I'm Really Sad 🥺 ... Kef LS50 Meta Review (vs Monitor Audio Studio, Amplifier Pairing & Unboxing)
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- Nearfield and midfield listening experiences of the Kef LS50 Meta. In this video I talk about my experience with the Kef LS50 Meta in Royal Blue finish.
My Kef LS50 Meta unboxing experience is also in this video - very short one but these are pretty boring anyway hehe.
Also in this Kef LS50 Meta review, you can expect my honest thoughts and feelings about these hifi speakers without any external influence or pressure from people who I work with. This is just me sharing my experience as a customer and experienced hifi enthusiast (I guess we're called audiophiles, though I don't like the term).
I also talk extensively about amplifier pairing in this video - I tested two amplifiers with this set of speakers - the Arcam SA20 (Class G amplifier) and the Hypex NC252mp (Class D module).
FYI - I tested my pair of Kef LS50 Meta nearfield and midfield to farfield in my living room.
The LS50 Meta by Kef was launched in Autumn 2020 - they are surely very successful speakers and perhaps one of the most innovative speakers coming out of the industry at this price point.
I also referred a little bit to the groundbreaking metamaterial technology which you can read about in the Kef LS50 Meta white paper document (on Kef's website).
KEF LS50 uses a patented disc made from meta material, which is designed to reduce 99% of unwanted backwave sound energy (down to about 700hz I think).
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(do it, or I contact your mother)
Have a question? Pop it in the comments.
NOTES:
1. Equipment tested: Kef LS50 Meta, Monitor Audio Studio, Hypex nCore NC252mp, Arcam SA20, Topping E30 DAC, laptop running Tidal Hifi
2. I am completely aware that results may vary based on what room you are listening in. Though, none of us are in complete control of our living environment, most people buy speakers to fit their lifestyle (not the other way round!)
mandiscoverstech.com
#KEF #audiophile #hifi #ls50meta #KEFLS50Meta #speakerreview
I filmed this about two months ago - yet somehow I forget to even upload the video?
I really SUCK at this!
- MDT
the meta material is only an absorbent material in the tweeter back cavity to absorb the high frequency wave smearing, it is not inside the speaker cabinet.
About class D. Class D still has switching anomalies, which translates as not as clean and clear, in the high frequencies, which in turn gives hashy distortions to the high frequencies . Class D is not capable of true high performance quality sounds. That is why the dynamic ATC SCM ASL 3 WAY ACTIVE STUDIO MONITORS do not use class D. ATC SCM ASL use class A/AB tri-amped mosfet amplification in all their high end 3 way monitors, because class D is not up to the task of delivering true high end quality sound performance at high sound pressure levels . All passive audio systems have a huge loss of performance compared to the likes of ATC SCM ASL 3 WAY ACTIVE MONITORS . There is a reason why all the highest end recording studio's all have the massive dynamic ATC SCM ASL 3 WAY active monitors . Never believe all the technical technology crap, because 9 times out of ten it is all bullshit . You need a lot of very clean high power for high sound pressure levels without anomalies in every area of the sound spektrum. You also do not want an ordinary two way dynamic speaker with that is ported because it messes the whole sound quality spektrum of sound performance up. Again that is why ATC SCM ASL 3 way active monitors use their 3 inch mid dome, and 1 inch high frequency dome, became they are not affected by anomalies by the internal cabinet anomalies . That is why all the large class A/AB mosfet powered dynamic ATC SCM ASL 3 WAY active monitors are rated as the best for midrange / high frequencies of all high end sound reproduction monitors in the world . The ATC SCM300ASL dynamic active monitors have a total of 850 Watts per monitor with a sensitivity of around 95db. You are never going to be able to replicate their dynamic majestic sound performance quality with the likes of a very poor passive audio system as to compared to the likes of the large dynamic ATC SCM ASL active monitors .
I bought Kef LS50 Meta to use in a modest room, 5m by 4m, and they sound gorgeous, very transparent with excellent sound stage. They work well with all genres of music, and with speech. I listen to podcasts in French, and I used to have to use headphones. These speakers have such an even frequency response that they are better than my Sennheiser HD600 headphones when listening to French speech. They replace a pair of PMC speakers, the current version of which costs £2,300, I paid £900 for new Kefs. In my opinion the Kefs are far superior, they are more neutral, with a better defined bass, and far better soundstage. The Kefs frequency response is on a par with active monitor speakers used in studios. However, they do not work well close to a wall, they need space to breath. I put the bungs in their bum holes so they can stand nearer the wall. The popularity of the Kefs is not due to hype, but of course each person should demo speakers in their own home. I love them, you might dislike the sound, they might not work with your acoustics, or you might just hate the looks.
ermm excuse me - i love the looks of ls50 metas especially in the royal blue :)
i agree - kefs are one of the best when it comes to speech - i have multiple sets of Kefs including R900s which I love.
