LS50 Meta vs Genelec 8330

[LeonidKogan]

Hello, I've used LS50 Meta along with Hegel H200, REL T/Zero and just since I got Gustard R26, I've been happy with this setup, I think it's a really good match. The thing is it all rests on my desk so I find it a bit impractical to use and I think low volume listening could be more satisfying. On top of that I use some 40-200 Hz filters applied as suggested by REW.
I figured Genelecs (or any other studio monitor for that matter) would keep things simple and cheaper than LS50M+Hegel, but can they actually beat them? I mostly take into consideration 8030c and apply EQ myself or go for DSP version 8330. I'd keep the REL and connect them directly into R26.
What I like about LS50M is natural, realistic sound in the midrange that few speakers can match, great imaging, overall smoothness and sweetness. I'd like the sound to be a bit more crisp/defined and more open in the treble. I feel LS50M is somewhat constrained in large symphonic pieces (I know it's just a small monitor).
What do you think, has anyone ever compared both or similar models?

 

[staticV3]

Hi @LeonidKogan! Welcome to ASR.

I'd sell the Hegel and Gustard and replace it with either the ADI-2 DAC or ADI-2 Pro.

Both ADI-2s will give you loudness EQ which will dynamically raise bass and treble as you turn down the volume to comply with equal loudness contours. That should make low volume listening a lot more satisfying.

Both ADI-2s also offer Hardware PEQ, so you can store and apply your EQ settings on it and have it work with all Windows applications, ASIO or not.

The ADI-2 Pro will give you digital output for Genelec monitors with digital in, as well as the ability to apply a high-pass filter to the mains and a Low-pass filter to the sub.

 

[LeonidKogan]

@staticV3 thank you for your recommendation, I actually had RME ADI-2 DAC FS for a couple of months and I could never really find peace with its sound presentation, there was something annoying about that, and while I greatly appreciated its functionality, Gustard has always seemed just right for me. Don't really want to go deeper into that here.
Genelecs are very hard to demo where I live and I don't feel ok with ordering and returning if I don't like them, because that comes at a store's loss and I haven't found much comparisons between LS50M and Genelecs so I don't know if they play in the same league. They should be at least tuned similarly if I'm correct?

 

[daftcombo]

I actually had RME ADI-2 DAC FS for a couple of months and I could never really find peace with its sound presentation, there was something annoying about that,

There is absolutely no reason for that.

To put a bit of objectivity in the hobby would be a good start before starting to pay amounts of money in it.

 

[LeonidKogan]

There is absolutely no reason for that.

To put a bit of objectivity in the hobby would be a good start before starting to pay amounts of money in it.

Sure, let's leave it like that, I'm happy with R26, it's not really a DAC thread.

 

[Ellebob]

We carry both Genelec and Kef where I work. And I've heard both of these models may times. We don't have a showroom, so we're not a retail shop and I don't always have the opportunity to listen to models side by side. I often get to take them home to test, and I do measurements on them as well. Personally, I am a Genelec fan as their sound just appeals to me more. Some of the Kef models just don't blow me away and the LS50 (including the meta and wireless II) is one of them. They sound very good, don't get me wrong but they just seem to lack some dynamics for lack of a better term.

YMMV. This is just my opinion but I would definitely go with an 8330 over an LS50. The best advice I can give is to try to listen to them. I've seen people buy models that I know personally I would not be happy with, but it makes them happy and that's what's important.

I hate buying things and returning them as well but I think that is a business model we have to accept. There are fewer stores to demo products. Plus the best place for a demo is in the area where you plan to use them. I think even if you have to pay a return fee or return shipping it can be worth the demo in your own home.

 

[LeonidKogan]

Personally, I am a Genelec fan as their sound just appeals to me more. Some of the Kef models just don't blow me away and the LS50 (including the meta and wireless II) is one of them. They sound very good, don't get me wrong but they just seem to lack some dynamics for lack of a better term.

Thank you, so by that you mean Genelecs are overall more crisp and energetic?

