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LS50 Mini Monitor Speaker Pair
Special Price
$1,299.99
Regular Price
$1,499.99
The LS50 mini-monitor loudspeaker is a reinterpretation of the research, design and engineering approach of the legendary LS3/5a Monitors using KEF's latest technologies.
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Product Features
| LS50 An innovative concept inspired by the legendary LS3/5a, the LS50 mini monitor speaker is designed to bring a professional studio monitor concept into the home. Rarely the case in such a compact design, the LS50 monitor delivers a rich, multi-dimensional 'soundstage experience’ that is out of all proportion to its size. Patent-pending acoustic designs, together with state-of-the-art technologies from KEF’s latest flagship Blade loudspeaker, provide the ultimate studio experience – even in the smallest of spaces. |
| Breakthroughs Creating a small housing capable of delivering such a spacious sound is the result of considerable research and development. In cabinet construction, baffle shaping and port design, LS50 breaks new ground with patent-pending technology. All this is made possible by KEF's leadership in modern research (including techniques such as Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics*). LS50's unique technology offers by far the cleanest, most accurate studio-grade performance of any mini monitor. |
| Uni-Q® LS50 employs revolutionary technology developed for Blade, KEF's latest flagship loudspeaker. Using the very latest Uni-Q driver, specifically designed for this model, LS50 radiates an extremely large listening sweet spot and delivers a remarkably fast, clean sound. And, because LS50 neither adds nor subtracts a single sound, it's effortlessly natural and accurate too. |
Reviews 73
Customer Reviews
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OutstandingFor the money, you are unlikely to find a better pair of monitors. Make sure to place them on stands and be careful in their placement. The sound is incredible. Detailed, encompassing. No regrets.
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An unexpected surprise. Fantastic!I'm a recording engineer specializing in, acoustic, music, mostly classical and jazz. A colleague of mine, who owns a Hi F store, had purchased a set of LS50s, for himself, brand new, in Red, and then decided he wanted the wireless version instead. He put The Reds up for sale and I took them home to listen as a possible replacement monitor at my audio editing station. I used a spare Bel Canto amp to power them. These LS50s absolutely floored me, I wasn't prepared for what I heard. I never returned them and didn't even hassle him for a better price. Even the red color was very cool. But the most important thing was the sound, especially the detail, imaging, and tonal accuracy. I was able to hear far more than previously, and make reliable mastering decisions that translated well to any system in my home, as well as others out in the real world. These things are sleepers, and I'm curious as to why I haven't heard more about them, from other audio professionals. I also love listening to them for simple non-critical enjoyment. I'm now considering a pair of R3s for my studio near-field monitors. I need the increased bass response, and I'm not a big fan of sub-woofers.
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best ever, with KEF KUBE 10 Subwoofer.I had a pair of KEF Q350, which sound quite good...but I got a Kube 10 subwoofer, so I needed more clarity. No answer more than LS50....superb sound and craftsmanship....
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great speakers, especially at the priceMy second pair of LS50s, these will replace a pair of Vandersteen 2C speakers. In side-by-side listening, the KEFs are clearly more transparent, and they take up less real estate.
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poor workmanshipSound is great, if not fantastic, for even spacious rooms, but the workmanship is quite poor: discoloration appeared on both mid-low and high speakers and, sadly, in two different tones, so I have two concentric shades on them. Additionally, one mid-low had to be replaced, as the foil started breaking apart in multiple places.
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OutstandingThey sell themselves. So far at 14 pair as my family and guests here them. That pretty much speaks for itself, right?
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LS 50 Mini Monitor Speakers.These black Monitor Speakers, are excellent: Sound, design, finish, size etc, are very pleasant.
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Great speaker,Terrible Customer ServiceDealers are the place to buy. KEF Direct charges nearly 20% restocking fee if the Xmas gift needed to be black instead of white.
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Great when used with a sub-woofer crossed over at about 65HzThis is my second set. Gave the others to my wife and later found I missed them on my system. Replaces a set of R100 monitors with sub-woofer. These are so refined and a great match with nearly any good quality amp with sufficient power. The amps I have used are rated between 250W and 300W into 8 ohms. Obviously most average program material requires less than 30W except on peaks. It's nice to have an amp with a 1KW+ transformer and supply to ensure constant DC rails. I actually prefer the sound of these LS50's to the LS50W's I have in the master bedroom. It's also nice to be able to tune the system with amps, pre's and DAC's. Where the LS50W's excel is in the integration and "system in a box" (or two). I would not give up either setup.
