Audiophiliac Speakers of the Year 2020!
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- Опубліковано 30 лис 2020
- It was a great year for speakers, so many contenders passed through the Audiophiliac Daily Show, but it came down to just two, Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and KEF LS50 Meta! They're not the biggest or most expensive, but these to just had staying power, they won my heart.
My Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition review • FIRST REVIEW: Bowers &...
My KEF LS50 Meta review • REVIEW: Radically impr...
GoldenEar BRX • REVIEW! The GoldenEar ...
PMC 2521i • REVIEW: PMC Twenty5 21...
Tekton 210 Perfect Set • FIRST REVIEW: Tekton 2...
Wharfedale EVO 4.3 • REVIEW: Wharfedale EVO...
Dynaudio Contour 20i • REVIEW: Dynaudio Conto...
ELAC UniFi UB52 • REVIEW: Pushing the en...
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Please understand, to be the speaker of the year it has to have been introduced this year 2020.
Could I ask what would be the ones in 2019?
Hi Steve, Klipsch RP-600M vs B&W 607 S2 Anniversary Edition. Is there a big difference? Thank you alot^^
Big difference between the 600 M and the 607? Yes huge difference for 600 M is vastly more dynamically alive, and much easier to drive. The 607 is bigger sounding so it is an actually bigger. It makes a lot more base and has a warmer more natural mid range tone
B&W 607 = Made in China and LS50 Meta = Made in China. Great fo our jobs Steve ! For the same price and even less many very good speakers are made in Europe you know...
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac the coveted speaker award should have gone to the Camber 3.6ti. I know a guy who has a pair. He never stops talking about its 8" woofers and the ti tweeter on the internet. Caused Sheila, his wife, to start chain smoking, finally Sheila started sleeping around, and had to get a divorce, to escape the Camber rants she was so tired of him raving about it.
It's the enthusiasm for music and gear that make these reviews and discussion so great. Thanks Steve.
Steve Guttenberg. The Audiophiliac of the year 2020!!
Thanks, Steve. Gonna buy a set of Ls50's when my budget allows.
New look room or not, I had a blast with your commentaries Steve!
Wish you a wonderful Christmas and a truly happening '21.
Stay safe.
Arnab, India
Thx Steve bit of a surprise. I would have thought you'd pick something bigger and more expensive. Love what you do. Don't stop. Happy Hanukkah.
Funny I keep saying that about my room as well 😀thanks Steve!
I can hear you speaking, and I declare you the speaker of the year!
Actually, Steve deserves a Nobel Peace Prize.
In an English text book (at old school) a sample sentence read: The second speaker in the debate will talk about stereophonic sound. The same weak pun in an English textbook (or was it just a longshot fluke)?
Yes, but Steve was created long before 2020!
Aaahhh...great Such speakers! Got to get a pair! And thankyou Steve Gutenberg for accustomed excellence reporting and orienting.
Great to see Kef in there!!
Steve reviews them and i buy them - bought Klipsch 51m - now i just bought the 607 2 - they were a big upgrade - i use a Marantz 5005 and play only classical guitar so its enough for me. thanks Steve - i believe in you for my ears.
Thank you very much Steve. The Kefs are truly amazing. I wld further recommend using the S2 original stands , filled with sand , Isaccoustic or AudioBastion isolators on the spike feet. Ofc bolted down. With a sub next to the listening position ( also your recommendation ). Pure enjoyment. Ofc with gd associated gear. Thanks again.
Love this awards Steve!!! Amps to please...
i have the b&w 606 s2 (slightly bigger version of 607 s2) and they are indeed fantastic. these are monsters with instrumentals and acoustic music. clear, transparent, agile and impactful. highly recommended.
