KEF ls50 - Highly Recommended
Saw these in my local KEF dealer today (bit surprised, didn't think they'd have them, they don't carry the R series for example), they look lovely, had a brief listen but couldn't get much of an impression because of how they had them set up, about a foot off the floor, less than two feet apart and right up against the wall, they sounded very nice but I couldn't get any impression of soundstage or anything like that. Interesting though...
Interesting - look a lot bigger on stands. How do they compare with PMC DB1is?
Interesting - look a lot bigger on stands. How do they compare with PMC DB1is?
I'm a big fan of PMC and the DB1i's in particular. IMO, both the PMCs and the KEFs are pack leaders in their price point, however, they don't sound quite the same. I would say the PMCs are slightly more colored sounding and the KEFs are more accurate. Both have great clarity and detail, but I think the KEFs are more true to the source. Doesn't mean I'd pick the KEFs over the DB1is. The PMCs have more bass IMO and colored or not, I just plain love to listen to them. What makes the KEFs remarkable is the price. I've never heard a speaker this cheap sound this good. I did have to play with room position to get great sound though. Before I found the right spot, I was less impressed.
Thanks, Jaxwired. I'm admiring your listening room as much as the kit.
They sound great, although Youtube + my Mac's speakers mean that I'm probably not really getting a proper idea of the sound.
With a baby in the house, I think speakers with grills might give a little more protection (who am I kidding, once he's a toddler nothing will stop him). I'll check out the LS50s at my local dealer when I have the time, but I don't think I'll be trading in my PMCs yet. If I happened to come across a set 2nd hand at a good price, that might be a different story.
Thanks, Jaxwired. I'm admiring your listening room as much as the kit.
They sound great, although Youtube + my Mac's speakers mean that I'm probably not really getting a proper idea of the sound.
With a baby in the house, I think speakers with grills might give a little more protection (who am I kidding, once he's a toddler nothing will stop him). I'll check out the LS50s at my local dealer when I have the time, but I don't think I'll be trading in my PMCs yet. If I happened to come across a set 2nd hand at a good price, that might be a different story.
I know, I wish I had the potential to set up my front room like that.
As for 2nd hand LS50's, someone off these forums is/was flogging their less than 1 week old 
pair on another forum. however he wanted only £50 less than a brand new pair so no real bargain there.
.
Interesting - look a lot bigger on stands. How do they compare with PMC DB1is?
Before I found the right spot, I was less impressed.
Wait a few weeks and you will be even more impressed. 
A clear advert for selective dealership if ever I heard one!
It wouldn't surprise me if this is why the R Series dealership is kept purposely limited. I think KEF want to make sure they are demonstrated properly, as this can mean the difference between forum users coming on here and saying a product sounds rubbish or sounds great, and in turn influence people's opinions of a brand in general.
A clear advert for selective dealership if ever I heard one!
It wouldn't surprise me if this is why the R Series dealership is kept purposely limited. I think KEF want to make sure they are demonstrated properly, as this can mean the difference between forum users coming on here and saying a product sounds rubbish or sounds great, and in turn influence people's opinions of a brand in general.
He did say they were in the demo room initially but they have so many requests for Home cinema demos they were constantly taking them out again. He offered a proper demo if I could come back during the week between 5pm and 6pm but I don't get home from work until about 8.
They had them hooked up to a Pioneer A207 or something, I wasn't convinced that was quite enough for these speakers? They only sell Pioneer, B&O and KEF though, so choice would be limited I think.
An A207? No chance.
I really do love the distinctive looks of the LS50's
An A207? No chance.
Didn't think so! 
What are owners experiences of running these little beauties in?
How long did it take?
Does the sound change much?
How did they sound during the new, unbroken in period compared to when they stablised and started singing?
I've found new speakers to sound horrible in the past (very bright and sharp with one note bass) before they reach the stable optimum and these charactistics completely pass.
Such an amazingly reviewed speakers sound very appealing but I'm not sure I have the patience to run them in! I'm sure they're worth the wait...
I really do love the distinctive looks of the LS50's
Yes, Kef have certainly made an impression with these speakers looks and a good one too
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I got to say this but they look the business Jax, I really do love the distinctive looks of the LS50's and of course I bet they sound great too
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