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About 18 months ago, my daughter was born. It was one of the happiest days of my life. But as any parent knows, along with the joy comes a heightened sense of caution. Suddenly, every sharp corner, fragile object, and delicate piece of technology seemed like an accident waiting to happen.
And then there were my KEF LS50 speakers — standing proudly in the living room, their glossy drivers shimmering in the light. They were a centerpiece, a symbol of my love for music. But they were also exposed. The thought of a tiny, curious finger poking right through one of those delicate drivers kept me up at night.
That’s when the countdown began.
A Problem Without a Solution
A Problem Without a Solution
Like many KEF LS50 owners, I quickly realized one glaring issue: no grilles. For all their sophistication, the LS50s were left defenseless. KEF had decided not to provide grilles, perhaps to maintain the purest sound quality. While I could respect that decision, I couldn’t ignore the risk.
I searched for solutions.
There were a handful of third-party grilles available, but none of them felt right. Some were attractive but required removal before use. Some completely overshadowed the sleek design of the LS50s. I wanted protection, but not at the cost of the speaker’s beauty.
So, I decided to make my own.
The Design Challenge
The Design Challenge
This wasn’t going to be easy. I wanted a grille that:
• Protected the drivers without compromising sound quality.
• Looked like it belonged — as if it had shipped with the speakers.
• Was easy to remove and reattach.
I also knew that grilles could interfere with sound, and while my daughter’s fingers would do far more damage than a thin fabric covering, I wasn’t willing to sacrifice the LS50’s beautiful clarity for peace of mind.
With a 3D printer and an ambitious goal, I set out to design something that balanced both form and function.
Trial, Error, and Discovery
Trial, Error, and Discovery
The first prototype emerged from my old Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus. It took an entire day to print one frame. The results? Let’s just say they were humbling. Uneven layers, brittle plastic, and a general sense that I had a long way to go.
Then came the upgrade — the Bambu P1S. Suddenly, I wasn’t just printing; I was crafting. Top-layer ironing smoothed out imperfections, and my prints looked almost mass-produced.
But even then, new challenges appeared. The studs that secured the grille to the speaker kept snapping. They were rigid and unforgiving. Switching to TPU filament — a flexible material — finally gave me the durability I needed.
And then there was the matter of the fabric.
I went through samples from all over — cheap fabrics from AliExpress, mid-range options, and finally the premium acoustic fabric from Camira Fabrics in the UK. It was perfect: elegant, unobtrusive, and acoustically transparent.
With every tweak and adjustment, the grilles became not just functional but beautiful.
A Splash of Personality
A Splash of Personality
Once the design was perfected, I faced one last question: What color?
I thought back to my living room. The deep grey of my furniture, the subtle green of the plants, and the occasional pop of color from a throw pillow or vase. I wanted the grilles to feel like part of the space — not just an afterthought.
That’s how I settled on four distinct colors:
• Kiwi: A lively green, bringing a fresh energy to modern interiors.
• Limestone: Soft and understated, blending seamlessly with minimalist spaces.
• Charcoal: A deep, sophisticated grey for those who prefer timeless elegance.
• Berry: A red, with a hint of orange, that adds warmth and character.
Each color told its own story. It wasn’t just about protection anymore — it was about enhancing the space.
Unexpected Lessons
Unexpected Lessons
The journey didn’t end with the final design.
During production, I realized that foam damping was essential. Just like KEF had done with their plastic trim, I applied a thin layer of foam to reduce unwanted resonance. It was a small detail, but it made all the difference.
Another hurdle was ensuring the fabric stayed taut. After failed attempts with glues that either soaked through the fabric or dried too quickly, I built a custom jig. It held everything in place, ensuring a clean, professional finish.
And when the brass inserts didn’t fit because manufacturers’ specs varied, I learned to triple-check every tiny detail.
Every challenge brought a lesson. Every failure made the final product better.
The Result
The Result
Now, the grilles are exactly what I envisioned — and what I needed.
They slide securely into place, the flexible TPU studs holding firm without damaging the speakers. The fabric remains acoustically transparent, preserving the LS50’s crystal-clear sound. And the colors? They transform the speakers, adding subtle personality to my living space.
My daughter is still curious. She’s growing fast, but I no longer worry about those precious drivers. And when friends visit, they’re impressed — not just by the sound of my LS50s but by the story behind the grilles.
Your Story Awaits
Your Story Awaits
I created these grilles for my home. But now, they’re available for yours. Whether you choose the vibrant Kiwi, the calming Limestone, the bold Charcoal, or the elegant Berry, you’re getting more than just speaker protection.
You’re adding character. You’re preserving sound. You’re telling your own story.
And if you ever need a reminder of where those grilles came from, just remember — it all started with a little girl, a lot of curiosity, and a dad who refused to compromise.
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