Please compare b&w 606 s2
The best, followed Steve and have read is reviews since I was 18
Steve I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you. Like many of us who are new to the audiophile community we are entering at a time where tube amps are king. From gear to interviews, every thing is so amazing. Thank you, Derek aka Dtec
I’m looking forward to your views on the LS50W2. I’m have the LS50W, and sonically it is great, but the app and usability don’t live up to the performance. I’m very interested to see what the added 150 watts per speaker along with the META technology bring sonically, along with the massively improved app. If I was smart I’d be happy enough with the great performance I already get from the LS50W, but I cant help thinking I’d use them more with the improved interface along with HDMI eARC connectivity for when I am watching my TV.
I like so much that "spells out his "what I heard" and "why"s. It's important for readers to ubderstand Steve's tastes. On top of that he relays the amp needs when the speakers might trouble a 6-8 ohm capacity. If I start planning a "speakers first" system upgrade the top 2 wouldn't do but many of the others would.
I auditioned most of these and went round and round until I heard the Buchardt Audio A500.
Case closed.
Thanks for all you do Steve!
@GAOski seems like Steve is ignoring the A500s. They came out in July. I have them. Very impressive.
That coatrack doubling as a headphone tree is probably the most jealous I've ever been in my life. Not the rack but more so the headphones on it.
indeed, esp. the yellow and white headphones ;-)
Ill be picking up ls50 used soon!!
Turntable of the year award would be fun! 👌
I mean, it seems like you're not really into reviewing turntables and cartridges anymore... or that could just be me.
Hence why i bought the s2. Thanks steve ❤❤❤
I recently found out how good B&W speakers are after finding a pair of 600i at a Goodwill for $8. They handily spanked my Energy C3s which were good, but the B&Ws are on another level.
I don't remember seeing a review of them, but I'd love to know your thoughts on the Elac Carina bookshelf speakers with their ribbon tweeter. Thanks!
I like the phrase "a portal back to the session." Not a cliché in my opinion. It's what a great speaker should do.
I've had many mid range hi-fi speakers getting through my fingers, but none of which got my jaw dropped like the B&W CM2. I've read that their CM1 series is even better sounding. I think I'm at the moment, where I'd buy a pair of 606 S2's and give them a try.
hey steve i love your reviews, would you consider using a umik-1 and rew to show us the response on these speakers so we can make an informed decision from your reviews :)
Nice choices. I was wondering why the B&W 607 and not the slightly bigger 606 S2?
The 606 is too bright. Thus it missed out i believe. 😀
You’re the best Guttenberg!
Hi Steve, Keep up the great work. I'm planning to get the B&W 607S2 Anniversary Edition. Could you recommend an alternative to the Denon PMA-600NE since it's not available anymore here in Belgium? Thanks a lot Sir
Hi Steve!... In a future episode what about a opinion about b&w 706 s2 and/vs Kef la50 meta?!... Regards
I have only one candidate, for speaker of the year 2020.. And the year before, and before that... Adopted a pair of homeless orphanages years ago.. Gave them a shine, and a warm room.. They'll never leave me, and I just can't let them go..
Phew, I just bought the Kef LS50 Wireless II's without hearing. Glad you enjoy the format.
Same here. They are everything SG described and more. Exceptionally revealing, even on music I've listened to for decades.
Same here but still waiting for the stands
I can’t imagine a better investment on this planet. It’s great that you made it to this reboot version as there have been so many improvements to what was already and exceptional value .
Hi from Sweden!
Newcomer but already a great fan of your channel. What decently priced receiver (ideally EU or available in the EU brand) would you recommend to match the Kef ls50 meta speakers?
I am about to buy a system, i dont know to pick which one:
Kef Wireless II or Goldenear BRX+Lyngdorf TDAI-1120
HDMI arc is the reason to upgrade!
Main use is Spotify, Netflix
Hi - I have the B&W 606 s2! I am curious if a Yamaha s501 integrated amplifier is enough to drive these speakers?? Thank you so much!
Yes! Thanks Steve
Good to know KEF still has the edge. I'm keeping my Black edition originals for a while yet. I like the creamy, slightly opaque rose tint they possess (At least with my Mu-Fi Monoblocs/FET pre).
