In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by KEF. KEF R8 Meta is a Surround speaker whereas the LS50 Meta is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF R8 Meta and KEF LS50 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | KEF R8 Meta | KEF LS50 Meta |
|---|
| Brand | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Uni-Q driver | 12th Generation Uni-Q | 12th Generation Uni-Q |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" Hard-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" | 5.25" Aluminum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 97-17.5k Hz | 79-28k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 85 dB | 85 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 40-100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.49kg / 9.9lbs | 7.82kg / 17.2lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 7-1/4" x 6-15/16" x 10-7/16"
184.2 x 176.2 x 265.1mm | 11-15/16" x 7.875" x 11-1/16"
303.0 x 201.0 x 281.0mm |
|---|
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both R8 Meta and LS50 Meta are 2-way speakers.
KEF R8 MetaKEF LS50 Meta
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
KEF R8 Meta |
KEF LS50 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
R8 Meta features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" 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
R8 Meta has a frequency range of 97-17.5k Hz whereas LS50 Meta has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 79Hz, the LS50 Meta can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R8 Meta's min frequency of 97Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Surround class in our database.
Low Frequency
Surround Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
R8 Meta is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the LS50 Meta which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the R8 Meta can provide this impedance level.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 85 dBdB.
Sensitivity
Surround Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
R8 Meta 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
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare KEF R8 Meta's and KEF LS50 Meta's external dimensions. KEF R8 Meta has external dimensions of 184.2 x 176.2 x 265.1mm () 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 24.8mm wider, 118.8mm taller and 15.9mm deeper than KEF R8 Meta.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
KEF LS50 Meta needs about 21% more floor or shelf area. KEF LS50 Meta is 16mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. KEF LS50 Meta is 119mm taller.
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 KEF R8 Meta is approximately 467.1cm2 / 72.4inch2 and base area of the KEF LS50 Meta is approximately 564.8cm2 / 87.5inch2. The R8 Meta requires 17% less surface area than the LS50 Meta which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of KEF LS50 Meta?
Here are the items that come with the LS50 Meta:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Foam port plugs
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Owners Manual
- Warranty Registration Card