KEF LS50 Meta

Yes, the LS50 Meta is a passive speaker system, meaning it does not have a built-in amplifier. You will need to connect them to an external stereo or AV amplifier with a recommended power output between 40 and 100 watts per channel.

MAT is a highly complex, maze-like structure integrated into the speaker that acts as an acoustic black hole. It absorbs 99% of unwanted sound radiating from the rear of the tweeter, which significantly reduces distortion and results in a much cleaner, more natural high-frequency performance.

While the LS50 Meta is designed for versatility, placing them too close to a wall can emphasize the bass response due to the rear-firing port. If you find the bass is too boomy in your specific room, you can use the included foam plugs to tune the port and tighten the low-end output.

The LS50 Meta is engineered for precision and imaging, making it excellent for near-field listening or medium-sized rooms. While they can reach a maximum output of 106 dB, they are best suited for rooms where you want a detailed, high-fidelity experience rather than filling a massive, open-concept space with high-volume sound.

While you can place them on a shelf or desktop, dedicated speaker stands are recommended to decouple the speakers from surfaces and position the Uni-Q driver at ear level. This setup optimizes the 3D sound imaging and ensures the most accurate dispersion of sound throughout your listening area.

The Uni-Q driver places the tweeter in the acoustic center of the bass/midrange cone. This creates a single point source for the sound, which ensures that high and low frequencies reach your ears at the same time, resulting in a wider, more cohesive soundstage.