KEF LS50 Meta Passive Bookshelf Speakers – Pair (Carbon Black)

Product Description:

Product Description

LS50 Meta is a highly precise, emotionally engaging loudspeaker built on revolutionary acoustic technology. Designed around the Uni-Q 12th Generation with Metamaterial Absorption Technology driver array, this solid, compact loudspeaker is capable of delivering detailed sound anywhere in the room.

Metamaterial Absorption Technology Revolutionary sound absorption

A truly revolutionary tool in the KEF acoustic armory, Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) is a highly complex maze-like structure that absorbs 99% of the unwanted sound from the rear of the driver, eliminating the resulting distortion and providing purer, more natural sound.

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Uni-Q The building block of KEF signature sound

KEF’s many pioneering innovations are all geared towards delivering breath-takingly natural sound; sound that lets you enjoy music as it was meant to be heard. Of all these pioneering developments, it is the Uni-Q driver array that sits at the heart of almost all our speakers.

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Product Of The Year

Take home award-winning sound with LS50 Meta.

Attention to every detail

Every aspect of LS50 Meta has been considered for acoustic benefits and from a design perspective.

Bass performance

LS50 Meta exceeds expectations of a bookshelf speaker to deliver sound with deep, articulate bass.

Accurate, immersive sound

Driver Performance Optimisation for enhanced performance, less distortion, and reduced coloration.

1 Award-winning

2 Design

3 Depth and detail

4 Performance

Specifications

Drive units Uni-Q Driver Array: HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with Metamaterial Absorption Technology MF/LF: 130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminium cone Crossover frequency 2.1kHz Frequency range (-6dB) 2.1 kHz Typical in-room bass response 26 Hz Frequency response (±3dB) 79 Hz – 28 kHz Maximum output 106 dB Harmonic distortion (90dB, 1m) <0.4% 175 Hz – 20 kHz, <0.1% 300 Hz – 10 kHz Amplifier power (recommended) 40 – 100 W Nominal impedance 8 Ω (min. 3.5 Ω) Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 85dB Weight 7.8kg (17.2 lbs.) Dimensions (H x W x D) 302 x 200 x 280.5 mm (11.9 x 7.9 x 11.0 in.)

Does LS50 Meta require an amplifier?

Yes, LS50 Meta requires an amplifier capable of delivering 40-100 Watts per channel.

Can I turn my LS50 Meta on its side?

Yes, due to the unique off-axis characteristics of KEF’s Uni-Q driver LS50 Meta can be freely placed on its side without impacting performance.

Does the LS50 Meta bolt to speaker stands?

Yes, the LS50 Meta has threaded inserts allowing it to bolt directly to the S2 Performance Speaker stand.

Does the LS50 Meta benefit from the addition of a subwoofer?

Yes, absolutely. The LS50 Meta is a smaller 2-way speaker, adding a subwoofer provides for deep accurate bass and allows the mid-range to perform optimally.

KEF Passive Bookshelf Speakers

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Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars 455

4.6 out of 5 stars 36

4.6 out of 5 stars 8

5.0 out of 5 stars 4

4.5 out of 5 stars 14

Price

$1,399.00$1,399.00

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Design

Two-way bass reflex

Three-way bass reflex

Three-way bass reflex

Two-way bass reflex

Two-way bass reflex

Drive Units

HF: 1 in. MF/LF: 5.25 in.

HF: 1 in. MF: 5 in. LF: 6.5 in

HF: .75 in MF: 4 in LF: 6.5 in

HF: 1 in. MF/LF: 6.5 in.

HF: 1 in. MF/LF: 5.25 in.

Crossover Frequency

2,1 kHz

420 Hz, 2.3 kHz

430 Hz, 2.9 kHz

2.0 kHz

2.1 kHz

Frequency Range (-6db)

47 Hz – 45 kHz

38 Hz – 50 kHz

40 Hz – 20 kHz

42 Hz – 20 kHz

47 Hz – 20 kHz

Typical Room Response (-6db)

26 Hz

30 Hz

36 Hz

39 Hz

42 Hz

Frequency Response (±3db)

79 Hz – 28 kHz

58Hz – 28kHz

48 Hz – 20 kHz

49 Hz – 20 kHz

51 Hz – 20 kHz

Maximum Output

106 dB

110 dB

108 dB

109 dB

108 dB

Amplifier Power (Recommended)

40-100 W

15 – 180W

15 – 180 W

15 – 150 W

10 – 150 W

Nominal Impedance

8 Ω (min. 3,5 Ω)

4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)

4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)

4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)

4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)

Sensitivity (2.83V/1m)

85dB

87 dB

85 dB

87 dB

86 dB

Weight (Each Speaker)

17.2 lbs

27.3 lbs

20.9 lbs

18.1 lbs

13.4 lbs

Dimension (H X W X D)

11.9 x 7.9 x 11.0 in.

