KEF LS50 - DOES META MEAN BETTER?

Imagine it, you are living in 1961 with clear disappointment in the way music sounds. Will you stand down? Raymond Cooke didn’t, and that is what this passion that lead to the creation of countless innovations in speakers, including the KEF LS50 Metas. 

KEF (named after Kent Engineering and Foundry) has one sole purpose - to listen to music without compromise. That is what Mr Raymond Cooke believed in when he started the journey. Inspired by his love of music, he made it his goal to fill rooms with music as it was made to be heard.

There are two types of music lovers in the HiFi world. Those who would hike a large valley to experience the world through a clear stunning transparent window, and those who are looking for an exciting experience - The listening equivalent of a thrill-seeker who jumps in any roller-coaster or throws themselves out of a plane to skydive.

They are both enjoyable and valid ways to listen to music, but KEF believe in combining those valley views with a ride a few dB away from a adrenaline rush. 

They’ve proven this time and time again, with their top end reference series as well as dedicated studio monitors engineered for recording professionals (We have sold a pair or two to recording engineers local to Portsmouth).

But they are far from bland. KEF’s LS50s have been a statement to the HiFi world for 11 Generations of models. They offer you the music as the artists pictured it, as the artists imagined it. But with the changing times the 12th generation has entered the picture, the LS50 Meta. But does Meta mean better?

So what is Meta?

Meta stands for Metamaterial, a substance that exists to contain no acoustic traits seen by any natural material. KEF implemented Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) in the LS50 Meta as a type of acoustic treatment to reduce up to 99% of unwanted sound bouncing created from the back of the driver. In short, they have managed to reach new levels of clarity, having reduce the Mid-Band total Harmonic Distortion to a low of 0.07%. This means your ears can enjoy a immersive experience with even more clarity throughout the frequency spectrum. Which, in turn, has helped balance out the bass frequencies, an issue that has been noticed with its predecessor.

Sounds like some sort of Sci-Fi voodoo to me! luckily KEF have given it a more indepth look in this video here.

The LS50 Metas have set a new precedent in speaker technology, especially in being an affordable high end bookshelf speaker. KEF also have the benefit of very few competitors a similar price range.

The KEF are a master-stroke of balance to compliment a wide range of music, with a dash of excitement to make you want to listen more and more.

So let’s sum this up

The KEF LS50 Metas are a great option to consider when thinking about upgrading your speakers, and would integrate well in a wide range of home systems. The well balance nature of the speakers offers a versatility when it comes to pairing with almost any amp. They’re not afraid of performing in a larger room with their surprising bass response.

The New LS50 are currently available in four finishes - Carbon Black, Mineral White, Royal Blue and Titanium Grey.

Thank you for reading - Jake and Nick - Audio T Portsmouth

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with what’s going on in store.

KEF can be found at the following Audio-T stores

Join The Queue And Hear the New KEF Q Series Speaker Range

Now in store is some of the new Q Series range from KEF. We have the new Q 150, Q 350, and Q 550 on display in the shop.

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With their sleek new looks and colour coordinated drive units these speakers really do look very smart indeed. KEF have improved all aspects of the design over the older Q Series (which was a very well received range in its own right.

KEF's famous Uni-Q driver has been improved again as has the bass unit giving a better performance-for-price than ever before.

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The sound is great too. The little Q 150 sounding like a younger brother to the famous LS50 with its small footprint it was pumping out Rag'n'Bone man like a floorstander!

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The Q 350 was put through its paces with some female vocals courtesy of Bjork and the detail clarity and precision was astounding, the soundstage is huge with these speakers.

Yes the driver is dark blue!

Yes the driver is dark blue!

For a relatively compact floorstander the Q 550 really does give that big room-filling sound, a little bit of classic Queen really made these speakers sing for their supper! We followed it with some Muse.......just to make sure, but they can also do delicacy, Sarah McLachlan's plaintive voice proved that they can.

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It seems safe to say KEF have come up with a winner in the new Q Series. They have all the hallmarks of the KEF Uni-Q designs with great dispersion and imagery, and great dynamic range and presence for their price points. They will work equally well in two channel stereo or multi-channel home cinema systems, so come and have a listen.

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On the subject of KEF we also have the magnificent Blade 2 speakers here for a short time so grab the chance to have a listen while you can!!

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You can contact us to arrange a demonstration or just pop in for a listen at Audio T Brentwood.

Thanks for reading. Paul, Jason and Francis.

KEF Loudspeakers are also available from the following branches of Audio T:
BrentwoodBristolCardiffEnfieldManchesterOnlinePortsmouthPrestonSouthampton,
SwanseaSwindon

Upcoming November Events in Brentwood

 

We're having a few fun musical events/ open days in Brentwood during November.

On the 20th REL will be visiting with some BIG subwoofers to show how much can be gained by adding those lower registers to both HiFi and home cinema systems. We'll also have the projector room set up with a Dolby Atmos system for your delight and delectation. This will run in store from 12 noon until 8PM, be sure to come along and prepare to be impressed.

 

Then on the 27th we will have systems from KEF, The Chord Company, Chord Electronics and Project running again from 12 noon until 8PM. Chord Electronics are promising some meaty amps (alongside current favourites like the Hugo and Qute DACs) to drive the Blade 2 from KEF. There will also be some new KEF Reference speakers, Chord Company Tuned Aray cables and one of the top flight Project turntables for some vinyl delights.

