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Alternatives to KEF LS50 Wireless (version 1)

musicman567

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Hi folks,

I wonder if anyone has some suggestions on alternatives to a set of KEF LS50 Wireless version 1 (active) speakers.

I currently use these active speakers as my computer speakers. (I simply connect them to my computer via USB.)

I bought them, new, in March 2020, and they have served me well for circa 1 year and 10 months.

Sadly, however, they have failed twice in the space of one month.

Getting them sent off to be repaired (again) is a hassle I can do without, and I am now looking at alternatives.

Looking forwards, my current first choice is to simply replace them with a set of KEF LS50 Wireless II's, which I believe are significantly updated from the version 1's. My thinking is that perhaps they may be more reliable.

I'd also need to buy a little Topping D10s (or similar) to connect to my computer as follows: Computer >> USB Cable >> Topping D10s >> Optical or Coax Cable >> KEF LS50 Wireless II right-side/control speaker. This is because, unlike the KEF LS50 Wireless v1's, the KEF LS50 Wireless II's do not support USB-In.

Any alternative suggestions are very much appreciated.

Maximum budget is £2000, and I'm happy to come in below that!
 

envydd

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Why not buy a LS50 meta passive and get a compact class D amp .... e.g. SMSL AO200? It will be enough for your near field computer speaker needs. Also you can add a compact sub. Passives last a long time, hence I went that route even though the actives made a lot of sense.
 

Eetu

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Topping D10 Balanced+Topping PA5+LS50 Meta? This way you wouldn't have to worry about reliability. Analog volume control within arms reach. The Wireless II has features that suit a living room setup but less useful when used as computer speakers.
 
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musicman567

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Thanks very much for those replies envydd and Eetu -- very much appreciated.

A passive solution (with a DAC+ Amp) is not something I had considered.

Desk space is tight for me -- that is what drew me to active speakers in the first place. However, I may be able to find some space for a solution like KEF LS50 Meta's (pasive speakers) + Topping D10 Balanced (DAC) + Topping PA5, as set-out above.

Thanks again folks.
 

envydd

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Thanks very much for those replies envydd and Eetu -- very much appreciated.

A passive solution (with a DAC+ Amp) is not something I had considered.

Desk space is tight for me -- that is what drew me to active speakers in the first place. However, I may be able to find some space for a solution like KEF LS50 Meta's (pasive speakers) + Topping D10 Balanced (DAC) + Topping PA5, as set-out above.

Thanks again folks.
Actually the pa5 will uplevel the system even more. I will swap out my small integrated nuprime ida6 desktop amp with my dac+pa5 combo, to power my desktop System (with LS50s)
 
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musicman567

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Thanks again for that insight envydd -- very much appreciated.
 

Taiaumun

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I was also looking at basic powered speakers with about the same use case as you and picked up a pair of Tannoy Gold 5s. I have tested them by just connecting a streamer and using Airplay 2 and they sound good to my ears. I've ordered a PA5 to go with my E50 & L50 stack so I have options with my other passive speakers, hopefully it will be good small and simple set up for me.

Saw a recent review of the Q Acoustics powered speaker that gave it high marks, have you looked into them?
 

Tangband

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Hi folks,

I wonder if anyone has some suggestions on alternatives to a set of KEF LS50 Wireless version 1 (active) speakers.

I currently use these active speakers as my computer speakers. (I simply connect them to my computer via USB.)

I bought them, new, in March 2020, and they have served me well for circa 1 year and 10 months.

Sadly, however, they have failed twice in the space of one month.

Getting them sent off to be repaired (again) is a hassle I can do without, and I am now looking at alternatives.

Looking forwards, my current first choice is to simply replace them with a set of KEF LS50 Wireless II's, which I believe are significantly updated from the version 1's. My thinking is that perhaps they may be more reliable.

I'd also need to buy a little Topping D10s (or similar) to connect to my computer as follows: Computer >> USB Cable >> Topping D10s >> Optical or Coax Cable >> KEF LS50 Wireless II right-side/control speaker. This is because, unlike the KEF LS50 Wireless v1's, the KEF LS50 Wireless II's do not support USB-In.

Any alternative suggestions are very much appreciated.

Maximum budget is £2000, and I'm happy to come in below that!
The obvious choice is a pair of Genelec 8330 , with GLM, using the digital spdif out from topping d10s. A cheaper alternativ is 8030c.
 

srrxr71

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Probably better to work with KEF and see if they will let you consider the unit a lemon and offer you an upgrade path.

I would not go passive personally. I would rather find a proper pro monitor with reliable electronics.
 
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