KEF LS50 Meta (Pair, Carbon Black)
the LS50 Meta is top of the line in terms of design and build, and you are going to appreciate the innovation that’s gone into this product and there is no faulting the sound quality of the LS50 Meta, which offers balanced resolution and audibly precise dynamics
The direct successor to the highly acclaimed LS50, the LS50 Meta has built on the original’s sound precision and delivery with a revamped enclosure boasting all-new Generation 12 technology.
The KEF LS50 Meta loudspeakers did not release quietly, so to speak. KEF is no newcomer to the world of hi-fi, and the newest addition to their already stellar lineup has generated waves as the new benchmark in home audio.
But just how good are the KEF LS50 Meta hi-fi speakers? And are they worth parting money for?
If you consider yourself a diehard audiophile or simply know a thing or two about hi-fi speakers, you might already know that the LS50 Metas come with a steep price tag.
That’s no problem – KEF Home Audio is well-known for delivering quality and innovation in equal measure with each new product, and the 2020-released LS50 Meta loudspeakers are no exception, having already won a few high-profile awards.
But if you are wondering if the LS50 Meta is a step up from the original LS50, or if there are alternative hi-fi speakers worth considering right now, you will find everything you’re looking to know in our full review.
We take an in-depth look at the specs, design, sound, and value for money. Finally, we round up our pros and cons, so you can decide whether the KEF LS50 Meta is worth your attention.
Table of Contents
KEF LS50 Meta
With our main review of the KEF LS50 Meta out of the way, let’s run through the pros and cons, which we have gone ahead and summarized from our overall experience.
Pros
- Design and build – the LS50 Meta is top of the line in terms of design and build, and you are going to appreciate the innovation that’s gone into this product
- Sound quality – there is no faulting the sound quality of the LS50 Meta, which offers balanced resolution and audibly precise dynamics
- Metamaterial Absorption Technology – KEF’s new Generation 12 technology is a noticeable step-up from the original LS50
- KEF – need we say more? KEF is one of the leading manufacturers in the hi-fi industry and, for that reason, you already know what to expect
Cons
- Price – while justified, if you are on a tight budget then these speakers might not be the best option for you
- Stand not included – nitpicking, but the stands (KEF S2 Floor Stand) are not included with the speakers
To summarize, the KEF LS50 Meta is a clear step-up from the LS50, boasting incredible new technology that makes it well worth buying over its predecessor. And if you own the LS50 speakers, there are enough reasons here to upgrade.
The only cons are the price and the fact that the stand has to be bought separately. If you have the money to spend, however, you won’t find yourself disappointed with these speakers once you have them set up and turned on.
KEF Home Audio
KEF Home Audio is a leading manufacturer of high-end British home audio systems for just over sixty years. KEF was founded by electric engineer Raymond Cooke in 1981 and has since moved to the forefront as one of the top innovators in sonic technology.
2012 marked the 50th anniversary of KEF Home Audio, and it was celebrated with the release of the famous LS50 hi-fi speakers. These standmount speakers became an instant classic, delivering unmatched sound resolution in an aesthetically designed unit.
The LS50 Meta is the direct successor of the original LS50 speakers, released in 2020. The name signifies KEF’s new Metamaterial Absorption Technology – their latest innovation in speaker enclosure design.
KEF LS50 Meta Specs
First off, let’s run through the main specifications of the KEF LS50 Meta hi-fi speakers.
Drive Units (Two-Way Bass Reflex)
- HF: 25mm vented aluminum cone (with Metamaterial Absorption Technology)
- MF/LF: 130mm aluminum cone
Frequency Response– 79 Hz – 28 kHz
Maximum Output– 106 dB
Amplifier Power– 40-100 watts
Impedance– 8 Ohm (minimum 3.5 Ohm)
Sensitivity– 85 dB
Weight– 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg)
Dimensions– 302mm H x 200mm W x 280.5mm D
At a glance, you can see the LS50 Meta is a solid unit with a huge frequency response and a massive power output. Amplification is recommended with these hi-fi speakers, so that is something you will have to take into careful consideration.
