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Thread: Speaker Journey

  1. #1
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    Speaker Journey

    Back in the day I was a huge KEF fan. My 104aB's were so good! Getting back into this hobby a few years ago (or more) I was happy to find KEF was going strong. I got a pair of LS50's which I enjoyed immensely.

    But jumping back into this crazy hobby I had to try other things. I tried a pair of Music Culture speakers from one of the founders of MBL. Wonderful stand mounted speaker!

    I was missing KEF so I went with a pair of R700's, similar to the Reference 3's, but built in China instead of the UK...I know, big differences. A buddy had a pair of Reference 3's, but just could not swing it. I also felt they were too big in my room. I definitely am not a fan of "big box" speakers.

    I decided to try Magnapan. Always heard about them but never heard them. The .7's are great! Honestly I am just not a fan of big overwhelming speakers, although the Maggie's had me rethinking this.

    I have been reading reviews of gear from many different reviewers and a lot of them talk about bringing out their LS50's for their latest reviews. I think the kicker was a review of the ARC Ref 6 se and he mentioned his LS50's as his favorite speakers for testing other gear, so he used them for reviewing the ARC pre-amp.

    Reading many reviews on the new update, the LS50 Meta's, I decided to try a pair; again wanting a small, accurate, smooth with huge sound stage speaker. The Meta's arrived today......... Wow.....

    I understand with break in they improved, but right out of the box they are so very good. Maybe my favorite speaker for my use so far. Oh, BTW, I did get them with KEF's matching S2 stands!

    Matched with the Rythmik subwoofers I think I might be satisfied for the long haul. I do still have my Maggie's to swap in whenever I want! We will see with some time .

    Highly recommended!
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  2. #2
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    Re: Speaker Journey

    Congrats on the new speakers, I haven't heard the Meta yet.

    When did you get the MBL? I just noticed that, how do you like it?
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  3. #3
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    Re: Speaker Journey

    I got the MBL a little bit ago; I think the beginning of June. I like it a lot. I think it is my favorite amplifier that I have owned.

    The Meta appear to be a very nice improvement over the original LS50's (which I did own). With the Rythmik subs they are very impressive so far, but certainly have some more breaking in to go .
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  4. #4

    Re: Speaker Journey

    Congrats on the LS50s Metas.

    I heard them a while back at a dealer and was amazed at their price to performance ratio.

    Even more so that they kept the same MSRP as their previous generation.

    Certainly having economics of scale and being made in Asia but, still quite a feet in terms of pricing to performance.

    Especially, when we now have pretty much everyone increasing prices.

    I bet they sound even better with a pair of those KC62 subs.

    Many of their smaller boutique competitors, will release a flagship speaker then have that technology trickle down their line over the years.

    Whereas, KEF starting on small side and looks like Meta technology will scale up in the future.

    Aka Reference Meta and Blade Meta speakers.

    Probably will be quite the "value" in terms of high-end audio.

  5. #5
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    Re: Speaker Journey

    Thank you and so far I am impressed. I do believe they need a decent amount of break in to reach their peek performance. They sounded good out of the box, better on some albums over others. I have noticed a difference with a couple of evenings listening to them. The improvements with this small amount of play time are subtle, but definitely there. I can tell they have more to go. That is hard to describe, but I can hear that the speaker is just starting to open up.

    I think I am going to like these. Right up my alley also; KEF sound, small size, gorgeous design! I do also say that they appreciate a good solid amplifier. The MBL seems up to the task .

    Quote Originally Posted by mdp632 View Post
    Congrats on the LS50s Metas.

    I bet they sound even better with a pair of those KC62 subs.
    I have a pair of Rythmik subs that use direct servo technology (extremely fast) and seem to work very well with the KEF's.

    Quote Originally Posted by mdp632 View Post
    Many of their smaller boutique competitors, will release a flagship speaker then have that technology trickle down their line over the years.

    Whereas, KEF starting on small side and looks like Meta technology will scale up in the future.

    Aka Reference Meta and Blade Meta speakers.
    I also am very impressed that they introduced their latest greatest technology on an affordable model and will later trickle it up!
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

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Speaker Journey

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