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@KING_DRANZER
6 ай бұрын
You won't believe me. KEF LS50 Meta was the first speaker I heard from the brand and I was like. Nope no way I be spending $1800 for them. I hated KEF brand as a whole as the first impression from them was not that great. They sounded neutral(which I like) they sounded deep(which also I like) had great imaging(which also I like) and had crazy clarity(which I like) but that was it. It had no heft to it. It was not immersive and feels a bit narrow. Possibly due to it being lifeless. That is the best I could describe it. After that I tried KEF R5(old) and you know the shock I was in coming from this with absolutely no expectations actually expecting to be disappointed. I heard R5 and my mind was blown. Because it was as neutral, clear and detailed. It had more depth and width than LS50 Metas. And most importantly it was lively without being warm or bright. It had that heft to it which LS50 Meta lacks completely. I went from hating KEF thanks to these to absolutely being a KEF fanboy thanks to R5. After than I heard others as well. And thankfully none sounded like these LS50 thin and lifeless. Had Q Series home-theater installed for one of my uncles and now planning to getting KEF Refernce and R series living room setup and theater for other.
@ThinkingBetter
6 ай бұрын
Wow, your video is awesome.
@mrpmj00
6 ай бұрын
Overrated. I compared 3 and here's what I thought: 1st place: GoldenEar BRX (AMT tweeters, 90db sensitivity, 40 hz-35 Khz). I kept this. 2nd place: JBL L52 (sounded fun like live music) distant 3rd place: Kef LS50 meta (too beaming, too heavy, low 85 db sensitivity, sounded thin, plastic binding nuts).
@MaZEEZaM
5 ай бұрын
I keep watching your reviews so i thought I better subscribe So +1 sub 🤔🤔
@whatsgoodmyguy4391
Ай бұрын
I have a pair and yes they are awesome. The only gripe I could offer is that they are too clear. They don't add anything to the music, which I solved by adding a kef sub. Not only have I not heard anything better, KEF also has fabulous customer service should you run into any trouble.
@alanvanderhaegen4936
6 ай бұрын
Had the LS50 Metas, loved them, sold them and now I bought them again because I frankly can not find better at the price or even higher. Tried ATC SCM 11, Dynaudio Evoke 20, Acoustic Energy AE 500, Wharfedale EVO 4.2 etc. The Kefs work the best in my room. Love them
@frischma1
6 ай бұрын
That intro was funny. I was getting prepared for you to do the Mice and Men thing and take them out. Start telling the speakers about the rabbits..
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
ha
@CosmicKnight1
6 ай бұрын
I had the LS50 Wireless II in for about a month and they too were good, fine but also not great, so they went back. Damn good looking though and imaging was 3D, that was cool. Maybe with a sub-woofer… yeah, no. I want more out of the box for the kind of money. The compromises just didn’t lineup for me.
@jasondavis5700
6 ай бұрын
Can you review Dayton Audio HTA200 Integrated Stereo Hybrid Tube Amplifier? I would really like your opinion on it.
@umiami91
6 ай бұрын
The stock video stuff you’ve been using…I’m just not a fan. I thought the videos you were doing without those were actually better. This isn’t an attack, just constructive criticism. It just takes me out of your message to have the random clapping or yawning videos. Take it how you will.
@DeltaJazzUK
6 ай бұрын
Do you really think the Q150s are better than the LS50s or was that just a throwaway remark?
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
I do. they have more personality and a little warmth in mids
@edd2771
6 ай бұрын
i come for the info, I stay for the comedy
@lullabies7441
6 ай бұрын
For real tho. That’s what makes CAM the best. He’s a natural comedic talent.
@TheRealDuckofDeath
6 ай бұрын
It's good. It's fine.
@gseivert
6 ай бұрын
I stayed for the puppers. 🐕
@Dis-Emboweled
6 ай бұрын
I come for the comedy, and stay for the info 😄
@kevinperlic2920
5 ай бұрын
I come for the comedy and go elsewhere for the info.
@fakeklg
6 ай бұрын
Loving the new videos! New camera angles, complex editing, improving the backing tracks every day, and the comedy… top shelf stuff!
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
Awesome, thank you!
@terrencebucker
6 ай бұрын
I listen to most videos at 1.5x or higher, so all that just becomes clutter. Can't say I appreciate the extra effort. Not looking for frills, I guess.
@NightFlight1973
6 ай бұрын
@@terrencebuckerI'm guessing your in the minority. We come for the roses.
@fakeklg
6 ай бұрын
@@cheapaudioman yea man. The final product is very entertaining. Your hard work and efforts are appreciated.
@christophermarks7110
6 ай бұрын
Totally agree, new videos bring me back to why I started watching. Feel like things got a little too technical and lost a little randy vibe for a while.
@zuurbekje3125
6 ай бұрын
I own LS50 Metas, and while -yeah- they might be a bit "boring" as you call them, I think that's a good thing. In that, they never ever fatigue me or irritate me with too much sibilance or being too analytical. I can't stand sharp highs, and the KEFs never give me that. Meanwhile, in the three or so months I've owned them now, I've never had a session of more than half an hour or so when they have not delighted me. With either new details that I hadn't yet heard, or just plain good music-making. Cheapaudioman, you're probably right that there are a lot of speakers, even cheaper ones, that excel at some discipline or other - but they might have real flaws elsewhere. And unlike an audio reviewer, people might not have a dozen pairs of speakers around the house to suit their mood of the day. Meanwhile, the KEFs fail at nothing, they never irritate, and they do delight (me at least). I think all in all, they're great allrounders. In my opinion, the cheapest speakers I'd call world class.
