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If you had $3000 to spend, maybe $3500..would you buy the KEF LS50s and a good sub (not some HT junk), or buy an integrated speaker with real LF extension for the same money?
Follow Ups:
Hi !
i would buy two sub/bass boxes and go with biamping with active x-over
A classical sub+bass solution ... like Watt+Puppy
In this way you can also use different amps for bass (maybe SS) and ls50 (tubes ?)
I guess that from let's say 150 Hz up the ls50s powered by tubes could be just wonderful.
You would take away the stronger and more demanding bass from both, speakers and amp.
On the bass a granitic SS or even class D could give you and exceptional punch and drive.
But two bass boxes, one per channel. Active o passive.
Kind regards,
bg
Edits: 03/13/15
Works for me.
Edits: 06/20/15 06/24/15 07/02/15 08/13/15 12/02/15
Hi and very beautiful system you have indeed !
Yes it is exactly what i had/have in mind.
Are you cutting the ls50s or are you using them full range ?
Congratulations again.
Kind regards,
bg
Up until recently I was running them full range as I was using a DBX analog crossover for the subs, and wanted to keep the KEFs signal out of that.
I have now replaced the DBX unit with a MiniDSP Nano DIGI in the digital chain. So I can run the LS50s with a high pass filter and a touch of EQ.
Haven't set it up yet though (other than a quick test run), I have a couple more absorber panels I am currently building and want to hang before whipping out the USB mike and REW.
Hi and very interesting.
I would be interested to know about the outcome with digital compared to analog.
Instead i have one of these but not connected yet.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/DCX2496.aspx
it was cheap and intriguing.
But it is quite complex to use and i have no time now to go through the manual.
I cannot even understand if it can be used as master control volume.
Nice that it has a balanced digital input.
But if i need a preamp before it, this would be useless i guess.
Thanks again.
Kind regards,
bg
I own and have used that Behringer Crossover. It is easier to use if you can rig up the remote control cable to a PC, and download the associated program. But still a piece of pro gear that is hard to integrate. And no digital outputs.The beauty of the NanoDIGI units are that they are all digital, you add your own DACs downstream, either balanced or unbalanced. So you determine how much to spend for the quality of the dacs.Which sounds expensive, but for the subs I will be using the cheap Fiio D3 dacs. The price of the Nano plus the Fiios is still cheaper than a new DCX2496.
The unit is also setup by a connection cable from a PC (USB), then disconnected for use. I'm using the unbalanced inputs and balanced outputs of a NuForce MCP-18 as the preamp, after the dacs, to drive all the power amps, which are pro audio units.
Sigfred Linkwitz has a "DSP Challenge" web page for his LX521 speakers, in which the Nano setup is described there. See "a) An elegant solution". Only downside is if you have analog sources that you don't want to digitize (I don't).
Edits: 03/13/15 03/13/15 03/14/15
Hi and thanks a lot for the very valuable advice.
I have to study this unit. It sounds very interesting.
I got a strong advice to go digital for both x-over and eq, even with the possible jitter issues.
But i am completely ignorant on the matter. I have to study.
Thanks a lot again.
P.S. About the Behringer i read " 3 analog inputs (one suitable as digital stereo AES/EBU input) and 6 analog outputs for maximum flexibility " but i have to check to be sure.
Kind regards,
bg
Yes the Behringer does have analog inputs. If you need analog inputs and want a MiniDSP, you will have to choose another model other than the NanoDIGI, or add an Analog to Digital Converter in front of it.
Hi maybe i have been confusing
One of the inputs can accept an AES/EBU digital signal.
My usb to spdif converter has such option.
Nice to hear about the remote control for the volume from a pc (from a tablet would be much better of course but maybe there is a way to control the pc from the tablet).
6 analog outs could be used for a triamp stereo system.
But i need only a biamp ... bass and satellite.
I will study better the Minidisp anyway.
Thanks again.