The speech thing you describe I think is probably due to the coaxial driver - this puts the mids and treble frequencies perfectly in time with each other - so you get minimal phase cancellation, meaning they also fare better when you sit at awkward angles to the speaker. I've had similar experiences when using Tannoy speakers - such as my current Gold studio monitors and previous Tannoy Revolution/Precision models that I owned. So I don't think what you're describing is a Kef exclusive trait.
When it comes to musical enjoyment, I just felt when sitting in the perfect listening position, the monitor audio studios were superior to my ears. You lose none of the detail and you get enhanced soundstaging and bass response - in a package that costs similar money and about the same size profile. Though i'd prefer the LS50s in a living room environment as they sound clearer when watching movies in different seating positions.
However, the Ls50s are still quite fussy if you ask me - sound absorption material to the sides and especially above the speaker are required with kef drivers in my opinion - otherwise they can sound too sharp. Not everybody can accommodate that in their rooms.
Thanks for your input and have a great day!
@@propercushty Without doubt the one you prefer is down to personal taste. I happen to like neutrality, perhaps because I listen to many genres of music including classical, jazz, folk, metal, noise and classic rock. I do not have any sound absorbing panels in my room, I must be lucky as the speakers work fine as is. I have heard that the coaxial drivers improve imaging. I am sure it is the neutrality and clarity that makes them good for speech, better than my headphones which is very unusual. If you look at frequency response measurements, you will see they are very flat for the LS50. My PMCs were poor in that respect, and had some boominess in the bass. So much for premium speakers. I haven’t tried the Monitor Audios, there are so many brands available, it is impossibke to try them all.
@@StillAliveAndKicking_ My new monitor audio gold 100s definitely sound better than my Ls50s did and I'm glad I upgraded... I believe I bought into the Ls50 hype. They're ok for the price but they're not the best.
I even preferred kefs cheaper q150, they sounded similar but more natural.
2 years ago.. Oh well. I just got the original LS50, and I can understand why you don't like them, and prefer the MA instead. LS 50 isn't a speaker to just set up. and being done with it. I use carpets, curtains, fabric furniture's and a lot of pillows in my livingroom. People like the atmosphere it creates. The LS 50 loves it. They escape easily. Yet sound fresh in the top end. Even more than Ref 1. I love them, but in your hard room, where your voice travel. I wouldn't like them either. These are not plug and play speakers. they need the room to not be hard. However it isn't that hard to get the refleksjons to be toned down. Maybe you'd like the speakers better. When everything is right, they won't hold back. The MA might be better at your place. but it doesn't show from every other reviewer out there. 2 years later, the MA is forgotten about. No one talks about them, no one sell them. But if you liked them, it's fine. Are they in the same league as LS 50 Meta? Nope.
I once had a pair of Adam a7x with ribbon tweeters. They were probably the best tweeters I've ever heard. When listening to music, it felt like an angel licking your ears
wow..that's highly descriptive
The power of DSP corrected active speakers.
Interesting review. You did a serious effort to review the Meta’s. A few remarks from my side. I have the Meta’s and had the original LS50’s for 8 years. The MA studio is a very good, above average speaker. So it’s no to be ashamed if the Kef’s are a tad less good. I find the Meta’s very good for the money. The cabinet is the best available in the small monitor range. Like concrete. The crossover is of a good quality with good quality components. The uni q design is with the 12th version unbelievable good for near field listening. (But also for my living room) The toe in is important, I guess you missed there something, as the speakers disappear completely in my room after good positioning. This speaker needs a run in period of at least 200 hours. They sound really different after a month of playing. The bass is tight, but rolls steep off at 50 Hertz. So you need a good sub for sure. The Meta’s are more pleasant to listen to as the original LS50. Especially for songs that are recorded with lots of treble. I compared my Meta’s with speaker sets that cost the double of my Kef’s, but I prefer the Meta’s. There’s so much technology in them, it’s a steal for the money (just like the AM Studios btw). I use a A39 Arcam amp and irDAC and that’s good companionship for the Meta’s.
thanks for the input :) Glad you like the Metas
The speakers are so resolving. Unlike any other dynamic speakers for the price as far as resolution. Maybe better amps would bring things together.
