The Most Popular Speaker in its class! A Review of the KEF LS50 Meta 

The only thing I didn't cover in this review is desktop use. The bottom line is that these speakers are decent in that application, but I believe your ears need to be at least a few feet away from the front of the speakers in order for the sound to integrate well together. My suggestion would be to look into buying an LS3/5a-type speaker if you're in the market for a killer desktop solution.

A few years old now but this is hands down the best review of the LS50 Metas I've watched. The setup section was really useful.

Sean, you just keep getting better and better. I think you don't give yourself enough credit. Your reviews are top notch. Thank you for the review. Can't wait to see what's next. Well done sir, bravo!

Supper efficient review, not a single second wasted. The accuracy of sound description is still the best on youtube.

This is one of the most informative and enjoyable reviews I’ve heard on RU-vid, excellent work.

Love the new little touches in the production. And the original product comparisons. Makes us watch the video even if we're not that interested in the reviewed product.

The review I've been waiting for... thanks very much Sean!

I've owned KEF LS50 Metas since Jan 2021, and have been catching up with the zillion you tube reviews of them. I've never heard of you, but your well-spoken analysis is well above other you tube reviewers I've endured. My Metas get used interchangeably with compact floorstanders (Thiel CS2.4) to appease a hypersensitive neighbor, as the KEFs lack the bottom two octaves and lack the ability to play loud in my fairly large space. I have basically infinite amp power and long-term high-end components I know well. Your comment about the upper midrange being 'thin' thus enhancing imaging got my attention as that's their primary deficit -- for me. My Thiels and headphones are totally flat through the entire midrange. The KEF 'thinness' is a broad 2-3dB dip from 2-3.5kHz, shown on nearly every response plot of them, including KEF's own. Regardless of any perceived imaging enhancement, it's a FAR greater tonality deficit as it alters the character of many vocals for the worse, reduces the snap of snares, the bite of horns, the sheen of strings. In short, this wide dip sucks the life and presence out of music. This had to be a conscious choice on the part of KEF as their other speakers lack this dip, and it could have been easily equalized with the crossover or their mastery of tweaking their uni-q driver. After decades of being used to a flat midrange, I find this enough of a flaw to park the KEFs in favor of the Thiels whenever I can, despite their notable sonic advantages in other areas. BTW, simple math shows the radiating area of the woofer to be the equivalent of a 'conventional' 3.5" woofer. All the more amazing they can produce the bass and volumes they do! Otherwise, a very well-aware review. I'll be looking at your other reviews over time.

Great review. You are among the best. Just received mine today. LOVE THEM. This review helped with the post purchase questions. I actually need a new water heater, but needed the KEFs first. Keep up the great reviews.

These with their new sub would make a badass and beautiful speaker set. A master class in industrial design.

Good to see you reviewing again, it's been a while. Caught some of the podcasts which were all great but didn't stay uploaded too long, so I missed a few. Take care and thanks, fantastic review again.

Great review Sean this was fun to watch! Glad to see the channel get back to speaker reviews.

Looks Great. Keep it up Sean. I really appreciate the work that was put in to the video.

Very enjoyable and easy to understand review. If this is a taste of things to come on this channel I'm really looking forward to more. Keep em coming!

Your Best Ever review, you nailed the beginning and the 'End!' Such a well rounded review 🤙😊

Sean, this was a clear, highly detailed and accurate review with some added smoothness to the presentation. Great analysis and I'm sure the comparisons will help many people looking for context vs the "LS35A sound." Solid review.

Sean, great to see you back "in the groove" enjoying reviews. Very interesting comparison with the Dynaudios and the Falcons. (Great little music interludes in your review; you should list what you are playing! very cool jazz tunes there!!) ....and please, Don't take yourself or anyone watching your channel too seriously. keep enjoying what you do. simple as that. awesome informative review! thank you much!

Good to hear from you again! Very good review.

Seen a dozen of reviews about the Meta’s but this is by far the most recognizable and honest review on RU-vid. And I have the Meta’s, the LS3/5A and had the LS50’s for many years. The Meta’s are the holy grail if you are on a budget (hook em on a cheap NAD amp) with a small to medium size listening room.

