90%
KEF LS50 Meta
The World's First Speakers with Metamaterial
LS50 Meta is a highly precise, emotionally engaging loudspeaker built on revolutionary acoustic technology. Designed around the Uni-Q 12th Generation with Metamaterial Absorption Technology driver array, this solid, compact loudspeaker is capable of delivering detailed sound anywhere in the room.
Performance
Most accurate, immersive sound
Metamaterial Absorption Technology eliminates 99% of high-frequency distortion for pure, natural sound
12th generation Uni-Q with MAT driver array for exceptional acoustic accuracy
Driver Performance Optimisation for enhanced sonic performance, less distortion and reduced coloration
Patented off-set flexible port for reduced midrange coloration with exceptional levels of depth and detail
Design
Attention to every detail
Optimised cabinet design for best acoustic performance
Available in 4 finishes
With mounting inserts to secure on KEF S2 Floor Stand (available as separate item)
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With a remarkable, airy soundstage and refined high‑frequency control from its Metamaterial Absorption Technology, the LS50 Meta pairs nimble bass and vivid, stable imaging for a hugely engaging listen. Reviewers from HiFi News and What Hi‑Fi? note its exceptional clarity and 3‑D imaging.
Pros
- Expansive, three‑dimensional soundstage with very precise, stable imaging — instruments and voices sit clearly in space.
- Cleaner, smoother high end thanks to the Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which reduces rear‑wave tweeter distortion and tames sibilance.
- Highly detailed, forward midrange and excellent instrument separation — vocals and mids are clear, focused and very revealing of recording detail.
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Cons
- Lowest‑octave extension is limited compared with larger floorstanders; serious low bass may require a subwoofer for some rooms or high‑level listening.
- Moderate sensitivity (≈85dB) and impedance dips mean the speakers benefit from a stronger amplifier to fully exploit dynamics and headroom.
Sound Quality
91/100
Bass
88/100
Multiple reviewers noted bass is 'plenty deep for such small speakers' and 'surprisingly deep' for a 5.25" driver in a small ported cabinet, though it lacks the deep extension and effortless output of much larger speakers and sometimes benefits from a sub.
Mid
92/100
Consistently praised as clearer, more detailed and more forward than the original LS50; vocals are placed solidly and midrange clarity is repeatedly emphasized across reviews.
Treble
91/100
Highs are cleaner and less ragged than the predecessor thanks to the MAT/tweeter refinements; reviewers report air, finesse and reduced sibilance while retaining detail and extension.
Soundstage Imaging
95/100
Multiple reviewers called the soundstaging 'stellar', 'huge' and 'hyper-focused' with images that are rock-solid and extend well beyond the cabinets; some sources even listed it as a Recommended Reference Component for imaging.
Dynamics
89/100
Speakers show strong attack, grip and transient speed for the form factor with good large-scale dynamics, though they lack the effortless headroom of larger floorstanders at the loudest volumes.
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Build Quality
90/100
Well-braced, carefully damped MDF cabinet with refined finishes and the new Metamaterial Absorption Technology and tweeter-gap damper; attention to driver and port detail noted by multiple reviewers.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive bookshelf baseline applied: single pair of high-quality binding posts and a rear port. No DSP/app/streaming expected or penalized.
Value for Money
92/100
At $1499/pair (often discounted), reviewers repeatedly call it a bargain/class leader for the price and compare it favorably to much costlier standmounts, making it strong value for money.
Reviews
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