KEF accuracy in a more sensitive speaker?

[pup.biz]

What's up AK,

I recently picked up a Sansui AU-7500 from CL. I'm currently running a pair of KEF LSX which I got for a great deal, but I just don't love having powered speakers and there's all sorts of little finicky issues with the app, inputs, etc... that made going back to a solid, reliable Sansui amp too appealing (not to mention the deal I got ;-) ).

The thing is I really like the sound from the LSX – specifically the soundstage and accuracy. I'd never heard sound really come from between the speakers like I do with the LSX. Their closest passive relatives, the KEF LS50s, are too power-hungry for the 7500, though, and out of my price range. Are there any speakers that would pair well with the 7500 that could hit that same spot for me? Am I wrong about KEFs being too power-hungry for the 7500? Are there other speakers you'd compare to the KEFs in terms of sound signature? Etc, etc...

Thanks a million

 

[nerdorama]

Too many questions to resolve an answer yet. How big is your listening room, what is the range of your music choices, how loud do you like to play, etc? I have used KEF's with sub 10 watt tube amps and enjoyed them. Also have used a McIntosh MC2505 with over 50 watts. Again, ok for me. I don't rock out too much but some classical music has a wide dynamic range.

Can you try the Sansui with potential speakers before buying?
Good luck with the hunt,
John

 

[jazzmans]

40 watts is plenty of power for the LS-50, unless you're looking for headbanging volume.

speaking from experience. I've driven mine with a 10 watt lepai chip amp with no problem til you turn it up. Usually mine are fed a 100 wpc chip amp, outputting less then 5 watts.

Ocassionally mine get fed from a 350 wpc carver amp as well. to get LOUD you'll want 50-100 watts.

 

[pup.biz]

Too many questions to resolve an answer yet. How big is your listening room, what is the range of your music choices, how loud do you like to play, etc? I have used KEF's with sub 10 watt tube amps and enjoyed them. Also have used a McIntosh MC2505 with over 50 watts. Again, ok for me. I don't rock out too much but some classical music has a wide dynamic range.

Can you try the Sansui with potential speakers before buying?
Good luck with the hunt,
John

Thanks for the response, John! My listening room right now is about 12'x18' with a bed and bookshelf and two windows and furniture. I listen to pretty much everything, with a rock and jazz bent — basically music made with instruments more than music made with computers. I also use the speakers for TV sound — I definitely value evenness of response and flexibility, hence why I like the flatter signature and pinpoint accuracy of the LSX. I rarely push the speakers into ear-splitting volume if ever, but I am absolutely looking for that dynamic range — something I heard (maybe falsely) that the LS50s only get with more power. If I'm watching a movie I'll turn it up, but for reference the LSXs (pretty small speakers) get louder than I ever have any use for.

40 watts is plenty of power for the LS-50, unless you're looking for headbanging volume.

speaking from experience. I've driven mine with a 10 watt lepai chip amp with no problem til you turn it up. Usually mine are fed a 100 wpc chip amp, outputting less then 5 watts.

Ocassionally mine get fed from a 350 wpc carver amp as well. to get LOUD you'll want 50-100 watts.

Hey Jazzman! That rocks to hear, thank you for the info. Really this is coming from heresy on the internet so it's good to get input from people who actually own these speakers. I am definitely more interested in getting good sound than any sound, hence why I'd be fine going with a different speaker if the LS50s might not love the Sansui all that much.

 

[nerdorama]

The LS50's have a fairly low sensitivity of 85dB. If you can get some speakers at 90 or higher it will be like having an amp with over twice the power compared to the 50's. I have some KEF C80 floor standers and also the Reference 103/3 and 102's. They all do fine for me with moderate powered amps. I've used them all with my DIY sub 10watt tube amp and more powerful amps as well. My main speakers are Goldenear Triton 1's which have built-in subs with sub amps. The mid/treble section is rated around 92dB/w at 1meter. The tube amps do really well with these.

If you were anywhere near me I would be happy to loan you some KEF's to try in your space.
John

 

[Orwell84]

If you like the lsx you would love a pair of KEF q150s. They are easy to drive but they also respond nicely to additional power and sound amazing for their size and price.
Good luck!