@nburton01
6 ай бұрын
My old speakers died (Quad ELS 65 ) so I got the LS50 Metas and a KC62 sub until I could afford something better but I’am so impress with this setup I’am not looking to replace them any time soon. I have them in a small room (3.2 x 3.4m) and that’s what they were probably designed for.
@dobson156_xjs7
5 ай бұрын
What are you doing with your now broken Quads?
@stephencosta6814
6 ай бұрын
👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻😮😮😮 I’m sorry Randy I totally disagree with you the on this one kef la 50 mata is the gold standard in its price range, construction and sound quality why you saying the word over and over again they’re OK really struck a cord with me every reviewer in person who owns them has rave reviews about them. I don’t understand why you just say they are OK they are phenomenal speakers. I think it you was totally off on this one. Sorry I usually love your content, but definitely not this one.👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻 PS I was one of your very first subscribers and love your show and your personality but you were very wrong claiming to just OK😢
@Brian_Romska
6 ай бұрын
Great opening & congrats on another real sponsor! Glad you’ve come to your senses on these, again, tough breakups are always better the 2nd time around?
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
Thanks so much!!
@constantinoskatodrytis542
6 ай бұрын
Hey man nice video. One observation though, have you ever correlated your preference with the anechoic frequency response of the speakers you like? Cause it seems that you like bright speakers and KEFs are neutral speakers. By definition anything other than neutral sounds different than how the song was mixed. nothing wrong with that but then your reviews are misleading and biased (e.g. boring sounding). Maybe you have hearing impairment as well and dont listen to higher frequencies well enough? Im not being mean or anything just some food for thought
@johngutmanis3580
6 ай бұрын
Yea good review, I agree with you they are good speakers, but from what I have noticed from listening to them they are nothing special! To me actually sound wise they are over priced. From the cabinet build and finish, they are worth the money. But in all honesty I buy speakers for the listening not the looks.They are more hype than value.
@martinhardstyle
6 ай бұрын
Although it's marked as an 8ohm speaker, detailed measurements show it at 4ohms through most of the frequency range, which is why high a quality amplifier with high current output is recommended
@johnsmith-i5j7i
6 ай бұрын
Very inefficient, poor bass response also. Sub is needed, high passing speakers. And a powerful and good capable amp needed.
@mikechivy
6 ай бұрын
While you’re right, a high powered amp just shows its further shortcomings when you get music with bass. Its woofers are so weak, they sound like they’re gonna blow at semi-loud volume.
@johnsmith-i5j7i
6 ай бұрын
@@mikechivy yup needed to high pass them
@kevinperlic2920
6 ай бұрын
@@mikechivy My experience is completely different. I have the LS50W 1's in a large room about one foot from the back wall. I removed the sub from the equation because I just don't need it. I like a little low end but I don't need to shake the room. They sound fantastic. These speakers are not for blasting your ears off. If that's what you are after then these speakers aren't right for you. I would love to also have some Klipsch Cornwalls for those loud hard rock moments. My wife disagrees with me.
@mikechivy
5 ай бұрын
@@kevinperlic2920 you’re talking about two completely different speakers. The LS50w is not the LS50 meta… regardless they’re incredible at imaging and clarity, but they’re simply not that good compared to what you can get for the money
@007soedal
6 ай бұрын
In my room the Metas are the best I haved tried. It beats some speakers costing quite a bit more. I have at times struggled to find the best placement. It is very critical about the signal chain as well. My favorite amplifier with these are the new Musical Fidelity A1. What I don't like about this combination is related to the low power of the A1. The Sound levels I got with my previous Quad Artera pre/power was impressive with the Meta. The A1 sounds better thought.The Meta is real high end. Must be treated that way. It can sound fabulous. It is also very easy to get mediocre sound out of them.
@stevezeidman7224
6 ай бұрын
This was a hoot! Very whimsical, Randy. Your comedic touch was top notch today.
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
Thanks, Steve!
@thom3321
Ай бұрын
We all know that there is not one sound that pleases everyone. We all listen to different music in different rooms at different volumes. That said, we are all looking for information about the speaker and the way it sounds under proper listening conditions set up to make them sound their best. Please tell us how you set them up, how far from the wall and with ports plugged or not. Also, the distance from you and the 😅distance from one speaker to the other and if they are toed in or out would be helpful. You usually describe the bass, the mid range and treble and throw in the important specs which is perfect. When you do all of that we can decide if it is a speaker that fits our personal preferences and if the price sounds reasonable. Have your fun but know that an accurate description of the speaker or whatever gear you are reviewing without any personal bias is appreciated. I am a long time subscriber and enjoy your sense of humor and, if possible, I suggest that you go back to your old listening room that looks like the lair of a music freak which is where you belong. Thanks and keep the reviews coming.
@mrpmj00
6 ай бұрын
Overrated. I compared 3 and here's what I thought: 1st place: GoldenEar BRX (AMT tweeters, 90db sensitivity, 40 hz-35 Khz). I kept this. 2nd place: JBL L52 (sounded fun like live music) distant 3rd place: Kef LS50 meta (too beaming, too heavy, low 85 db sensitivity, sounded thin, plastic binding nuts).