Kind regards,
bg
Is it safe to say that the LS50 stands alone in the $1500 category ? Is the Stereophile "Class A" rating for real ? If it sounds as good in the mids and highs as $100,000 speakers, then why is any other speaker even purchased ?
Hi and all difficult and very interesting questions about which i have only opinions.
First money matters but there is no a direct correlation between cost and performance, with some cheap driver/speakers sounding very good.
I can agree that very top sound cannot come cheap.
But a luxury finish for instance adds a lot of cost but not that much better sound.
Piano finish sound like any other painted finish.
i try to answer IMHO
Is it safe to say that the LS50 stands alone in the $1500 category ?
no
Is the Stereophile "Class A" rating for real ?
let's say that Class A units are very likely to be very good sounding
If it sounds as good in the mids and highs as $100,000 speakers, then why is any other speaker even purchased ?
because some people want something also to show and not only to listen
I would say that from 200 Hz up in a small to medium room and for SPL up to 100 dB/1m the ls50 are quite perfect.
When i see the ls50's driver i get the feeling of something very special.
Measurements could show this.
Thanks.
Kind regards,
bg
You're going with the premise that the Stereophile "Class A" rating is the final word....which of course it isn't. Just one magazine's opinion out of the speakers it had reviewed recently. And the rating given for any spoken or non-spoken reasons.There are just as many folks who have hear and disliked, or at least, not been totally impressed with the LS50s, as those who do. So there will be other speakers in that price category that the former will prefer. Do a search of the archives here for some ideas.
Why did I buy mine? I was looking for quality monitors in that price range, was able to buy the KEFs from Amazon (which included their return policy and 12 month financing deal), and liked the way they looked (and after breakin, sounded). The positive reviews didn't hurt. :) Are they the "end all"? Of course not.
Also agree with what Noway stated below, although adding dual subs to the KEFs do improve that respect. They are best in small to medium sized rooms.
Edits: 03/17/15
That answer seems logical and rings true to me. I just assumed that to be in the Class A group, the LS50 had to be some sort of uniquely miraculous performer, far ahead of similarly priced competitors in quality. It's hard to believe that the opinions of reviewers that hear the highest of the high end could be that subjective when hearing lesser gear. You would think that properly set up Class A would always sound demonstratively superior to anyone, whether or not an audiophile, than anything in the lesser classes.
You will quickly see its limitations in a large room at higher volumes with AC/DC. In those circumstances a Cerwin-Vega would eat it for lunch. But in a small room at lower volumes with nice sounding source material that doesn't need to be played loud: much better. There is no perfect speaker.
Edits: 03/16/15 03/16/15
used Magnepan 1.7 and a sub that uses the "Perfect Bass Kit". e.g Martin Logan or Paradigm.
See:
http://www.paradigm.com/products-current/series=se-series/model=perfect-bass-kit/page=overview
http://hometheaterreview.com/paradigm-monitor-sub-12-perfect-bass-kit-and-pt-2-wireless-transmitter-reviewed/
http://www.audioholics.com/acoustic-reviews/martinlogan-perfect-bass-kit-pbk-review
I figure good bass is more about room and placement rather than equipment, once you are spending thousands.
All IMHO, of course.
Just because I love the sonic signature of those Morel midrange drivers and the extension of that tweeter. At 3-4 meters those speakers are almost as coherent as the KEFs and have an even more engaging midrange.
Just a note: notorious difficult to integrate a sub. The best results I had with subs were with an REL (they called theirs 'sub bass systems in the late 1990s) hooked into the speaker outputs of the amp, and crossed over very low, in the high 20s or low 30s. Anything higher will probably just muddy up things and mess up the coherence of the monitors, without really imporving the midbass punch, which is at least as important as the low bass. BTW the KEFs will only have adequate midbass punch in a smaller room when placed relatively close to the walls.
I am addicted to the coherence of monitors, but do prefer a different driver material and crossover scheme to the KEFs. Then again, I would be open to changing my mind after a month with the coincident plastic drivers.
