Alternatives to KEF LS50 Wireless (version 1)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deleted member 101777
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For connecting LS50 Wireless IIs, would a sound card with digital output not be a cheaper and simpler option than something like the D10s (you don't need the DAC part)?. Alternatively, maybe send audio over HDMI and splitting that into the KEF's HDMI input, or using an HDMI digital audio extractor? Or look at ways to network stream to them?

You've had a bit of back luck with your v1s. There are some reported reliability issues with earlier production runs but I can't remember when this was supposedly fixed. Fortunately I've not had any hardware problems with mine (touch wood) but the v1s do have a flaky network implementation and relying on the inbuilt streamer can be frustrating.

You've probably read/watched all of the same reviews as me comparing the original LS50 Wireless to the Wireless IIs. Mine arrived last weekend along with a dinky KC62 sub and FWIW I'm not experiencing any buyer's remorse yet.
 
maximus123 said:
Hi Grimley, many thanks for your reply -- very much appreciated.

Sadly, I don't like the look of the Sonos Five option there.

I might consider the KEF LSX, although I'd consider them a little bit of a downgrade from my KEF LS50 Wireless v1's though. That said, the LSX's could be more reliable and easier to live with, so that is something to take on board I guess.




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I use the LSX on my desk with a Rel T-Zero subwoofer. The LSX are smaller but perhaps that is better in a near field setting? IDK though. I feed mine USB -> Focal Arche DAC/AMP -> RCA to 3.5mm into the LSX.
 
And said:
Nice, how are you finding the sub?
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It's fairly early days and I've not yet moved it around or done any measurements/DRC, but am impressed so far and intend to keep it. The only direct comparison I've got is a REL T/9i which I've used with the LS50W v1s, and for my use (music and not ear damaging volumes) the KC62 is winning. It does seem to go very low and the bass is tuneful, well controlled and blends in nicely. This might all be expectation bias and room peculiarities of course...

I thought the shipping box was small when it arrived, but the sub itself is significantly smaller still. The only issue I have experienced (in common with many owners it seems) is that the auto-on trigger level is not sensitive enough for KEF's own setup guide with the LS50WIIs. There's an easy work-around though by setting the LS50WII low pass sub output to a high frequency (so there's enough signal to trigger the sub at low volumes) and then use the sub's own low pass filter.

I expect there are better value subs out there that can outperform it (and I'm told that £300 is all you need to spend on a system), but it's worth considering especially if size/looks matter and you're not after removing your neighbours' fillings.
 
maximus123 said:
I might consider the KEF LSX, although I'd consider them a little bit of a downgrade from my KEF LS50 Wireless v1's though. That said, the LSX's could be more reliable and easier to live with, so that is something to take on board I guess.
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There are hints of an LSX II coming if you're in no hurry.
 
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