 

[Ellebob]

I call it more dynamic, more impactful. Like when a drum hits loudly, sax takes the lead, a harder played piano note, etc. The Kef just seems dull, like everything is compressed. It has a nice tone to it but just not exciting.

I also feel that way about the LSX II which I own but they tick a lot of other boxes that others don't in this price range and that's why I bought it . I could have used some 8320s in their place but then I would need a DAC/streamer that also does HDMI ARC. I also needs a DAC/streamer that can be controlled IP or at least IR with discrete codes to work with my control system. So, the Kef does sound very good and has a lot of functionality, it just lacks some oomph for dynamic material. I feel the same way about the LS50 models whenever I hear them.

 

[bodhi]

Sure, let's leave it like that, I'm happy with R26, it's not really a DAC thread.

There is extra conversion with Genelec if you use analog inputs so if you want to keep on believing DACs sound different they are not speakers for you.

 

[LeonidKogan]

I would like to pull a trigger and try some monitors, probably either Genelec 8030 or KH120.
If I understand correctly I'm not going to fully utilize room correction of 8330/KH80 DSP with 3rd party subwoofer and UMIK-1, so I guess I could just go with REW? Is there any significant difference between REW and Neumann's/Genelec's software?

 

[Multicore]

I would like to pull a trigger and try some monitors, probably either Genelec 8030 or KH120.
If I understand correctly I'm not going to fully utilize room correction of 8330/KH80 DSP with 3rd party subwoofer and UMIK-1, so I guess I could just go with REW? Is there any significant difference between REW and Neumann's/Genelec's software?

Yes. REW doesn't do the signal processing part. You design EQ specs using REW but you have to transfer those designs to whatever it is you have for implementing them.

Speaking for just myself, I'd be delighted to just spend the $$ on the complete Genelec solution and have them take care of all that, but I cannot justify the expense. I would have to re-prioritize my hobbies.

 

[Kervel]

I had a LS50 nonmeta on my desk, a B&W sub, integrated with a minidsp 2x4hd for high and low pass filters, and REW eq. Replaced it with 8330+7350 sub. Honestly, the difference in sound quality was small---both systems were very good. The genelec give peace of mind knowing that cross-over integration is perfect with GLM. The GLM reports are also nice as they explain acoustical issues with your room which you may choose to address. OTOH, the coaxials of the KEFs are especially nice on a desk--I would not switch LS50 for just 8030c for this reason. My 2cents, keep your system as is, or go all in with genelec and a genelec sub; this way you dont need a DAC but only a usb-AES converter which saves some money

 

[LeonidKogan]

I had a LS50 nonmeta on my desk, a B&W sub, integrated with a minidsp 2x4hd for high and low pass filters, and REW eq. Replaced it with 8330+7350 sub. Honestly, the difference in sound quality was small---both systems were very good. The genelec give peace of mind knowing that cross-over integration is perfect with GLM. The GLM reports are also nice as they explain acoustical issues with your room which you may choose to address. OTOH, the coaxials of the KEFs are especially nice on a desk--I would not switch LS50 for just 8030c for this reason. My 2cents, keep your system as is, or go all in with genelec and a genelec sub; this way you dont need a DAC but only a usb-AES converter which saves some money

Thanks for this helpful response, I believe perfect integration is a game changer, but 7350 costs 5x more than what I paid for T/Zero, so I'm going to keep that for now. I don't really want to let my setup go, but I need money to fund more important things atm, so I think second hand 8030/KH120 are reasonable to save money (they are cheaper than what I'll get back for Hegel H200 and then I can also sell LS50M).
What amp did you use with LS50M? Do you have any thoughts on low volume listening between these and 8330?

 

[Kervel]

Makes a lot of economical sense to go for a second hand kh12 or 8030c. Add a minidsp flex for perfect cross over integration and rew filters. To deal with low volume listening: all minidsps allow you to save and switch between 4 different EQ settings. So use one setting for normal listening, and another foe low volume listening for which you set a 3db bass boost <100hertz in addition to your regular filters.