Another note: the larger, relatively live cabinets of relatively inexpensive floor standers, won't necessarily improve the bass range, and may mess up the clear mid and treble of the monitors.
My vote would be go with a pair of used REL Strata subwoofers plus the KEFs (if you're wedded to the KEFs).
Thanks. I have never heard Morel speakers. I know the flagship stuff gets stellar reviews.
Pretty much agree with all you say pertaining to subs and your assessment of the LS50.
I purchased the LS-50 today - to be delivered soon. My new apartment is much better acoustically and I have halfway covered the entire wall behind the speakers in acoustic foam - thank-you Bob Hodas.It occurred to me that I disliked Focal speakers every time I heard them - until I heard them set up by Bob Hodas and Piper Payne. The slight slap echo in my new place is already gone entirely.
Regarding the thread on Critics forum - The dealer who said the anniversary edition sounded better was likely because they compared broken versus non broken in models.
I think it's somewhat important for reviewers to own reference speakers that people can actually audition so that they know what the hell we're talking about. Reviewers who refer to their boutique difficult to audition loudspeakers makes it difficult to know where we're coming from. Listening to the stuff once a year at an audio show is hardly representative. Who the hell has heard an AN E, a Devore Orangutan, a Teresonic, Acoustic Zen, Efficion, Tocarro, Trenner and Freidl, outside of audio shows? Usually the sound only a fraction at best in such venues. With the LS50 I will have a mainstream loudspeaker that can be auditioned all around the world.
Further, I wanted something that is deemed technically accurate regardless of my personal preferences. It will force me to listen to and hold myself accountable to a different take on the presentation. The LS50 somewhat satisfies this criteria on a sane budget. The Focal Diablo for instance is something like $15,000. ATC is also significantly more money.
My system is better than the schlock systems I've heard running the KEF LS-50 as well so I am hopeful that it will ameliorate my past issues with the speakers. And I did like the Blade quite a bit even in a poor listening room with paper walls.
Edits: 12/08/13 12/08/13
You're saying, "It occurred to me that I disliked Focal speakers every time I heard them - until I heard them set up by Bob Hodas and Piper Payne."...and
"Regarding the thread on Critics forum - The dealer who said the anniversary edition sounded better was likely because they compared broken versus non broken in models."..then follow with..
"I think it's somewhat important for reviewers to own reference speakers that people can actually audition so that they know what the hell we're talking about."
Do you think what's good for the reviewers should be the same for us all?
I am not sure I understand your post.
What gets a good review and what the reviewer actually buys does not always correlate. Art Dudley bought the Audio Note E speakers as his reference - back in the 80s he had the Snell J (which is now Audio Note J). So he liked them once - sold them - regretted it - bought the E had them 5 years now has a near AN E clone in the Devore Orangutan. Personally I would have upgraded to Alnico tweeters and woofers but hey sometimes people like a change.
But as I point out there are plenty of Class A rated speakers for the same or less money than the Audio Note E or the Devore Orangutan yet IMO Stereophile's best reviewer with the best ears and the best writer chose to buy more expensive Class B speakers back in 2008 and now again in 2013. To him they're better than what is in class A. To me too. But what is also true is that they're difficult to find relative to B&W and KEF - but note he didn't buy KEF or B&W and they're just as affordable if not more so with more "technobabble" on their side.
And while some pass Art's preference off due to efficiency because he likes low powered tube amps - that isn't really true - Shindo makes 70 watt per channel amplifiers (their best) that will drive virtually all of the things on the class A list. Other tube makers exist that pump out 700 watts.
Most stuff is in fact "good." That is why most stuff gets good reviews.
Going back to Stereophile - if readers actually thought about it they would see that Stereophile has two lists - one for tubes and one for SS. Why? Aiming to different preferences in the market I assume but then if that is the case the lists mean nothing. There isn't a SS amp that sounds like an Audio Note Jinro or a SS preamp that sounds like a Shindo.
