KEF LS50 Bookshelf Speaker Review

[nilov]

Noticed,that with chain Yggi->Ragno 2 ->LS50 - speakers sounds more transparent.
But with Nagaoka MP500->Skoll-> Ragno 2 - Sounds less transparent,and most peak on frequency 250-400hz - which I dont like.I'll think about buying EQ.But anybody faced with same issue?

 

[Ron Texas]

Noticed,that with chain Yggi->Ragno 2 ->LS50 - speakers sounds more transparent.
But with Nagaoka MP500->Skoll-> Ragno 2 - Sounds less transparent,and most peak on frequency 250-400hz - which I dont like.I'll think about buying EQ.But anybody faced with same issue?

If the problem is really in the 250-400 area it's probably your room.

 

[FurstMan]

Hello everyone,
I've read all 30 pages (or so) trying to understand as best I could all your recommendations for these LS50s. As a neophyte, I'm struggling to understand the graphics you share, but I'm trying to improve.
On a completely different subject, I followed your recommendations for headphones (HE400se) coupled with an EQ (Oratory1990) on Peace, which was not complicated to set up since I had no measurements, room treatment or any adjustments to make: it's certainly the best audio rendering I've listened to to date, giving me enormous thrills during my headphone listening sessions, and for that I thank you.

Returning to the subject, I have a pair of LS50s temporarily associated with a Sony STR-DH790 (I have a Cambridge CX-A60 waiting in the garage for reasons of space), supported by the subwoofer of a Boston Soundware XS kit and a DSPeaker Anti-mode 8033 Cinema with a crossover frequency of around 110Hz.
I've tried to optimize the acoustics of my living room (notably with curtains and a thick carpet) and the subwoofer placement, and I find that the bass lacks precision and is still too muddy. I also have the impression that there's a “dip” in a certain frequency range that I can't determine (please excuse my lack of knowledge), which can be heard very strongly in some music.
Although my room and overall configuration are not optimal, I'm partly questioning my subwoofer's “limited” characteristics and am considering replacing it with a SVS SB-1000 (non-pro). I understand that it's easier to manage low frequencies with a closed cabinet.

What do you think? Could this change be an improvement?
Thanks in advance for your help!

- Boston Soundware XS active subwoofer:
Bass-reflex type
20 cm driver
100 W RMS amplifier
Frequency response: 50 to 150 Hz
Variable low-pass filter: 60 to 180 Hz (24 dB / octave)

- SVS SB-1000 active subwoofer:
Load-closed type
30 cm driver
300 W RMS amplifier (720 W peak)
Frequency response: 24 to 260 Hz +/- 3 dB
Variable low-pass filter: 50 to 160 Hz + LFE

 

[MediumRare]

Hello everyone,
I've read all 30 pages (or so) trying to understand as best I could all your recommendations for these LS50s. As a neophyte, I'm struggling to understand the graphics you share, but I'm trying to improve.
On a completely different subject, I followed your recommendations for headphones (HE400se) coupled with an EQ (Oratory1990) on Peace, which was not complicated to set up since I had no measurements, room treatment or any adjustments to make: it's certainly the best audio rendering I've listened to to date, giving me enormous thrills during my headphone listening sessions, and for that I thank you.

Returning to the subject, I have a pair of LS50s temporarily associated with a Sony STR-DH790 (I have a Cambridge CX-A60 waiting in the garage for reasons of space), supported by the subwoofer of a Boston Soundware XS kit and a DSPeaker Anti-mode 8033 Cinema with a crossover frequency of around 110Hz.
I've tried to optimize the acoustics of my living room (notably with curtains and a thick carpet) and the subwoofer pacing, and I find that the bass lacks precision and is still too boomy. I also have the impression that there's a “dip” in a certain frequency range that I can't determine (please excuse my lack of knowledge), which can be heard very strongly in some music.
Although my room and overall configuration are not optimal, I'm partly questioning my subwoofer's “limited” characteristics and am considering replacing it with a SVS SB-1000 (non-pro). I understand that it's easier to manage low frequencies with a closed cabinet.

What do you think? Could this change be an improvement?
Thanks in advance for your help!

- Boston Soundware XS active subwoofer:
Bass-reflex type
20 cm driver
100 W RMS amplifier
Frequency response: 50 to 150 Hz
Variable low-pass filter: 60 to 180 Hz (24 dB / octave)

- SVS SB-1000 active subwoofer:
Load-closed type
30 cm driver
300 W RMS amplifier (720 W peak)
Frequency response: 24 to 260 Hz +/- 3 dB
Variable low-pass filter: 50 to 160 Hz + LFE

Since this isn’t really a question about the LS50 it doesn’t belong on this thread. Nevertheless, the quick answer to your question is you probably need to set up your sub integration and room acoustics before spending any money on new equipment. Find the threads on using REW and you will very likely achieve immediate and significant improvements in SQ.

 

[milosz]

Your subs aren't in boxes?

To date, I've heard electrostatic speakers and and planar headphones, but not planar speakers. Some day perhaps...

No, the subs are in open frames. No box. It's an open baffle servo sub. I've measured flat response down to 17 Hz in my room - roughly minus 1 dB at 17 Hz. I am using a DEQX for timing and magnitude correction. At 20 Hz at 95 dB THD is less than 2%. And there is no delayed energy from a box absorbing then releasing bass. Very very low group delay. The bass is super tight and "fast" sounding, a good match to the Magnepans. I cross over to the subs at 45 Hz.

 

[MediumRare]

No, the subs are in open frames. No box. It's an open baffle servo sub. I've measured flat response down to 17 Hz in my room - roughly minus 1 dB at 17 Hz. I am using a DEQX for timing and magnitude correction. At 20 Hz at 95 dB THD is less than 2%. And there is no delayed energy from a box absorbing then releasing bass. Very very low group delay. The bass is super tight and "fast" sounding, a good match to the Magnepans. I cross over to the subs at 45 Hz.

Sorry to keep the off-topic conversation going, but this is too interesting. Is that the same as infinite baffle? Can you explain how that works in your room?

 

[Billy Budapest]

Open baffle speakers are able to dig down deep enough if the drivers are big enough. For example, the Jamo R909 uses two 15” woofers.