@stephanschultink7570
6 ай бұрын
Great insight on the LS50 Meta speakers! I own them for let’s say 3 years now. One thing I’d like to mention is that my living room is way less spacious than yours. Mine is filled with furniture, a big couch with pillows on it, a wooden floor with a rug on it and long drapes close by the windows. Okay, what I basically want to point out is that my living room is kinda perfectly for speaker for the size of the LS50 Meta’s?… I think? Maybe I’m wrong. However I got to say man, I really love them and yes, they have a lot umf. They are good and fine! Love your videos! Cheers mate! 😂😂😂👍🏼
@mgaming7
6 ай бұрын
You are not crazy. I went and listened to these. They are decent. They are clinically clean and detailed. but they lack realism and depth. For the same price (or close), I can name 5 other speakers I would buy instead KEFs why haven't you reviewed the Magnepan LRS+ at $995 yet? under $1000 and should be 10X better than the KEF Meta.
@les3782
6 ай бұрын
Perhaps I'm in the minority for feeling this way, but aesthetically I think LS50 are ugly looking
@audiodemos2579
6 ай бұрын
Your conclusion is exactly the same I had when I got a pair. Used them for few minutes just to try if the hype was real... It is not. They sounded boring an rolled off on the highs. I measured their FR on my room and the results told exactly the same. Rolled off on the highs. A way that I found to make them a little less boring was to pair them with a Naim XS2 integrated. With a class D like the CA Evo you have they don't match at all.
@chrisxie2234
5 ай бұрын
What was the sound tonality change when it pairs with NAIM XS2?
@audiodemos2579
5 ай бұрын
@@chrisxie2234 It gets more alive and rhythmic. The Naim seems to deliver the current to feed them faster and provides better driver control than other amplifiers on this price class.
@chrisxie2234
5 ай бұрын
@@audiodemos2579 Wow, that sounds a great choice. I heard NAIM XS2 or Supernait2 long time ago, they said it can drive speaker more musical. Seems it's true! But NAIM is not a popular choice these days, and those Hi-fi KZitemrs are also not mention to it at all. Have you ever tried Rotel RB-1582MKII Power amp?
@audiodemos2579
5 ай бұрын
@@chrisxie2234 the SN2 offers better resolution than the XS2. The person that I sold my pair of LS50 Metas paired them with that after hearing the XS2 on my home. I haven't tried the Rotel.
@paulday3936
6 ай бұрын
Excellent vid my friend. Really enjoyed it. But...... I have to say my partner has these & I think they are terrific for the money. In the UK they sell for about £1k & are in my opinion well worth it. We are all different with what we like & enjoy about speakers, as you said. I was really surprised the first time I heard them, night & day better than the originals. I really enjoy the detail they dig out , since buying she added a BK sub & they sound even better. Anyway keep the vids coming.
@anastassiosroumboutsos8288
6 ай бұрын
Don’t know. I had the LS50 Meta’s and they were absolutely terrific.
@NightFlight1973
6 ай бұрын
I think it would depend on what your ear tunes into. If your into an analytical box then... you'll like them. But the truth is, you can get that and perhaps something sounding a little more balanced and natural for half the price or lower. Or much better for a price that's on par.
@stephencosta6814
6 ай бұрын
@@NightFlight1973 I completely and totally disagree I’ve had over 30 sets of bookshelves speakers in the past nine years. These are by far the best for their price build qualities sound quality and looks are phenomenal.
@scottlowell493
6 ай бұрын
HAD? They could not have been that terrific if you don't still have them
@anastassiosroumboutsos8288
6 ай бұрын
@@scottlowell493 lol you are challenging me???. There are personal reasons that I had to let them go and it was strictly financial.
@barlow2976
6 ай бұрын
@@stephencosta6814 Don't you find it hard to remember their sound? Thirty sets of speakers sounds as if you were chasing your tail somewhat.
@stevesiringer1958
6 ай бұрын
I have a pair of Ls50 meta and the LSXwii. Both are outstanding speakers in "my" opinion, but they are far from perfect in many regards. The meta do an excellent job with some music and not so great with others, they can be very song-dependent (possibly recording-dependent too). I intend to keep them (I only paid about 1050 USD out the door), but I am looking at adding another pair of speakers with a different sound to complement my setup (the Lumina ii amour is on my short list of speakers to listen to before deciding), but I understand that many people might only want one pair of speakers in their music rooms and if these don't sound up to snuff then by all means shop elsewhere. How speakers sound to "you" should always be the deciding factor.
@vongdong10
6 ай бұрын
I've had the LS50W and found them very overrated. No bass and the highs are fatiguing. Bought a set of Dyanudio speakers in the same price range and was much happier.
@Monsux
6 ай бұрын
Oh boy, $1600 retail price. These are expensive AF in the US. I feel like, every time I see/check these, LS50 Meta's are in sale at 999€ (inc. 24% VAT). Good value speaker in the Europe + easy to sell at semi high used price if needed.
@AnotherAnonymousMan
6 ай бұрын
Kef are dry, ayalytical speakers focused on sound staging and imaging. They aren't for everyone. If you wan't exciting of musical, they certainly aint for you.
@gregbartley2475
6 ай бұрын
I have them in my living room augmented by a REL T5. I agree that they do t have a whole lot of punch to them but their imaging is incredible. Even my wife, who doesn’t really care about such things, commented on their “clarity” as she put it. Not here to defend them, different strokes I suppose.
