The Polk Audio Legend L800 floorstanding speakers cost a whopping $6,000. They made a big splash at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest (RMAF) in 2019. They have won over many audiophiles around the world.
The KEF LS50 Meta is also a top choice. It’s known for its unique design and amazing sound. Together, these speakers show what’s possible in the world of premium speakers, hi-fi audio systems, and acoustic engineering.
They aim for the best stereo sound quality. Let’s explore what makes these floorstanding speakers stand out. You’ll see why they’re the top picks for music lovers.
Key Takeaways
- Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta are top-tier floorstanding speakers in the high-end audio market.
- The Polk Legend series marks the brand’s return to the premium speaker segment, with the L800 making a significant impact at RMAF 2019.
- KEF LS50 Meta is known for its innovative design and serves as a strong competitor in the premium speaker market.
- Both models offer exceptional sound quality, advanced acoustic engineering, and superior stereo performance for discerning audiophiles.
- Understanding the technical specifications and design features of these speakers is key for making a smart choice.
Understanding Premium Speaker Technology
Premium speaker systems rely on advanced speaker driver technology for top-notch performance. The Polk Audio Legend L800 and the KEF LS50 Meta showcase innovative designs. These contribute to their outstanding sound quality.
Ring Radiator Tweeter Technology
The Polk Audio Legend L800 boasts a 1-inch ring radiator tweeter. It has a pointy phase plug for less distortion and better high-frequency response. This results in clear and detailed treble.
The tweeter’s wide dispersion pattern creates a unified and immersive soundstage.
Advanced Driver Design
Both speakers use advanced driver technologies to boost their performance. The Polk Audio Legend L800 has a 6.5-inch Turbine Cone woofer. It has a light foam core and a spiral pattern for better damping and balanced midrange.
The KEF LS50 Meta uses Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) in its tweeter. This tech controls high-frequency distortion, improving overall audio fidelity.
Cabinet Construction and Resonance Control
The design and build of the cabinet are key to sound quality. Both speakers have advanced cabinet designs to reduce resonance and coloration. This ensures a clean and uncolored sound.
These designs help the speakers deliver an immersive and engaging audio experience.
Thanks to these advanced technologies, the Polk Audio Legend L800 and the KEF LS50 Meta stand out. They offer exceptional audio fidelity, frequency response, and speaker driver performance. They are true leaders in the premium speaker market.
“The Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta demonstrate the remarkable advancements in premium speaker technology, delivering an unparalleled listening experience.”
Build Quality and Design Features
The Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta are top picks for floorstanding speakers. They impress with their speaker aesthetics, craftsmanship, and audio engineering. These speakers catch the eye and ear, blending beauty with sound quality.
The Polk Audio Legend L800 has a real-wood cabinet with a premium finish. It looks and feels high-quality. It also has heavy-duty binding posts for a strong connection to your system. Plus, it uses Power Port technology for better bass and less noise.
The KEF LS50 Meta is known for its unique design. It has a curved front and a well-made cabinet. This design not only looks great but also helps with sound quality. Both speakers have magnetic grilles for easy integration into your space.
These speakers come in various finishes to match your style. You can choose from wood grain, matte black, or glossy white. They fit right into your home’s decor.
| Feature | Polk Audio Legend L800 | KEF LS50 Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Construction | Real-wood veneer | Precision-engineered curved cabinet |
| Binding Posts | Heavy-duty dual bi-wire, bi-amp capable 5-way | Premium quality |
| Port Technology | Polk’s Power Port for enhanced bass | N/A |
| Grille Design | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Finish Options | Multiple wood grain and matte finishes | Multiple high-gloss and matte finishes |
The Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta are not just about sound. They also look amazing. Their craftsmanship and audio engineering make them stand out in any room.
Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta: A Comparative Analysis
The Polk Audio Legend L800 and the KEF LS50 Meta are top picks for floorstanding speakers. They both deliver great sound but in different ways. This makes them perfect for different tastes in music.
Sound Signature Differences
The Polk Audio Legend L800 gives a warm, natural sound with clear midrange. Its big drivers and design make the sound rich and full. In contrast, the KEF LS50 Meta has precise imaging and a wide soundstage. It offers a detailed and analytical sound.
Power Handling Capabilities
The Polk Audio Legend L800 can handle more power because of its size and driver setup. This means it can play louder and with more dynamics. It’s great for big rooms or those who want a strong sound.
Room Integration Characteristics
The Polk Audio Legend L800 needs careful placement for the best sound. Its size can affect how it sounds in your room. The KEF LS50 Meta, being smaller, is easier to place in different spaces.
| Specification | Polk Audio Legend L800 | KEF LS50 Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $1,799 | $1,499 |
| Sound Rating | 9.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Build Quality | 10.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Features | 10.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Sensitivity | 85.5 dB | 87 dB |
| Impedance | 4 ohms (can drop to 3 ohms) | 8 ohms |
| Dimensions | 8-3/8″W x 15-11/16″H x 13-5/16″D | 11.9″ W x 12.0″ H x 10.9″ D |
In summary, the Polk Audio Legend L800 and the KEF LS50 Meta cater to different tastes. They have unique sound signatures, power handling, and room integration. This makes them great for audiophiles with specific preferences.
