Active Kef LS50

[mourip]

I thought that I would give an update on my KEF LS50 Mk2's.

 

The good news is that they do sound very good. They have different qualities than the previous system that they replaced (Yggdrasil/Linear Tube Audio/ Omega Audio). They are very clear with good detail but not as "spooky" clear as the previous system. They are a bit more dynamic and have a broader sound stage. Since they replaced a lot of expensive separates and yards of cable they are a great value. I do still have a pair of SVS subs connected to them.

 

I am using the coax input from my original front end which uses an Audiolinux NUC Roon endpoint to a Mutec USB with REF10 clock plus an EtherRegen. This basically gives me a RAAT front end. I use the HDMI input to take eARC audio out of my Sony Bravia TV. This sounds really great with movies.

 

They market the Mk2 as Roon Ready but it not there yet. They qualify that as "Coming Soon" in another part of their documentation. This is misleading.

 

The short version is that I am enjoying them but they need to finish their tweaking. They did release a new firmware version a couple of days ago. 

 

 

[asdf1000]

43 minutes ago, mourip said:

They did release a new firmware version a couple of days ago. 

 

Some nice updates here. Not many Chromecast / GoogleCast devices truely support 24b/96kHz

 

[mourip]

 

 

Encouraging(somewhat) news from the Roon KEF Community forum regarding Roon Ready status of the LS50W Mk2's. Posted by a KEF employee in response to a long, testy, and anxiety ridden thread of Mk2 owners and fellow audiophiliacs warily considering a purchase.

 

"Firstly - just want to confirm that there is no need for any hardware updates - we chose the internals in part for Roon Ready implementation. So there is no need to worry there - seems like a dealer misspoke and meant to say firmware.

In regards to how far down the path we are - we’re getting close. Seems like we’re in the final stages - I have it working on my desktop pair in the office - streaming absolutely spot on, even in this office network environment (you can imagine how many networks we have around the place here). Really now just working alongside Roon to iron out the final bits and pieces.

I know I haven’t given a date - I’d love to, I just don’t have one. But hopefully this small update will give a little bit more clarity."

[mourip]

KEF's UK and HK web pages now say that Roon Ready is coming in April, instead of just saying "Coming Soon".

 

The US page still says "Coming Soon."

 

Family first?

[mourip]

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.

[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!

[GregWormald]

On 3/31/2021 at 11:28 PM, 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.

Hardware, firmware, software, vapourware.

[mourip]

Kef evidently came in just under the wire and their Mark2 is now Roon Ready. I sent mine back to the vendor well ahead of that and have gladly returned to separates.

 

Does any one have feedback on how they sound now that they are a true Roon endpoint?

[HamSammich]

Hoo boy. Hate to do it to you, given your choice. But, wow. They sound great. The quiet gets quieter and the highs get cleaner and more articulate. Worth the wait.

[mourip]

7 hours ago, HamSammich said:

Hoo boy. Hate to do it to you, given your choice. But, wow. They sound great. The quiet gets quieter and the highs get cleaner and more articulate. Worth the wait.

 

No problem. Glad to hear that. I would think that the difference in sound quality in one's own system would be dependent on what you had been using to stream. The KEF's do give a lot of bang for the buck.

 

Thanks for the input.  

[robi20064]

Does anyone still have LS50W_FW_UpgradeTool_V4.0.0 or LS50_Wireless_Firmware_Up date_Tool_V4.0.0 and would mind sharing? Seems KEF removed all their original LS50 Wireless related content from their site.

[ShawnC]

14 hours ago, robi20064 said:

Does anyone still have LS50W_FW_UpgradeTool_V4.0.0 or LS50_Wireless_Firmware_Up date_Tool_V4.0.0 and would mind sharing? Seems KEF removed all their original LS50 Wireless related content from their site.

LS50W_FW_Upgrade_Tool_V4.0.0 (1).zip

Hope this works

 

[robi20064]

Thanks a lot!