Passive or Powered
KEF today introduced a new LS50 Collection consisting of the LS50 Meta bookshelf (passive) speaker and the LS50 Wireless II (powered) speaker, both of which are innovative evolutions from their identical looking previous iterations (LS50 Mini Monitor and LS50 Wireless). After three years of intensive research, the company claims the new LS50 Collection speakers deliver an unprecedented purity of sound coupled with intuitive usability, while maintaining the same pricing at $1500 or $2500 a pair, respectively.
Metamaterial Absorption Technology
With the new LS50 Collection KEF has introduced the world’s first loudspeakers to use the revolutionary Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). Recognized as a modern icon of design, the LS50 has been remastered to incorporate this ground-breaking technology and deliver impressively natural sound.
In a joint development initiative with the Acoustic Metamaterials Group, KEF has harnessed MAT by creating a synthetic material in the form of a complex maze-like structure that has the super capacity to absorb 99% of the unwanted sound radiating from the rear of the driver, reducing distortion and enabling the prevention of audio distraction. Other traditional approaches have only allowed around 60% absorption. It is the technological developments like MAT that ensure the listener hears only their music never the speaker.
LS50 Meta
Continuing the work started with the KEF R Series, the LS50 Meta also features a specially designed 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT, with new and enhanced features. These improvements include a new cone neck decoupler and motor system, which further reduce coloration and distortion. Other enhancements from the original LS50 include an off-set flexible bass port, a low diffraction curved baffle, and rigid cross bracing with constrained layer damping, all of which achieve exceptional depth, detail and the lowest sound distortion of any speaker in its class.
From the optimized cabinet size, the elegantly curved front and improved back panel with recessed port and speaker terminals, to the versatile matte colorways that match the bespoke KEF S2 Floor Stand, every detail is designed with performance in mind.
LS50 Wireless II
With music consumption evolving, the purpose of the LS50 Wireless II is to cater to the needs of those who use streaming services by delivering exceptional sound immediately with minimal set up required. The powerful nature of the LS50 Wireless II comes from the combination of the exquisitely formed cabinet with advanced Digital Signal Processing, a new 100W class A/B amplifier that powers the tweeter, and a 280W class D amplifier that powers the mid/bass driver. The left and right speakers are connected wirelessly, with 24bit/96kHz resolution; alternatively, users may connect with the supplied interspeaker cable for 24bit/192kHz resolution.
With the new KEF Connect app, you can take your experience a step further by tailoring the sound to the environment in which you are listening. You can stream Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, Internet Radio stations and podcasts, and you can stream directly from the native app with Spotify Connect. AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast can connect your compatible Apple or Android device, whilst Bluetooth expands the options even further. There are also wired connections for your TV, turntable, CD player and games console, via the HDMI, analogue, optical and coaxial sockets.
KEF S2 Floor Stand
Designed in conjunction with the LS50 Meta and the LS50 Wireless II, the S2 Floor Stand features a top plate designed to allow secure fixing points for the speaker, dampening base plates and a hollow central column that can be loaded with inert filler for a truly uncoloured sound. An integrated cable management system provides a beautifully elegant presentation, making the S2 Floor Stand the perfect acoustic stand partner for either LS50 Collection model.
Price & Availability
- KEF LS50 Meta – $1,499.99/pair (at Amazon / Crutchfield)
- Colors: Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White, and a Royal Blue Special Edition.
- Available today, September 22, 2020.
- KEF LS50 Wireless II – $2,499.99/pair (at Crutchfield)
- Colors: Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White as a Crimson Red Special Edition.
- Available October 11, 2020.
- KEF S2 Floor Stands – $449.99/pair (at Amazon / Crutchfield)
- Work with both speakers, will be available in all of the respective colorways.
- Available today, September 22, 2020.
About KEF
KEF was founded in 1961 by Raymond Cooke OBE (1925–1995). Headquartered, in those early years, in a Nissen Hut on the premises of Kent Engineering & Foundry in the UK, after more than half a century at the cutting edge of audio the company remains committed to excellence in sound. From ground-breaking Uni-Q technology to the bar-setting LS50 Wireless, KEF’s flair for the unusual – and sometimes controversial – balances an obsession with design in harmony with the most innovative engineering. KEF’s reputation for quality is founded on a refusal to compromise on aural authenticity or experience.