My budget reference speaker is currently the Audio Note AX Two ($1200 US). Many AN dealers don't even carry it because there isn't enough margin in them to make it worthwhile. Hand built in Denmark using good VIFA drivers. Problem is that if I comment on the sound of the speaker in isolation it doesn't help the reader. The KEF LS50 is likely to be very widely heard and so it's a valuable tool of sorts. It could just as easily be any big name mainstream speaker that can be widely auditioned.
I chose KEF not because it sounded good - to me it hasn't. But I think there is enough in them that I THINK I can get them to work well. We shall see. If not I'll move on.
Quoth RGA: "I chose KEF not because it sounded good - to me it hasn't. But I think there is enough in them that I THINK I can get them to work well. We shall see. If not I'll move on."
I can honestly say that seldom have I been more certain of the outcome of a projected "review" than I am of this one. God bless you sir, and your plucky and selfless -- if, one confidently imagines, doomed -- desire to get the KEF LS50s to "work well," and may you succeed where the rest of the reviewing and listening world have failed.
Oy vey.
n
Most reviewers choose what they like whilst attending audio shows - they say "hey that sounds good" and then discuss getting it for review. This is why reviews are generally always raves. What is not seen by the public is where a reviewer goes "blegh that's awful."
Reviewers for most part have ALL auditioned mainstream companies' speakers because they're the easiest to go and audition.
And yet many of these reviewers who have all heard B&W for example don;t buy B&W. With their huge sales numbers you should see a representative percentage of reviewers buying them as their main reference speakers - and they don't. They get good reviews but as I say most stuff today is actually pretty "good" - that's different from being "great" or something you want to own and listen to everyday.
Now in the big guy speaker maker's defense - because they're sold "everywhere" it's possible they get mis-judged because most stores are utterly atrocious in set-up. They sell AV equipment to the masses and otherwise good loudspeakers can sound truly abysmal.
My experience in the past has illustrated this - with proper set-up with tube gear I was quite pleased with a Klipsch Ref standmount loudspeaker that had sound paint peeling bright in the shops hooked up to terrible receivers and switch boxes.
Magnepan sounded utterly dreadful at CES IMO with flagship Bryston amplifiers. At my dealer who also sells Bryston they instead connected up an 18 Watt Audio Note SORO amp and it was very nice indeed. What it gave up in power ad slam it won EASILY in every other paramater and for MUCH less money. I understand why people like Magnepan but with the SS it sounded completely artificial. Bryston in their defense sounds better with other speakers like PMC where their amps won;t over control and stifle dynamics.
The LS-50 I heard 4 times - At CAS when I was in there it sounded insufferably bright thin lean and shouty. But Magico sounded awful as well - Wilson was blegh - and Audio Note was so-so - when AN sounds that bad then it's the rooms or something.
I could only come up with 5 rooms that truly impressed me and even then maybe only 3 of them would have been in the running for top 10 at CES/The Show 2 years earlier.
My other three auditions have been in rather pathetic set-ups - that's the kind of dealer network KEF operates in. If you want to sell in big numbers you can't go into the boutique audio shops. they don;t move enough product. So they sell in the big mass product arena outfits (Best Buy type stores) and while some are better than others - they're usually pretty poor.
Further given Kef's 3 ohm minimum impedance - I suspect even some of the better receivers they hook up have issues.
Jack Roberts liked them - and I trust his ears enough to give them a go. The Hong Kong Wilson Benesch/Audio Note dealer liked them quite a bit as well.
Besides they're much cheaper in Hong Kong - made in China stuff typically is. And no taxes!
...But I think there is enough in them [KEF LS50] that I THINK I can get them to work well."
What's your secret...following the herd-heard? :^)
Me thinks you will be happy with the purchase. If you live in a typical Hong Kong flat, it will be a small listening space, which is perfect. KEF knows these speakers may be placed near boundaries because they provide foam plugs for the port for such a case.
