KEF ls50 - Highly Recommended

I agree with the other responses.  There are no problems.  Position "problems" IMO usually result from bass issues.  These KEFs don't go quite deep enough to cause problems in any position.  Not to say they don't have bass, they do.  The bass is great actually, but it's not going to cause bass issues like a Monitor Audio RX6 for example, regardless of placement. 

With that said, what I was talking about, wasn't about eliminating a problem.  It's more about dialing in better imaging.   I thought they had good sound where I initially set them, but after playing with wall proximity (to reinforce the bass) and toe in to get the imaging to lock in I was blown away by the sound of these KEFs.  They are exceptionally good speakers.

Do you still prefer the DB1i's overall then Jax?

To add to that, I think they also cause less issues near to walls because their cabinets don't exaggerate anything, and the port output is clean.

The DB1i and the LS50 actually sound quite a bit different to me.  As I posted before, I think the LS50 is the more accurate speaker.  It comes down to a matter of taste.  For my personal taste, I'd rather live with the DB1i.

                            All agreed.  A class act.  So easy to listen too.   

Stereophile rank it as a Class A product in the new issue.

Class A usually means spending a LOT of money, but not on this one!

Haven't heard what Cno thinks of the LS50's yet. Have you heard them Cno, and if so what do you think? How do you rate then compared to the reference series?

I haven't had the pleasure, but I can imagine what a reference monitor version of the R100 would sound like ie. everything "tightened up", with the level of detail/accuracy/neutrality noticeably improved.

Will try to get a good listen sometime.

Pretty much. Over the R series (already very good), the LS50's improve leading edge definition and decay, project more vividly into the room, and reveal more subtle details within notes (pitch changes etc).

How are you finding the 5 channels of LS50 for movies then David? Are you still waiting for the new Ken Kreisel speaker system to be released or are you happy as you are?

Having owned several speaker systems designed by Ken Kreisel, I knew at the time that there was nothing to touch them as far as movies are concerned. Since the demise of M&K, I've been looking for a hi-fi speaker that can do what the M&K's did. I like a tightly focused sound with plenty of detail, which is why I've always liked KEF (of all the hi-fi brands) for movies as an alternative. When I bought the R300's, I knew I'd be getting better music quality, and while they were an improvement in many areas, there was still something missing. I do miss the punch and attack that the M&K's had, and for me, the R300's (using outer bungs) were just a little bit laid back. That might've been accentuated by the 8200AP, and my issue with that was that it didn't have any type of tone control - when I had the Pioneer SCLX86 I could add a dB to the treble, which perked them up a little bit, which helped. When the LS50 came along, one look at its design brief told me that this was what I was waiting for. These were doing what the R300's weren't doing for me. I would still say that these are a little more laid back than M&K's, and they'd be the perfect alternative for those that can't accommodate an M&K/KK speaker system, for whatever reason. Personally, I think KEF should do a version tweaked for AV use - a proper satellite that's designed to be used from 80Hz upwards, bring the sound even more forward, give it even more 'edge'. Market it as a dedicated AV speaker.

But yes, I am extremely happy with the LS50's, especially paired with the DXD12012 - and I'd go on record as saying that this is the best AV speaker system I've heard since my M&K's. A little note for ric71 - moving the LS50's back upstairs to our other AV room has confirmed that the larger AV room was a little too big for them, as they sounded much better in the other demo room - much more composed and without that bit of harshness that was present, which I think maybe down to the reflective walls. That room is being done out soon in anticipation for Ken's specifically designed 11.1 system...

Anyway, I am still eagerly awaiting Ken's new speaker systems (which will be here next month), mainly to see how much improvement has been made to his older designs - if he can improve the speakers by the same percentage he has improved his old subs by, they're going to be pretty special. Then it'll come down to price. As the new subs are cheaper than their older counterparts, I have some hunches on price, and if I'm right, they're going to be absolute killers. 

IF I preferred the new KK speakers, I'd still keep a pair of LS50's for music for now though as I enjoy them so much, and they're an anniversary product. I could quite happily live with the LS50's for films, and if I preferred them to the new KK speakers, I suppose the next step then would be waiting for the the Reference range to get a facelift and see how much they improve on the LS50's.

Just picked up my brand new pair of LS50s from our local KEF agent!

Have played for about an hour. Some classical and Santana, Maria carey etc.

They are replacing my beloved Neat Motive 2s. My system is Audiolab 8200cd>MDAC>Naim XS>LS50 (was Neat motive 2).

Although the Motives weren't especially expensive or nor were they award winners. BUT when combined with the XS amp, they had, so far beaten all comers. Including much more expensive floorstanders.

So the LS50 has big boots to fill

Let's see how it goes.

I like what I am hearing now (playing Black Magic Woman- Santana), right now, they are not at the level of the Motives yet. I'll keep playing them all day and night and check again tomorrow!

    I'm still in    at how good these little gems are, and they are not even run in yet. ! 

Is any of you using LS50s with Roksan Caspian (m1) combo? looking for the speakers now. my budget is just around 800 so I'm on the verge of buying them, still would like to hear some opinions. (the room is not big, 13m2)