Acoustic Performance and Sound Quality
Both the Polk Audio Legend L800 and the KEF LS50 Meta are top-notch in sound quality. They stand out in audio fidelity, tonal balance, and soundstage. This makes for an immersive and engaging listening experience.
The Polk Audio Legend L800 is known for its liquid midrange. It reminds listeners of British monitor speakers like Harbeth and ProAc. It offers excellent imaging and a wide soundstage, perfect for live recordings and acoustic performances.
The KEF LS50 Meta, on the other hand, is celebrated for its clarity and precision. It’s known for accurate imaging and a large soundstage. This delivers a captivating and immersive listening experience.
“The Polk Audio Legend L800 provides a liquid midrange reminiscent of British monitors like Harbeth and ProAc, while the KEF LS50 Meta is renowned for its precise imaging and expansive soundstage.”
Whether you like the rich, organic sound of the Polk Audio Legend L800 or the clear precision of the KEF LS50 Meta, both are remarkable. The choice depends on your personal preference and what sounds best to you.
Setup Requirements and Room Placement
To get the best sound from your speakers, think about how you set them up and where you place them. Whether you picked the Polk Audio Legend L800 or the KEF LS50 Meta, how you position them matters a lot. It can really change how you hear music or movies.
Optimal Speaker Positioning
The Polk Audio Legend L800 needs to be placed just right to sound its best. Put the speakers about three feet from the walls and four feet from the front wall. Pointing them straight at you can make the sound feel more real and immersive.
The KEF LS50 Meta is a bit easier to place, but it’s also important. Try different spots and angles to find what works best for your room and how you like to listen.
Room Acoustics Considerations
The sound of your room affects how your speakers sound. Think about the walls, furniture, and ceiling height. These things can change how your speakers sound, so it’s worth considering. Check out more about room acoustics to learn more.
Power and Amplification Needs
Both the Polk Audio Legend L800 and the KEF LS50 Meta need good amplifiers to sound their best. The L800 needs an amplifier that can handle its 85.5 dB sensitivity and 4-ohm impedance. The LS50 Meta is a bit easier, but it also needs a strong amplifier to sound great.
“Carefully planning the speaker setup and placement is key to getting the most out of your high-end audio system.”
Value Proposition and Price Analysis
The Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta are top picks for home audio. The Polk Audio Legend L800 costs about $6,000, placing it in the high-end market. The KEF LS50 Meta, priced at around $1,500, offers a more affordable option.
Both speakers provide great value for their prices. The Polk Audio Legend L800 matches the sound quality of much pricier models. The KEF LS50 Meta, on the other hand, offers high-end sound at a lower price, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
Choosing between the Polk Audio Legend L800 and the KEF LS50 Meta depends on your speaker pricing, cost-effectiveness, and audio investment goals. Both speakers offer outstanding value and an excellent listening experience, fitting various budgets and preferences.
“The Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta are truly remarkable speakers that offer an unparalleled blend of performance and value. Regardless of your budget, these models are sure to impress with their stunning sound quality and exceptional craftsmanship.”
Whether you want the best audio experience or a more budget-friendly option, the Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta are excellent choices. Think about your speaker pricing needs, cost-effectiveness requirements, and audio investment goals to pick the best floorstanding speaker for your home.
Real-World Listening Experience
The Polk Audio Legend L800 and the KEF LS50 Meta show their strengths in real-world music listening. The Polk Audio Legend L800 is great at jazz and acoustic music. It makes you feel like you’re right there in the performance.
The KEF LS50 Meta is known for its clear and precise sound. Its design and build make it a favorite among audiophiles. It offers a refined listening experience.
Music Performance Analysis
The Polk Audio Legend L800 and the KEF LS50 Meta both excel in music listening. The Legend L800’s size and bass give it an edge in immersive sound. It’s perfect for music that needs a strong low-end.
The KEF LS50 Meta stands out with its precision and clarity. It’s great for complex music with many layers. It lets you hear every detail of the music.
Home Theater Applications
In home theaters, both speakers have their strengths. The Legend L800’s size and bass are great for a cinematic feel. It works well with big screens.
The KEF LS50 Meta is excellent for surround sound. Its clear sound makes every sound effect and dialogue come alive. It creates an immersive home theater experience.
Choosing between the Polk Audio Legend L800 and the KEF LS50 Meta depends on what you prefer. It also depends on your setup’s needs.
“The Polk Audio Legend L800 creates a captivating ‘you are there’ listening experience, while the KEF LS50 Meta delivers exceptional clarity and precision in both music and home theater applications.”
Technical Specifications and Measurements
High-performance speakers are all about the tech specs and measurements. Let’s dive into the Polk Audio Legend L800 and the KEF LS50 Meta. These are top-notch floorstanding speakers in their class.