The wife's integrated system is 150W into 8 ohms and to me doesn't quite deliver the goods when pushing it a bit. There are many forums and reviews which can guide a user to good amp/speaker combo's for those interested.Posted on
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Excellent speakers at a remarkable priceI took advantage of the $999.99 sale price and am very glad I did. This is my third pair of KEF loudspeakers (a vintage pair of 303.3's, a pair of Q100's and now the LS50's). Each was large step up in quality from the previous. The cabinet of the LS50 is surprisingly small, but very solidly constructed. It is the most acoustically-inert cabinet I've encountered. I can't comment on the difference(s) between the Uni-Q drivers between the Q100's and the LS50s. The curved front baffle is supposed to minimize diffraction and that does seem to make a big difference in the imaging.
I happen to run mine with a (miniDSP-controlled) subwoofer. So I have no complaints about the bass extension.Posted on
Write Your Own Review
Spec
| Model | LS50 |
| Design | Two-way bass reflex |
| Drive units | Uni-Q driver array: HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome LF/MF: 130mm (5.25in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy |
| Frequency range (-6dB) | 47Hz - 45kHz |
| Frequency response (±3dB) | 79Hz - 28kHz |
| Crossover frequency | 2.2kHz |
| Amplifier requirements | 25 - 100 W |
| Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) | 85dB |
| Harmonic distortion 2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m) |
<0.4% 175Hz-20kHz |
| Maximum output | 106dB |
| Nominal impedance | 8Ω (min. 3.2Ω) |
| Weight | 7.2kg (15.8lbs.) |
| Dimension (H x W x D) (with terminal) |
302 x 200 x 278 mm (11.9 x 7.9 x 10.9 in.) |
** KEF reserves the right, in line with continuing research and development, to amend or change specifications. E&OE. **
Videos
Press and Awards
| Stereophile Recommended Component - A(Restricted Extreme LF) - 2017 |
| "The LS50 produced a surprisingly large, clean, transparent sound, with natural tone color and precise, stable stereo imaging, said JA, who also noted superb measured performance. "Recommended. Highly." ST found the LS50's tonality "spot-on, more neutral than sweet," adding that the diminutive KEFs could deliver "surprising bass: down to around 50Hz." ST's verdict: "I haven't had such great sound in my listening room since the departure of Quad's ESL-2805 electrostatics." As SM put it: "In 13 years of working at Stereophile, I have not seen another component that offers such a radical combination of value and performance." Read more at http://www.stereophile.com/content/recommended-components-2017-edition-loudspeakers#0Upk1KkyBYtjcaoT.99" |
| Year: 2017 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: Stereophile Magazine |
| Country of Publication: United States |
| Product: LS50 |
| Hi-Fi + Value-Priced Loudspeaker of the Year |
| "…we think you'll struggle to find a better balanced system unless you spend thousands more." |
| Year: 2016 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: Hi-Fi + |
| Country of Publication: United Kingdom |
| Product: LS50 |
| Hi-Fi Choice ‘Recommended’ |
| "…the KEF is a snappy thing to listen to. Music bounces along with heady abandon, and so do you!" |
| Year: 2014 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: Hi-Fi Choice |
| Country of Publication: United Kingdom |
| Product: LS50 |
| What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision - Product of the Year |
| "The terrific KEF LS50 standmounters show no sign of losing their sparkle after dazzling our readers for a second successive year." |
| Year: 2014 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision |
| Country of Publication: United Kingdom |
| Product: LS50 |
| Stereophile Product of the Year Awards 2013 |
| "It is rare to find a loudspeaker that offers this combination of clarity and neutrality" |
| Year: 2013 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: Stereophile |
| Country of Publication: United States |
| Product: LS50 |
| What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision – Readers' Award |
| "Our readers love the LS50s, and so do we. It's a cracking speaker" |
| Year: 2013 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision |
| Country of Publication: United Kingdom |
| Product: LS50 |
| What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision – Best standmounter £400-£800 |
| "A brilliant achievement - the LS50s look and sound gorgeous" |
| Year: 2013 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision |
| Country of Publication: United Kingdom |
