KEF Ls50 wireless vs passive

I have the passive and I am soon going to be running it with Benchmark AHB2 amp ($3k) + Benchmark DAC2 HGC ($2k) which will be replacing a breaking down Parasound A23 amp. I would recommend you get the ACTIVE version from Amazon or KEF Direct web store. Since the performance is very high with the ACTVIE and you would likely need to spend a lot of $$ like me to equal or better the ACTIVES.

Read the review from DARKO site,

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/12/kef-ls50-wireless-review-dars-product-of-the-year-2016/

I likely will get one of the following integrated amps (including DAC) to drive the passive LS50’s when I move the LS50’s to a bedroom from the office (likely next year).

NAD C368 ($800 - $1200 with ROON Ratt module)
Rotel A14 ($1299)
Hegel Rost ($3000 Apple support)
Peachtree Nova 1500 ($1700)

I will get something bigger for the office where the LS50 currently reside. Thinking of getting something like the Magico S1 mkII or S3 mkII or the new Yamaha NS 5000 for the office.

The actives put out more bass which is a big deal if you aren't using a sub. Yeah warranty is rough at 12 months. I don't expect them to hold their value like a passive would. 

Active would be the way to go with these neat little speakers,but Of course you wouldn't be able to change their sound with diff. amps.

Warranty is kinda short as mentioned.

I don't know about their resale value either way though.


Kenny.

I think the powered models are intended to be used as near field monitors fed signal from a mixing board or something of the sort. I don't think they're supposed to be used as an alternative to bookshelves on the cheap.