The Hypex amp I was using is probably equal to or better than the amplifier Kef use in the active version of the LS50. It's more than good enough in my opinion
@@propercushty KEF uses mostly Hegel amps . Hegel is already known for its precise sound . thats an ability not all people like.
it can sound little bit splittet between the depths and highs. but i think hegel is one of the best amps out there.
@@AntonRacing The active LS50 uses D class amp, probably Hypex - as nCore is quite expensive.
@@cezarjipa72 hej m8 , i bought a second system and was actually sure i ll go for the ls50 with a hegel .. but to be honest another setup blew my mind.
well i think the amp you can guess what it is. but for the loudspeaker i highly recommend neat motive SX1
they a re a little bit more expensive but at the local hifi shop here at vienna they have had let me test EVERYTHING within price range and above (till up to 10k euro)
and i have to say that those sepeakers are easily in the same category with speakers around 5 to 8k . actually only a hornspeaker what cost 11k blew my mind over the SX1
Ls50 meta not disappearing? Sorry you lost me there - your room is probably a problem if you have problem with that.
in my room the MA platinum studios seemed to disappear more
@@propercushty in my case and what many many other people are saying about them - they disappear completely- there is no possibility to disappear any more - as they are completely gone. If in your room what you’re heard is them not disappearing completely then you get some interaction - room mode - close to wall perhaps - if used with sub I would just seal them completely to eliminate any interaction from the wall. Also they do benefit from slight toe in - after all this I would be surprised if you still can localize them. What music did you play?
A thought provoking yet entertaining review. Very well done 👏. Looking forward to more videos from you.
More to come!
Thanks for the feedback as usual!
Did this listen happen straight out of the box?
- were the KEFs run in / used for a period before the review? Sorry if I you mentioned that.
I have 2nd hand LS50 mk1 Black Edition and I have them nearfield toed in massively and driven by a refurbished Musical Fidelity A1 sound really good for the £400 I paid.
They were from the store lent to me on demo - had been opened and demoed 2 or 3 times before according to the guy that runs the shop.
I also did let them play in for almost a day before I made any conclusions about them.
For £400 that's a steal mate. Not bad speakers by any means...I find that if you experiment with the toe in and also put up acoustic panelling (foam or traditional panels placed on the ceiling between you and the speakers) it makes all the difference with these.
If I could nab these at £400 I'd get a set of 5 and make a surround setup most likely!
@@propercushty mine are mk1 non metas.. a review or two said some may prefer mk1s on certain music. With the A1 class A sounds good and only 20 W is enough as they are 0.7 m away nearfield.
Still using the LXminis?
I promise I'm nor saying this to be rude but I think the problem isn't the speakers but your room needs acoustic treatments. I'm hearing a lot of nasty sibillance from the acoustics when I hear your voice bouncing off the walls.
I have the Reference 3's in my setup but I would say they are far from localilzable. I have a kitchen and a front wide surround speaker to the left in my setup. Sometimes I hear sounds coming from the kitchen or from the front wide when watching atmos movies. When I walk up to the speaker I hear no sound, it's coming from the Reference towers. High pitch sounds in particular get a lot of benefit from absorption panels. Before I added treatments in my room the center channel was a mess, dialogue sounded nasty. After treatments the center channel dialogue in films became much cleaner and more pleasing to listen to
* not saying
I’ve noticed with both Ls-50 and R-3 extreme toe in helps center image and first reflections
yes I agree toed in they are better but the reflections are also coming off the ceiling and floor and toe doesn't help so much with that
But then you get problem with hearing sound coming directly from the speaker. With no toe in, speakers disappear in room.
I believe the Meta's are quite hard to setup correct. It's 3.5 Ohm across big parts of the spectrum and more like 83 dB sensitivity. At loud volumes the bass cracks up as it's more focussed (by design) on mid and top-end.
In nature, it's a forward sounding speaker, where you need a really beefy amp to drive it. As you find out, the Hypex did improve and control bass response, as class D is known for. Downside is that class D can sound more neutral or 'thinner', therefore emphasizing the already bright mids and highs.