| Product: LS50 |
| Review : LS50 - The Absolute Sound 07/2013 |
| "The KEF LS50 is one of the most all-around-satisfying little speakers I’ve reviewed in some time. Construction and execution are exemplary. It delivers the kind of performance that deserves to be on a Wheaties box. And there’s an incalculable coolness factor that makes it a breath of fresh air. The LS50 also answers the classic question, 'Who says you can’t teach an old box new tricks?'" |
| Year: 2013 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: The Absolute Sound |
| Country of Publication: United States |
| Product: LS50 |
| Reviewers Choice award |
| “The LS50 is nothing short of a masterpiece of a minimonitor, priced so that anyone serious about audio can buy a pair -- and probably should, if only to know how great a small speaker can be. Time hasn’t been as much on my side as it’s been on KEF’s -- the LS50 is one of their best speakers yet, and one of their best values; it’s proof that, as it ages, this company seems to get better and better.” |
| Year: 2013 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: SoundStage Hifi! |
| Country of Publication: United States |
| Product: LS50 |
| Product of the Year 2013 |
| Year: 2013 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: TOP HIGH END |
| Country of Publication: Russia |
| Product: LS50 |
| What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision – Test Winner |
| Year: 2013 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision |
| Country of Publication: United Kingdom |
| Product: LS50 |
| Best Budget of the Year |
| “Overall, LS50 can be said quite comprehensive in the performance of music, especially the performance of overwhelming classical music..." |
| Year: 2013 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: AudioArt Magazine |
| Country of Publication: Taiwan |
| Product: LS50 |
| Speaker of the Year 2012 |
| Year: 2012 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: CNET |
| Country of Publication: United States |
| Product: LS50 |
| Stereo speakers of the year $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Year: 2012 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: Sound+Image Awards 2013 |
| Country of Publication: Australia |
| Product: LS50 |
| Product of the Year 2012 |
| “We’re impressed by the speaker’s seamless integration, as we are by the way it sets up a huge stereo image populated by securely focused sounds…most importantly these speakers are fun to listen to.” |
| Year: 2012 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision |
| Country of Publication: United Kingdom |
| Product: LS50 |
| Top 2012 |
| Year: 2012 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: hifinews |
| Country of Publication: Russia |
| Product: LS50 |
| Good Design Award 2012 |
| Year: 2012 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: Japan Institute of Design Promotion |
| Country of Publication: Japan |
| Product: LS50 |
| What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision – 5 star review |
| "KEF's quality still golden after 50 years" |
| Year: 2012 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision |
| Country of Publication: United Kingdom |
| Product: LS50 |
| DIAPASON D’OR Hi-Fi 2012 |
| “Real Formula 1 The KEF LS50 features all assets of high-end speakers” |
| Year: 2012 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: DIAPASON |
| Country of Publication: France |
| Product: LS50 |
| Innovation, High Quality and Design |
| Year: 2012 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: Plus X Award |
| Country of Publication: Germany |
| Product: LS50 |
| Stereo Prestige & Image review |
| “as emblematic as the LS3/5a...no doubt that they are a matchless model for less than 1000€, as they appear to be a new standard of appreciation of a real stereo image.” |
| Year: 2012 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: Stereo Prestige & Image |
| Country of Publication: France |
| Product: LS50 |
| Hi-Fi News & Record Review ‘Outstanding Product’ |
| ‘… a cracking little speaker of which KEF’s design engineers must be most proud. Sweetly voiced yet highly revealing of source quality, it surprises and delights in equal measure. And boy does it sound big, defying its compact dimensions.’ |
| Year: 2012 |
| Magazine / Issuing Body: Hi-Fi News & Record Review |
| Country of Publication: United Kingdom |
| Product: LS50 |
Downloads
| LS50 Brochure | • Open In New Window • Download |
| ls50 Manual | • Open In New Window • Download |
| LS50 Information Sheet | • Open In New Window • Download |
| LS50 White Paper | • Open In New Window • Download |
