When it comes to high-end bookshelf speakers, the $1,199 SVS Ultra Evolution and $1,440 KEF LS50 Meta represent two different approaches to achieving exceptional sound. Let's explore how these speakers compare and help you decide which might be right for your setup.
Bookshelf speakers remain a popular choice for both serious music listeners and home theater enthusiasts. Despite their relatively compact size, modern bookshelf speakers can deliver remarkable sound quality that rivals much larger towers, especially when paired with a subwoofer.
The term "bookshelf" is somewhat misleading - these speakers perform best on dedicated stands, positioned away from walls. They're called bookshelf speakers simply because they're compact enough to theoretically fit on a shelf, though that's rarely the optimal placement.
The SVS Ultra Evolution is brand new for 2024, representing SVS's latest thinking in speaker design. It features a traditional two-way design but incorporates modern materials like a diamond-coated tweeter (the part that produces high frequencies) and a larger 6.5-inch woofer (for mid and low frequencies).
The KEF LS50 Meta, released in 2020, takes a more innovative approach with its unique Uni-Q driver. This special design places the tweeter in the center of the mid/bass driver, creating what's called a "point source" - meaning all frequencies appear to come from the same spot. KEF also introduced their Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which acts like a sophisticated sound maze to absorb unwanted sound waves inside the speaker.
The SVS delivers a more dynamic, slightly forward sound that works exceptionally well for both music and movies. The diamond-coated tweeter provides crystal-clear highs without being harsh, while the larger woofer gives you more bass impact. In my listening tests, these speakers really shine with rock, electronic music, and movie soundtracks where their ability to handle dynamic swings (sudden changes in volume) becomes apparent.
The KEF takes a more precise, analytical approach. Its Uni-Q driver creates an incredibly accurate soundstage - that's the three-dimensional space where instruments and voices appear to be positioned. Classical music and jazz sound particularly natural, with each instrument perfectly placed in space. The MAT technology helps create an extremely clean, detailed sound that reveals subtle nuances in recordings.
Room size and speaker placement significantly impact performance. The SVS Ultra Evolution works better in medium to large rooms, thanks to its larger driver and more powerful sound. It's also more forgiving about placement, though you'll still want to keep them at least a foot from walls.
The KEF LS50 Meta excels in small to medium rooms and particularly shines in near-field listening (when you're sitting relatively close to the speakers). However, they're more particular about placement and benefit from careful positioning to sound their best.
At $1,199, the SVS represents excellent value, offering some features usually found in much more expensive speakers. The diamond-coated tweeter is particularly impressive at this price point.
The KEF's $1,440 price tag includes some cutting-edge technology, particularly the MAT system and refined Uni-Q driver. While more expensive, these innovations provide tangible benefits in sound quality.
Both speakers are built to last, using high-quality materials and robust construction. SVS offers a 5-year warranty and excellent customer service, while KEF has a proven track record with the LS50 series.
For home theater applications, the SVS Ultra Evolution has several advantages:
The KEF LS50 Meta can certainly work in a home theater, but they're more focused on music reproduction. Their precise imaging helps with dialog clarity, but they'll likely need a subwoofer for full-range movie sound.
Choose the SVS Ultra Evolution if:
Choose the KEF LS50 Meta if:
Having spent time with both speakers, I find they each excel in different scenarios. The SVS Ultra Evolution impresses me with its ability to handle anything I throw at it, from quiet jazz to action movies. Its slightly warmer sound signature makes long listening sessions enjoyable, and the bass performance is remarkable for a bookshelf speaker.
The KEF LS50 Meta, on the other hand, creates the most precise soundstage I've heard in this price range. Its ability to disappear and present music in a three-dimensional space is extraordinary. However, it does benefit from careful setup and room treatment to sound its best.
The speaker market continues to evolve, with both companies pushing boundaries in different ways. The SVS Ultra Evolution represents a more traditional approach refined to a high degree, while the KEF LS50 Meta showcases how innovative technology can solve long-standing acoustic challenges.
