In this review, we will be comparing SONIK 1 and LS50 Meta, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from DALI and KEF.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of DALI SONIK 1 and KEF LS50 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
DALI SONIK 1 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Wood fiber Woofer
- 51-26k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-100watts
- Weight:4.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 275.0" x 6-3/8" x 8-13/16"( 275.0 x 162.0 x 224.0mm )
KEF LS50 Meta Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
- 79-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:40-100watts
- Weight:7.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 303.0" x 7.875" x 11-1/16"( 303.0 x 201.0 x 281.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the DALI SONIK 1 and KEF LS50 Meta compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both SONIK 1 and LS50 Meta are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
DALI SONIK 1 |
KEF LS50 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.125-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
SONIK 1 features a 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Wood fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the LS50 Meta features a 1" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2100Hz.
Frequency Response
SONIK 1 has a frequency range of 51-26k Hz whereas LS50 Meta has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 51Hz, the SONIK 1 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the LS50 Meta's min frequency of 79Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
SONIK 1 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the LS50 Meta which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. SONIK 1 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the LS50 Meta's is rated at 85 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the DALI SONIK 1 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF LS50 Meta, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
SONIK 1 features Post type posts and LS50 Meta has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF LS50 Meta's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both SONIK 1 and LS50 Meta have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare DALI SONIK 1's and KEF LS50 Meta's external dimensions. DALI SONIK 1 has external dimensions of 275.0 x 162.0 x 224.0mm ( 10-13/16inch x 6-3/8inch x 8-13/16inch ) whereas KEF LS50 Meta has external dimensions of 303.0 x 201.0 x 281.0mm ( 11-15/16 x 7.875 x 11-1/16inch) .
KEF LS50 Meta is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 39mm wider, 28mm taller and 57mm deeper than DALI SONIK 1.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the DALI SONIK 1 is approximately 362.9cm2 / 56.2inch2 and base area of the KEF LS50 Meta is approximately 564.8cm2 / 87.5inch2. The SONIK 1 requires 36% less surface area than the LS50 Meta which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The DALI SONIK 1 weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs and the KEF LS50 Meta weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the LS50 Meta 91% heavier than the SONIK 1.
Here is a comparison of how SONIK 1 and LS50 Meta's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of DALI SONIK 1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SONIK 1:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Sef-adehsive rubber feet 8 Rubber bumpers Quick Start Guide Online Registration Card
What's in the Box of KEF LS50 Meta?
Here are the items that come with the LS50 Meta:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Registration Card
 Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
51 Hz
vs
79 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
275mm
vs
303mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
362cm2
vs
564cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
900USD
vs
1600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
DALI SONIK 1 |
KEF LS50 Meta |
| Brand |
DALI |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
40-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.5 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
51-26k Hz |
79-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Wood fiber |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.125" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2100Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
275.0mm (10.8") |
303.0mm (11.9") |
| Width |
162.0mm (6.4") |
201.0mm (7.9") |
| Depth |
224.0mm (8.8") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
4.10kg (9lbs) |
7.82kg (17.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain laminate |
MDF/Polymer |
| Available Colors |
Black Ash, Natural Oak,White,Walnut |
Carbon Black,Titanium Grey,Royal Blue,Mineral White |
| Mounting Bracket |
Fixed keyhole mount |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
26-28" |
25-30" |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |