Active Kef LS50

[Richard Dale]

1 hour ago, Tait said:

 

I've never listened to my KEF's via wireless so can't comment there, but the difference between streaming natively via the KEF app and my Innuos setup really is night and day.

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

[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.

[Richard Dale]

44 minutes ago, jcn3 said:

 

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.

I use BubbleUPnP on Android to stream from a hard disk attached to my router which runs MiniDLNA. I assume that the KEF app uses the same mechanism and should sound the same. I need to experiment with different ways of driving the LS50s, but I’m currently not a Roon subscriber.

[Tait]

On 6/16/2020 at 4:19 PM, bunno77 said:

Very happy this thread is still going. I still don't own them but have heard them quite a few times now.

 

Can I ask if you have compared this to using the ethernet input ie Roon/DLNA etc via ethernet

 

Sorry, somehow missed this post.

 

I tried Roon briefly, before I bought the Zenith, using a laptop, but for me, I couldn't justify the price of Roon.

[KindaHz]

This was a good thread for me to take in. I'm looking to take a step up and replace my SVS Prime Wireless system with a pair of active LS50's. Super helpful information...thanks!

[eltee00]

On 6/16/2020 at 8:08 PM, Tait said:

Thought I'd revive this thread by describing the improvements that adding an Innuos Phoenix has done to my LS50's and MK2 Zenith server setup.

 

 

Wait you spent $6000 on a server and usb re-clocker to put digital signal into the internal DAC of a pair of all in one speakers? 

[Tait]

Not quite. The Zenith was ex demo. But that's besides the point!

 

Improvements to sound quality were worth every penny. Don't knock it until you try it!

 

 

 

[No Disc]

I'm considering the Kef LS50 Wireless II, the only thing holding me back is I really like the sound of my Chord DAC and I am not sure the result I would have feeing my Chord into the Analog inputs of the LS50 WII.  From my understanding Kef will convert that signal to digital to be able to use DSP on that.   Anyone with the LS50 Wireless try something like that before, and how did that work out for you?

[R1200CL]

@No Disc

LPS-1 > UpTone ISO Regen > USPCB > Chord Mojo > WireWorld Nano-Silver Eclipse > AudioEngine A2+

VS the new KEF wireless ll

 

On paper, I say no doubt you will enjoy the new KEF 😀

(via Ethernet)

[ariel]

24 minutes ago, No Disc said:

I'm considering the Kef LS50 Wireless II, the only thing holding me back is I really like the sound of my Chord DAC and I am not sure the result I would have feeing my Chord into the Analog inputs of the LS50 WII.  From my understanding Kef will convert that signal to digital to be able to use DSP on that.   Anyone with the LS50 Wireless try something like that before, and how did that work out for you?

 

Just noticed the LS50 Wireless II launch. I've been using the LS50W I for 3+ years now and they have been an outstanding investment. I am surprised though that USB input is gone, why would they do that? I have my pair connected to my media player via digital spdif and also to my laptop docking station and switch back and forth as needed. Sounds like upgrading to LSWII would be a step backwards?

[No Disc]

8 minutes ago, R1200CL said:

@No Disc

LPS-1 > UpTone ISO Regen > USPCB > Chord Mojo > WireWorld Nano-Silver Eclipse > AudioEngine A2+

VS the new KEF wireless ll

 

On paper, I say no doubt you will enjoy the new KEF 😀

(via Ethernet)

 

I need to update that equipment.  While I still have the AudioEngine, I mostly use the QMS Q4P which is a bi-amped active speaker from China with AMT ribbon.   http://www.qmsaudio.com/productshow.asp?id=204

 

Comments from this Audiogon thread would seem to indicate that indeeds the DAC portion of the KEF might be a weak point.   

 

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/kef-ls50-wireless-internal-vs-external-dac

[erniejade]

Looks like they omitted the RCA jacks as well on the  2's 

[firedog]

1 hour ago, No Disc said:

I'm considering the Kef LS50 Wireless II, the only thing holding me back is I really like the sound of my Chord DAC and I am not sure the result I would have feeing my Chord into the Analog inputs of the LS50 WII.  From my understanding Kef will convert that signal to digital to be able to use DSP on that.   Anyone with the LS50 Wireless try something like that before, and how did that work out for you?

 

There are lots of Kef dealers, maybe you can find one who will let you bring in your Chord at an audition.