I agree the dealer who made that incorrect remark was comparing non broken to broken in speakers. ANY metallic driver is going to need time to loosen up.
You will also find that they are very chameleon like..they really do sound different with different amps. So if you heard them with shlocky systems, that is what you got..the better the electronics the better they sound. My pal has used them with three high quality amps and with each pairing they sounded different, allowing the characteristics of each amp to come through.
I think Acoustic Zen and AN have somewhat decent distribution..but the others..fogged bout it..as far as people getting to hear them.
I always preferred a monitor with a sub than a full range. So yes I would spend the money on a satellite system rather than a floor stander!
However, there is not much program down there.-reub
Edits: 12/05/13
Solid state vs tube?
Little speaker with sub vs big speaker?
Moving magnet vs moving coil?
In 1977 the choice was ADS 710's (mediumish speaker with 4 drivers) or a pair of ADS 400's (about LS3/5a sized) with a subwoofer.
It's a tough call. A lot depends on the room. My office system is a very small pair of Peachtree D4's with an $800 Def-Tech sub and that system amazes me.
In a small room LS50's don't need a sub, in a medium sized room a smallish sub (the $500 SVS sealed sub would be my first choice) would be outstanding.
I think the KEF R700 is in the three grand range. But I just like the sound of a smaller monitor. Some people do.
"The problem with quotes from the internet is that many of them just are just made up."
-Abraham Lincoln
Actually, this was NOT a debate about small speakers and sub...but rather
a question of KEF LS50 and Sub, or fuller range speaker.
The KEF uniQ drive is very unique, and unlike any speaker I have seen at this price point in design...and blending it with just any sub in my opinion is a waste of time. You would need a tight, articulate, and fast sub to mate it with.
Um, that's exactly what I said:
'Little speaker with sub vs big speaker?'
"The problem with quotes from the internet is that many of them just are just made up."
-Abraham Lincoln
But that is NOT what I am saying..I am saying specifically KEF LS50 and sub or bigger speaker.
In your OP you said, "KEF LS50s and a good sub (not some HT junk)".
Now you're saying, "I am saying specifically KEF LS50 and sub or bigger speaker."
Since a sub doesn't know what type setup it's in, specifically, what requirements meet your standards? Rather than just saying, "bigger", specifically, what brands/models did you have in mind?
Without parameters, I agree, it becomes a common circular pointless troll.
I'd get a floorstander which presumably would have higher spl capabilities.
And if I were particularly sensitive to woofer/sub integration issues I might get a floorstander.
Or if I just wanted to keep it as simple as possible I'd tend towards a floorstander.
(None of those caveats applies to me.)
Otherwise I think the 2.1 setup makes more sense, especially with some capacity for parametric eq of the sub. Or better, pair of subs.
And they can be bought for ~ $1700 on Agon. You can then add an amp to power the 2nd voice coils for true subwoofer sound (flat to 22Hz). A decent 300 watts/ch. amp can be had for ~ $500 making your total investment ~ $2200. This assumes, of course, that you have a preamp/preprocessor that will allow you to use its LFE crossover circuit and EQ...
-RW-
Much smoother bass.
Warmest
Tim Bailey
Skeptical Measurer & Audio Scrounger
Audiophiles go for the KEF 50 for its special coherence and musicality. For improved bass a matching subwoofer could be added. But an integrated speaker may not give the same class of sound. The only solution I think is for the KEF guys to come up with a new LS50 with a built in subwoofer.
