KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers - Sandshell

The KEF LS50 Meta is a state‑of‑the‑art bookshelf loudspeaker that builds on the legendary LS50. It is the first loudspeaker to employ Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which uses a maze‑like structure to absorb 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter. Paired with KEF’s 12th‑generation Uni‑Q driver array, the LS50 Meta delivers exceptionally accurate, three‑dimensional sound that fills the room with a wide, evenly dispersed soundstage.

Drawing on decades of acoustic innovation, the LS50 Meta also features a patented off‑set flexible port designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics to reduce turbulence and resonances, ensuring clear midrange and deep, articulate bass. Its rigid, low‑diffraction cabinet is constructed from injection‑moulded Dough Moulding Compound with internal bracing and constrained layer damping for minimal coloration. Available in four matte finishes and with threaded inserts for KEF S2 floor stands, it blends timeless design with cutting‑edge technology.

Key Features:

• Metamaterial Absorption Technology: MAT eliminates 99% of unwanted high‑frequency distortion by absorbing the sound radiated from the back of the tweeter, resulting in purer, more natural high‑frequency reproduction.
• 12th‑Generation Uni‑Q Driver Array: The point‑source Uni‑Q driver places the vented aluminium dome tweeter at the acoustic centre of the 5.25‑inch aluminium mid‑bass cone, delivering a detailed, accurate and evenly dispersed soundstage.
• Offset Flexible Port: A patented port design, calculated with CFD, delays the onset of turbulence and incorporates flexible port walls to prevent resonances from colouring the midrange, delivering exceptional depth and clarity.
• Rigid Cabinet with DMC Baffle: The curved, injection‑moulded DMC baffle and heavily braced cabinet with constrained layer damping suppress internal vibrations and diffraction for low coloration and precise imaging.
• Wide Frequency Response & Low Distortion: With a frequency range of 47 Hz–45 kHz (‑6 dB) and in‑room bass down to 26 Hz, plus harmonic distortion below 0.4% (175 Hz–20 kHz), the LS50 Meta reproduces music with impressive bandwidth and fidelity.
• Elegant Design & Finishes: Available in Carbon Black, Mineral White, Sand Shell and Moss Green with a matte finish, the LS50 Meta features recessed terminals and threaded inserts for easy mounting on S2 floor stands (sold separately).

Product Specifications:

• Model: LS50 Meta
• Design: Two‑way bass reflex bookshelf speaker
• Drive units: Uni‑Q array: 25 mm vented aluminium dome tweeter with MAT; 130 mm (5.25 in) aluminium mid‑bass cone
• Crossover frequency: 2.1 kHz
• Frequency range (‑6 dB): 47 Hz – 45 kHz
• Typical in‑room bass response (‑6 dB): 26 Hz
• Frequency response (±3 dB): 79 Hz – 28 kHz
• Harmonic distortion (90 dB/1 m): <0.4% (175 Hz – 20 kHz); <0.1% (300 Hz – 10 kHz)
• Maximum output: 106 dB
• Recommended amplifier power: 40 – 100 W per channel
• Nominal impedance: 8 Ω (minimum 3.5 Ω)
• Sensitivity (2.83 V/1 m): 85 dB
• Weight (per speaker): 7.8 kg (17.2 lb)
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 302 × 200 × 280.5 mm (11.9 × 7.9 × 11.0 in)
• Finishes: Carbon Black, Mineral White, Sand Shell, Moss Green

FAQs:

What is Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) in the LS50 Meta?

Metamaterial Absorption Technology uses a labyrinth of precisely tuned channels to absorb 99% of the unwanted sound radiated from the rear of the tweeter, virtually eliminating high‑frequency distortion and delivering a purer, more natural sound.

How does the Uni‑Q driver improve the soundstage?

KEF’s 12th‑generation Uni‑Q driver array places the tweeter at the acoustic center of the mid‑bass cone, acting as a single point source. This configuration produces a coherent, three‑dimensional soundstage that is evenly dispersed so the “sweet spot” is anywhere in the room.

What frequency range does the LS50 Meta reproduce?

The speaker has a frequency range of 47 Hz to 45 kHz (‑6 dB), with typical in‑room bass response down to 26 Hz and a frequency response of 79 Hz to 28 kHz within ±3 dB, ensuring full‑range playback from deep bass to shimmering highs.

What amplifier power is recommended for the LS50 Meta?

KEF recommends using an amplifier that can deliver between 40 and 100 watts per channel to drive the LS50 Meta effectively, ensuring plenty of headroom for dynamic peaks.

How does the offset port design enhance clarity?

The patented off‑set flexible port, designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics, delays turbulence and allows the port walls to flex, preventing resonances from colouring the midrange. This results in improved clarity and exceptional depth.

What materials are used in the cabinet and baffle?

The LS50 Meta’s cabinet uses a rigid injection‑moulded Dough Moulding Compound (DMC) baffle with curved surfaces to reduce diffraction, along with internal bracing and constrained layer damping to suppress vibrations and minimize coloration.

Can the speakers be mounted on stands?

Yes. Each LS50 Meta has threaded inserts on the underside that lock onto KEF’s S2 floor stands (sold separately), which also offer integrated cable management and a mass‑loadable column for stability.

What colour finishes are available?

The LS50 Meta is available in four matte finishes – Carbon Black, Mineral White, Sand Shell and Moss Green – allowing it to complement a wide range of interior decors.

KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers - Sandshell Pair Downloads:

KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers - Sandshell Pair - User Manual
KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers - Sandshell Pair - Specifications Sheet