To bring out the best you need to pair an amp that's maybe twice or three times the price of the Meta's AND a quality subwoofer (or two) to cover the bass. I've listened to them in such a setup and it was quite convincing.
My conclusion was to get another speaker, a good amp, save my wallet, spend some on room acoustics and have better sound overall. Perhaps it's wise to get the ones with an amp inside.
Yeah I agree with you there Mike - if you look at the LS50 actives, I think they come with about 300w per channel or something crazy like that.
They simply need all that wattage because they are small inefficient speakers - but they still won't sound good in the bass because that small driver will distort guaranteed at high excursions. I mean that small driver is responsible for all frequencies from the sub-bass all the way up to the 2-3khz crossover and perhaps an octave higher if you consider the crossover slope.
From the comments and questions I receive, I know most people who buy these speakers are partnering it with amplification under £1500.
Kef's spec says amplifier power between 40w and 100w per channel - so I thought I would stick to this spec for the sake of review.
I was thinking about re-running the review and partnering it with something like a studio grade Crown 2502 to really 'give it the beans' (it's about 500w a channel), but I thought what's the point considering the fact very few people in the hifi community are going to buy that amp.
I agree wholeheartedly with your conclusion: may I ask which speakers did you end up with?
My personal favourite from the Kef range right now is the R3 - not the most perfect speaker, but much better for the price and ticks more boxes than the LS50.
@@propercushty
Maybe KEF is referring to 10K, 40Watt
amps ;)
We tried different amps, like Rega, Musical Fidelity m5si, Rotel, but no luck to make it 'sing'. It was everything you covered in the review.
I ended up buying an Audiolab 6000a (bargain, couldn't let it go) and for speakers I'm not sure yet. For now I audition Q Acoustics 3030i's (far better then expected), but prob. opt for tower speakers. No clue yet, still exploring.
@@34332 yes it's really interesting where all the rave reviews come from but I guess we all have different ears. I think we must be on similar wavelengths.
I hear alot of good about the Audiolab - I am kind of considering getting dual monoblock 8300mb monobloks. I think 250w a channel there but haven't seen many decent revew/measurements of it.
Another is the Emotiva line of differential amplifiers - though they are very large and the measured performance is questionable. However, 350+ watts a channel hehe.
I think also the room acoustics make a massive difference - do you have any acoustic treaments up? Something tells me those LS50s shine with treatment - the vertical dispersion of the coaxials I think reflect alot more off the ceilings and that results in that quite jarring sound.
So far, I've been very successful with Dali gear - they always seem to sound acceptable to me for long listening periods.
@@propercushty late to the party here but what do you guys think of the Cambridge Audio EVO 150 for the meta's. A few people in various forums have used that setup with success.
@@unklecorky2181 I think alot depends on your acoustics and your personal needs. Best thing to do is try and get a demo I think
Thank you very much for your video for the review and comparison!
Things that you told me are information that I really need to hear.
This is great, and I've learned a lot, thank you very much once again!!
did you break them in?
Hello Man, Please advise what speakers in the same price point as these KEF LS50 Meta are better than them. I am reading where these LS50 Meta drivers become damaged very easily.
You can look at B&Ws 700 series which offer a fuller sound.
The R3 from Kef is also what I would consider a better all-rounder for most systems.
If you want small speakers, Dali also do a Menuet SE which gets a lot of rave reviews
Did you break in the speakers or you began to review the right out of the box?
i did play them for a few hours before I did my critical listening - take into account they were demo models and i waited months to get these - so they obviously had been used by other people before me
Hello Man. Would you say that in 2022 these MA Studio speakers are still relevant? Are the HF Frequencies very sibilant and do they need a subwoofer to complement the LF? I can put my hands on a NEW pair of these MA Studio speakers even though they are discontinued from the local dealer as well as KEF LS50 Meta. I have to buy blindly as the dealer is not prepared to open the new box to demo anything? Room is a medium size room. Please advise?
Hi sorry for late reply. MA studio is my preference if you have a controlled room and one perfect seating position. As soon as you move off to the sides you start getting some phase cancellation which can blur some details. Also, you must get the height set perfectly so maybe some adjustable stands (or adjustable seating).
But when you're in the sweet spot the MA really shines. What you get is a nice, tall soundstage and an ability to dig a lot deeper into the bass than the LS50 Meta.
I think the Meta will probably sound cleaner/clearer in most people's setups because of the coax design though. Quite hard to beat a coax when it comes to practicality I think.