Cheers
Bill
i've been looking high and low for affordable acoustic suspension speakers after being disappointed by NHT superzero lack of treble resolution and classic 3 aluminum driver signature and annoyed by box resonances from mission, celestion and energy speakers i've owned.
i just started reading reviews for KEF LS50 as it's rated class A by stereophile and reviews in absolute sound and what hifi seem to agree and then i found out that the LS50s come with PORT PLUGS and my interest really piqued.
i love the tight sound of sealed minis and it seems that the LS50 combines state of the art drivers with a proper inert cabinet and is "designed" to be port pluggable.
the LS50 is now at the top of my wish list. it sounds like exactly the speaker i've been looking for and then some. the concentric drivers should offer awesome imaging which is a priority for me and the seriously radiused front baffle should help imaging too.
a sealed 5 1/4" 2 way that doesn't cut corners is my dream speaker and i think that if they're still made when i've saved up enough money, i'll get a pair of LS50s and immediately plug their ports before even hooking them up and finally get "the sound" i'm after that's so hard to find under $2,000. i actually prefer some bass rolloff, especially if the bass is tight and uncolored. i got into hifo because of a pair of 4 1/2" infinity sealed 2 ways in the mid 80s. i liked their speed and clarity in the bass better than floorstanders. now i can get that from KEF whom i never had respect for because they do ports exclusively, but now that they've added plugs to their "flagship" and made it affordable, i really want a pair.
If it's ported, it's distorted.
Bill....the speaker you hope KEF comes up with already exists or at least did exist......the Soundfield Audio Monitor 1.( SAM 1)
The SAM 1 has the KEF and a powered 8" sub in one tidy monitor and I wonder how Ammar Jadusingh could do it commercially for $1300. I dont think it can be done now. This KEF driver may not be the same as the LS50's. Very curious to know if anybody has listened to both LS50 and SAM1. Perhaps JVS of Stereophile has.
Regards
Bill
Despite being gray rather than copper in color, I believe it's the same driver. ( Q100? )AJ builds speakers as a hobby. It's not a full time gig. He does have a day job. Typical profit structure formulas don't really apply. The only other SAM 1 owner I'm aware of has spent time with the LS 50 as well. In his opinion, the SAM 1 is easily superior. I have never heard the LS 50, but own the SAM 1.
I could be wrong, but the Q100 is not the same driver in the LS50. It is larger, and has different specs.
That could very well be the case, hence ( Q100? ) in my above statement. I'm not of the pecking order in regard to KEF drivers , but rest assured, the SAM 1 rocks.
The Q100 looks closer to the driver in the KEF X300A to me.
Kef LS50 + Subwoofer (if possible 2 of them).
Not only the sound would be very difficult to beat, but also I like to be able to move around my loudspeakers, and a good large full-range would be too heavy.
I don't think the LS50 goes deep enough and thus you're going to hear the sub - subs are better felt and not heard cause if they're heard they always seem to be able to be located by the ear - The LS-3/5ahad dedicated subwoofer units under each speaker using the same driver.
Would not KEF offer a worthy subwoofer? What about the Reference 900 floorstander - that way you get the driver (or close) so it should offer a similar sonic signature to the standmount?
There are plenty of good floorstanders but whether you like them or not is the question. There is also the second hand market - something like the Gallo 3.5 if interesting looks matter.
Excellent advice!
I had both the Rogers AB1 bass modules with my LS3/5a's and the Harbeth Bass Extender with my Harbeth HL-P3. Did they hit even 38hz? Maybe not quite, but they sounded fabulous. Especially the Rogers AB1 with Harbeth LS3/5a. I should never, ever have sold any of those classic setups. Tried the LS3/5a with conventional subs, including REL and no dice. Very tough to integrate with any true subwoofer.
What specifically would you buy for $3000-$3500 that would require no sub...monitor, floor stander, panel, or what ever, and why. Remember this is opposed to the LS50 and a sub.
Edits: 12/02/13
The question is impossible to answer because1) how highly do you rank the midrange and treble? I don't think it's particularly better than a bunch of other loudspeakers in this price range based on what I've heard from them - granted under non in home auditions.
2) have we established that the LS-50 can be matched perfectly to a subwoofer with no cohesion issues?
Since I'm not a fan of sub satellites - have not heard ones that I would like to own (Home theater and exception) in over 20 years of listening to such set-ups.I'm not against subs - I just feel like they should be used for ambiance subsonic territory but for that you need your speakers speakers to go down low.