Listening last night without subs was very good, but they really shine with a couple of RELs. The scale gets enormous when you hear your music full range 😊
So, Steve: Is your wife moving her crafts and fabric storage, or are your records going into storage in favor of streaming ;-)
The meta’s aren’t so much better, very small differences, I advice people to buy the originals for half the price and use the money for a better amp or buy the Wireless I
So given that the original LS50 can be had for the same price as the B&W which is better?
Fantastic.. I currently own the Bowers & Wilkins 704 in gloss black. I pair it with Marantz 8012 and the sound is beautiful.
I tested the Kef speakers and Martin Longan the day I purchase mine. They all sound it great. I just love how clean and punchy the Bowers sound.
What about a tube integrated amp driving the KEF's?
They are reasonably sensitive and looking at options after years of solid state.
My budget system was a NAD326BEE with kef iQ3’s and I really wasn’t enjoying my cd’s. Just got the 607 s2 anniversary and the improvement is marked. Still want to go a bit further and upgrade the amp but not sure which way to go ? Any suggestions along with the Denon to trial?
SO how do those 'Great Speakers' of the year compare to say the Technics SBK44 ?
I bought the B&W 607s just a few weeks before the S2 Anniversary Edition were released cause I didn't know about that. Do you guys consider there is a big difference between both speakers? I'm very happy with my vanilla B&W 607s right now but I'm still curious. I also have a Yamaha R-S202D stereo receiver, a Schiit Modi 3 DAC, and AudioQuest green series cables (1000€ or less for the set).
Hi sir Steve how this kef ls 50 meta compare to dynaudio evoke 10!? Thank you and god bless sir! Stay safe!
Steve, love the reviews! Noob question for ya … how does a speaker drop from 8 to 4 ohms? I’m curious, as I’m running B&W 607 S2’s, via a Hypex UcD400hg (which btw I LOVE). Thanks for the input, and keep up the great work!!
A lot of WOWSERS there
Wonder how the LS50 meta compares to the reference 1.. might not be a fair comparison, but seems like they meta made some nice upgrades. I had the original LS50 and loved them, but am enjoying my kef references.
Steve's also the Gesticulator of the Year 2020!
Will we get a review of the soundartist sc8b at any point ?
Dear Audiophiliac of the year. I applaud any crazy initiative that you may have next year, but I will be missing the crazy mess of your present room.
No worries, it'll still be messy!
As always great video Steve thanks! Any views on the 606 S2 Anniversary compared to the smaller 607s? Possible review at some stage? Thanks 😊
I have them and there good. Had the older 606 also . New ones more refined and more neutral sounding
I have 606 s2 paired with the Denon PMA-600NE and they work a treat.
And for me the best reviewer for 2020 is, the guy who wears colorful shirts, and with the initials S.G, I just can't remember his name...
Yes and his best shirt of the year was the Crayon shirt, definitely! 👍
Oh yeah, that actorguy- was in dat movie Cacoon
I think he might be an audiophiliac.
I like where your heads at Steve! I think you will find yourself MOST happy after revising your living/listening space! Perhaps with some beefed up room treatment you could consider reviewing some of the meatier speakers on the market ; )
Ok..which one will you pick between these two for the coveted speaker of the year..?
Thanks Steve, how well do you feel an older Denon avr 4400 might pair with KEF LS50 Meta?
Curious steve, i had the original chartwell ls3/5a, and older ls50 and have the new meta, which would you choose for your personal reference (without a sub) and for what reasons? Thanks and keep up the good work.
Ciao from Italy Steve and everyone! great review as always, Between B & W 607 S2 and Elac uni-fi 2.0?
I am trying to build my first "hifi" system using the schiit Aegir amplifier and Audioquest Dragonfly Red as a preamp/DAC (an idea from Darko video "Klipschiit"), which one make a good match? we listen mainly to classical music, Jazz, Blues
and also KEF LS50 (used) available for 600-700€?
Bowers and wilkins, very good in every department.
Love your reviews! Just bought METAs and a full Schitt hifi set. Any advice on break in?
5 months later, did the combo work for you?
