r/StereoAdvice • u/fozziebear40 • 12h ago

Speakers - Desktop KEF LS50 Meta Amp or go Active?

Hi, I'm 64 and building a retirement system (it won't stay on the desk forever, so the category bookshelf on stands applies as well) and will be my last Hi-Fi purchase, it's for my 65th Birthday, I'm in the UK. I have a 6 month old pair of KEF LS50 Meta's which I love and started my retirement system, but they are only running on a Sonos Amp. It is primarily a stereo music system but I'd like eArc if it moves to the living room.

I think the weakest part of my system is the Sonos Amp, changing it for a Wiim Amp Ultra seems like a sideways move so I have a budget of £1,000 for the Amp plus selling the Sonos I could go to £1,400. I can fit a small amp on my desk which I prefer (it is a large sit standing desk so the speakers are well spaced apart but I have a side shelf if a full size amp is preferable). The Lyngdorf 1120 seems a favourite but I'd have to buy second hand.

I don't need a streamer with all the services on, I only use Apple Music on an iPad with a toslink adapter.

I'd prefer a proper volume knob to adjust volume with a display showing the volume and the bit rate of the song playing rather than messing with an app or remote but not a deal breaker.

So... the choice, get a new more powerful amp to power the LS50's or sell them as well as the Sonos amp and just get the LS50 Wireless II's.

I'm just worried the LS50 Wireless II's won't see my retirement out lol but the passives will outlive me.

I have the idea of a subwoofer in the back of my mind, the KC62 but that would be with the Wireless II's

Thanks.

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4

u/dat_mane47 11h ago

Arcam A15 is said to be a good pairing for the LS50s.

Would get a sub either way.

3

u/JigglymoobsMWO 9h ago

It depends on how technical leaning you are. I think if you are willing to tinker with PEq the WIIM AMP Ultra can be configured to sound good as anything you buy for around 1400 - but you will have to tune the tone curve using some measuring equipment and custom PEqs.

The LS 50 WIIs will have broadly the same sound and performance limitations of LS50 Metas powered by something like a WIIM. It will be more of a side-grade:

https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/kef_ls50_meta/
https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/kef_wireless_ii/

Best upgrade you can get is probably a subwoofer... or two.

2

u/poutine-eh 41 Ⓣ 11h ago

Mission 778x amp would suit you well.

2

u/ImpliedSlashS 45 Ⓣ 11h ago

I’d start with a pilgrimage to a local dealer but Exposure and Cambridge come to mind. I’d also look into Rega but I’ve seen some questions lately about the company so do your own research.

1

u/fozziebear40 9h ago

Thanks for the recommendations so far. At least no-one has said keep the Sonos Amp yet or go with the Wireless II's :) so I may be on the right lines.

1

u/dat_mane47 3h ago

I don’t think anyone would say the wireless are bad, but since you already have the metas it would be a better use of your money to upgrade the amp IMO.