The Polk Audio Legend L800 has a frequency response of 25Hz – 50kHz. This means it can play all audio frequencies well. It has a sensitivity of 85.5 dB, so it can play loud without needing too much power. Its nominal impedance of 4 ohms makes it easy to pair with many electronics.
The KEF LS50 Meta has a frequency range of 47Hz – 45kHz. It offers a balanced sound. Its sensitivity of 85 dB and nominal impedance of 8 ohms make it versatile for different setups.
| Specification | Polk Audio Legend L800 | KEF LS50 Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 25Hz – 50kHz | 47Hz – 45kHz |
| Sensitivity | 85.5 dB | 85 dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Driver Configuration | 1″ Ring Radiator Tweeter, 6.5″ Turbine Cone Woofer | 5.25″ Uni-Q Driver Array with 1″ Aluminum Dome Tweeter |
These specs give us a clear picture of what each speaker can do. They help you choose the right floorstanding speakers for your setup.
“The Polk Legend L800 offers a true full-range sound, handling micro-dynamics with the finesse of a small monitor.”
Conclusion
The Polk Audio Legend L800 and the KEF LS50 Meta are top picks in the premium speaker world. The L800 shines with its deep bass and room-filling sound, perfect for big spaces and serious music lovers. On the other hand, the LS50 Meta offers clear sound and great performance in a smaller, more affordable package.
Choosing between these two depends on what you need, the size of your room, and your budget. If you want a big sound with strong bass, the Polk Audio Legend L800 is a great audio investment. But if you’re looking for precise sound and a smaller size, the KEF LS50 Meta is ideal.
Either way, both speakers promise top-notch sound quality. They will make your music and home theater experiences better. Investing in either will bring you joy for years to come.
FAQ
What are the key features of the Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta speakers?
The Polk Audio Legend L800 has a 1″ ring radiator tweeter and a 6.5″ Turbine Cone woofer. The KEF LS50 Meta uses Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and a 5.25″ Uni-Q driver array with a 1″ aluminum dome tweeter. Both speakers have advanced cabinet construction to reduce resonance and enhance sound quality.
How do the Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta differ in terms of sound signature?
The Polk Audio Legend L800 has a warm, natural sound with clear midrange. The KEF LS50 Meta is known for precise imaging and a wide soundstage. The L800 can handle more power due to its larger size and driver complement.
What are the recommended room placement and setup requirements for these speakers?
The Polk Audio Legend L800 needs careful placement. It sounds best when about three feet from sidewalls and four feet from the front wall. The KEF LS50 Meta is more flexible but also benefits from proper positioning. Both speakers require high-quality amplification.
How do the Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta compare in terms of value and pricing?
The Polk Audio Legend L800 costs around ,000, placing it in the high-end market. The KEF LS50 Meta is more affordable at about
FAQ
What are the key features of the Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta speakers?
The Polk Audio Legend L800 has a 1″ ring radiator tweeter and a 6.5″ Turbine Cone woofer. The KEF LS50 Meta uses Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and a 5.25″ Uni-Q driver array with a 1″ aluminum dome tweeter. Both speakers have advanced cabinet construction to reduce resonance and enhance sound quality.
How do the Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta differ in terms of sound signature?
The Polk Audio Legend L800 has a warm, natural sound with clear midrange. The KEF LS50 Meta is known for precise imaging and a wide soundstage. The L800 can handle more power due to its larger size and driver complement.
What are the recommended room placement and setup requirements for these speakers?
The Polk Audio Legend L800 needs careful placement. It sounds best when about three feet from sidewalls and four feet from the front wall. The KEF LS50 Meta is more flexible but also benefits from proper positioning. Both speakers require high-quality amplification.
How do the Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta compare in terms of value and pricing?
The Polk Audio Legend L800 costs around $6,000, placing it in the high-end market. The KEF LS50 Meta is more affordable at about $1,500. Both offer great value for their prices.
How do these speakers perform in real-world listening tests?
The Polk Audio Legend L800 shines with jazz and acoustic music, providing a “you are there” feel. It offers detailed and dynamic sound across genres. The KEF LS50 Meta is praised for its clear and precise reproduction of complex musical passages.
What are the key technical specifications of the Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta?
The Polk Audio Legend L800 has a frequency response of 25Hz – 50kHz, sensitivity of 85.5 dB, and nominal impedance of 4 ohms. The KEF LS50 Meta has a frequency range of 47Hz – 45kHz, sensitivity of 85 dB, and nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
,500. Both offer great value for their prices.
How do these speakers perform in real-world listening tests?
The Polk Audio Legend L800 shines with jazz and acoustic music, providing a “you are there” feel. It offers detailed and dynamic sound across genres. The KEF LS50 Meta is praised for its clear and precise reproduction of complex musical passages.
What are the key technical specifications of the Polk Audio Legend L800 and KEF LS50 Meta?
The Polk Audio Legend L800 has a frequency response of 25Hz – 50kHz, sensitivity of 85.5 dB, and nominal impedance of 4 ohms. The KEF LS50 Meta has a frequency range of 47Hz – 45kHz, sensitivity of 85 dB, and nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
