LS50 Meta vs M16

[thetoe]

Hello! I would love to hear everyone's opinion regarding a purchase I am considering. I am looking for a bedroom setup. Small room, already have a bluesound powernode amp (2021 version). I am trying to decide between the KEF LS50 Meta's and the Revel M16's. I have lusted for LS50's ever since the first one's released. Alas, I've never heard them or the meta's. There are no Hi-Fi stores anywhere near me and none of my friends are into it. I have been lately reading nothing but good reviews of the M16's. Looking at the measurements they look like they would be to my taste. That said, I can't stop thinking about the meta's. I love the way they look. I am willing to get a sub as well if needed. I'm just so confused. Any help is greatly appreciated!
-Danny

 

[Ron Texas]

Unless you are planning on investing in subwoofers and what it takes to set them up right, get the M16's. In the US you can get a pair of M106 Revels for about what the LS50's sell for.

 

[thetoe]

Unless you are planning on investing in subwoofers and what it takes to set them up right, get the M16's. In the US you can get a pair of M106 Revels for about what the LS50's sell for.

Thanks Ron, can you give me some feedback on 106 vs M16's?

 

[Ron Texas]

All 3 speakers have been reviewed here. Read @amirm 's reviews. He does this stuff to to help people like you.

 

[Steve Dallas]

If you can swing the Revel M106s, go for those, unless you like elevated bass, then go for the M16s.

Revel M106 Bookshelf Speaker Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Revel M106 bookshelf speaker. It was kindly purchased and drop shipped to me. It is not a new sample but came to me with full packaging and protective wrapper. The M106 costs US $1,000 each or $2,000 for a pair. It is only sold through dealer...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Revel M16 Speaker Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Revel M16 stand-mount/bookshelf speaker. I purchased this through my company and it arrived a few days ago. Can't tell you my cost :), but retail price is US $900 (sold $450 each). As you can expect, when you pay more, you do get more as far...

www.audiosciencereview.com

LS50s (especially Metas) are great speakers, but absolutely need subs to augment their bass response. They do have narrower directivity, which works well in some rooms. They are also coaxial, which makes them less sensitive to height, when that is a concern.

 

[thewas]

For a small room you can even get a pair of LS50 Meta and a sub which you cross very low leaving the Metas running unfiltered which reduces the costs and effort alot (and of course max SPL), I have currently such a setup and a friend of mine who has the highest ranked "compact" speakers of all time of the German magazine Stereoplay said tonally its en par to his setup, imaging is actually even preciser, only SPL is of course limited.

 

[abdo123]

I think the M16 is the best 'traditional' bookshelf speaker out there.

However in 2021 most people don't want traditional anymore.

 

[Tokyo_John]

No sub->M16
Sub->LS50 Meta

 

[Mackie]

Seems the M16's have more low bass, but is the bass of good quality ? And how are they imaging wise compared to the Meta's ?