@CotesDuQ
6 ай бұрын
Yes, this. Personally, KEF never spoke to me (former industry guy here....going back quite a ways). The voicing was never right for me. That said, I have audiophile friends that LOVE these speakers. So as you said, different strokes. Really, that's the case with all speakers. It's kind of silly to say they are over rated or whatever......though I do appreciate a reviewer giving their honest take. Fluff need not be tossed around.
@gregbartley2475
6 ай бұрын
@@CotesDuQ some audiophiles get chaffed a reviewer doesn’t gush over their equipment. Who cares, so long as you like it?
@fewmer1584
6 ай бұрын
Love my LS50 Metas in my small room home theater as LCR with a Rythmik 15" sub. Amazing for dialouge and soundtracks. I bougth open box so that helped me decide.
@michealboudreaux
6 ай бұрын
That may be my favorite CAM intro yet
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
it was my favorite intro I've ever shot. so much fun
@westcoast708
6 ай бұрын
All of the kefs' speakers kick ass end of story totally disagree with your review as these metas do not disappoint.
@anthonyalvarado1635
6 ай бұрын
You shouldn't have to jump through hoops to make a speaker sound good. This amp ,this room this dac, ls 50's are trash . There are so many speakers in the 1500 price range that are better even tower speakers that actually make bass as well
@jmarcguy
6 ай бұрын
Not crazy about how Cheapaudio lied right to the Kef’s grill. He knew about Enotiva!
@peterbaugh51
6 ай бұрын
All is fair in Love and War.... And speaker pricing!
@robertwang7825
6 ай бұрын
I’ve had this spkr for a yr , my views 1. Spkr is very sensitive to placement 2. Associated equipment must be more towards high end 3. Class A amp drives it better than B 4. S2 stands with Gaia is a must
@kimk895
6 ай бұрын
HI Randy, very nice and entertaining review 🙂. Thank you. I hope you get a chance to review the Kef R3 Meta, as it has a bit warmer tonality and is significantly more fun/dynamic (the sound might be a little more up your alley). The new TEAC should drive it just fine.
@avjake
6 ай бұрын
"The KEF LS50 Meta changed my life." Hmmmm, I wonder if this is a fair and balanced review?
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
it was one of the main catalysts that started the channel... because it was bad and I got mad. I just share my experience and opinions. I wouldn't call myself a reviewer. I just like to tell stories about audio equipment and how I feel about it.
@wplynx
6 ай бұрын
lol he’s loosing it.
@rdmeenach
6 ай бұрын
I would never buy one simply because it looks so homely.
@JM-if1mo
6 ай бұрын
Killer review....kudos. The quest to find true value at any price range still burns deep in your soul!
@palindner
6 ай бұрын
Great Video! Been a subscriber for the past 3.5 year since the beginning. This is one of your best all time. Loved the intro “breakup” drive. Have heard these auditioned, good speaker but definitely not competitive for the price.
@Benvos
6 ай бұрын
I’ve never got on with these speakers, I find them small sounding and uninspiring. I like music to envelope me when I’m listening, these just don’t bring the noise.
@firstprib7742
4 ай бұрын
I had a chance to AB the LS50 Meta with the Dali Menuet SE. Same electronics, same song, acoustic guitar with vocals. Night and day. The Dali had a more refined sound. The LS50 Meta is harsh by comparison. I went home with the Menuet SE.
@ilaion11
3 күн бұрын
The crossover in that thing is garbage! It is the xover that introduces bad sound into the woofer. The active LS50 sound so much better, that is because they made use of active xovers! If they would have made use of better components into them, these would have been actually good. How hard can be to not use iron into the inductors and capacitors? Why not just use the DSP from the active and ask for bi-amplification? Good amps are cheap nowadays!
@realbingus
6 ай бұрын
I bought em second hand in new condition for 800$, they're my first speakers. You're right, they do lack some bass. But I still love them, especially for classical music. Eventually I plan to get a sub to go with it, but not in a hurry.
@Aristotle2000
6 ай бұрын
$800 is a good price for them.
@geevee1045
5 ай бұрын
A subwoofer really moves them to the next level.
@tristanlane3777
5 ай бұрын
Great Video! As an owner of LS-50's and Q150's... I can't disagree that the Q150 is a fantastic speaker with pretty similar sound to LS-50.
@jissanhuq3792
4 ай бұрын
So i have the Q150s n then jumped to Magnepan LRS+… but those aren’t ideal for me unless im sitting. Would you say the q150 is good enough for similar soundstage cuz i miss being able to stand and listen to my vinyls vs having to sit . Im tempted to get the metas so i could place them on my kitchen island so i could listen on moderate volume, nothing loud. Any thoughts?
@Brett1334
6 ай бұрын
The beginning of this video is sheer genius! Hahaha well done Randy
@robertnitsche8410
6 ай бұрын
For the $1,000 I paid for my LS 50 Metas when KEF put them on sale last year, you'll have to pry them from my cold, dead hands. Paired with my Arcam SA20 class G integrated amp (BTW currently available for $1,000), they sound anything but "boring". The most amazing thing about your pair is that the tweeters are still intact with all the little tweeter pokers you live with.
