Happy Birthday, KEF!

 

Yes, it’s been 50 years since KEF started engineering and manufacturing their range of audio speakers. Raymond Cooke, the founding member and ex-Wharfedale technical director, realised that he could start a company to build high-quality loud speakers and sell them to people with the desire for quality and affordability in one. As they established themselves as a UKbrand of Hi-Fi speakers, KEF joined a league of manufacturers that had a good clue as to what their buyers expected; the competition consisted of Celestion, B&W and Wharfedale. More of KEF’s history is documented in our previous blog post: ‘KEF are on the Scene'. 

To celebrate KEF’s anniversary, KEF has launched the LS50 – a superb bookshelf speaker that delivers unique design and all the best of KEF’s outstanding technology. To be honest, it’s almost like a ‘greatest hits’ album which also combines those ‘previously un-heard tracks’; it’s a reminder of KEF’s past which is presented in a modern and enthusiastic manner.

KEF's superb LS50 Mini Monitor

Out-the-Box:

 

On first appearances these KEFs are nothing short of being eccentric. However, feel their weight and their structure and you soon realise that KEF still knows how to build solid speaker – even if the cabinet consists of modern materials. The pale orange drivers look better than most images in magazines seem to display. If anything, the orange and black looks both sophisticated, whilst remaining fun and inviting.

 

The drivers are superbly made and look intriguing. The tweeter guard looks like a turbine – a great visual impact is ensued and gives and indication to the KEF LS50’s performance.

 

On Test:

 

Don’t underestimate the LS50! It’s not a novelty as its appearance could indicate – it’s a true speaker worthy of awards and celebrations! This is no joke, they are fantastic!

 

With a broad range of music on play, the LS50’s seemed to warm and respond even better as time went on. They’re sound is luscious and smooth, generating a delicious reception and sound stage.

KEF's LS50's are intended to give you an impression of what the studio engineer experiences, but without the masses of consloles, cables and equipment.

Backs to the walls! Many speakers sound different in various locations. As the LS50’s a re rear-ported, their bass is strongest when sitting six inches from the wall and angled inward; providing a sensuous sweet spot as a result. The tone at the high-end of the frequency range is delivered well and doesn’t appear to be ridiculously bright. In fact, all frequencies seem to blend well in their delivery. Bass is fast, mids are apparent and defined, whilst the highs are clean and surprisingly silky. However, with the speaker assembly comprising of both the tweeter and woofer on the same segment, the sound stage seems to be natural and realistic. For those looking for an accurate speaker, these are ideal candidates!

 

Conclusion:

When accuracy and tonal qualities are essential, the KEF LS50’s truly show what KEF’s engineers are capable of producing. Don’t be afraid of turning up the volume, either: the LS50 is a gentle giant when delivering the required performance of any task.

 

All we can say is, ‘We love them’! Once again, Happy Birthday, KEF!