Based on my non fondness of sub sat systems I would buy a second hand Gallo 3.5 over the LS50 and a sub. The 3.5 offers extremely fast bass that can play at very high levels with pinpoint stop start action. Is it the last word in treble - no but I'm not convinced the LS50 is either - and the Gallo has lower distortion and can play far louder. It's $6k new so $3500 second hand seems doable.
Now you and I hear things differently (which is great otherwise everyone would buy the exact same thing - boring) but personally I'd buy the following floorstander (linked) in a heartbeat over the LS50 and sub (that may or may not integrate) and it costs $2K to 2.5K and I believe was also designed by Andy Whittle as well (LS-3/5a and Celestion).
A Horn, Transmission line combination with 93dB sensitivity and 40hz bass (25hz in room)
The LS50 will explode trying to play this music!
Sonist makes some nice floorstanders as well - good bass high efficiency. Granted High efficiency is more important to me than it may be to you.
But this speaker can rock is easy to drive and is well integrated -
Edits: 12/02/13
Audition the latest Vandersteens. You can get a 2CE signature or a 3 and both are rated for response into the 20's. They are definitely NOT like the Vandersteens in the past and are much more neutral and articulate in the mids and highs.
Another interesting choice. I own a pair of Treos.
the Treos, but lived with a pair of Quattros before being forced to move. I thought the mids on the Quattro had electrostatic like qualities in certain portions of the bandwidth.
If you're not in a rush, I had a chance to hear a prototype Ryan Speaker. 610 mini monitor, with response down to 34 Hz, a single 6 inch woofer with a one inch silk dome tweeter. Small company, they went out of business about a decade ago but apparently are reforming. Made interesting designs back then and the prototype I heard was equally intriguing. See if you can audition first, of course.
I just posted basically the same thoughts on the Vandersteens. They are pretty big and take some set-up, but they have a wonderful full range sound.
I would go the full range speaker. IMHO you my not need to spend $3,000 to find a pretty incredible full range speaker. I did the LS50 with an REL sub. I would do full range if space will accommodate.
The LS50 and the REL must be a nice combo.
What speaker would you buy in the $3000 range to replace that combo if you could? What speaker would offer real bass but can also compete with the LS50's coherence and imaging?
I've had some pretty good luck with subs for way less than $1500. Check Parts Express.
The original poster did not comment on exactly what he felt the attributes of the LS50 to be i.e. "coherence" "imaging". He did ask would Asylum readers go with the LS50 and a good sub or go full range. I would go full range based on already experiencing the LS50 as a monitor with what I thought and still think to be a good sub(REL). Subs are great contributors and when space is an issue, a true godsend. With other monitors my REL/monitor combinations have sounded great. However I am fully dedicated now to converting to full range. A good full-range speaker sounds best to me.
As to your other question. The Vandersteen 2ce Signature II is an option with wonderful sound staging and bass. The KEF Q900 is a terrific speaker if still available and comes from the same KEF family of sound. Monitor Audio RX6 currently being closed out by many dealers at $899 is a wonderful full range speaker and a bargain to boot. Most recently I heard the PSB Imagine T2 and it was stunning in the dealer showroom. My next step is looking like the Tektron line, which many say have everything you could ever want. We'll see!
All excellent suggestions. I believe, when possible, an integrated speaker is best.
FYI, the LS50s best attributes are definitely coherence and speaking with "one voice."
These speakers have received some great reviews and interest lately especially in regard to bang for your buck...
I wonder if the mids and highs on the Triton Seven are as good as the LS50?
If so, then they should be Stereophile class A full range, {almost anyway}, for $1400. That's assuming that the LS50 truly is class A. Seems to me like some absurdly expensive speakers are recently being exposed as being WAY overpriced.
"Seems to me like some absurdly expensive speakers are recently being exposed as being WAY overpriced."
Um..yeh!
Interesting choice! I have heard a GET speaker as of yet.
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