Re: First post... Salutations. Kef LS Wireless?

2019-01-21T20:40:06Z

Hello Greg,

It seems like you have a two part question. First, the latency associated with electronics of the LS50 wireless; second, the sonic performance of the LS50 wireless with Pianoteq.

I had not owned the LS50 wireless, but I had owned the LS50 (passive speaker) and can share my impressions there. My experience is that the LS50 sounds beautiful with Pianoteq -- with one limitation. When I "bang" on the bass notes, the excursion of the woofer is very pronounced and noticeable, which became something that I constantly worry about (am I damaging the woofers???). The speakers sound great with no effects after the "banging", so it may only look worrisome but actually no problems. Apart from the caveat they are really awesome. I know of others in this forum who are using the LS50 with Pianoteq and their experiences may vary.

In terms of the latency, it is possible that the LS50 wireless is optimized for sound quality / flexibility for music playback (where latency is not an issue at all), as opposed to real time performance (where latency is of utmost importance). If all else fails, a "workaround" may be to use a pro audio usb soundcard (dac / midi interface) and connect the analog output to the "aux" input of the LS50 wireless. You will be in effect using them as powered studio monitors. This may resolve the latency issues, but it is obviously not an elegant solution.

My two cents and all the best!

Roger

First post... Salutations. Kef LS Wireless?

2019-01-20T15:02:18Z

Hello from Ontario Canada. I am just reorganizing my instruments so that I can enjoy them as much as possible in my modest apartment and possibly in congregational settings and wedding ceremonies. About three years ago, I was playing around with Pianoteq on a trial copy. As a Controller, I was using an RD800 I believe. I was using a laptop with modest specs. and not using and external soundcard - just windows ten, and the laptop - outputting analog to likely some Rocket 6 monitors Well, there was obviously a significant improvement to the sound, even though I was not using a soundcard or external Da converter. For me, Rolands very few modeled instruments, are just not "living" and full of character. I can play on them, and I enjoy some of their patches.. like the old NX grand - and there was an even older GX patch I used to enjoy. But they weren't inspiring. They were "ok".. but micro and macro dynamically, and just being able to play chords that contain "triumphant" or warm.. it's just not near as instrument like as Pianoteq. I've decided to trial a Roland RD 1000 for a month, and just get my hands moving on it.. the action seems sweet... I enjoyed my other Rolands and felt they were pretty great for stage pianos that were so flexible. But after reading about the new design with upgraded action, which apparently lightning fast repeatability .. and then how it is just built for coupling with software instruments - I am pretty sure it's my keyboard for the next ten years as the nerve center of a great merging of programs like Pianoteq and Omnisphere. I think they have the instrument set up perfectly, for it including sub outs.. which are so handy. So I definitely want to purchase a full version of Pianoteq. I really consider the RD 2000 an ultimate controller, especially for live, almost as I would call it a stage piano, and really it shouldn't be compared to any other slabs. And it arguably has the best key actions next to top-flight Kawais, which aren't in the same league as the RD when it comes to transportability and controller functionality.. and other sounds.. So I think it is the best example of what we would love the Kawai Controller to be! However my question for everyone... revolves around the fact that I have had a high-end digital audio system running off my PC for the past year, that is actually spectacular. These are the Kef LS 50 Wireless. And they take usb from the computer and reclock and decode there up to 26/196 PCM. Also, they are bi-amped and Coaxal - which really gives them a very even and spread sweat spot. Piano recordings sound amazing. I had sold the RD to purchase the Kefs, and never had the chance to them, to voice Pianoteq, except briefly with a friends Kawai who lent it to me for a little out front art show with some classical playing. I was interesting to see if Pianoteq would translate well by the tuned DACs and DSP in the KEFLS50W which are actually outstandingly matched and integrate. Plus you can really tailor the sound for your environment.

I had actually hoped I found a match made in heaven. However I had some latency issues that I could not straighten out. It could be that maybe there is a buffer on the LS50W that is maybe spec'd more for hi-rez Flac file playback? And I didn't have enough time to play around with it and the Kawai and my computer to see if I could optimize it. But the sounds that were coming out on a delayed bassis.. were pretty promising. I was just wondering if anyone has successfully mated Pianoteq, to Kef LS50 wireless? And how did you optimize for best performance?

Would love not to have to sell my speakers if they can work for Pianoteq. The Speakers really pick up nuance. And spread well through the room, and are warm and soundstage as good as anything I've heard at any price.

Thanks for reading, and if you have some thoughts to share, i would love to read them! Greg.

Modartt user forum - First post... Salutations. Kef LS Wireless?

Re: First post... Salutations. Kef LS Wireless?

First post... Salutations. Kef LS Wireless?