly I found that bitin sya dun sa hotel california on tube amps. but I later learned it's really because tube amps are really meant for mellow music.
come to think of it, we didn't try hotel california on the integrated amp, or did we?
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I heard LS50 in SS MF int amp IMO same observation with javauser the sound stage is really good for me ok naman yung bass niya considering having small enclosure, maybe the tube characteristic what makes it. Having tube and ss amp yun napansin ko sa SS mas define yung bass niyo compare to tube.
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as for me, I felt the ls50 really had a bigger sound stage. it's as if you're in a live concert.
but admittedly I found that bitin sya dun sa hotel california on tube amps. but I later learned it's really because tube amps are really meant for mellow music.
come to think of it, we didn't try hotel california on the integrated amp, or did we?
nope we did not..as kef ls50 seems not match with the vintage amp...
naging bright....
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I heard LS50 in SS MF int amp IMO same observation with javauser the sound stage is really good for me ok naman yung bass niya considering having small enclosure, maybe the tube characteristic what makes it. Having tube and ss amp yun napansin ko sa SS mas define yung bass niyo compare to tube.
yup maganda sound stage ni KEF....musical....
find the bass of kef quite ok with TUBE already..
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LS50 is one in my wishlist speaker. sarap iTry sa higher wattage tube and SS amp he he he...sarap siguro busigin speaker na ito!
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Same here. This is on my radar ever since I read that they are coming out with a 50 year commemorative edition. Medyo may conflict lang because the R300 sounds really amazing as well. KEF really scored on this one.
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Same here. This is on my radar ever since I read that they are coming out with a 50 year commemorative edition. Medyo may conflict lang because the R300 sounds really amazing as well. KEF really scored on this one.
were you able to compare the two?
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were you able to compare the two?
Yes. Side by side. If the LS50 sounds big then the R300 is even bigger because of the separate woofer. I've used a lot of bookshelf type of speakers but this one is special as well just like the LS50. The cost of that separate woofer is plus 12K on the LS50. As a kicker It's available in white....ang ganda!!! Probably it will boil down to the size of the room used. If small to medium then the LS50 is the logical choice but now if it borders on large then you have the R300 as an alternate.
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hataw kef lately. sayang di ko na audition yung r300. I was able to hear the r500. malayo difference sa ls50. hehe. pero malayo din ppresyo.
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I wonder how the LS50s would fare paired with a Rotel RB1582 perhaps? hahahahah!
meanwhile...
Porn + tech pics of the LS50
(http://www.audioaffair.co.uk/images/uploads/kef-ls50-speakers-design.jpg)
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haay, nakahanap na ako ng speakers na better than my LS50. sad but true.
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haay, nakahanap na ako ng speakers na better than my LS50. sad but true.
Gav, update mo na kasi gallery mo ^-^
But the LS50 is really hard to beat...
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haay, nakahanap na ako ng speakers na better than my LS50. sad but true.
ganyan talaga hehe.. kaya mahirap magaudition hihihi....
tama si louie
hard to beat for the price...
anung speaker yan gav?
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ganyan talaga hehe.. kaya mahirap magaudition hihihi....
tama si louie
hard to beat for the price...
anung speaker yan gav?
Self kulam yan, nag home audition ng r series. R500 me thinks. :)
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Yes it's the kef r500. It had me at hello... Ad now she's gone.... :(
But tomorrow, i'm going to meet her little sis... R300 :)
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Yes it's the kef r500. It had me at hello... Ad now she's gone.... :(
But tomorrow, i'm going to meet her little sis... R300 :)
Patingin... Patingin...
Parinig na din, hehehe
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Wow ano impression mo sa r500 sir?
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@mangboy, when i first played the dark knight returns using the r500, i immediately knew there was something special about them. You can hear the difference even by just listening at the cracking sound in the starting scene of the movie.
There was precision and detail that i did not hear with the kef LS50, and it pains me to say that, because i love my LS50. Even the dialog became noticeably clearer. They would complement the center channel, as if you had an extra center channel.
And they are just beautiful. Piano black finish. Build quality is top notch.
It gave me the extra oomph i was looking for and more. After trying the r500, i looked up reviews on it, and they were all unanimous. It's the best in its price range, and may even be better than speakers in higher price ranges.
Too bad my demo unit is the last unit on stock. I have to wait until march to get a brand new one.
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Patingin... Patingin...
Parinig na din, hehehe
The pics i took were ugly. Haha. It wont give justice. Next time na, pag nanyan na talaga. Bitin yung encounter ko with the r500.
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Yan bagay talaga yan sa center mo gav naka dedicated audio ka na sa kef ls50 problem solve na
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The pics i took were ugly. Haha. It wont give justice. Next time na, pag nanyan na talaga. Bitin yung encounter ko with the r500.
Kailangan masample ulit natin yan! Hahaha, pero if were gonna tubes on those,amx monoblocks na kailangan dyan hehe.
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Saan pa merong stock ng ls50?
Thanks!
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Saan pa merong stock ng ls50?
