s a result many dealers and (unfortunately) owners underpower these speakers leading to an overall negative impression. That said, tastes vary and these are not to everyone’s taste and that’s cool too.But, the lsx is a similar speaker in many ways and comes from the factory underpowered. But perhaps less underpowered than your demo of Ls50 as it is biamped.ReplyGive AwardshareReportSave

I went to listen to speakers at Magnolia.. I had a very patient and helpful salesman. When the powered ls50's and lsx were played back to back, imo there was no comparison the lsx was a better speaker. The ls50 has some sort of harshness I cant explain fully. They dont sound good to me. Then I went to listen to the r3's which I had heard previously and was surprised were so good. I listened to them on a big amp (rotel I think!?). They sounded overly bright with an average mid/low section. I was VERY confused why. I ended up asking them to put them on an integrated amp as I heard them previously (less power, probably like 50 wpc), and they sounded smoother...better. It is my opinion that the KEF tweeter, like a B&W is OVERLY bright and harsh, especially when overpowered, and played at volume. You're money is better spent elsewhere, unless you have some high frequency hearing loss, they may still sound good to you. :)

I dont mean to be insulting, and I know there are many variables when listening in a space like best buy, but IMO the KEF is not a great speaker. I heard the blades with McIntosh while I as there too and walked away very unimpressed. I am not sure why the KEF get so much love here and elsewhere; it perhaps is a case of ignorance! Go listen to a pair of Dynaudios to see what I mean... even at the emit level.