@mathewward84
6 ай бұрын
I had the OG anniversary LS50s with an Arcam SA20. I also had Q150s as surrounds. So I did a side by side comparison. The LS50s wiped the floor with the Q150s. Not to mention the build quality of the LS50s. The Q150s look like they are DYI. Look at them wrong and the vinyl will peel off.
@waltergist8923
6 ай бұрын
I'm with you on the Meta's. I was trying to decide between the Meta's and a pair of Buchardt s400's. I went with the s400's and wouldn't part with them but when the Meta's went on sale for $1000 a picked up a pair and also wouldn't part with them. Both benefit from a good, long break-in and are different in very interesting ways. My music is rock, chamber music, jazz, symphonic classical, folk, and streaming Berliner Philharmoniker's Digital Concert Hall.
@ChiccoMusic12
6 ай бұрын
It is overrated. It doesn't sound good at all. Bad tweeters, bad crossover, lacking bass. What's to like?
@mrkitewine7700
6 ай бұрын
I auditioned the LS50 Meta amongst others from Dynaudio, Dali and Ophidian. In the end I bought some Neat Motives, they just sounded right and I found myself enjoying the music, not the hifi.
@Sunshine_Superman
4 ай бұрын
I have the Meta's, Neat Motive SX3's and Dali Epicon 2's. Playing with the Meta's in my main system and they scale really well. The Motives are in my bedroom system for low level listening and really limited space for positioning. The Motives are phenomenal for their size and what they can do in a limited space.
@oohmeconkers1968
6 ай бұрын
I always use Steve Earle’s Copperhead Road off his album of the same name. The intro has amazing bass and the song bounces along very well! Give it a go 🎉
@katie_0258
6 ай бұрын
Awesome production this time, I loved it. I own LS 50, people need to stop complaining just because a reviewer dosen't like the same sound as them. It was a fair review, can't win them all. My biggest problem is that they sound small. Now, can you test the wharfedale Elysian 4? Just bought them, they are in the mail. Don't you dare to give them a bad review :D
@ttownscott
6 ай бұрын
I came here to find out why people keep dropping LS50's off on the curb in front of my house. Now I think I know.
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
Lol
@claptrap22
6 ай бұрын
I demo'd LS50's and Q350's side by side and chose the Q's. The Meta's were forward and too sharp to my bears. The Q's were far more 'acoustic' to my ears. Have had no regrets. They're not the final word in speakers but I think they were a good choice.
@MrAnon-q1o
Күн бұрын
Thanks for that. I was just wondering about the comparison between the two of them doesn't seem to be many. I'm just wondering how you feel now a few months on from making your comment. Would you say that there are pretty good upgrade from the Q acoustics 3030I? I ran a sweep test today on a amplifier rebuild that I completed using a Signal generator with a 50 Hz to 15,000 Hz sign Wave and the Tweeter failed really disappointed in Q acoustics.
@curtdiesner4667
6 ай бұрын
I have the KEF R3 Metas that have a similar arrangement with the mid range and tweeter, with the addition of a woofer in the same cabinet. Used with a SVS Sub, I am very happy with all aspects of the sound. Is this a cheap set up, no. Is there better out there, probably. All I can say is that I am done shopping for better speakers for the first time in 40 years.
@JohnDoe-pc9qf
6 ай бұрын
I was never overly impressed with these.
@1229tedwilson
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for your fresh look at the KEF LS50 Meta. A few years ago I walked into a local audio store fully prepared to buy them based on all the reviews I had seen and read. I was disappointed. The speakers were good. But they didn't deliver that overwhelming sonic experience I had been hoping for. I auditioned other speakers that day in the same store. I ended up walking out with the KLH Model 5s. Those hit my sweet spot. Of course, speaker preference is completely subjective, as it should be. Get the speakers that are right for you. Others could find the Model 5s abhorrent. But to the first point, the KEFs didn't do it for me. Like you, I found the mid-range lacking and the bass a little underwhelming.
@squee147
6 ай бұрын
Same thing here. Walked into the hifi store expecting to love the ls50 meta, but they were just fine. Sales person recommended I try the atc scm11, which I ended up buying. Don't get caught up in the hype and go listen for your self.
@onewayticketdave1554
6 ай бұрын
@@squee147 I did exactly this and would recommend everyone to listen to the other available options. I walked out of the shop with superior and completely different speakers I went in for!
@robk5745
6 ай бұрын
Model 5 is a classic
@maxwedge7593
6 ай бұрын
Same here but a few years ago, grabbed the GoldenEar Aon 3 instead.
@mikazman8958
6 ай бұрын
I have the LS50 meta paired with the NAD c399 and it is AMAZING. 3D holographic imaging that just makes you sit through the night listening to more and more music. It is that engaging. I really don’t understand how people can put down this speaker, other than them just trolling for attention.
@c0mbat15
6 ай бұрын
Got mine, along with the matching stands for less than $900. They're matched with the Kef KC62 sub and I think they sound awesome. Most subjective reviewers out there think they're amazing and the main objective reviewer on KZitem also really likes them. So go figure?
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
I just talk about what my experience is. if my opinion was like everyone else's it would be a pretty boring channel
@c0mbat15
6 ай бұрын
@@cheapaudioman Yeah, completely understandable. I wouldn't have found out about cheaper brands like Aiyima, Fosi Audio and WiiM if it wasn't for this channel so I love you man! Yep, you heard that right, I'm using a WiiM Pro Plus to feed the KC62, that then feeds the high pass signal to two Aiyima A07 Max amps in mono that then feed the LS50 Metas. Budget meets premium, meets budget, meets premium. All because of this channel.
@MIsterB716
6 ай бұрын
I bought a pair second had for $800. They’re a definite step up from my first speakers(Klipsch SB51s). They do need a subwoofer and power to drive them.
@nick_yt23
13 күн бұрын
Without measuring them in your space it’s irrelevant. Your space may interact badly with them and probably put sum nasty room modes but we can’t know if everything is based only on subjective experience or trust me bro😂
@phil9593
6 ай бұрын
Interesting review - thanks! Maybe when giving less than glowing reviews to much loved products, you can include links to other reviews that praise the heck out of it - e g. You bought these and need to not feel bad about it, here's a link to Steve guttenberg who friggin' loves this thing.
@aciel-tv
6 ай бұрын
haha i was starting out vinyl collecting/listening not too long ago, about late 2022s/early 2023s, kept upgrading and my first decent speakers was the Q350 from kef (was comparing to the lS50 metas at the shop), was out of my budget then. Now i m running the sl1200mk2->mcintosh ma6700->Q350 always liked the kef ls50 metas, but more than likely i will skip n go towards R3 metas or L100 haha that said, Ls50 metas were really really good
@immi505
6 ай бұрын
Thinking of going to the R3 metas from Q350s as well. Running Rotel A11 Tribute, which can't compare to mcintosh.
@bradleyruhrup6232
6 ай бұрын
How does this speaker compare to the SVS ultra bookshelf. Great video
@rekodo_intl
5 ай бұрын
I don't think you're wrong. I bought the LS50 based on great reviews. Thought they were OK but sold them. Then I demo'ed the LS50 Meta and thought you were spot on -- they sounded metallic to me. I am however intrigued by the R3 Meta.
@maxwedge7593
6 ай бұрын
I think the whole problem with this speaker was the "Audiophile" press / videos and magazine reviews. They were called the greatest thing in audio when they hit the market and if you didn't love them, you were the problem. If you dared to call the LS50 out, you were considered an outcast in the "audiophile" community. I visited a local audio store when these first came out and remember having a demo and thinking this was $1500? Pretty speaker but no match for an old Kef Reference 105/107/etc which could be had for less money. Thanks for calling them out CAM!🥇 I also want to add, the ONLY thing the LS50 did right is starting Randy on his way to become the Cheap Audio Man.
@anthonyalvarado1635
6 ай бұрын
Agreed the ls 50's are for dudes with Little wee wees 🤣🤣
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
ahhh... thank you
@kevinperlic2920
6 ай бұрын
or for people who think they sound fantastic...because they do. @@anthonyalvarado1635
@geevee1045
5 ай бұрын
I couldn't live with the original LS50. Too harsh and fatiquing. The Elac UB5 was unlistenable. But the LS50 META is very different, it's musical, but finicky and needs to be set up away from walls, and then every type of music sounds good. I'm not a fan of in your face sound projection, so I like their laid back presentation. They have great space and depth. But I agree they're expensive and won't do well in giant living rooms like Randy's.
@mikedavid6681
6 ай бұрын
Ive always looked at these and thought you can tell they will be limited. Theres no way a speaker with drivers that size can do it all. Its math
@stensarapuu5208
6 ай бұрын
R3 Meta is the way to go
@Michael-xz1nk
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for your opinion but I respectfully disagree and that's ok. And besides, the only opinion that counts rests with the individual owner of any product. Moreover, the comedy of this video really diminishes its credibility....but just my own opinion.
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
Oh I’ve long since lost credibility. Thank you for watching
@veritas932
22 күн бұрын
gave you a thumbs up for an honest opinion without hyping up the product..Your opinion is similar to mine after listening to it in the showroom. It's too expensive for what it provides.
@luxlamf
2 ай бұрын
I have had my LS50's now for several years (Non-Meta) and While I keep thinking my receiver is in need of an upgrade (Anthem MRX720) I am beginning to think it's the speakers. Some music sounds great, because it's paired up with an SVS PB3000 sub I suppose, Never ran them without a sub. Put on anything New and it will rattle the house etc... Billie Elish, and Electronic music Listen to anything old (Van Halen Roth Albums, Aerosmith early albums etc... ) flat. Am radio. Home theater? Well I have to increase the volume to at least 85% to get any kind of life out of them. bI have actually found myself having to go past "0" into the + area a few times. It's either "LOUD" or it's "Why do I have a theater system I will just use the TV speakers." My guest room has a pair of old Infinity bookshelfs from the late 80's and an old Polk 200 watt sub from the mid 90's running off a old Marantz 7009 and things sound better, fuller, loud but not yelling. I think I need new speakers.
@dominicgreen115
6 ай бұрын
I have the powered ones with a svs 3000 micro on my desk and it sounds amazing!
@nhennessy6434
6 ай бұрын
They have a safe tuning. That's why they need EQ. And they will not play all that loud, and they do need a sub. So yes, not for everyone, including you. But, if you're willing to use a sub, play them in a smaller room, and use some DSP like Dirac to get everything playing well together, they will within their limits sound about as good as anything. And yes, they are more expensive than the Elacs. One look at them will tell you why. I've owned them for two years, with Dirac DLBC and dual SB 2000's crossed at 150 hz (you can do that with DLBC), and they sound amazing. And I did bump up the midrange trough which everyone has measured (makes all the difference). And they look way better than a pair of Elacs.