And speaking of vinyl delights don't forget our Vinyl Saturday on the 15th with the guys from Diverse Vinyl

 

We're looking forward to seeing you and tempting you with some wonderful sounds and equipment....and maybe a bargain or two!

See you then

 

Paul, Francis, and Boswell

Arcam, REL & The Chord Company Enfield Store Event

  Join us on the 16th & 17th of November as we showcase Arcam's superb 450 & 750 AVRs! If that isn't enough, we will be demonstrating how these two highly respectable systems can be improved further by using Chord Co. Tuned ARAY cables for music & REL Subwoofers for music & movies.

  We will be kicking off with Arcam's AVR450, BDP300 & irDAC partnered with KEF speakers. The Chord Co. Chorus Reference will be replaced with the Signature Tuned ARAY...

  Then followed by REL's Awesome T-7 & the discrete on wall Habitat1.

  We will then move on to Arcam's Flagship AVR the AVR750, BDP300 & D33 partnered with B&W speakers.(where the all New CM10's will be making an appearance!)

  This time The Chord Co. Anthem Reference will be replaced by the Indigo Tuned ARAY...

  REL's R328 will also join the party, followed by the monster that is REL's G-2!

  So whether you're interested in Arcam's new AVRs, what Chord Tuned ARAY is all about, to find out what performance gains come from using REL subwoofers, to listen to the new B&W CM10's, or to nibble on some lovely cheeses & drink fine wine : p book a place and come on down.

  There will be a prize draw for one lucky winner who books and attends the event, for the chance to win the fantastic Arcam rBlink!

  

 Me,John & Jason look forward to seeing you

Please contact us either by phone or email to book a place

The bookable slots on both days are as follows:
11:00 - 12:00
12:30 - 1:30
2:00 - 3:00
3:30 - 4:30
5:00 - 6:00

Audio-T Enfield
Tel: 0208 367 3132
enfield@audio-t.co.uk

Thanks
Simon

Anthem to launch new MRX AV Receivers at Audio T Manchester.

On Thursday 24th October, Anthem will be at Audio T Manchester to showcase their newly released MRX recievers. Anthem's Technical Sales Manager Tom Garrett will be here to answer any questions regarding the new line up of AV receivers.

Using our dedicated AV room, you will get a chance to listen the new MRX710 or MRX510 reciever along with the KEF R Series and if the outgoing Anthem MRX amps are anything to go by the new range should absolutely sing in our demo room. 

 

Enhancements to GEN 2, at a glance.
Superb high-quality amp performance includes Anthem’s Advanced Load
Monitoring to keep a constant eye on output.
ARC 1M, an enhanced version of Anthem Room Correction ensures the
speakers’ award-winning sound isn’t lost in a less-than-perfect room situation.
Outstanding power – 7 channels in MRX 710 and MRX 510;
5 channels in MRX 310 (see Technical Specs section for power output).
More HDMI inputs! 7 + 1 = 7 rear inputs and one front-panel input on
MRX 710 and MRX 510. 7 rear inputs on MRX 310.
Dual HDMI outputs.
4K Upscaling and Pass-Through.
HDMI Audio Return Channel.
Faster HDMI switching.
Up to 20 input configurations.
Software updates via the USB port.
More robust control: IP and RS-232 control drivers for full integration
with automation.
Remote control apps for iOS (Apple) and Android.
Larger, easier-to-read on-screen menus and improved status displays.
Dual speaker configuration.
Speaker crossover now adjustable in 10-Hz Increments.
Optical, coaxial and analog inputs send 2-channel music to Zone 2.
Bi-amp the front Left/Right speakers with MRX 710 and MRX 510.

 

 

The ever popular KEF R Series

Anthem have chosen the KEF R Series as their speaker package of choice.

We are still waiting for the new Anthems to arrive at Manchester so can't wait to listen to them on the 24th October.

Keep your eye on our blog and we will keep you posted on any updates on Anthem's new receivers.

So make note in your diary for the 24th October 2013.

Event timings for the day:

12:00pm to 7:30pm


Audio-T Manchester
Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30



 

 

Heed, KEF and AudioQuest Come To Brentwood!

We are delighted to announce that we will be holding another two channel stereo Hi-Fi event and this time we will be showcasing Heed amplification, KEF loudspeakers and AudioQuest cables and interconnects.

Separated over three rooms we will be running the following set ups:

Heed's award winning Obelisk Integrated with the DT Transport. Another transport with a Pre and PS (Stereo Power Amp) and PM (Mono Power Amp). Thrown into the mix will also be the DA (DAC) which we will be using with a laptop to show off what an asynchronous DAC can do!

And for vinyl heads we will be using the infamous Quasar Questar MM/MC phono stage with a Michell GyroDec in our bigger system and the Rega RP6 in our smaller system.

KEF will be showing off their fantastic Reference range with a pair of 203/2's in the bigger of the dem rooms and then using the R range through out the rest of the systems. As well as one of our personal favourites the LS50!

AudioQuest will be joining these systems all together with their many RCA balanced interconnects, speaker cables, USB, Mains cables and more!

The event will be held on Thursday 7th November and will from 12 midday to 7.30pm that evening.

As always feel free to bring along some of your own music. Tea and cake as always will be on offer so even if you fancy listening to some good music through a fantastic system and want some free cake then be our guests.

There will be 10% OFF any orders placed on the day so if you're looking to upgrade that will be the time to do it!!

Anymore enquiries contact us on 01277-264730 or brentwood@audio-t.co.uk

Thanks again

Danny & Paul