Fantastic review. Well done!

Loved hearing your thoughts. I took the plunge on the LS50 Wireless 2s. Had them for a week now. Let’s put it this way. My wife who hated my big floor standing Polks LSi705s LOVES these. stayed up late Saturday night with me listening to old Unplugged live performances until 1:00 AM. If speakers get my wife in on a 1:00 am listen session they are doing something right. Now if I can just sneak a REL t7i into the budget I will be done with my hifi purchase for some time.

I've had a pair of the charcoal black Metas for a couple months. I use them for my desktop PC audio (near field) and am very pleased. My other components are: Avantone Pro CLA-200 amp, Topping D90, SVS SB-2000. It all adds up to quite a nice set up for games, music, and streaming video. Very solid, comprehensive review! Well done, mate!!

Thank you for this review. I like your new approach 👍

I loved seeing your video review of these! I just picked up a pair to demo with my Mcintosh MA5200 and I have to say, I love what they bring to the table. With music across the board (from classical to EDM) the speakers just just make you want to groove! I am using a Klipsch SPL subwoofer and honestly, it paired very well and showed how great these speakers were not only with music, but movies too. For their asking price, they are well worth it.

Probably one of your best reviews. Summed it up perfectly and in a non-polarizing way. Keep it up brutha!

Great informative review , been thinking about getting these for awhile

Great review, well balanced and informative! Thanks.

Great review as always. Thank you, Sean.

Awesome review, thanks Sean!

Great Review! Thanks for all your efforts

Outstanding review!

Another superb review Sean 👍

Nice visual presentation of products used for comparison.

Great review Sean. 🤘

I wish you would also do nearfield observations and comparisons. Nice work and good to see KEF is listening to you and voicing their speakers to your preferences.

I think this may be my favorite review that you’ve done. Bravo! And I’m not even in the market for anything like this speaker.

Excellent review. I've been wondering about these little guys for some time now. I've got to check them out.

I got the LS50 Metas and think they are amazing the sound quality is fantastic.

I have the LS50 WII and completely agree with your analysis of these speakers.

🤩 wow, what an outstanding review. As a dealer I’ve heard hundreds of speakers, and reps wax poetically about such and such a brand, but your clear descriptions and honest feedback is priceless. Ordered myself a set to demo and compare, but I have a feeling I’ll probably be keeping them 😉

Amazing review. The best ever you made. It is a human review that do you stick on specs and audiophile terms, but show how a great speaker can fit, or not, on some personal tastes. Congrats

Great review! Thanks!

Nice honest review! Thank you!

Love the "Video Stage" of your stuff. Brings in visions of someone sneaking into a brick and mortar Audio Store storage room and secretly testing gear.

you got my subscription directly with the Accuphase in the background. This man seems to know what he talks about

This is the best review you’ve ever done. Of course, it is exactly what I need to hear as I am in the market for a $1500 smaller speaker. I’ve never connected to KEF either. But I’m moving to Japan and I have to put together a system for a small apartment that keeps me satisfied for at least a few years. Ive been leaning towards a Naim Uniti Atom with an affordable speaker and you hit on two likely speaker suspects. I’m a professional doublebassist so sound matters a lot to me. I also can’t take cds or vinyl with me across the world so a streamer seems a good fit. I also tend to listen at lower volumes, maybe 75-80db tops so I need something I can hear and feel at my typical listening levels. Add that I like to hear my recording mixes on a good system with somewhat monitor consistency. The other direction is to swap out the Naim with a used luxman (I mean, japan!) and piece together something. Perhaps I’d get a nice British speaker later, or go the Klipsch route. But this review gave me a ton of confidence in my general inclinations. I think of you as being a bit more objective than some of your fine audio reviewing friends, which can be a buzzkill at times, ha, but when making a clear decision is exactly what a buyer needs. Thanks a million for this review.

maybe not the first, for understandable reasons, but surely the best review of the LS50 meta 👌

My MANNNNN, Sean . I have been waiting for this. First, love the new setting. The light, background, etc... Second, I didn't like the first LS50 but I will get an audition of LS50 Meta because of your review. Thanks.

