Speaker Journey

Randy Myers

Randy Myers

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Joined
Nov 7, 2015
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Location
Kansas
I posted this in the KEF thread, but thought it might be good for here as well;

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 improve, 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!
 
Randy, I totally understand...
 

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I have a small pair of B&W's with my main computer. They are designed as a computer speakers however :).
 
The Blades must be awesome! I have gotten to the point in life where I prefer smaller speakers.... maybe a stand mounted Blades :P.
 
Randy Myers said:
The Blades must be awesome! I have gotten to the point in life where I prefer smaller speakers.... maybe a stand mounted Blades :P.
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Pretty much agree but for a different reason. Living so close to the Atlantic and the threat of storm surge, its far easier to secure small speakers that some hefty towers if a threat of storm sure hits your area. Like this picture from Matthew behind the house. Thankful plastic and sandbagging prevented any surge from getting into the house.
 

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CPP said:
Pretty much agree but for a different reason. Living so close to the Atlantic and the threat of storm surge, its far easier to secure small speakers that some hefty towers if a threat of storm sure hits your area. Like this picture from Matthew behind the house. Thankful plastic and sandbagging prevented any surge from getting into the house.
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Thank God for it not getting in your house.
 
I have been reading some reviews, and watching videos. Some reviewers are really going crazy over the Meta's including even calling them a game changer. Also, there seems to be uniformed praise for KEF introducing this new technology in affordable models with the plans of then trickling it up!

REVIEW: Radically improved KEF LS50 Meta Speaker - YouTube

KEF LS50 Meta vs. KEF LS50 vs. KEF LS50 Wireless II - YouTube

The WAIT is OVER! KEF Speaker Review - KEF LS50 Speakers - Meta Review - YouTube

Review! The KEF LS50 Meta | What you didn't know (2021) - YouTube

KEF LS50 Meta: First Impressions - Roksan K3 / Marantz PM8006 / PrimaLuna Evo 100 - YouTube
 
I have really enjoyed Blade and Blade 2 demos I have heard at shows but have never warmed to any other KEF speakers (again, heard only at shows). I am definitely a fan of larger speakers, though; I have tried stand-mounts with subs a few times in the past (and still have a bedroom system like that) and have never been able to achieve the level of musical involvement I desire. I heard Maggie 30.7 with Mac tube amplification a few weeks ago at a local dealer and was very impressed, best panel sound I have heard.
 
I also enjoy the KEF sound and the Maggie sound. I owned them both at the same time and they were driven by an Aragon 4004 Mark 2 amp, Melos SHA-1 preamp and a Carver 490t player. They each had a completely different sound and I liked them both. The KEF's were 103/4 and the Maggies were 1.6 QR's.
 
The one thing about the KEF Meta's (for me anyway) is they are the first speaker I have had that appear to completely disappear in my room, including my Maggie's!
 
I heard the LS50 Meta with the KEF sub, really good sound and exceptional value, price:performance. Driven by an Arcam SA30 integrated. I thought the Meta was still dynamic and involving while bringing more refinement than the prior model.
 
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