Thanks!
Sa AVX in Harisson Plaza. I was there the other day.
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Looking for someone to split a pair of ls50s with. I intend to use one as a center seaker.
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Looking for someone to split a pair of ls50s with. I intend to use one as a center seaker.
Audiogon has a single LS50 for sale. Owner is asking $600.00. If you have relatives in the US you can ask them to source it out for you and ship it here.
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My Kef LS-50
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/8854767859_fa201e69dd_c.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/8854938655_0b85f6b333_c.jpg)
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Witiwiw kef ls50.....sarap how i wish hihihi
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I'm a little late to the party but I just had to join the KEF LS50 club.
It's ironic that I got all my components and the last one to arrive was the KEF. So far, I have no regrets. The mids are really what makes this shine as it is full of detail and clarity while having no grain at all.
I also liked the port plugs because they come in two settings, and I was able to find one which best suited my speaker placement and room acoustics.
Here's my system in the gallery:
http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,189456.0.html
By the way, I borrowed a Peachtree Audio D4 speaker while waiting for my KEF's so I had it for around 2 weeks. It was a really nice speaker in it's own. I would recommend it in a heartbeat. But after the KEF's arrived, it was not even close.
If there is still interest in this speaker, I will post more insights and I get more hours with it.
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Congrats! Loving my LS50s too!
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Congrats! Loving my LS50s too!
Loving your LS50's? How come your signature shows other KEF speakers?
The LS50's are really singing now and I am listening to music more than I ever have in a long long time. I have absolutely no regrets getting these speakers. They are such a technological marvel with unbelievable midrange tone and imaging.
Even though they were released over a year ago, they still won awards with The Absolute Sound and recently won a group test in WhatHiFi for speakers in its class - against newer contenders. Not that reviews really matter but no matter how I try to search in the net, it's almost impossible to find a bad review.
And listening to it is the proof in the pudding.
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No link. I got the PDF of the WhatHiFi South Africa February 2014 issue. So the Supertest must have come out in the UK a month or two before that.
The LS50 beat:
Tannoy Revolution DC6E
Monitor Audio Gold GX50
-both above went one star down to four stars because it faced new competition below...
Martin Logan Motion 15 - 5 stars
Focal Aria 906 - 5 stars
Dynaudio Excite X14 - 3 stars
But as with WhatHiFi ...you should just take their reviews with a grain of salt. Their writing sounds like sensational journalism filled with hyperbole.
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Loving your LS50's? How come your signature shows other KEF speakers?
Sir, I started this thread. :)
I started with the LS50s, but I knew they were lacking when compared to the KEF R500. So I decided to buy the R500s, and moved my LS50s to my bedroom.
Here are my KEF R500s
(http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/7729/c36020130611010807738.jpg)
And here are my KEF LS50s
(http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/9098/img1259br.jpg)
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I don't have all issues of WhatHifi so I am just putting the India and South Africa versions - hence the difference currencies - but these are just lifted directly from the original UK issue. Kef LS50 won two Supertests and included are the speakers it beat.
First is 2013:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/jick0/Magpages/WhatHi-FiSoundandVisionIndia2013-06-71_zpse87e7e5f.jpg~original)
End of the year the LS50 won a yearend award:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/jick0/Magpages/WhatHi-FiSoundandVisionAwards2013-64b_zps1512552c.jpg~original)
But just as javauser will attest to, it's other series is pretty good too:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/jick0/Magpages/WhatHi-FiSoundandVisionAwards2013-76a_zpsdc78179d.jpg~original)
Then in 2014, the Kef LS50 won another Supertest:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/jick0/Magpages/WhatHi-FiSoundandVisionSA2014-02-40_zps4b7670d2.jpg~original)
And here are the well regarded competitors it beat:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/jick0/Magpages/WhatHi-FiSoundandVisionSA2014-02-40_zps4b7670d2.jpg~original)
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Ok, so much for posting the reviews of other mags. Here are my impressions after a couple of weeks with the speakers:
I got KEF LS50's 3 weeks ago. Source is Oppo 103, and I am using the pre-amp section of my old NAD C340 into an Emotiva XPA-200 150wpc power amp. I also integreated a REL T9 sub with the system.
Here are some observations:
-the 150wpc amp really gives the speakers a lot of control and finesse as compared to using the power amp section of the NAD Integrated (50wpc)
-My room dimensions lent itself subject to some gain in the 40Hz to 50Hz frequencies which was hard to tame and integrate with the sub. I somehow managed to get it right by using KEF's port plugs in setting 2 (meaning the donut setting). My previous speakers just had a port plug - so it's either in or out. With the KEF, there are 2 settings for more flexibility and tuning so I love that arrangement.
-The music seems "point source" because the tweeter is right in between the woofer. While KEF recommends 18 to 24 inch stands,I put mine on 30 inch stands. The midrange is grain-free and soundstaging has pinpoint accuracy.
-Another thing I love about this is that it's not fatiguing and sounds good from all angles - even from the other room. Previous speakers I tried sound best from the sweetspot. These speakers sound well all throughout.