@@ld4974 broken in. Sounding nice and present. Really enjoying new aspects from my vinyl collection. And now with this Apple lossless update, win. Thanks for reaching out. 👍
The Vienna Acoustics Hyden Jubilee is not available for purchase at least in the USA. I know. I tried. It is a limited edition piece. My vote goes for the Dynaudio 20i. Haven't heard any of the speakers mentioned, but my vote is unswayed because it's the one I want since the Jubilee is not available :-)
Steve question I have Q aquatics 3030i running on my 15yesr old arcam solo, would the New LS50 be overkill for my antique SOLO....Members please also give your opinion
I love the Bowers 606
Would a pair of Nelson Pass ACAs (mono blocks) work well with a pair of KEF LS50 METAs, or would they be underpowered?
I buy speakers every 20 years or so, that probably means selecting from 20 'speakers of the year' 😁😉
For me, the speakers of the year are Polk Legend L800's (one pair of which I own). Wow, wow, wow. Had the LS50 Meta's briefly but returned them. Nice little speakers, though, w/ great sound for their size.
What did the KEFs lack.
man, the polk legend L800 are tower speakers... a bit different!
I have a Class D Pioneer Elite SC25 receiver - would that be sufficient for the LS50 Meta?
I beleive the LS50 Data had a rivesed crossover, air cored inductors & better poly caps or so i read in Kef's promo stuff on line...i prefer the Q Acoustics Concept 30's..but wrong year, i have the B&W HTM6 Anniversary Series centre speaker..fantastic centre speaker, 2 × 5" continuum cones & decoupled tweeter in D'Apollito configeration....beautiful mid-range, perfect for the job & nicer in white imo....
Steve how do the KEF LS 50 Meta compare to the KEF R3 paired with ROTEL 1592?
No surprise KEF LS50 is at the head of the class once again. Nonetheless, no way am I trading in my 18 month old LS50's for the metas, only to lose money. I am confident they sound different...but better is always in the eye of the beholder and at what cost? Moreover, the white / electric blue combo is gone...the new white / gold combo does not aesthetically compare for my taste.
Very surprised no mention of the KEF R3.
Nice to see B&W is back but the cabinet finish was not equal to KEF's piano white. Maybe it was just the video / lighting?
Hard to compete with bigger, deep pocket companies who can afford t pay great engineers and fund all the R&D it requires to develop meaningful innovation.
Also i think the best affordable speakers are : Wharfedale Diamond 11 series , EVO series and Elysian series designed by Peter Comeau. They sound and look like speakers that cost 3 or 4 times more , they are unique and very good built. I HAVE SPOKEN :D
Is the kef a flat out better speaker than the dynaudio if they were priced the same? Or can we assume that value was factored in to the decision ?
I had tough time deciding between KEF Q350, Klipsch RP600M and B&W 607 S2 to be used as surround speakers, ordered B&W 607, Hope made the Right Decision 🤞
current space is great, untidy, but great, 100% newyorker place, great.
Steve , i own the LS50 (Classic) , is it worth the Upgrade , are you upgrading ?
Hi there, I'm wondering what your take is on the fives by klipsch? Are they worth money sound wise considering the integrated amp?
I’m wondering as well. Maybe they’re not considered “audiophile” because of the use of DSP? I’d love to grab the Fives instead of the B&W and receiver
Steve, what's your review of the Martin Logan motion x60i?
Don't kid us Steve....I see the Cornwall in every video you post...beyond subliminal yes? ;o)
Well, you know...
There's 'Speaker of the Year'; and then there's 'Timeless Classic'. ~_^
He likes the Cornwall a lot I assume but he also knows that it is not a speaker to be nominated the speaker of the year in its price category
@@mehmetcamat4458
More to do with date of manufacture than price category.
@@mehmetcamat4458 The Cornwall was speaker of the year in 2019
I've got Cornwall IVs based on Steve's review. And LOVE THEM!
I realize this is a long shot, but has anyone paired the KEFs with a Sony DA4ES? That has been my receiver for, must be, a couple of decades. I may move my Mirage 860s into the basement to hook up to an older, but mint condition, Onkyo Integra. So, I may be in the market for new speakers in the living room.
