KEF-LS50

We begin

KEF-LS 50 (in the first passive version)

The sound produced by these compact monitors might surprise many listeners. They achieve a remarkable balance and harmony that impart a sense of naturalness, freshness, and detailed insight akin to studio monitors. The tonal balance is well-calibrated, and although the frequency response range of 79 Hz to 28 kHz might suggest a limitation in low-frequency bass, the quality and clarity of the bass they deliver make up for this shortfall. To ensure that the speakers reproduce low frequencies effectively, it's crucial to position them a good distance from the rear wall (the further, the better). If this adjustment doesn’t resolve any issues and the bass remains boomy, the manufacturer has included foam bass-reflex port plugs with two application options. The first option is to completely block the port, which will significantly reduce dynamics. The second option is partial blockage (removing the central portion of the foam material), which strikes a balance between total blockage and no damping at all. This approach yields a decent result, especially in acoustically untreated rooms.

It should be noted that, while these are excellent speakers, their efficiency of 85 dB with an average 4-ohm impedance and dips down to 3.2 ohms means they are not the easiest to drive with an amplifier. Pairing the LS50s with amplifiers of low current capability will significantly diminish their performance compared to what they can offer when properly matched. The clarity and freshness brought to the music by KEF's Uni-Q drivers in the LS50 provide a rewarding listening experience, with studio-level detail revealing aspects of songs previously unheard. KEF speakers deliver a wealth of musical information, rendering vocals with clarity and nuance, and accurately portraying the timbre of instruments. You can truly enjoy the music, feeling as though the artist is performing just for you in well-produced recordings. Instruments have the right texture, are well-positioned on the soundstage, and cymbals are crisp and clear without the metallic harshness sometimes found in similarly priced speakers. The overall presentation is very rhythmic and vibrant. While it may not provide a concert-level sound due to its limitations in low frequencies, adding a high-quality subwoofer can address the shortcomings of the small KEFs. Despite being relatively affordable, these speakers can comfortably integrate with much more expensive systems without limiting their performance. In fact, they reveal more of their charm in better company. The LS50 crossover lacks the ability to bi-wire, meaning we must use only single cabling. This doesn’t hinder the small speakers’ dynamics but does remove the advantages offered by bi-wiring. When comparing the LS50 to speakers like the Sonus Faber Lumina I in a similar price range, KEF's model stands out with its modern style and studio character. They hold their own alongside the best, such as the ATC SCM 7 reviewed on my blog. Their compact size and distinctive modern design also appeal to female listeners who respond positively to their purchase.

Summary

If you have a well-balanced audio setup and value studio-level detail, KEF speakers will be an excellent choice for entering the world of high-quality audio.