Customer Ratings & Reviews

Best speakers I’ve owned. I was worried because I’m only driving them from an AV receiver. Yamaha RX V483. They have good bass, but I am using them in a 2.2 system with 2 10” Klipsch subs. A lot clearer than the Q100s and Bose 301s before them. When playing my turntable with an ortofon blue 2m cartridge and U Turn Pluto phono amp, I could hear a hum when driving past reasonable levels with the Q100s(no hum from digital source). The turntable is sitting on a granite slab to eliminate any feedback from the subs, which before the granite and isolation feet for the subs, was a problem. With the new Kef LS50s, there is no small hum at higher levels. My listening area is 19’X37.’ The Kef LS50s with the 2 Klipsch subs have no issue filling this space. The LS50s are on another level than the Q100s. The LS50s have more clarity and bass than the Q100s. I couldn’t be happier. I mainly listen from 10’ away. I would describe them as dynamic, and have a good deal of “punch.” I mostly listen to classic rock, and jazz.

Because of their size, they don't do much bass, and they are surprisingly demanding of lots of clean amplification, but these bookshelves can image really, really well and their midrange is very uncolored. The new version is supposed to be even better, so probably are a great pickup, as well.

There's reasons why this speaker was rated "Class A" by a well-known review source. That reason is not bass-o-plenty because that's not what these speakers deliver. These are almost certainly the best I've owned for accurate, life-like soundstage, imaging, and overall presentation at appropriate (non hearing loss) levels in a small-room setting. They may have enough bass for some but others are going to prefer the support subwoofer(s) provide. Like another reviewer here my closest KEF model is the Q100 and while that's a fine speaker this one is clearly at a higher level of refinement. Whether you think this speaker is "good" or not depends on what you value in sound - it isn't a party speaker, but for the subtle nuances that are the next level in audio the LS50 delivers. At this price level you should know you're in the area of diminishing returns as plenty of decent stand-mounts can be had for a 1/4 of the price. A BMW 8-series isn't 4x better transportation than a Corolla by any measure (speed, acceleration, skidpad, fuel economy, capacity) but when you drive it you know it's a better car - whether "worth it" depends on you. I hesitated to buy these however I have no regrets now.

I ordered these direct because BB didn't have the all-black anniversary version, nor did they have them in-store, so I couldn't audition them first. After a lot of reviews read though, I pulled the trigger and have had them for a couple weeks, paired with the 10" Kube also from KEF. I paired the LS50s with the Rotel A12 from BB and I was worried the AMP wouldn't have enough power but it has done fine. The speakers are super clear up at high volume, and the bass from the sub has balanced out the low end pretty well. The LS50s can sound a little bright, or whatever word you want to use, when playing digital files but with vinyl it has been very warm. Most music has been awesome though, and paired with this AMP you will notice details in music, movies and video games that you may have missed before. For better or worse. In some music I've picked up on static, latent humming and other noisy picks and humbars so I may need to rearrange my furniture and major appliances. It may be more of an issue with the AMP, but up at higher levels, around 100db and higher, the sound really kind of empties out and doesn't sound as good. That's pretty loud though and it's higher than my comfort level. All in all, great speakers, and th AMP works great, I'd recommend a sub and the Kube is sealed, super tight and pairs really well with the LS50s.

Hesitated because of price, very happy I pulled the trigger. Using as a 2.1, beautiful for music and home theatre. You can't go wrong with these, adds eleglance to any system.

Funny how people could be so easily brainwashed. Only takes one "ordered" review in Stereophile and viola.....the magic speaker is here! People should use their ears for evaluation, not eyes. The only decent sounding Kef speakers are Blade 2 - period!!! The rest of their line up, with similar looking UniQ driver like LS50 simply cannot even come close to Blade's Resolution, even on smaller scale. Nor R, neither Reference series as well. And while Blade2 is really good speaker it is not worthy of 25k asking price. One could be better served buying second hand Wilson Sophia at less than third of that price. Spend your money elsewhere. Trust your ears and read less those magazines reviews.