Kef LS50W 1 - how do they stand up nowadays?

[jon]

I'm thinking of getting a pair of these to use in a large lounge. How do they stand up nowadays? I'd be replacing some Audio Physic spark speakers, because my toddler is very interested in playing with these whereas the LS50 speakers could be put out of reach.

Would be used for streaming spotify/tidal and for TV watching, with the occasional CD. Could use with a Rel sub, if needed. Placement will probably be on a shelf a bit too low down/close to the wall.

I know the app for these was criticised - will it drive me mad, or can I mostly ignore it in my use case?

 

[CnoEvil]

They sound great - but that is on filled stands, with some room to breathe. I would worry about the App.

 

[jon]

Thanks! What would I need to use the app for?

 

[CnoEvil]

Thanks! What would I need to use the app for?

You would need to speak to someone who owns one - I now can't remember what the complaints/issues were.

I read of one person (possibly on the WHF Forum), who really liked how they sounded, but the App ruined the experience for him.

Personally, I think the Meta version is a safer bet - if in budget.

Edit. See the reply by @rdale on this page: https://www.hifiwigwam.com/threads/kef-ls50-but-which-version.96287/

 

[smithy27]

You would need to speak to someone who owns one - I now can't remember what the complaints/issues were.

I read of one person (possibly on the WHF Forum), who really liked how they sounded, but the App ruined the experience for him.

Personally, I think the Meta version is a safer bet - if in budget.

Edit. See the reply by @rdale on this page: https://www.hifiwigwam.com/threads/kef-ls50-but-which-version.96287/

At the prices they currently sell at they are a total bargain.
I’ve owned a pair from new

 

[jon]

Yeah - the price now is part of what has got me thinking about them...

 

[rdale]

Thanks! What would I need to use the app for?

I’ve got a pair of LS50Ws that I use with a pair of R400b subs in a large acoustically treated room, and they sound great. I don’t use the KEF app for playing music, I use mconnectHD on iPads and an iPod Touch, or BubblePnP on Android. That works for Qobuz and my own music collection on a MiniDLNA server that I run on my router.

 

[jon]

Thanks! Would they also work for Spotify/tidal without going through the Kef app?

 

[rdale]

Thanks! Would they also work for Spotify/tidal without going through the Kef app?

mconnectHD has a Tidal option although I’ve never tried it. But there is only Tidal and Qobuz, and ‘Bugs’ whatever that is, no Spotify.

There is a Bluetooth input and so you could use that with Spotify as it isn’t a proper HiFi service, and that might be fine for parties.