About The KEF LS50 Meta Speakers
Since 1961, KEF's mission has been to preserve the integrity of original sound with as little intervention as possible. The goal of every KEF product is to do one thing: provide you with a revealing listening experience that is as true to the original recording as is possible within the confines of your room.
The iconic LS50 was the physical embodiment of this singular approach. A loudspeaker that took its cues from the classic LS3/5A but was quickly recognised as a modern icon in its own right. The LS50 was born out of KEF's willingness to think outside the box, to constantly search for new materials, techniques and technologies such as the use of computer aided design and continuous enhancement of KEF's signature Uni-Q driver array.
That was 2012, and time and technology have moved on. Since then KEF's engineers have been upholding their driving philosophy and searching out new technological breakthroughs. The result is an icon in waiting: the KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Loudspeakers. Instantly recognisable as the successor of the LS50, the LS50 Meta is born of the same KEF desire for continual development and is therefore fittingly the first loudspeaker to employ Metamaterial Absorption Technology.
Revolutionary Sound Absorption with MAT™: A result of joint development with the Acoustic Metamaterials Group, Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT™) breaks completely new ground in loudspeaker design, and once again demonstrates KEF's unrelenting passion for developing new technologies to improve your listening experience. Metamaterials are specially developed structures that use existing materials in such a way that they exhibit new, desirable properties that are simply not found in naturally occurring substances.
A truly revolutionary tool in the KEF acoustic armoury, MAT is a highly complex maze-like structure, where each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency. When combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound that comes from the rear of the tweeter, eliminating the resulting distortion and providing a purer, more natural acoustic performance.
12th Generation Uni-Q with MAT™ Delivers: The tweeter in question sits at the heart of the 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT™ driver array. The Uni-Q point source configuration delivers a more detailed, accurate and integrated three-dimensional sound image, which is dispersed so evenly throughout the room that the 'sweet spot' is wherever you are in the room. Using simulation and analysis tools and decades of accumulated in-house knowledge, KEF's engineers have developed a new iteration of KEF's signature driver array, with a new cone neck decoupler and motor system that is precisely shaped to reduce high-frequency distortion in the mid-frequency driver. The result is reduced coloration, less distortion and a sound that is more transparent and life-like than previously possible. The same can also be said of bass performance, where LS50 Meta completely exceeds the expectations of a modestly proportioned bookshelf speaker to deliver room-filling sound with deep, articulate bass.
Not Just Any Port: Much of the engaging performance is thanks to the clarity of the driver array, but the port design is also crucial. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the flare and profile of the LS50 Meta's patented off-set flexible port is calculated to delay the onset of turbulence and the flexible port walls prevent resonances from colouring the midrange. This leads to improved clarity, with exceptional levels of depth and detail.
Coveted Cabinetry: The LS50 Meta's extremely rigid cabinet is optimised for the best performance, with smooth curved surfaces that help radiate sound out across the baffle without any interference. The baffle itself is engineered from an injection-moulded Dough Moulding Compound (DMC) usually found in the automotive industry. Inside the cabinet, cross bracing and Constrained Layer Damping (CLD) combine to deaden internal vibrations. The result of such meticulous attention to detail is that LS50 Meta produces the lowest coloration of any speaker in its class.
Attention to Every Detail: The LS50 Meta has inherited its distinctive good looks from the original LS50, with its low-diffraction, curved baffle precision modelled around the Uni-Q driver array. The curved front is subtly mirrored by the gently radiused rear panel, while both the port exit and speaker terminals have been elegantly recessed and softened visually.
On the LS50 Meta's underside, each corner has a threaded inset allowing the speaker to lock onto the top of the KEF S2 Speaker Stand, which also boasts integrated cable management and a mass-loadable column. LS50 Meta is available in a variety of colours, each of which benefit from a modern silky matte finish, while the S2 Floor Stands are colour matched to the models.
The LS50 Meta Bookshelf Loudspeakers deliver on every aspect of the KEF promise. A genuine industry first, LS50 Meta utilises innovative, ground-breaking technology to provide you with an immersive, completely believable sound from a compact, stylish loudspeaker that is destined to open up whole new vistas of enjoyment in your life.
KEF LS50 Meta Review
"An upgrade of the original LS50, the LS50 Meta is so named for its innovative internal damping properties. With its pink-gold Uni-Q coincident midrange/tweeter mounted in bulls-eye fashion atop the uniquely arched baffle of its well-crafted high-density enclosure, it remains as visually arresting as it is sonically satisfying. Meta was a quick-stepping, snappy, and relentlessly musical performer across all genres. Imaging was clean and precise. Neutrality was high, with superb midrange sonics, ample presence, and very little in the way of port coloration. Also, these smallish speakers pumped out shockingly punchy bass that delved deeper than expected while still maintaining composure. Destined to become a classic." The Absolute Sound
Our Take
The little speaker that could. Ever since the original was released way back in 2012 to celebrate KEF's 50th anniversary the LS50 has been a fan favourite all around the world. Even John Atkinson of Stereophile uses it as one of his reference speakers and regularly reviews high end amps and sources with the ever so affordable LS50's, which always makes us smile. And that should tell you quite a lot about how revealing this speaker is. No, it won't shake the floorboards with its thunderous bass and you can't turn them up loud enough to fill a stadium but, used within its parameters, these speakers have a top to bottom honesty that is extremely appealing. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that they also look pretty cool. Check the KEF LS50 Meta's out today.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: 2 Way Bass Reflex Bookshelf/Stand Mount Speakers
- Uni-Q® Driver Array Technology makes your entire room sound like the "sweet spot"
- 1" (25 mm) Vented Aluminium Dome Tweeter
- 5¼" (133 mm) Aluminium Cone Woofer
- Innovative Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs high-frequency vibrations to eliminate distortion
- Driver Performance Optimisation for enhanced sonic performance and reduced distortion
- Frequency Range: 47-45,000 Hz (-6 dB)
- Typical In-Room Bass Response: 26 Hz (-6dB)
- Frequency Response: 79-28,000 Hz (±3 dB)
- Sensitivity: 85 dB
- Impedance: 8 Ohms (Minimum 3.5 Ohms)
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 40-100 watts
- High-Current Amplification from a high-performance power amp or integrated amplifier is recommended for best performance
- Curved Baffle Design ensures smooth soundwave dispersion with minimal reflection
- Two-Way Bass-Reflex Cabinet with patented offset, flexible port for reduced midrange colouration
- 5-Way Binding Post Speaker Terminals
- Threaded Inserts to secure to matching KEF S2 Speaker Stands (available separately)
- Included Accessories: Rubber Feet, Port Bungs, User Manual, Warranty Information
- Available Finishes: Carbon Black, Mineral White, Titanium Grey & Royal Blue
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 200 x 302 x 280.5mm
- Weight: 7.8 kg each
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years + 1 Extended Year when Registered at KEF.com
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.