16.6 x 7.9 x 13.2 in

16.3 x 8.3 x 12.4 in.

14.1 x 8.3 x 12.0 in.

11.9 x 7.1 x 10.9 in.

The video showcases the product in use.The video guides you through product setup.The video compares multiple products.The video shows the product being unpacked.

LS50 Meta features KEF’s breakthrough Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) reducing unwanted sound from the rear of the driver by 99%.Waterproof : No
Features KEF’S 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver proving a 40% increase in smoothness over the previous version.
THD 0.07%, Driver Performance Optimisation for enhanced sonic performance, less distortion and reduced coloration
Frequency range (-6dB) – 47 Hz – 45 kHz
Available in four stunning finishes: Cabon Black, Mineral White, Titanium Grey, and Royal Blue Special Edition

Product Summary:

Item Details:

Products Reviews:

Reviewer: Dad of Twin Sons
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Reference standard reasonably-prices stand speaker.
Review: Love ‘em. The most amazing thing about these speakers is that, by design, they are both time and phase coherent. So what? Well, that means on a good recording, you can hear exactly where the vocalists and instruments are placed in three dimensions. You can even hear different voices within acquire and different instruments within an orchestra very well. They also nail the dynamics of percussion like nothing I’ve ever heard in this price range.I don’t consider Stereophile magazine to be the absolute reference, but I do put some credibility in their reviews. They include the speakers in the “restricted low frequency” section of their recommended components in “Class A,” and some of the reviewers use them as their reference speakers. That is saying a lot, considering that many of their recommended speakers cost more than the average new car today.I’ve used them with extremely good separate components by Audio Research and McIntosh, but you don’t have to have that quality of electronics for these to sound excellent. I use them with a pair of subwoofers, but I have turned the subwoofers almost all way down, and they still have extremely good bass although not at the lowest octaves. I think the mids and highs are amazing too, especially considering that they use metal drivers. I got really turned off on metal tweeters by a pair of B&W speakers I had, but these exhibit, none of the sizzle and ringing that those did. Further, I think they’re great for almost any genre of music, from Black Sabbath to Beethoven.I have since upgraded my speakers because I got an incredible deal on a pair of Evolutions, but from time to time I consider swapping these back in because there’s something about them I kinda still miss. That said, I’m not selling them. They literally are the types of components that I know I would regret if I ever got rid of them.
Reviewer: R.Hill Clark.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: 5 stars, but Wimpy cheap amps and budget equipment? Don’t bother.
Review: I see a lot of reviews here saying they sound bad. It’s simply not true, because then I see what they are running, and its a very low tier amp. Your “200” watt Emotiva BasX or similar class amp simply does not have the torque that these speakers need. I know, I own several Emotiva amps. I’m an audiophile, and have lots of gear, it’s the hobby. I’m running these off comparably priced equipment, all of my gear is in the price wheelhouse of the Ls50. My amps are Orchard Audio class D GaN monoblocks with GaN power supplies. I run a Gustard X26 Pro dac, dual mono dacs, dual mono power supplies, excellent clocks. This speaker goes down to 3 ohms. Your cheap amp is likely begging for mercy at this impedance regardless of “200 watts”. You need high quality. Give these high quality components and this speaker is AMAZING. I have 7 sets of speakers. All different types, Magnepans, CSS Audio, bunch of stuff. These speakers are worth every penny! But bear in mind their performance sits right where the price range is. These are not $10000 speakers for 1600. You get what you pay for. That said, in the 2K range, they are probablyunbeatable, for overall performance. Another caveat though is I have a pair of subs, near field, 3 feet off the ground, perfectly tuned with these speakers. You need a setup like this for perfect full range sound. If you’re an audiophile, I recommend starting with these, make sure you have nice, NICE components to back them up, and a pair of subs when you can do it. I’m running 2 RSL Speedwoofer 10s. If you just buy these, you don’t own subs, and your equipment is like $200 dac, no preamp, $500 amp, low level stuff, you’re going to wonder what all the fuss is about and return them. Do them right, you may never shop for speakers ever again.
Reviewer: AbeK
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Perfect for my specific desires
Review: I have a 12 x 13 ft. home gym with two Sonus Faber Olympica Nova II main speakers and an SVS SB-3000 subwoofer. But I wanted a more immersive stereo sound for my music listening to keep me motivated through my morning workouts.After much research (with extensive help from AI chat agents like Copilot, Perplexity and Gemini), I selected these KEF speakers to use on the opposite wall from my Sonus Fabers. And WOW. I feel like I work out inside a set of headphones. Total immersion, and beautiful, audiophile musicality fills my ears.It turns out the KEFs and Sonus Fabers are a very good match for this type of setup. I doubt I would have been happy with just the KEFs as the Sonus Fabers naturally deliver a much bigger presence (they are floorstanding and 8x the cost of the KEFs). But the pin-point imaging and wide soundstage of the KEFs, along with their neutral and precise sound, complements the warmer, more embracing sound of the Sonus Fabers. Together they are like magic. Pure bliss. Thank you, KEF!
Reviewer: Amazon Customer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Pristine sound
Review: Sounds good wow
Reviewer: Ron
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Best of the Best in the Speaker Realm. Look no further.
Review: Endgame stereo monitors. Period. If you want the highest quality, best sound, and pristine aesthetics, look no further than these KEF monitors. I have paid way more many other brands, but nothing beats the value for dollar of these KEFs. They are the perfect size for almost any room small to large, and I’ve ever heard of folks using them as desk monitors. You cannot go wrong with these speakers. I’m running them with a Wiim ultra and Fosi monoblocks and have had zero issue with distortion, peaking, sound quality. Exceptional speakers for any space. Would highly recommend these!
Reviewer: JohnA
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Nice speakers
Review: I wanted really love these speakers, they do sound very good for the price. I bought them to replace an older pair of B&W 805D speakers. Did an A/B comparison and decided to keep the 805. I know they are two different class speakers, but figured i would give the KEFs a shot since they have such great reviews and were new. I would have probably kept them if I didn’t have the opportunity to compare them. They just could not compare to the B&Ws. Seemed to lack the detail of the B&Ws. I listened, compared, and returned, easy return, thanks Amazon.
Reviewer: Bolduc Zogmar
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: En remplacement de mes Tannoy dont un haut-parleur avait lâché (les teufs des ados, c’est pas toujours une bonne idée pour les enceintes Hi-fi). Très belle présentation so on aime le style. Très qualitatif. Le son est très clair, très transparent, avec une scène précise. Grande qualité de son pour des enceintes de taille modeste. Prévoir des pieds pour les dégager des murs (je ne les mettrais pas dans une bibliothèque). Rendement faible, il faut de la puissance pour les faire chanter. J’en suis au début de mes écoutes, mais je passe beaucoup de temps à les écouter, CD, streaming de qualité, etc. avec beaucoup de plaisir. À associer avec un caisson de basses, où se trouve leur faiblesse, pardonnable au vu de leur taille. Bref, très content de mon choix. Seule réserve, un rendu très brillant des aigus, mais je pense que c’est dû au fait que mes anciennes enceintes étaient moins performantes dans ces fréquences et que je dois m’habituer à cette plus grand fidélité à ce spectre. J’organise des concerts chez moi, et si je compare avec les instruments entendus en live, finalement, on a le même phénomène. Je me demande si un ampli plus “rond” ne leur conviendrait pas un peu mieux (j’ai un Yamaha).
Reviewer: Eric
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: It’s a pair of very high quality loudspeakers in terms of sound and build. There are many good reviews about the LS50 Meta and they are true. The price is also very reasonable.
Reviewer: John D.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Bought these to replace a pair of LS 50s based on the glowing reviewed of the Meta. They were not wrong, the sound is deeper, fuller, and more dimensional. They are the perfect speakers at this price point.
Reviewer: Michael Gerling
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Für mich einer der besten Regallautsprecher auf dem Markt, unbedingt testen 👍
Reviewer: Pinattila
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Purtroppo per questioni di spazio sono costretto a scegliere solo casse da scaffale così optai, su consiglio del mio rivenditore HIFI abituale, per le KEF Q350 che sono impressionanti per il loro rapporto qualità/prezzo.Suonavano bene ma qualcosina non mi convinceva soprattutto nel medio-alto, mancava un pò di precisione e dettaglio.Ho quindi acquistato questi bellissimi diffusori Titan Grey e….beh, a parte il design strepitoso, non credevo ci fosse tutta questa differenza.Ora mi è chiaro perchè KEF continua a migliorare questo progetto e perchè questi diffusori continuano a vincere premi. Abbinate al mio Cambridge Audio CXA81(non consiglio di scendere sotto gli 80w per canale perchè sono diffusori non molto efficienti), ho perso qualcosina ma veramente poco nel basso rispetto alle Q350 che hanno un driver più grande, ma è ancora molto presente nel mio ambiente.Il medio-alto invece è un qualcosa di spaziale, ogni volta che le sento mi stupiscono, credo rimarranno lì per molti molti anni.Ne è valsa veramente la pena anche se il costo, rispetto alle Q350 è quasi il triplo. Consigliatissime!!!!!