Can these also be used as centre speaker along side left and and right LS 50 Meta’s and would you recommend that or would you recommend another centre that could go well with L/R LS 50 Meta. My other option is the Dali Opticon 2 stand mount and Dali Opticon Vocal Centre. Many thanks.
Huge KEF fan here but I also dislike all 2-way and 2.5 way KEF's. Theres a reason why the R / Reference /Blade etc cross over the Uni-Q around 350-400hz. I can detect IMD distortion quickly on all their 2/2.5-way speakers (I own 6 pairs). Its pretty clear to me that the design was always intended for a 3-way setup.
Ignore the haters :).
Damn... they audio on this video is really great. Do you use a stereo microphone setup?
Thank you. Audio is straight out of the camera - Sony zv1
I'm a complete novice in this hobby, I have a monitor Audio Radius 7.1 setup. 2x270 and 4x90 and a 180 (thinking of upgrading to a 200) as a centre and a paradigm ps1000 as a sub (thinking of upgrading to bk electronics p12-300sb-pr), would love to know your opinion. Its hard to know if you have something great or not because it sounds good to me. But I have nothing to compare it to as most of my friends aren't into surround sound and the ones that are have the sonos arc setup. And on CZcams most reviews are American and seem to be thousands and thousands also they have a designated home cinema.
yeah the americans take their home cinema seriously that's for sure!
I agree - the reason you are having difficulty is you haven't heard enough of the competitor subs at a particular price point, hence why you don't know exactly where you are in terms of value.
Some firms will use this to fiddle you and use marketing tactics to make you think their product is better. Serious firms will probably take measurements to show you the truth with measurable data. But still it takes somebody who is an expert to analyse that data and extrapolate anything meaningful.
I can tell you that my channel isn't affiliated or sponsored in any way, and I pride myself with telling you what I am experiencing in my home. Of course the results will be different in your own home so that's the only thing to consider.
What I would say is try and get home demos at a minimum - don't accept trials in the speaker shop (a bit unethical if you ask me considering the current climate). Most reputable places will have store demo units available for you to bring home - as long as you leave a deposit of course and bring it back intact.
Never heard that paradigm ps1000 but I would stay away from it in my opinion. One thing you also have to consider is resale value, because chances are you will not like the product in 1-2 years and look for yet another upgrade. It happens all the time - audiophiles are notorious for changing gear because something doesn't sound 'quite right'.
I would try and stick to known brands (if you're a beginner), but brands that aren't ripping you off at the same time. BK is good in the UK - resale values are ok because they've been around for 20-30 years as a known manufacturer of subs.
REL is also good as they pay alot for marketing so people naturally want RELs. But they are overpriced as new (that's my feeling).
SVS is always a safe bet - always a solid product and probably the most known brand out there when it comes to subwoofers. They also offer you a very versatile smartphone app so you can control your sub's DSP. Something that will be handy if you have a room with bass problems (pretty much every room smaller than 17 metres long will always have problems lol).
Anyway hope this helps.
@@propercushty that monitor Audio Radius and paradigm setup is what I have now. My front room is 20ft by 10ft with 8ft ceilings. I think I will go with the bk sub, how do you know if your room has issues???
@@leonnoel1243 watch my previous REL T9x review and you will see my room issues.
Wear headphones!
Good music choice sir. Thank you for such an in depth review.
Pleasure :)
Thanks for the feedback
Sounds like bad speaker / amp pairing
Lol with that price tag it shouldn't be hard to drive
@@MasterofPlay7price tag has nothing to do with hard to drive, it’s a small speaker, so not very efficient. Those amps have enough power though, so if it is a bad pairing it would be synergy. But I think it isn’t the amp paring that is the cause for bad performance, but the reflective room. If you are in a room with not much damping the LS50’s will be bright and to revealing.
You are correct. I tried the q150 and later the 350 to test the waters. Impressive stuff.. If driven bij a NAD, or even my 40 year old onkyo integra r1 80w /channel on 8 ohm of vintage power really made them dance at cost of detail in mids a tad. So I got a arcam sa20, theorethically it should be perfect. they like some more power, and I gather this series amps is capable at detail retr and being engaging.
It KILLED all the fun out of the uni q drivers. Like, I had to unhook it after an hour and throw a cheap nad 316beev2 behind them. And lo and behold - They instantly funked the funk up again. Arcam is prolly great, they have a rep. But not in a uni q config.
