In this review, we will be comparing Silver 100 7G and LS50 Meta, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Monitor Audio and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G and KEF LS50 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G and KEF LS50 Meta speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G 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 Silver 100 7G and LS50 Meta are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G |
KEF LS50 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Silver 100 7G features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" C-CAM RST II 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
Silver 100 7G has a frequency range of 35-35k Hz whereas LS50 Meta has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Silver 100 7G 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
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G
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
Silver 100 7G and LS50 Meta have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Silver 100 7G sensitivity is rated at 87.5 dB and the LS50 Meta's is at 85 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G 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.
Silver 100 7G can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas LS50 Meta has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the Silver 100 7G.
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
Silver 100 7G features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. LS50 Meta has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF LS50 Meta's Post terminals
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 Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G's and KEF LS50 Meta's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G has external dimensions of 377.0 x 232.0 x 332.0mm ( 14-13/16 x 9-1/8 x 13-1/16inch) 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) .
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 31mm wider, 74mm taller and 51mm deeper than KEF LS50 Meta.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G and KEF LS50 Meta in scale.
Comparison image of Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G and KEF LS50 Meta Size and External Dimensions
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 Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G is approximately 770.2cm2 / 119.4inch2 and base area of the KEF LS50 Meta is approximately 564.8cm2 / 87.5inch2. The Silver 100 7G requires 36% more surface area than the LS50 Meta which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G and KEF LS50 Meta on a Media Console
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 Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G weighs 9.43kg / 20.7lbs and the KEF LS50 Meta weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the Silver 100 7G 21% heavier than the LS50 Meta.
Here is a comparison of how Silver 100 7G and LS50 Meta's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Silver 100 7G:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles4 Jumpers (pre-installed)8 Rubber feet2 Foam port plugsHex-keyOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
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
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
35 Hz
vs
79 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Price per pair* |
1400USD
vs
1600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
303mm
vs
377mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
564cm2 (201x281mm)
vs
770cm2 (232x332mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G |
KEF LS50 Meta |
| Brand |
Monitor Audio |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
40-120 watts |
40-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87.5 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.5 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
35-35k Hz |
79-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
C-CAM RST II |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2100Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
377.0mm (14.8") |
303.0mm (11.9") |
| Width |
232.0mm (9.1") |
201.0mm (7.9") |
| Depth |
332.0mm (13.1") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
9.43kg (20.7lbs) |
7.82kg (17.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Polymer |
| Available Colors |
Ash,High Gloss Black,Black Oak,Satin White |
Carbon Black,Titanium Grey,Royal Blue,Mineral White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-26" |
25-30" |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |