Nathaniel Posted August 12, 2013 Posted August 12, 2013 I'm currently choosing between the two. What would be the pros and cons of going with either. Additionally, is the MKII the latest iteration of the focus line?
wolster Posted August 12, 2013 Posted August 12, 2013 How about some context to your question. What are your other components? What sort of music do you listen to? This may help those who have heard both speakers better answer your question.
twwen2 Posted August 12, 2013 Posted August 12, 2013 (edited) I've owned both of these at separate times. They're both fantastic speakers. There is no Focus 160 MkII - there has only been one version of the 160 released. It is however part of the "upgraded" Focus range (comprising of 160, 260, 340, 380) The Dynaudios have unparalleled bass depth and weight (for a standmount speaker). The LS50s are no slouches in the bass department, but honestly they've got nothing on the Dyns. The Dynaudios will give you a slightly warmer midrange - the KEFs are a little "drier". Both are exceptionally clean and detailed. The Dynaudios will give you a more forward and attacking presentation. The KEFs are detailed, but the Dyns tend to project images further out from the speaker plane. Both speakers appreciate being driven by powerful amplifiers. Things solid state and 100wpc + Both speakers will give you immense pride of ownership - but the KEFs are just that little bit more special given their radical design (who doesn't like orange drivers?). Hope that all helps Edited August 12, 2013 by twwen2 5
DAMO 1147 Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 i love the kefs - I have not heard the others it seems you cant go wrong.
Nathaniel Posted August 13, 2013 Author Posted August 13, 2013 I've got a wide genre bandwidth that encompasses many genres. I'll be using a PSaudio PWD MKii which I have been using with my headphone setup. Directly connected to that is the naim NAP-100. The setup will be located in a 6x4 m bedroom that is well furnished. Hope that gives more context
Nathaniel Posted August 13, 2013 Author Posted August 13, 2013 I'm also looking for a sound that is as transparent as possible between these two. From what I understand both have a pleasing tonality which make them good for most genres, all that is separating them for me is 1. which one fills a my room better and presents a more coherent soundstage 2. which one images better and is more transparent
twwen2 Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 Nathaniel, 1) This is entirely dependant on your room. You need to listen to them for yourself - see if you can get an in-home demo. 2) They both have excellent imaging, with slightly different takes on the concept. Again, listen to them in person to determine which one you prefer.
DoggieHowser Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 I think the Dynaudio is a better speaker in terms of speed, dynamics and clarity. But I just love how well the LS50 images. And the fact that it is a limited edition makes it appealing to me.
avalon Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 I own the Focus 160's and love them. Haven't heard the LS50's so I can't offer you much useful information by way of comparison. What I can say is that the 160's have amazing bass weight for their size. They need some space around them - too close to a rear wall and the bottom end starts to become a little overpowering. I have found they sound best (in my room) 660mm from the rear wall. Cheers
Nathaniel Posted August 13, 2013 Author Posted August 13, 2013 I've had a go on both but were in entirely different environments which is why I'm asking on SNA. Right now leaning towards the Dyns but anything can change, If only the Dyns can image as well as the LS50
gz76 Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 I've had a go on both but were in entirely different environments which is why I'm asking on SNA. Right now leaning towards the Dyns but anything can change, If only the Dyns can image as well as the LS50 Mate, if there was one speaker that did everything then we'd all be out of a hobby! 3
Nathaniel Posted August 13, 2013 Author Posted August 13, 2013 Some get awfully close. Unfortunately I'm not ready to drop 6 digit figures on a hifi as a uni student Spending that much introduces a new host of problems... like which one has that 0.5% tighter bass
anfs Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 I think the Dynaudio is a better speaker in terms of speed, dynamics and clarity. But I just love how well the LS50 images. And the fact that it is a limited edition makes it appealing to me. I'm pretty sure the LS50 is no longer limited edition 1
Lil Caesar Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 ....Correct. KEF have opened up the production run indefinitely
Krispy Audio Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 I would have thought the difference between these speakers would be big. I haven't heard the Kefs, but single point source v 2-way. I would expect Kefs would be up on coherency and Dyns up on dynamics with great bass. Dyns probably a more versatile sound across all genres, Kefs more intimate? So if you liked both then the choice certainly becomes difficult. I'll have to have a listen to the Kefs one day!!