Do you like the R3s better?
I do yes. I feel that they're the more complete package, you get the dynamic range back, far less distortion in the bass.
They say the Meta driver is derived from the range above the R3 (either the reference series or the Blades) but I think most people will prefer the R3 - it is plenty detailed enough and can deliver sound quality/power in spades
Great and honest review. I'm fascinated by these little speakers but can't see a place for them in my systems. I think they'd be too neutral and analytical.
Was especially interested in your thoughts with a class D amp as my main amp is Class D albeit with dual Purifi modules as opposed to Hypex.
How many hours did you put through the metas before the review?
What amplifier do you have? I have the Meta's and to me they sound fantastic , personally i found this review a bit odd as im yet to hear anyone say anything negative about these speakers they are definitely not harsh and for the money hard to beat.
Try and get a home demo and listen with your own ears
@@hclandscapes I have the Nord Three 1ET400A MKII Dual Mono Stereo Amp with a couple of upgrades.
I was wondering if MDT had put enough hours through them and if they'd had a chance to open up and settle down. My main speeakers are Dali Epicon 2's and I use Neat Motive SX3's in my other system so I'm struggling to justify the metas. They still fascinate me though.
@@Sunshine_Superman sounds like you already have a pretty decent system already, but if you get a chance try have a listen to these Meta's, for the money i dont think you will find a better speaker.
For me they sounded great almost straight away, this video was just ridiculous to me as i have never heard anyone speak to negatively about them and even people that weren't keen on the previous ls50's have warmed to the Meta's.
As to your original comment on the Meta's sound i wouldn't call them analytical but they are natural with a smooth sound, personally i like this as it tells the truth about the music you are listening too, if its a bright recording then you will hear that and if its a warm recording it will sound warm, partnered with my Hegel H120 the sound is really impressive.
Hello mate.
I got these speakers as store demo units so they'd been used and demoed before. I was actually on a waiting list to get them so I was confident that they'd had their fair share of break in. I gave them a few hours break in anyway though.
I ended up keeping them for a couple of weeks even after the review - can't say my opinion of them changed after further sessions.
They're not bad speakers - it's just they were up against a very, very capable pair of Monitor Audio Studios!
Hello - I don't agree the review was 'ridiculous' ... but hey i'd say that as i'm potentially biased hehhehe.
You're forgetting I was comparing the LS50 with two different amps against a very, very capable pair of Monitor Audio Studio speakers. Those speakers are a direct descendent from the PL500 ii which cost £16,500.
I get what you're saying..but you have to remember you can't believe everything you hear on youtube. Alot of these reviewers won't ever say anything bad because they don't want to upset the companies. I, on the other hand, really don't care as I buy this gear all myself.
To conclude: the LS50 Metas aren't bad...they're just not for me..and I was comparing them against some really nice Monitor Audio Studios which I preferred overall
How do these compare to a pair of Dali Opticons? (ignoring the bass, using subs for that anyway)
The Opticon 6?
I'd take the Opticon 6 any day in my room if it's music listening pleasure that's what you want.
Subs are great if you position them right and cross over with the LS50s nicely - I actually did the kc62 with the ls50 meta...i must make a video on that experience.
I think the LS50 Meta is a very unforgiving speaker from my expierence - I tried it in multiple rooms (same as the predecessor) and it just doesn't sound right.
Overall in most spaces I just feel it won't sound right - I am sure it measures well but it is missing that human element that makes you want to listen for hours at a time.
I'd also like to say that the bass is pretty much all distortion below 90 or 100hz - check out the measurements online and you will see. Not many people know this and it's came to my attention recently.
Overall I think it's not for me but maybe you should try it if you like the aesthetics. Also I think with the Meta room treatment is a must because of that wide dispersion tweeter - you just get even more reflections which isn't always what you want in an untreated room!
Hope this helps
@@propercushty Thank you, I'm glad to hear that! The reason I ask is that I have a 7.2.4 system built around the Dali Zensor series (the 5 as fronts + Vokal + Picos as surrounds), which I very much enjoy. But these were also my first speakers, and after having become more and more interested in audio, I've come to realize that the speakers that I thought were high-end were actually not in the audio world. So, recently, I've become curious about what a sensible upgrade to my system could be and I have started to listen to reviews like yours. After listening and thinking a lot, my idea is to upgrade the front stage (L, C & R) to the Opticon series (mk2 I suppose). I can't have any larger surround or height speakers, so it seems like I already have the best speakers I can get within Dali's range for that purpose. What do you think, does it make sense to upgrade the front stage? My room is fairly large (almost 100 cubic meters), I sit about 3 meters from the front stage and I most often listen at low (sometimes medium) volumes, and 99% of the use if for TV and movies.