[bunno77]

Nice that they have gone the wireless route with the II

 

[mourip]

On 9/25/2020 at 9:57 AM, No Disc said:

I'm considering the Kef LS50 Wireless II, the only thing holding me back is I really like the sound of my Chord DAC and I am not sure the result I would have feeing my Chord into the Analog inputs of the LS50 WII.  From my understanding Kef will convert that signal to digital to be able to use DSP on that.   Anyone with the LS50 Wireless try something like that before, and how did that work out for you?

 

I bought a pair of Mark2's this week and am working to tweak them for best performance, testing various inputs etc..

 

Currently I am using the RCA SPDIF input from my Audiolinux/Mutec USB/Roon front end. Even though the speakers are still settling in they sound very good. I am still looking forward to Roon completing their "Roon Ready" certification so that I can use their RAAT protocol and really simplify my system. 

 

I also have a pair of LSX's that I have owned for a year. They started life as my desktop speakers but got little use so I moved them into our upstairs TV room. When they were on my desk I thought that the best input was the analog using my Yggdrasil DAC. I know that this is counter intuitive since that input goes through an AD converter and then to their own DAC(s). I read other posts online where others had felt the same way.

 

I will give that a try with my MK2's. I have a (probably vain) hope that I will like the RAAT or SPDIF input enough to be able to sell off a lot of my downstream equipment.

 

[mourip]

Does anyone have a pair of the new LS50 mk2's and are using the SPDIF input?

 

Supposedly you can change a setting in KEF Connect called "Second Wake-up Source" so that if the KEFs sense a signal on the RCA SPDIF input(or another input of your choice) they will turn on or come out of sleep. I made that setting change but it does not turn them on when I start music in ROON. Once I power them on manually they pass the signal perfectly.

 

Any suggestions?

[cyayon]

Hi all,

 

I have LS50Ws for two years, and sometimes (two times in 2 months I have the left (not the main) speaker reboot. It turns off, then turns on again shortly after. The sound cuts for about 7 to 10s (only on the left), the time of the OFF / ON.

 

I noticed this while using the USB input (plugged into an nvidia shield). I don't know if it's related because it really infrequently does. 
The firmware is up to date.

 

Do you know this problem? What would you do in my situation ?

Thank you.

[mourip]

5 hours ago, cyayon said:

Hi all,

 

I have LS50Ws for two years, and sometimes (two times in 2 months I have the left (not the main) speaker reboot. It turns off, then turns on again shortly after. The sound cuts for about 7 to 10s (only on the left), the time of the OFF / ON.

 

I noticed this while using the USB input (plugged into an nvidia shield). I don't know if it's related because it really infrequently does. 
The firmware is up to date.

 

Do you know this problem? What would you do in my situation ?

Thank you.

 

Sounds like a power supply or protection circuitry issue, especially if it literally reboots with all lights going off as opposed to just dropping signal for a moment. I would definitely give KEF a call.

 

Good luck!

 

[cyayon]

There is no light on slave left speaker, but i could hear the relay on this left speaker (OFF then ON).

I contacted KEF, they just told me to contact local service :-(.

I contacted them, and they have never hear of this type of issue. As it appears not very often, i would be very difficult to found the root issue.

[mourip]

16 minutes ago, cyayon said:

There is no light on slave left speaker, but i could hear the relay on this left speaker (OFF then ON).

I contacted KEF, they just told me to contact local service :-(.

I contacted them, and they have never hear of this type of issue. As it appears not very often, i would be very difficult to found the root issue.

Perhaps it is losing it's connection to the primary. Is it connected wirelessly or wired? If wired then perhaps try a new cable?

[cyayon]

it is wired connected. the current power cable do not seem to have any issue. I will try another plug.

thanks 

[mourip]

Actually I was referring to the cable that connects your primary and secondary speakers.

 

Also you might try doing a factory reset.

[cyayon]

1 minute ago, mourip said:

Actually I was referring to the cable that connects your primary and secondary speakers.

 

Also you might try doing a factory reset.

I tried to unplug it, and i do not shutdown the speaker, just the sound. 

I think the issue is not related to this cable.

will try a factory reset .

[mourip]

On 11/5/2020 at 9:27 AM, cyayon said:

I tried to unplug it, and i do not shutdown the speaker, just the sound. 

I think the issue is not related to this cable.

will try a factory reset .

 

Did you ever get your problem resolved?

[cyayon]

Since about a month, i use optical input instead of USB, a the issue did not happened again.

fingers crossed...