LifeAspect
500+ Head-Fier
I'd be interested in your opinions of the LS50s too.
I've repeatedly considered and then discounted getting a pair.
I've heard many good reviews used in nearfield mode and they seem to provide enough bottom end to escape the need for a subwoofer.
My main concerns were the larg(ish) footprint and the rear port.
Like you I would be using them up close to a wall.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Thanks.
I used to own the B&W 685 before I bought the KEF LS50. Frankly, the bowers can't match the kefs at all.
In my opinion they are perfect for near field listening. They are also the best bookshelf pair I have heard that doesn't cost more than 3000€. About the back bass port: KEF provides some material to put inside the bass port to lower the bass when they are close to a wall and it works really well. You can easily tell when the material is inside the ports or when they aren't. It really calms the bass down a bit, which is a good thing when you are listening to bass heavy music. I never had the feeling there was too much bass though, the speaker itself is well balanced.
The big soundstage hasn't annoyed me yet when I am listening to them in nearfield but I do admit they would sound better with the proper spacing between them. Frankly though, they are an amazing pair and would recommend them to everybody. They are my favourite pair of speakers by far (so far).
I tried using them with a subwoofer at some point, but for near field listening, they provide enough bass as it is so you don't need one.