Bought a pair of Metas. I was very impressed with them at the store. At home I am still tweaking things but I can say I am enjoying them. Noted the smallness more at home and added a T7i which changed them significantly. Despite all the hype, the fact that Sean never looked at them bothered me a little bit. It is reassuring to me that he seems to hear what I do in the Metas. I am running them with a Moon Ace integrated but I am curious now to hear them with more power. Thanks Sean for the excellent review

I am using these speakers with Luxman 505uxii and love the sound, very large imaging and great detail which is what I like so they are good for me. Thank you for the review.

Excellent review. Your very descriptive. Bravo

I saw this come up and thought, "Yeah, yeah, yeah...another friggin' LS 50 Meta review... *yawnnnnnnn* . . ." Sean, your review put everyone else's to shame. I wasn't even remotely interested in these speakers until I watched your review. Loads of useful information.

I took your suggestion about the Polk Audio T50s, and after two years of use my ears were curious to hear better treble extension and midrange... When I heard the metas at Hifi Buys in Atlanta, I couldn't leave without them! Now I need a Rel sub and my audio journey will be complete a long time 🙂

Sean, you've just become my benchmark for a most credible, non-bs audio reviewer out there. Coming from a guy who follows the art for over 30years. Hats off to you. Some old guys should learn from you. Respect.

Stellar review!! When I auditioned the Metas the standout for me, was their mind blowing ability to utterly disappear. Imaging beyond belief and like none I ever heard, in that regard. Almost kept the Metas but the Triangle Esprit Comete EZ ultimately beat them out when A/Bing them. Triangle Comete EZ had superior bass performance and overall oomph over the Meta and the Tonality was to absolute DIE FOR on the Triangle! Instruments just sounded so real in comparison and it was simply a more fun and exciting experience with the Triangle. Otherwise, The New LS50 Metas are a remarkable speaker for all the reasons Sean mentioned in this wonderful review! 👍🏼

You're my favourite audio reviewer!

Sean I fully agree with your LS50 Meta review/comments. They sound warm but at the same time transparent and a little forward. The tweeter is exceptionally detailed but at the same time not harsh and fatiguing. Previously I had Triangle Borea BR03s. I got them after your review and paired them with Rega IO amplifier and they sounded great. Now I got the Metas and paired them with Hegel H95 and they also sound fantastic. I liked the br03s midrange forwardness but I like the LS50 Meta's smooth detailed top end and their larger sound stage.

Tremendously informative - and enlightening on the system matching question. So much rubbish on the internet ; but this review really helped and I now intend to audition a pair.

haven’t heard the new version of the LS50’s; haven’t heard any Kef speakers I like since the early 80’s. I replaced the Buchardt S400’s with the Falcon Acoustic LS35A. The Falcon’s are not as bass heavy but I like them a whole lot more. The tone of the Falcon’s is addictive. I remember going to my favorite stereo store in the mid 70’s and really wanting a pair of Chartwell LS35A’s, but they cost $460 and I just couldn’t buy them. Turned out they could have been the only thing I’ve ever purchased that is now worth more than I paid. I get a lot of good info from your videos and hope you continue with your videos.

Super review!

I can't wait to hear your review of the KEF KC62's.

That LS/5a comparison is going to surprise a few people.

When it comes to 2-way bookshelves Coaxial drivers are uniquely superior in prioritizing the right compromises. Difficult to design but when you get it right? Think Genelec The Ones or these LS50 Metas or at a larger scale - KEF Blade

I've just got these and zero regrets. They are incredible.

Zero Fidelity: Perfecting the art of the audio review concentrate :-) This is one of your reviews I liked a lot , particularly your speaker selections for comparisons. For me, the original LS50 demonstrates better than many audio product how radically different perception of sound can be between humans. They are like those photos on the internet of dresses that different people see in different colors that are not even close. I hated them whenever I listened to them, even on youtube, where crappy microphones and shoddy recording technique still could not hide their painful (to my ears) sound signature that I could never settle into. On a side note, can we please have more live sessions with friendly timing to international time zones?