@@isak6626 Hi again. I am glad you are enjoying your Dali Zensor speakers.
To tell you the truth, the first thing I would do is add some acoustic treatment into your room. Try and focus on the points on the wall where the is a right angle between you and the speakers either side.
If you enjoy the Zensors, don't get sucked into the audiophile trap until you've at least tried this. Because what you're actually hearing is your Dali Zensor + your room acoustics. That's what is actually ending up in your ears.
If you do this, you're going to see that the focus is really going to open up and you're going to hear details you never thought your Zensors could produce.
Go to this guy's review: czcams.com/video/94bnEmnoiR8/video.html
He compares a Wharfedale Evo 4.2 against the LS50 Meta and I think overall he prefers the Wharfedales despite them being almost half the price.
How can a speaker like the LS50 Meta not be preferred when it is almost double the price? It's the room!
I am going to do a series on acoustic treatment where I share the stuff I learned over the years. When I was younger I spent quite a bit of time in recording studios at my schools, so I got to see installation of these devices and what differences they make.
If you're still after a pair of speakers (and you insist), then I would say if you like the 'house sound' of the Dali Zensors, then it is very likely you're going to like the Opticon or Rubicon ranges.
I would probably save some money and wait until you can try both Opticon and Rubicon in your house. I feel the Rubicon is the better way to go if you have waited long enough for the upgrade!
Hope this helps.
@@propercushty Thank you again. Yes, you are right, room treatments should be the first step. Unfortunately I can't put in acoustic panels because it's our family living room, but I might be able to put in some more absorptive materials to improve things. I'm sure my room isn't perfect by any means, but I don't think it's too bad either, at least I have not experienced any issues with dialogue clarity or being unable to hear where certain sounds are coming from in the mix etc.
So getting back to the issue of speakers, I hope to get the chance listen to the Opticon mk2 and the Rubicon range soon. Would love to see a review from you on both of those ranges as well!
@@isak6626 the good thing I have noticed about Dali speakers is they tend to sound good in rooms that are not acoustically optimised.
i think this has something to do with their 'wide dispersion principle', whereby you would set the speakers facing 90 degrees to the walls, the treble evenly reflects off the side walls and this can help flatten the response.
When you turn Dalis in they are super bright though, so you have to be careful about that placement.
I agree - hifi speakers need to be designed for living rooms e.g. they can't be acoustically optimal spaces
Monitor Audio make good speakers
Use them with Arcam SA20 Stereo Amplifier
I agree with you about Ribbon Tweeters they are very detailed, l have Adam Audio T5V Active Monitors that have Ribbon Tweeters, they sound Great
I agree - I tried the Adam A7x a while back and those were very nice indeed
Not the right amplification...
haha yeah excuses excuses
These are not audiophile speakers they are very good studio monitors. Too many people fell for the paid reviews all over CZcams about KEF
Cheers Martin :)
exactly what im thinking. and by the way . the color blue looks bright as f .. i thought its a deep dark blue ! not this bright hell
Why are they not audiophile speakers, whatever that might mean?
Do yourself a favor and get yourself a pair of good active DSP speakers.
They will shit on any passive speakers in the same or even 2x or 3x the price range.
I agree - studio monitors typically are active. Most are bi-amplified or tri-amplified with 200-300w per speaker. Nothing in the 'hifi' world really matches that but what can you do? Running a channel after all and LS50 Meta speakers is what people want to see :|
@@propercushty i know, i know and there's nothing wrong with it. I'm an audiophile too and like my passive gear a lot. I understand that people want to mix and match their gear. It's a fun hobby chasing a certain sound.
But in terms of pure sound quality active DSP speakers are on a different level.
And i'm not even talking about studio monitors, wich are ok, but audiophile hifi speakers. I got the Hivi Swans M5A recently and buchardt S400's, LS50 Meta's, and even 7000$ floorstanders weren't able to keep up.
@@invisible9455 Sounds great. I've heard alot about those speakers.
Currently looking at a set of Neumann KH 310's myself
@@propercushty i go and listen to the metas and the R7, R3, tomorrow . ..