Active Kef LS50

[jcn3]

Amazing stuff. The Darko article says Cat6 ethernet connects the two speakers but another site they talk to each other wirelessly. I'm trying to dig the web for clarification.

 

Sent from my Blackberry DTEK50 using Tapatalk

 

there's an ethernet cable between the two speakers.

[jcn3]

On 9/28/2017 at 12:00 AM, Pinnacle said:

Would this cable BJC MSA-1 Miniature Stereo Audio Cable, 2 foot, 1/8 plug to 2 Male RCA  (using a jack instead of USB) provide better sound quality than the Kef PC-USB?Thanks.

Probably not. The LS50w analog inputs are converted to digital.

[jcn3]

9 hours ago, DarwinOSX said:

 

What is interesting is that I’ve seen reviewers really like the sound out of the RCA ports. 

I'd love to see that. Can you post some links?

[jcn3]

On 9/30/2017 at 9:16 PM, DarwinOSX said:

http://www.stereo.net.au/reviews/review-kef-ls50-wireless

 

excellent review

it is a good review -- and the reviewer did say that they did a good job of converting analog inputs to digital. i was amused that he chose to use a $27k (US) turntable as the source!  unfortunately, there was no comparison of the analog inputs with the digital ones.

[jcn3]

The analog inputs are converted to digital.  I've also heard that people find the analog inputs sound better, which seems strange given you can't bypass the internal dac (required for the internal dsp settings).

[jcn3]

18 hours ago, Richard Dale said:

Thanks for that. It sounds like I should try a good quality streamer from my other systems to hear for myself.

 

I think you just need to get away from the KEF app. I stream to the ls50w via a Roon server -- better sound and rock solid performance.

[jcn3]

On 3/31/2021 at 8:58 AM, mourip said:

Well April is here. I realize that April is still 30 days long but I am pretty much done with KEF for encouraging buyers with the Roon Ready "Coming Soon" marketing.

 

I contacted the vendor that I purchased from and they have agreed to take my speakers back with a 10% restock and just $12 for shipping the two heavy speakers and the KEF stands. I am way past the company standard return policy and I would have lost a LOT more money if I tried to sell them.

 

Two reasons prompted my decision. First, the vaporware marketing by KEF. It has been over 6 months since their Roon "Coming Soon" product "launch". The second reason is that to me they sound good but not great. I would not call them "Giant Killers" but it depends upon what you are used to.

 

They probably sound better than what your could get in separates for $3200 (streamer/DAC/Preamp/amp/speakers/cables). If you sell off some really good gear you may feel regret. My previous Linear Tube Audio and Omega Audio equipment was much better, although a lot more expensive. I should add that my listening impressions include using the KEF coax input with an expensive Roon(RAAT)front end which most likely exceeds what they will be able to achieve with their Roon firmware and built-in DAC.

 

If you need to downsize or just want to simplify these new LS50s may well suit you but I would suggest waiting until KEF has actually pushed out the Roon Ready firmware update before buying. They could certainly be satisfying for casual listening and for TV.

 

i understand wanting kef to deliver on certified software, but my ls50 wireless already work with roon.  i'd say not liking the sound is the bigger problem!