Hey Steve real interesting follow ya’
I have tinnitus and searching for speakers and amp that’s playing good and juicy at low volume and soft top. Specially and amp with tone controls.
Have nice weekend and stay safe from COVID
Am I correct in thinking that for my small listening room that neither the KEF LS50 Meta at 85 dB sensitivity nor the B&W 607 S2 at 84dB would be a good match for my Decware 2.3 watt S.E.T. power amp? The Tekton you mention is too big for the room. Any new bookshelf speakers that would be 94dB or higher and match well?
Tannoy or Fyne
Hi Steve. You might want to add a way for subscribers to contact you to perhaps suggest / request advice and reviews. I'd like to request a review of Tekton's Electron SE speakers. There in only 1 review I can find and it's of their non-SE version. That, and more affordable phono preamps (say around $1000), as well as comparisons between tube amps that you've reviewed (e.g., how does the Decware Zen Triode compare to the Boyuurange A50 amp you reviewed?). Thanks! Josh, Washington DC
So if I am into headbanging music, should I overlook the Metas? I listen to jazz, classic and black/death metal - styles across the whole audio spectrum.
Steve would that speaker match up in your humble opinion with the OUTLAW RR2160? (KEF)
YES!
it's "the british invasion" !! great review! thanks..
I love my 685 S2...7 years now
I had them a while back and was really amazed by the huge soundstage they produced but the mids were slightly recessed, treble was amazing and incredibly detailed though. The mids was the reason i upgraded to the KEF LS50 which has incredible mids and a more Dynamic sound than the 685 S2. I do understand why people love the 685 S2 but i just wasn’t able to fully ignore the slightly recessed mids.
So if I do actually want to fill a big room with "headbanging" music (with something that will still sound good at low volumes and neoclassical and electronic and jazz, etc, genres) what would you recommend over the KEFs?
elacs , the best and biggest you can afford in your budget . their voiced to sound great across a very wide scope
@@AlistairMaxwell77 Thanks!
Hi, Steve, I have Rega P3 with IO, and looking to upgrade to either B&W 607 S2, Wharfedale Diamond 12.2, or Klipsch RP-600M. Which one can be handled well by IO for jazz/classic rock/classical? My room is 12xft with a 11ft ceiling. Greetings from Greenpoint, Brooklyn!
What about the ELAC Reference DBR62? Not even a mention!!!
I would be grateful if you would recommend me small speakers for my small room. I have a Naim Unit Star integrated amplifier and Dynaudio Evoke 10 speakers that I might replace. Thank you!
Hi Steve. Everything well? Kindly advise how would the KEF Meta pair with the Rega io. Cheers.
For the money, sounds like it would be very nice!
B&W 607 S2 is much cheaper than KEF LS 50 Meta. Does it mean that the latter is much better? I cannot decide which one to buy for listening classical music, particularly symphonies in a small room of an apartment ?
I could have saved a nice penny or two going with a few of those choices but I went with the Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary speakers. Disappointed that you didn't mention these! I heard most people say they actually preferred the Linton's over the Kef LS50s
I think I would prefer the Linton's too!
@@lesmatthews459 Yes. I did a lot of digging and the Kef's do get a TON more exposure but when I see comparison's between the Lintons and the LS50s directly I would see a majority of people choose the Lintons. Especially for music.
I just love the look of them. Would love to hear them with the Leek for a full retro look. But I’ve committed to a pair of actives for the long term.
@@user-bj9ln4em6n I'm not interested in marketing - just what sounds good! KEF has the marketing part all wrapped up!
For 2021, how about a review of the Spendor D7 MK II?
I try to only review new models, sorry. Unless they're vintage
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Dude!
The Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee came out May 2019!
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac - The D7 Mk 2 came out in 2020.
Perhaps some powered speakers will make the cut next year. Time for these cable spaghetti stuff is running put. Dynaudio Focus XD 20, Buchardt A500.... etc.