For what its worth. I've owned the a lot of the Kef line up: Q350, LS50, R3, R5, R7 and the LS50 Meta. Before I got the LS50 meta, the R3's were hands down best of the line up. I took a break from KEF for several years and went with stuff such as Klipsch Forte, Harbeth, Magnepan, Martin Logan and own a pair of Acoustic Zen Adagio. I picked up a pair of LS50 Metas a bit ago with zero interest of owning another pair of LS50's. The only reason i did was because i traded a piece of gear and got them as part of the trade. As someone who does NOT agree with most of the RU-vid audio content creators, Sean's perspective has been probably the most transparent and realistic. I can say with much experience the LS50 Meta truly is a significant and true upgrade over the LS50. The original LS50 used sensational ear candy such as a sparkling top end, directional sound stage with good off axis performance and larger than expected bass for the package. All of those elements are ideal to swing a buyer doing a demo or looking for something nicer than a pair of $800 speakers. These elements for a more seasoned HiFi just interfere with the music when you know what to listen for. The LS50 Meta on the other hand did not have those characteristics. That stupid 'HiFi' sparkle sound on the top end was gone. The dynamics were improved and a sense of life was brought into the speaker. It still doesn't have the body, texture, rhythm/pace or soul that I personal prefer in my sound. However, for its price point, it's very good! It's very friendly as it plays nicely with lots of gear and music types. Most importantly! It's now a more honest speaker that present the music for what it is rather than the unpleasant aftertaste found in the original LS50 when they applied the house 'KEF signature sound'.

Great Review!!!

What a great review.

I have had them for a week now and they are brilliant. With Iotavx SA3+PA3 and SVS SB1000 subwoofer. The soundstage, detail, and natural timbre are stunning. I now know what words like transparency and holographic soundstage mean. It's not harsh, it's neutral. it's stunning. the build is world-class. Looks have a high WAF factor as well. (Wife acceptance factor)

I paired LS50 Wireless II with the new KEF Kc62 subwoofer and holy smokes. I’m speechless. The resolution and neutrality of the sounds is awesome and the sub added nice bass extension and blended perfectly with the speakers. They also yielded a bigger soundstage. Plus, I got a sweet 2.1 home theater system from the same combo.

Hi Sean, I love my totem model 1’s. From your experience with the last totem speaker you reviewed, to your ears, which had the better tone. I know they are probably totally different sounding though. Thanks again for an awesome review!!!

Owned the originals twice and could never warm up to them,but I LOVE the Meta's.

I bought mine just before Christmas (to replace my KEF Q100), running them with my IOTAVX SA3, and my inexpensive ELAC Debut S10.2 sub... love the performance!

It's funny how I always thought the same about KEF speakers (and I still own three of them to date, a pair of iq30s that I liked a lot better then their successors the q300, and a center speaker in the same series). But never got emotional with them. Same with the original ls50s (unamplified, and not the meta, never heard those). Wasn't quite impressed by the r700 but the best I ever auditioned were the R300 - to my ears and to my taste. I read that the latest, R11 etc are amazing, i'd like to audition them once that COVID pita is over... so glad you've reviewed these and liked them, it's a 'must audition' now 😉!

Great review! When's the Dynaudio Confidence 20 review coming out?

More speaker reviews, noice

Great review Sean. Your detailed analysis is always so...how do I say this..believable! I have Revel F36. It’s a floor standers. They are as you describe modern speakers. Dry, and kind of brittle and “hey look at me”. I’ve not been happy especially since I spent $2k. Not the most but, enough. I’m looking for something to replace them. Btw, I really would love to watch your live stream but I can’t always get there. I would be great if you could leave them up just a wee bit longer.

Thank you much much for this review Sean, I hope I got your name correctly.

This is a super good review, and it does seem alot of modern gear is throwing down hard and technology is proving to pull the lead on vintage, especially class d amps.

Hey Sean, excellent review! I wanted to love the LS50 but they were too bright for me. (fatiguing) I auditioned the Metas recently and fell in love with them. I'm probably going to go with the Wireless 2 version and can't wait to pull the trigger.