All in all, it is a really great speaker and I have no regrets getting this.
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If you have a wide range of music styles you like to play, then I think the KEF LS50's (http://www.hifigear.co.uk/kef-ls50-mini-monitor-loudspeakers.html) would be a more successful choice than the Harbeths, which excel with jazz and acoustic material, but not so convincing on rock/ blues and heavier classical pieces. ;)
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Hi, is the LS50 power hungry? Planning to mate it with a 60wpc solid state integrated. Will that be enough for it's 85db sensitivity?
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Hi, is the LS50 power hungry? Planning to mate it with a 60wpc solid state integrated. Will that be enough for it's 85db sensitivity?
As long as you pair it with a SS, you are fine. if you pair it with a tube amp, you need lotsa power to make it sing properly, thats what we noticed when we tested the LS50 at Gavin's(Javauser) house.
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As long as you pair it with a SS, you are fine. if you pair it with a tube amp, you need lotsa power to make it sing properly, thats what we noticed when we tested the LS50 at Gavin's(Javauser) house.
Interesting master Timi.
I also read that these speakers are bass shy, its not really a problem, but to what degree does it lack bass? Thanks
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Interesting master Timi.
I also read that these speakers are bass shy, its not really a problem, but to what degree does it lack bass? Thanks
Thats where you will notice the difference, using an old technics amp, we were able to make the low tones come out so I dont completely agree that its bass shy, pair it with my old minima tube amp and the bass disappears. But if the type of music you listen to is slow Jazz voices then you wont even notice that its bass shy.
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Thats where you will notice the difference, using an old technics amo, we were able to make the low tones come out so I dont completely agree that its bass shy, pair it with my old minima tube amp and the bass disappears. But if the type of music you listen to is slow Jazz voices then you wont even notice that its bass shy.
Awesome. Will try to do a demo hopefully later @ DCM.
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I had a chance to try these speakers on my audio setup: Rotels RC 1550- RB 1552 combo.
I heard them perform flawlessly w/ Jolida int amp in my colleague's setup, so i when was told that he was willing to let me "borrow" them for a home demo.....I was excited! ;D
Our sources: Denon CD player, Rega rp1 and Iphone5 (connected to the media player plug of the rotel).
The LS50 sounded good! big sound stage, detailed. However it was a bit harsh and tiring. So i was a bit disappointed that it did not match well with rotels.... :(
Any thoughts on why?
(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/docelmo/kef1_zps537fe9ca.jpg)
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IMHO, rotels are bright and the LS50 is also bright resulting to a fatiguing SQ.
Paired with a Warm amplifier the LS50 is tamed.
Experienced the same with the LS50 using bright tubes. When we changed to dark tubes, the sound improved.
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Oks! Thanks sir CoolTOYZ......Oh well, Back to my 685s!
:)
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Tube buffer may help between source and Pre-amp
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Had a chance to listen to it at friend's place paired with hybrid tube int. amp, great bass presentation, spacious soundstage , detailed mid & high. It's like you're listening to multi way speaker system.
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Sir, I started this thread. :)
I started with the LS50s, but I knew they were lacking when compared to the KEF R500. So I decided to buy the R500s, and moved my LS50s to my bedroom.
Here are my KEF R500s
(http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/7729/c36020130611010807738.jpg)
And here are my KEF LS50s
(http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/9098/img1259br.jpg)
Where did you buy your KEF R500 sir?
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This is now available in high gloss white! I wonder if this will be carried locally. Anyone know?
http://www.kef.com/html/en/showroom/flagship_hi-fi_series/LS50/overview/
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A lot of hype on the new kef ls50. Making think to wait instead of getting the old one which is heavily discount now.
Sent from my BLA-L29 using Tapatalk
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A lot of hype on the new kef ls50. Making think to wait instead of getting the old one which is heavily discount now.
Sent from my BLA-L29 using Tapatalk
How much are prices lately for the old ones? w/c stores cary them Sir?
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News ones same as old msrp. Parang nasa 75k ata dito. Old ones being sold here for as low as 45k++ now.
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Gusto ko rin sana ma audition yung bagong LS50 Wireless II kung totoo yung claim nila about yung effect ng metamaterial internal sound absorption. Inupgrade din nila yung amp power significantly doon sa active model.
Ang disappointing lang doon sa LS50 Wireless II, tinanggal na nila yung USB digital input so medyo mas hassle ikabit sa PC using optical or SPDIF coax.
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Pulled the trigger on the discounted model. Not using it for critical listening anyway so i went for the discount.
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Pulled the trigger on the discounted model. Not using it for critical listening anyway so i went for the discount.
Sent from my BLA-L29 using Tapatalk
How much was it? You bought it from the Coby store at Shangri-la?
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44.5k directly from cbk warehouse via online. Sila rin ata cobys so not sure if you can get same price there.
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Warehouse selling a white one for 39k. Fyi
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meron na ba silang META?
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nope, no meta yet nung pumunta ako last week sa cobys