The LS50 Meta is the new mascot of KEF’s game-changing Uni-Q and Metamaterial Absorption Technology. And if you are wondering what those are, we quickly explain them below.
Uni-Q
Uni-Q Technology is something KEF has been perfecting since 1981. It’s now in its twelfth generation, and was released together with KEF Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT).
Uni-Q is an intricately designed driver system that claims to evenly disperse sound throughout any room. Room “sweet spot” is eliminated with the LS50 Meta, with the high frequencies claimed as being less distorted, with great clarity.
Metamaterial Absorption Technology
Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) released with KEF’s twelfth generation of Uni-Q. It was designed in partnership with Acoustic Metamaterials Group, giving the LS50 a whole new revamp to its enclosure.
The idea behind Metamaterial Absorption Technology is to stop sound being produced from the rear of the driver. This is a common problem with speaker drivers, which can muddy sound clarity. KEF Metamaterial Absorption Technology aims to eliminate that.
Design
It goes without saying that the craftsmanship of the LS50 Meta is up to par by KEF standards. It’s a high-end speaker, solidly built and aesthetically designed to look great in any kind of room.
The KEF LS50 Meta comes in four finishes – Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White, and Royal Blue – and it’s fair to say that you’re going to have a hard time picking which color you prefer the most.
That said, the Titanium Grey version is the most unique, featuring a red woofer as opposed to the orange woofer that comes with the other colors.
Overall, the LS50 Meta looks almost identical to the original LS50: it’s pleasing to look at, both minimalistic and premium in terms of design and build quality. The LS50 Meta is a top of the line product – and it shows.
These are standmount hi-fi speakers (although they can be placed on any table surface), to be paired with the KEF S2 Floor Stand, sold separately.
Sound
Now for the main part: the sound.
The KEF LS50 blew us away in terms of sound resolution and full-bodied dynamics that filled our room with no issues. So, our expectations were high for the LS50 Meta, but we were just as curious about how the new Metamaterial Absorption Technology would perform against its marketing.
We put the LS50 Meta speakers through a test involving different music genres, and there’s no doubt that the new LS50 speakers have received an upgrade in terms of resolution. Bass is a lot more generous, but not overpowering, with improved high-end clarity that is far from sounding thin or metallic.
Dynamics are fast and responsive, most notable with drums, with distinct transparency between instruments. Despite this, the dynamics are smooth and not distracting.
As for sound dispersion, Metamaterial Absorption Technology seems to deliver on its claims. Sound was precisely delivered to different parts of our room (with minor noticeable differences) that definitely set it apart from its predecessor.
Ultimately, we cannot say that we were surprised. The KEF LS50 Meta doesn’t disappoint when it comes to its sonic capabilities, and whether you are an audiophile or not, you will be hard-pressed to find any fault in these hi-fi speakers.
Value
The KEF LS50 Meta home audio speakers are not cheap, but it’s understandable. The speakers are incredible to look at and the quality of sound measures up to its appearance.
Let’s be honest, you know what you are getting with KEF: top of the range sound from a well-crafted, intricate speaker that has been redesigned and revamped across decades of innovation.
With that said, it’s not really a question of value for money. What it comes down to is whether you see the KEF LS50 worth parting with your money for.
In exchange, you’re getting what is probably the current benchmark in home hi-fi, both in sound quality and design. On top of that, you can expect great product lifespan and top customer service from one of the world’s leading speaker manufacturers.
Overall, if you’re for the best and have the cash to spend, you can’t go wrong with the KEF LS50 Meta loudspeakers.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy?
So, are the KEF KS50 Meta home audio speakers worth it?
In all honestly, these hi-fi speakers get a big thumbs up from us. Right now, the KEF KS50 Meta is the one to beat as the current industry benchmark in home audio, and it shows in the sound quality and the numerous awards it already has to its name.
The KEF KS50 Meta might be on the steep side in terms of price, but it is a vast improvement from its predecessor with all-new technology that isn’t just smoke and mirrors. If you have the cash, go ahead and buy the KES KS50 Meta with complete confidence.