DoggieHowser Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 I'm pretty sure the LS50 is no longer limited edition When did that change? It was meant to be a 50th Anniversary product originally.
betty boop Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 When did that change? It was meant to be a 50th Anniversary product originally. it could be that it is still a 50th anniversary product, but just doesnt mean there is a limit on how many they make ... sell
Ray H Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 (edited) I would choose the Dyn's, although have not heard the Kef's. the 160's are double the price of the ls50 in the UK, ie a different league. Check this; https://www.rio.com.au/product/0/16/375/dynaudio-focus-160-ii P.s the price on the c1 and c2 mkii on the same site that are "sold out" we're astonishing, did any body score on those prices ?? Edited August 13, 2013 by Raeyz
DoggieHowser Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 it could be that it is still a 50th anniversary product, but just doesnt mean there is a limit on how many they make ... sell To be manufactured only in the 50th Anniversary year. Kinda like the Audio Research Reference 40 tho we all know how that turned out.
New Sensations Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 Kef are keeping the LS50 in production indefinitely.
betty boop Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 To be manufactured only in the 50th Anniversary year. Kinda like the Audio Research Reference 40 tho we all know how that turned out. yes not always the case, eg rega did the p25 to commemorate 25 years and kept makign and selling it till the p5 came along. ortofon released the jubilee to celebrate 80 year anniversary since 1918. you can still buy it as they only stopped making it not that long ago
poiu Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 I have just bought a pair of ls50s from SNA member Gareth, so can comment on them. Ran them all last week and many hours on the weekend. Despite having read most of the reviews (including JDs), there were a few areas where I was still surprised: 1. they really scale up for amps. I listened on 150w bel cantos, and they were great, however on my main system monoblocs (considered high powered SS) they were actually amazing at high SPLs, still extremely detailed and balanced in the mids and uppers - they relished every watt. That is a great asset as you eventually improve your upstream components. 2. I didnt really hear the mid bass bump some have talked about. In fact I quite like the way the lower bass just falls away... I listen to a lot of bass heavy music and I would rather not have it present at all than to have it misrepresented, which is what KEF appear to have done 3. they are quite pretty, I bought them for my girlfriends apartment and WAF was a big consideration, but they are solid, look good and the rose gold colour matches her rose gold samsung tv. they are attractive not just to audio lovers but are symmetrical and attractive in a conventional industrial design sense. dynaudios look sexy to me (Im a sucker for the big dust caps) but definitely leave the girlfriend cold. 4. I like that the ls50s are mass produced. I hate reading how 'speaker X compete with models much more expensive'. Amortising R&D over not just LS50s but Kef Blades, not spreading the Reference range too broadly (3 models, no more) and ordering 50 sea containers from China of LS50s rather than 3 sea containers of Brand Y is a simple path to high end for most people. Short run is over-rated in high end audio. Anyway, even after the hype I was surprised to the upside. 1
LHC Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 1) This is entirely dependant on your room. You need to listen to them for yourself - see if you can get an in-home demo. +1 Great advice. They are small enough for you to set up and pit them against each other at home. Assuming you are in Adelaide, Challenge Hi Fi have a in-home demo policy with KEF. While Denis White is a sponsor of SNA (still?) and you should inquire about a home demo of the Dyn at the same time. 1
DoggieHowser Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 (edited) Kef are keeping the LS50 in production indefinitely. Just read your review. Can't believe it is a 2 grand speaker here! It was such a good deal at US$1500. ps one thing I will say about the KEFs is that they are reasonably easy to drive well. I've heard some modest (made in China) NAD integrated amps that can still make the LS50s sing. The Dynaudios are IMHO more power hungry, and can sound a little harsh with anaemic power amps. But they truly sing with a decent Plinius or Chord power amp that has more oomph on tap. Edited August 13, 2013 by DoggieHowser
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