@mrobbins2406
2 ай бұрын
Immediate follow. 100% agree, thanks for saying it. Too many ‘philes in love. I just keep scratching my head at some these “blown away” reviews. Boring is exactly the word I used. I’ll take the Billy Bob Harvey Oswald Amators.
@stratelite1337
2 ай бұрын
I own the metas and never fully got the hype. Got monoblocs to give them more power, sub to fill in the bass. But it never really clicked for me in a super exciting way, with the exception of imaging, vocal clarity, and their ultra fast attack/decay in percussion. I kept them over B&W 706 S2 because of how quick they handled certain percussion and their amazing vocals. But the overall vibe was a bit boring. I think this review is maybe a bit overly negative (because I really value the speed and vocals) but I totally understand what you're saying about them being boring.
@marks-the-spot
6 ай бұрын
Hey, Randy. I get your relationship with the LS50s. They are not everyone's cup of tea. I didn't hear you mention if the evaluation speakers were new, or had some time on them. In my experience with KEF speakers they need a minimum of 25 hours of break-in time before they start to sound good. And they only seem to sound great (to me) after about 50 to 100 hours. Also, apparently the watts matter. An 80 WPC Yamaha R-N500 Receiver did not bring my LS50s (non-Meta) to life like the 110 WPC OutLaw Audio RR2160 MKII. Given that I listen at relatively low volume levels, an additional 30 watts should not have made any difference, but it made a big difference. Maybe more importantly, the high-pass/low-pass subwoofer filtering in the RR2160 MKII made sure the LS50s did not have to play bass below 100hz that the subwoofer covers. The big win for me with the LS50s is that they provide an impressive soundstage even with a highly compromised placement on a table near a wall in my home office only about 7 feet from my listening position. They are keepers for me.
@Sunshine_Superman
4 ай бұрын
In short - yes you are wrong 😂 Well, to each their own, anyway. I think they punch way way above their price point. Mine are currently in a system where I have one pair of interconnects that cost as much as I paid for these speakers - I got mine new for £859. Boy do they scale up. Currently streaming through a PS Audio Airlens hooked up to a Denafrips Terminator 2 12th, Moon 390 & a Rogue Audio stereo 100 plus twin SVS3000 micro subs. Hell, even my speaker cable is twice as much as these speakers. They sound sublime in my system. I had the original KEF R3's a while ago and they could be analytical, more a listen to the speaker than the music kind of speaker. The LS50 Metas are a much easier listen whilst giving me more transparency, warmth, holography and depth and boy, do they go tall and wide. They sound great through all my sources, Moon 260 transport, Classé CDP-202 and even a Technics SL1500-C and cheap Project Tube Box S2. They don't beat my reference speakers - Dali Epicon 2's, but right now I'm really enjoying them and see no need to swap the Dali's back in anytime soon. The baby KEF's give me something different. They might paint with broader brush strokes but they still paint an intriguing picture. I did my research and knew they'd scale up and synergisticly be a good fit for my system. These are a comparitively cheap speaker that I think fare better with better electronics way above their price point. I think that's the deceiving part. Absolute steal of a speaker at full price let alone the price I paid. Get them broken in and positioned properly (took me 3 weeks for both) and threy will truly reward in the right system.
@bluerev
6 ай бұрын
"It's GOOD, it's FINE" lol
@brucehazen8982
6 ай бұрын
KEF Q150's are a TON of fun for about 1/5th the price (when they're on sale). Can be run off any modestly-powered amp or receiver.
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
agreed
@barneyrubble9309
6 ай бұрын
As an LS50 meta owner i get that they can be a Marmite speaker for quite a few folks but to be fair, all KEF speakers are a bit like that. They really do require a sub (or 2) and also need a bit of decent juice despite what the specs say but they do scale quite well. Theyre not room fillers and id say theyre mote of a technical listen than one that'll get your toes tapping if you get what I mean. Definitely should demo them before buying for all the reasons above.
@mgaming7
6 ай бұрын
he did all that and still didn't like them. (not arguing with you) jus sayin. I listened to them. These speakers should be $799 a pair and they would be worth that price. At $1600, there are WAY too many options to pick KEF. For $99 more you can get the DYNAUDIO Evoke 10 and it is way better sounding.
@dnlphlptt
6 ай бұрын
Caaaaw Try living in England mate....................... What an over hyped P O S.................... You should see what we charge here in England in £ sterling then convert it back to US $..............
@mikazman6537
5 ай бұрын
I actually have these speakers and they are AMAZING. 3D holographic sound! ZERO credibility. Complete troll. This is where I tune off. FOREVER.
@carlosbauza1139
4 ай бұрын
Your opinion is presumably honest. But it is wrong. The LS50 Meta I own is much better than your "characterisation". This video breaks the credibility of your opinion.
