SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
  • SMART FIND
  1. Home
  2. KEF Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
KEF LS50 Meta Review
KEF LS50 Meta

Main Features

  • 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:17.20 lbs / 7.82 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 11-15/16"x7.875"x11-1/16" / 303.0 x 201.0 x 281.0mm
CHECK PRICE

Compare To

x
Add a Speaker for comparison
KEF LS50 Meta Review
KEF LS50 Meta KEF LS50 Meta
See at AMAZON

KEF LS50 Meta is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by KEF. It features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 85 dB. KEF LS50 Meta has an MSRP of 1600$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the KEF LS50 Meta is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

KEF replaced the older LS50 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare KEF LS50 Meta vs KEF LS50

KEF's LS Series of Loudspeakers

LS50 Meta is a member of KEF's LS series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

KEF LS Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
KEF LS50 Meta
79-28k Hz 85 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
KEF LS50
Compare
79-28k Hz 85 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
KEF LS50C Meta
Compare
79-28k Hz 85 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the KEF LS50 Meta Speaker

KEF LS50 Meta has a Frequency response range of 79-28k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 40-100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 79 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from LS50 Meta so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with KEF LS50 Meta, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $2000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how LS50 Meta's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
KEF LS50 Meta
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
KEF LS50 Meta
Min
Average
Max

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 2000$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Bookshelf speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the KEF LS50 Meta's 79Hz:

  • B&W 607 S2 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ LS50 Meta)
  • B&W 606 S2 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ LS50 Meta)
  • B&W 606 S3 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ LS50 Meta)
  • B&W 607 S3 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ LS50 Meta)
  • Wharfedale EVO4.2 with Low Frequency of 54 Hz (Compare w/ LS50 Meta)

Crossover frequency of the KEF LS50 Meta?

The Crossover frequency of the LS50 Meta is set to 2100Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Impedance and Sensitivity

KEF LS50 Meta's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.5 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 85 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
KEF LS50 Meta
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so KEF LS50 Meta is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 85 dB, KEF LS50 Meta is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Minimum Impedance of the KEF LS50 Meta

Even though the nominal impedance of the LS50 Meta is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to KEF is 3.5 ohms KEF LS50 Meta so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the KEF LS50 Meta:

  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 3000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

LS50 Meta features Post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
KEF LS50 Meta Back View
KEF LS50 Meta Back View

KEF LS50 Meta External Dimensions and Weight

KEF LS50 Meta has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 11-15/16 x 7.875 x 11-1/16inch (303.0 x 201.0 x 281.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of KEF LS50 Meta is approximately 564.8cm2 / 87.5inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of KEF LS50 Meta, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

KEF LS50 Meta Real Life Body Size Comparison
KEF LS50 Meta Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the KEF LS50 Meta virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

KEF LS50 Meta placed next to an amplifier and turntable
KEF LS50 Meta Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The KEF LS50 Meta weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how LS50 Meta's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
KEF LS50 Meta
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $2000
KEF LS50 Meta
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

KEF LS50 Meta has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Polymer finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

KEF LS50 Meta comes with 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

KEF LS50 Meta is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe. LS50 Meta comes with 2 Foam port plugs so if you don't have any choice but place the speakers too close to the walls or other surfaces, you can use these plugs in order to avoid boomy or too much bass.

Available colors

KEF LS50 Meta is available in Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Royal Blue and Mineral White.

KEF LS50 Meta  Colors
KEF LS50 Meta Colors

Wall Mounting

LS50 Meta doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Speaker Stands

KEF sells a dedicated speaker stand for the LS50 Meta with a model name KEF S2. You can check the latest price and availability of these stands at B&H PHOTO and Amazon.

KEF S2 for KEF LS50 Meta
KEF S2 Speaker Stands for KEF LS50 Meta

What's in the Box of KEF LS50 Meta?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of LS50 Meta:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Warranty Registration Card
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the KEF LS50 Meta.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
    • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the KEF LS50 Meta, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for KEF LS50 Meta

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the KEF LS50 Meta speaker:
    Official Brochure for KEF LS50 Meta

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the KEF LS50 Meta speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for KEF LS50 Meta

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    KEF LS50 Meta Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    KEF LS50
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 79-28k Hz
    KEF LS50 Wireless II
    Compare
    2-way 380w Built-in 4.2 45-28k Hz
    KEF Q350
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 63-28k Hz
    KEF R3
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    KEF LSX II
    Compare
    2-way 200w Built-in 4.2 54-28k Hz
    B&W 606
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G
    Compare
    2-way 87.5 dB 8 ohms 35-35k Hz
    B&W 606 S2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about KEF LS50 Meta
    What is the External Dimensions of KEF LS50 Meta
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of KEF LS50 Meta
    is the KEF LS50 Meta an easy to drive speaker?

    KEF LS50 Meta Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandKEF
    Full Model NameKEF LS50 Meta
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range40-100 watts
    Sensitivity85 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response79-28k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionAluminum
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
    Crossover freq2100Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypePost
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height303.0mm ( 11-15/16-inch)
    Width201.0mm ( 7.875-inch)
    Depth281.0mm ( 11-1/16-inch)
    Height303.0mm ( 11-15/16-inch)
    Weight7.82kg ( 17.20 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Polymer
    Available ColorsCarbon Black,Titanium Grey,Royal Blue,Mineral White
    Mounting BracketNo
    Recommended Stand Height25-30
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
    LATEST BLOG POSTS

    Klipsch La Scala AL6 and Klipschorn AK7 Speakers are Unveiled
    New Audiolab 6000A MkII with upgraded DAC and new HDMI ARC connection
    Q Acoustics 3000c Series Loudspeakers added to the database
    WiiM VibeLink Amp: A Game-Changer for Budget Hi-Fi in 2025
    KEF Meta and Reference Meta Floorstanding Speaker Size and Specs Comparison
    Triangle Borea Bookshelf and Floorstanding Speaker Size and Specs Comparison


    Latest Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Q Acoustics 3010c
    Q Acoustics 3010c
    2-way Bookshelf | 85 dB | 6 ohms
    Q Acoustics 3020c
    Q Acoustics 3020c
    2-way Bookshelf | 87 dB | 6 ohms
    Q Acoustics 3030c
    Q Acoustics 3030c
    2-way Bookshelf | 86.5 dB | 6 ohms
    Q Acoustics 3010i
    Q Acoustics 3010i
    2-way Bookshelf | 86 dB | 6 ohms
    Triangle Borea BR04
    Triangle Borea BR04
    2-way Bookshelf | 90 dB | 8 ohms
    ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
    ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
    2-way Bookshelf | 87 dB | 6 ohms
    ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53
    ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53
    2-way Bookshelf | 86.5 dB | 6 ohms
    Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G
    Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G
    3-way Bookshelf | 86.5 dB | 4 ohms
    Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G
    Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G
    2-way Bookshelf | 85 dB | 4 ohms
    Wharfedale SUPER LINTON
    Wharfedale SUPER LINTON
    3-way Bookshelf | 90 dB | 6 ohms


    Copyright © 2025 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision
    Compare List

      Add a speaker to the List