Your spot on with the ls3/5a, i have the original chartwells and they got alotta magic in the midrange thats tough to beat with anything, owning the original ls50 for 6 months ill say i do love both, the ls50 has more heft in bass, but something in the ls3/5a in the midrange is really addicting and hard to replicate, so id have a tough choice between the 2 id believe, but ive given the win the the ls3/5a for critical listening, but for all around use and modern music maybe the ls50 is more capable, i love both.

New camera? The picture and lighting looks great.

Thanks for the review. Commenting for the needy algorithm lol

Thanx very insightful !! Hope your reflux is doing better ( avoid coffee ) By the way, the Cap suits you well !! Good Review ! Bill from France

You spoke so highly of these speakers, I have a new one in my list now. Dali Oberon 3, Kef LS50 Meta, and B&W 607. If any tips or help in choosing one, I would be really grateful.

Awesome review brother, I've been on the fence trying to decide between the LS50 and the LS50 wireless. I probably won't go with the new meta version that way I can save considerable money. And as I understand there might not be that big of a change between the two.

Wonder if Kef will start using meta technology in their other speakers? Another great review Sean.

Great review Sean 👍. I actually run these and the Mofi ls3/5a in an A/B office setup. Amp is Creek evo100a. SVS sb1000 sub. I use Mofi for desktop nearfield and they do have a richer vocal presentation, which I love on acoustic country/folk music. There is some magic in there, that must be what you mean by "tone" :) Metas are mounted higher at standing level on shelf (1/2 port plugs) for room projection/dancing in my small room. The Metas are awesome all-arounders. The Meta tweeter can give off a bit of a metallic tinge on certain recordings, which I don't love. They do provide pleasingly strong mid bass, and I can really crank them up from time to time with relatively minimal distortion.

You may have betrayed us, R3 owners, by liking the Meta more than the R3, but remember Sean, it was the R3 you took your hat off for :) Thanks for the good work.

I’d love to know how they sound with tubes!! 🤗

I've read in several posts that these speakers 1) are really for nearfield listening and 2) require lots of amplifier power. Thanks for addressing.

As always great review!... A comparison with b&W 706 s2 would be just "perfect"! And by the way your thoughts between Marantz 30 and Accuphase would be even more "perfect"!... Congrats

Great Review! Any chance you will be reviewing/comparing the LS50WIRELESS II? I feel like this may be a great combo with the Kinki EX-M1, or if money is no question the NAD M33. Any input there?

This is a great review! Thank you. I had tried out Bowers and Wilkins 606 S2 and they just didn't seem to deliver in my space. I had 4 questions (would appreciate your insight, you touch on some of these details in your review but I had more specifics I was curious to hear your expertise on): 1) How do you feel these compare to those? 2) I plan to place these speakers in a bookshelf with a depth of about 14-15", given that these are 11" in depth, it would leave 3-4" behind it, would that dramatically impact the sound quality of these or would you still think they would be solid? 3) I watched your KEF KC62 review, and I was wondering if that would also be able to sit in a bookshelf or needs to be on the floor? 4) Any thoughts on if they will pair well and have enough power from a Denon AVR-S710W? Thanks again for your honest and detailed reviews.

Hi Sean. The LS50 Metas really come alive if you have sound absorbent panels behind the speakers and the side walls .

Mega OT. Who is the typical audiophile. 1. Mostly male. 2. Mostly middle age or aged. 3.His musical interest goes beyond one genre. 4. Insatiable curiosity about hi fi components. 5.His best speaker his the next one. 6 Dedicates at least one hour of pure musical listening daily. 7.He's happy with background music while doing other things. 9. While watching movies pays a lot of attention to the sound effects and considers a real torture having no other option but incorporated TV speakers. 10. His audiophile's best friend rig sounds better even though it is cheaper then his. Did I forget anything. Open for suggestions

Thanks Sean. If the brittleness of the LS50 is indeed finally tamed, the market is getting a real challenger! I wonder if the slight boxiness is more apparent now?

Subscribed!

I love Kef Speakers I own a pair of the cheaper Q100 and damn they sound so sooooo clear and smooth. I use them as my 2ch system

Brilliant review! Curious how these sound with maybe dual REL T7X subs to compliment the 79Hz drop off..