Both the SVS Ultra Evolution and KEF LS50 Meta are exceptional speakers that represent different philosophies in achieving high-end sound. The SVS offers tremendous value and versatility, while the KEF provides unique technology and unmatched imaging precision. Your choice should ultimately depend on your room size, listening preferences, and whether you prioritize maximum value or cutting-edge technology.
Either way, you'll end up with speakers that can provide years of musical enjoyment. Just remember to consider your specific needs and listening environment when making your decision.
| $1,199 SVS Ultra Evolution | $1,440 KEF LS50 Meta |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally provide better bass response and higher volume capability | |
| 6.5" woofer, 1" tweeter | 5.25" woofer, 1" tweeter |
| Frequency Response - Determines bass depth and overall range of sound reproduction | |
| 40Hz - 32kHz | 79Hz - 28kHz (more limited bass) |
| Sensitivity - Higher numbers mean easier to drive with lower-powered amplifiers | |
| 88dB | 85dB (requires more power) |
| Power Handling - Affects maximum volume and amplifier compatibility | |
| 20-300 watts | 40-100 watts (more limited) |
| Special Technology - Unique features that impact sound quality | |
| Diamond-coated tweeter, time-aligned cabinet | Uni-Q driver array, MAT technology |
| Room Size Suitability - Critical for optimal performance | |
| Medium to large rooms | Small to medium rooms |
| Cabinet Size - Impacts placement flexibility | |
| 15" x 8.5" x 12" (larger) | 11.8" x 7.9" x 11" (more compact) |
| Primary Strength - What each does best | |
| Dynamic range and bass response | Imaging precision and detail |
| Value Proposition - What you're paying for | |
| Better performance-per-dollar, stronger bass | Premium tech, superior imaging |
The $1,199 SVS Ultra Evolution is better suited for home theater use due to its higher power handling, stronger bass response, and better dynamic range for movie soundtracks. While the $1,440 KEF LS50 Meta can work in a home theater, it's more optimized for music listening.
For home theater use, yes - both speakers benefit from a subwoofer. The SVS Ultra Evolution has better bass extension but still won't reach the lowest frequencies needed for movies. The KEF LS50 Meta definitely requires a subwoofer for home theater use due to its more limited bass response.
Both excel at music but in different ways. The KEF LS50 Meta shines with acoustic, jazz, and classical music due to its precise imaging. The SVS Ultra Evolution handles rock, electronic, and dynamic music better thanks to its stronger bass and higher power handling.
The SVS Ultra Evolution works best in medium to large rooms (200-400 sq ft), while the KEF LS50 Meta performs optimally in small to medium rooms (100-250 sq ft).
The SVS Ultra Evolution is easier to drive with its 88dB sensitivity compared to the KEF's 85dB. This means it needs less power to reach the same volume levels.
The SVS Ultra Evolution makes better surrounds due to its broader dispersion and higher power handling. The KEF LS50 Meta could work but might be overkill for surround duty given its price.
At $1,199, the SVS Ultra Evolution offers better value for most users, especially for home theater use. The KEF LS50 Meta's $1,440 price reflects its advanced technology but may not justify the premium for everyone.
Both speakers feature excellent build quality. The SVS Ultra Evolution uses traditional but refined construction, while the KEF LS50 Meta incorporates more innovative materials and design.
The KEF LS50 Meta is more sensitive to placement and requires careful positioning. The SVS Ultra Evolution is more forgiving but still benefits from proper setup away from walls.
Both perform well with streaming services. The SVS Ultra Evolution might be more forgiving of compressed audio, while the KEF LS50 Meta's detail retrieval might make compression artifacts more noticeable.
Neither speaker is designed for wall mounting. Both perform best on proper speaker stands away from walls for optimal sound quality.
Both speakers are built to last decades with proper care. The SVS Ultra Evolution uses more conventional technology that's proven reliable, while the KEF LS50 Meta employs more complex engineering but comes from a company with a long track record of durability.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: futureaudiophile.com - svsound.com - youtube.com - avgadgets.com - dreamediaav.com - dreamediaav.com - outlawaudio.com - svsound.com - audiolab.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - audioadvice.com - skybygramophone.com - erinsaudiocorner.com - musicdirect.com - headphones.com - forum.audiogon.com - whathifi.com - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - us.kef.com - assets.kef.com
