Active Kef LS50

[Stahl]

Hi all, I wonder whether anyone can shed some light on the following issue with my Ls50 Wireless speakers.

 

Following a couple of months of wonderful listening via Roon and Tidal, my right (Master) speaker not drops sound intermittently every few seconds; left speaker is fine. This happens with all sources. I’m hard wired to the internet, have the latest firmware.

 

I did a hard reset, re-updated firmware and software, etc. right speaker works fine for a few minutes, then back to drop outs. This sounds like a serious hardware issue, but wanted to check with you guys first.

 

many thanks in advance for any advice or insights.

[Stahl]

I feared that would be the answer ..... makes me somewhat nervous to continue the LS50W adventure. I absolutely love their sound, if and when they work, but worried about repeated issues, particularly when the warranty runs out. Alternative is to go back to a slightly more conservative set-up such as (1) Bluesound Powernode 2 or (2) a Cambridge Audio CXA60 and Bluesound Node 2, and passive LS50s. But I don’t think it’ll be able to produce the overall SQ of the LS50 Wireless.

[Stahl]

I’m with you on their stellar SQ and Roon integration, and don’t want to give up on them just yet. To be honest, when I had some questions concerning replacement of the speaker connection cable, Andy at KEF/UK was extremely helpful and reasonably quick in responding. So I do hold out hope that all will be ok.

[Stahl]

No, I live in Switzerland, but contacted both the KEF guys in Germany (who service Switzerland as well I believe) and KEF/UK. Both were pretty responsive. My possible issue here in Switzerland is that I bought the set second/hand in November 2017 from a person in Zurich who had bought the speakers back in January 2017. Hardly used, and so they were as good as new and in top shape. They also came with a 5 year warranty till 2022 with one of the largest electronics stores in Switzerland. So in theory, I should be good to go, as long as they honor the warranty after I took over the speakers.

[Stahl]

I did a hard reset and update firmware this morning again via my MacBook and KEF firmware app, connected directly to the master speaker. Firmware update 2.04, I believe; indicated this was the current firmware. I don’t think it is a communication issue between both speakers. They both play audio, but the master speaker consistently drops sound every 3-5 seconds. Unless it is the longer connection cable I use, although it is a high end cable, which KEF told me should not be a problem at all.

[Stahl]

BTW, the audio drop outs started about 2 months after I took them over, so I don’t believe this was already an issue from the start. They played beautifully up until then.

[Stahl]

Thanks, Tait. Looks like I may have the same issue. Thankfully, KEF support in Germany and the KEF service centre here in Switzerland have been quick to respond. Am sending them to the service centre here tomorrow for repair. So hopefully I‘ll have them back in no time to enjoy my music.

[Stahl]

Quick update on the test/repair status of my LS50 Wireless‘ ....

 

KEF service Centre got back to me indicating the motherboards are faulty and need to be replaced. No spares available so need to be ordered, and total repair time will take 10-14 days.

 

Well, at least the problem was identified. Let‘s hope I can get back to enjoying my music soon. 

 

Very pleased with KEF service so far though.

[Stahl]

A new pair of speakers may be preferable indeed, although you‘ll never have 100% certainty that they will not be faulty. I have some posts in fora where folks were on their 3rd set ..

 

Having mine repaired by KEF also ensures they are thoroughly tested for any other potential issues and will get them back in top shape , or so I hope and expect.

[Stahl]

Don’t know if this helps in any way, but my set up is Mac-based. I have Roon core on my MacBook Pro, which is mostly connected and permanently on via an Apple Thunderbolt Display on the first floor. Got the KEFs on the ground floor in the living room, hardwired to my router, and I control everything via the Roon app on my iPad Pro ... this includes Tidal, iTunes Library and high-res music files read from a NAS, and when needed internet radio stations.

 

Having Roon organize it all is great (although cataloging everything can always be improved of course).

 

i don’t have the life membership (yet) but do think the annual membership fee is worth it ... hassle free access to all my music sources in a nice package and format.

[Stahl]

Ah, and can do everything from my iPhone 7+ as well via the Roon app!

[Stahl]

Update on the repair of both motherboards in my LS50ws: received them back last week and have been thoroughly enjoying their brilliant sound once more. KEF service was sublime!

 

happy listening all!

[Stahl]

Current firmware for the KEFs gives you the option to leave the KEFs on permanently, which is what I do, unless I am away from home for a few days or more. So with Roon Core on continuously as well, it all works like a charm. I may invest in a NUC i5 or i7 in the future to release the MacBook, but so far so good.

 

As a side note, I recently swapped my Atacama stands for the dedicated LS50 stands; not the new performance stands but the heavier tubular ones. Hard to find, but my favorite high-end HiFi shop managed to get me some. Combined weight per stand and speaker around 20kg, and totally worth it!

 

happy listening all!

 

 

[Stahl]

Yep, works without a glitch.