@richard-df6pr
5 ай бұрын
sold mine for a lumina 2 sonos faber and you are RIGHT. FABER IS >>>>>> META. META is metallic and fatiguing but separation is good. Powered by wiim amp with svs sb 1000 pro
@MrRocktuga
5 ай бұрын
I don't own these speakers and I don't plan on owning them. But the Lumina II are very unbalanced speakers in every way, and an overall poor design as a loudspeaker. The guys from Alpha-Audio almost jumped from their seats with their piercing highs, which interestingly relates to how they measure. A very poor loudspeaker in a good suit... I do believe that the LS50 Meta are expensive for that limited frequency range, but it really is a very balanced sound within the range they do reproduce, and they're also very well built. It wouldn't be my first choice on that price range, but we need to give credit where it's due. 😉
@carmelovillena6174
6 ай бұрын
I remember you said you dont like it
@bgroovin1343
6 ай бұрын
I have the Metas paired up to a Parasound Halo Hint 6 in a small room. I've always thought the vocals sounded soft and recessed. Everyone talked about these being forward sounding speakers and I've never experienced that. I even have my treble turned up some. The imaging and soundstage is amazing and one of my favorite experiences. I can also get them very loud without any distortion. Coupled with my SVS 3000 Micro my room is full of sound.
@bebbop
5 ай бұрын
Forward sounding was standard version. In Meta vocals are recessed.
@cbayardelle
6 ай бұрын
I think you’re the only one that doesn’t like this speaker!
@christopherpbatty2138
6 ай бұрын
Sold mine after 6 months! They are very good near field and absolutely dead more than 6 feet away
@baschii7603
5 ай бұрын
I have the LS50 meta, R3 meta and the Klipsch rp600m II. Tbh I was so annoyed by the Klipschs all YTers are hyping them but they sound like rubbish honestly. I believe all KZitemrs get paid to promote the Klipschs. The highs are annoying the mids are unprecise.
@billh4477
6 ай бұрын
Ok, so my mileage does vary, and so does the version of this speaker that I own - the self-powered LS50 II. Same drivers and cabinets, but with bi-amplification in each one. Truly amazing speaker for their size, though even more pricey than the ones you reviewed. Putting my opinion in context, I run them in a smallish space, with a small sub, and using a separate DAC fed to the aux in. Done this way, with a lot of fiddling with speaker position to get it to sound just right (too much, really), they shine on lots of differnet music. Wide and kind of tall soundstage, wonderful realism on acoustic guitars and vocals, remarkable detail retrieval (I put this down to the dac, mostly) and an overall excellent sound in my office. I had their previous version, the LS50 powered, and it was good. But these are on a different level, and made the originals sound flat and boring. Before you label me a KEF fanboy: after I'd owned the LS50 IIs for a while, I started a project to upgrade my main listening room gear - 20 year old Sonus Fabers with Krell electronics. I looked up a dealer who sold the KEF R3 Metas, thinking that the meta stuff was magic sauce for speakers. After a combined 4 hours of demoing with ridiculously expensive electronics of different brands, I gave up on the R3 Meta. It never sounded great, and was sometimes fatiquing with certain older recordings that weren't great sonically. I was surprised the magic in my stand-mount LS50 Metas didn't come through with the R3s. Conclusion: I might agree that the R3s are overrated.... but for my room (with a lot of speaker position tweaking) and my setup, the powered LS 50 Metas are really hard to beat. In my case they are the classic definition of "expensive, but worth it." YMMV 😀
@mr.hitachi797
6 ай бұрын
I sold my kef LS50 rather quickly after a pair of 40 year old HITACHI completely annihilated them in every metrics. But looking back it was not a fair matchup since the same Hitachi's went into a rampage and killed speakers 4X the price of the Kef...
@albiepalbie5040
6 ай бұрын
This speaker has probably had 100s of reviews by now Loved how you have made this video Dynamic witty charming also with plenty information if your process and honest mindset
@robbiefest
5 ай бұрын
I owned a pair of LS50 originals, for a short period. They imaged fantastically but I thought they had horrible tone. I also owned a pair of KLH model 5 and hated them too. Recently at a hifi show I heard several high end kef setups. I thought they all lacked a natural tone. I want voices and instruments to sound natural which I don't think kefs do. I've also tried living with other kefs with the same result.
@petemaloy51
5 ай бұрын
Better comedian than reviewer. Good,good,good is that all ya got? SMH , Dutch camera angles suck too, why? Because they add nothing to the script and do not help tell the story, as Howard Hawks once said don’t move the camera unless you have a damn good reason, also backed up by Roger Deacons. So keep working on that comedy material and maybe a slot at the comedy store will open up.
@fhaquuu
5 ай бұрын
If Kef made these ima bigger cabinet 6.5” driver it would be amazing. I like the Q350 better
@MrTarati
5 ай бұрын
These speakers in particular lack an internal poosnake and that's one of the biggest problems I have with them. 😐
@onewayticketdave1554
6 ай бұрын
I tried the KEF LS50 Metas with my Naim Uniti Atom, but they were sadly lacking low bass and punch. I realised I was paying for the looks and colour, so I opted for the small but perfect PMC Prodigy 1 Speaker's. They may be small and plain-looking, but the comments of awe when they come to life are highly satisfying to others as well as my ears.
@jondonnelly3
6 ай бұрын
I think those PMC are great, a good bit more expensive than the Meta in the UK and do have more punch for sure, the transmission line design is really doing a great job.
@onewayticketdave1554
6 ай бұрын
@@jondonnelly3 I paid £1050 after asking their best price so not much more.
@itsvladzino3246
6 ай бұрын
After extensive testing, I came to the conclusion that they’re good. They’re fine.
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
ha
@myronhelton4441
6 ай бұрын
You are correct. the KEf LS speaker is the most over rated. So is these others. B & W, & Bose.. I wonder if the rich companies help out many reviewers.
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