Dynaudio Contour 20i - what amp?
Hi Steve, great video. Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 or Dynaudio Evoke 10, which one do you suggest for a small room?. Thank you
I personally really love Dynaudio but seeing as the 607 are Steve's speaker of the year, I believe this question has been answered.
607 s2 anniversary, it insane for the size. A piano, saxophone and drum, will sound like they should. Vocals are so clear and pinpoint. I use a musical fidelity m6 amp with them and they don't let that amp down.
How does these 2 compare to previous speakers of the year? LRS sound really nice. is the B&W even better?
Yell RS is far more transparent and open then these two. But I can’t touch them for bass power or dynamics. Also, the LRS Hass to be placed at least 3 feet away from the wall, which rules them out for most people. And they suck up power like crazy
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks for insights on this. Making room. for the magnepan would be an issue. So many choices now and hard to listen to all of them properly ☺️
Hello sir
How can you compare evo 4.3 vs evo 4.4
Hey - really glad I found your channel, great content.
Off topic sort of but I just picked up my first real speakers - B&W 603 S2 floor standing speakers!
Anyway, do you have recommendations for the best receivers to use for them? I would prefer in the $500 ballpark but if it’s going to make that much of a difference, willing to go up to $1k. Also, planning on eventually working my way up to a 5.1 or more setup so would want a receiver for that as well.
Thanks so much.
My amp would drive those nicely . Roksan k3 rated at 150 watts per channel . I have the 606 s2 connected and they match well
Outlaw RR2160
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I like it but this is a stereo receiver right? Looking for something that will be good for a home theater 5.1 system as well - what's you opinion on the Denon AVR-X3600?
@@itsmorphed6416 Thanks! - looks like those are hard to find, no? Was looking at the Denon AVR-x3600h because of the 105W for the 8ohms - seems about the best I'm gonna fine for under $1k
@@Blurman100 im in the uk so the Roksan is available. Good look with your search 👍
I spent a good 4-years with the original LS50 and (after auditioning a heap of speakers) acquired the new Meta five weeks ago. The improvement is not subtle and is easily evident with some blind A/B listening. I completely agree that it has a much more open presentation. It is cleaner sounding and the bass is more 'there' in both texture and extension. I also noticed better (the original was great) imaging (e.g. placement and focus of details). With the original LS50 I found that, with some recordings, the upper-mids could get unpleasantly congested/muddled: this is where the Meta shines. For me the original was a good, but had a few shortcomings that limited enjoyment. The new Meta (with modest tube gear and sub) in my relatively small dedicated listening room is making me mighty happy and quenched my lust for another...(at least for a few years).
Had my LS50 Meta for just over a week. I'm very pleased and sold my KEF LS50 Wireless once I had a few days with the Meta. I power them with an Avantone Pro CLA-200 amp and Topping D90 MQA dac; also have an SVS SB2000 sub to complete the system. I think I'm good for the next 5-10 years. Nice video, SG!
I have a Marantz receiver. Do you think it would provide antique amplification for the Meta?
@@qua7771 That would depend on the model? I believe that Marantz has a reputation for putting out honest specs. Based on various amps that I've used with the Meta, a minimum of 60 'real' watts should be fine. I'm currently using a Music Fidelity M6si and it is lovely with this speaker. At the other cost extreme is the $100 Aiyama A07 (pimped with Sparkos op amps) and it is a surprisingly good match (bass and detail close to the big boys). I have a treated small listening room with the speakers in near field.
@@markg4331 I currently have a Marantz SR7012, 130W That I use for theater, and music. My concern is how much sound quality drops off in the Meta's with regard to amplifier build quality. I guess I always have the option of adding a 2ch amp.
Thank you for the timely reply.
@@qua7771 I've listened to a number of different amps with the Meta. It is a speaker that accurately transmits what you put into it. Warm amp, warm sound...bright amp, brighter sound...dull amp, dull sound. It looks like the Marantz SR7012 is an excellent AVR and would be a great match.