Is there an innovation problem in high-end audio right now? We have covered a few hundred new product introductions so far this year and whilst there is certainly no shortage of things to write about — manufacturers seem to be extending the life of existing products with new finishes across multiple categories. There is nothing wrong with making existing products more accessible to a wider range of potential customers but it makes us wonder if brands are struggling to move certain products and the solution is to add more colors?
Examples in 2023 include the Bang & Olufsen Ferrari Collection, Marantz Cinema 40/50 AVR add Silver/Gold Finish Option, Focal Sopra No2 New Finish, and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Headphones Get New Coat of Paint.
We are not being critical of the those products and companies, but the number of new colors for existing products seems to be increasing. KEF jumped into this trend with the KEF KC62 Subwoofer and the KEF LSX II Wireless Loudspeakers.
The latest example from KEF is their announcement of a new Carbon Black finish option for its already popular LS60 Wireless Floorstanding speakers.
What makes this interesting is that just a few months ago (July 2023), KEF added a 4th color in British Racing Green (in partnership with Lotus).
Of course, the LS60s are also currently available in their initial 2022 release colors of mineral white, royal blue, and titanium grey.
Tip: All the speakers are the same internally, with the same speaker and feature set, the only difference is the color selection (at least so far).
KEF LS60 Recap
The LS60 Wireless consists of two thin-profile floorstanding powered speakers. There is no need to connect the speakers to an additional amplifier, stereo, or home theater receiver.
The primary speaker includes wireless and physical source connectivity. The audio signals needed for the secondary speaker are transferred from the primary speaker via an Ethernet connection.
The LS60 Wireless has a total system power output of 1400 watts with separate amplifiers for the low-end, midrange, and treble. System frequency response is 31 Hz to 24 Hz +/- 3dB
There is also a subwoofer preamp output if desired.
The LS60 is compatible with Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast, as well as streaming directly from Spotify Connect and Tidal. The LS60 is also Roon Ready.
KEF’s Connect app (iOS, Android) provides access to Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, and TuneIn as well as providing source selection and EQ setting options.
The LS60 system supports Hi-Res audio (PCM up to 24bit/384kHz, DSD, and MQA).
Physical source connectivity for the LS60 includes HDMI eARC, Digital Optical/Coaxial, and RCA connections which allow direct connection to compatible TVs, CD/DVD/Blu-ray players, game consoles, and more.
The LS60 Wireless system can connect to a home network/internet via built-in WiFi or Ethernet cable.
Technologies
KEF includes several of its key speaker technologies to optimize sound reproduction in the LS60 including:
- Single Apparent Source technology for coherent, immersive sound.
- 12th Generation Uni-Q drivers.
- Technology (MAT™) for optimum sound accuracy.
- 4 x 5.25″ Uni-Core force-canceling drivers to maximize bass performance.
- The KEF Music Integrity Engine uses signal processing algorithms to correct timing errors so that the Uni-Q drivers in the LS60 deliver clear imaging and tighter sound free of unwanted artifacts.
In The Box
- LS60 Wireless Speaker System
- Power cords
- Interspeaker connect cable
- Remote control
- Optional floor spikes
- Quick Start Guide, warranty, and safety information
Availability and Pricing
The KEF LS60 Wireless Floorstanding speakers are available in Royal Blue, Mineral White, Titanium Grey, and Carbon Black for $6,999/pair at Crutchfield and Amazon. The Lotus Edition LS60 in British racing green is priced at $7,999/pair.
Tip: If you aren’t interested in a floorstanding option, consider the KEF LS50 Wireless II for a similar featured wireless speaker in a bookshelf model.
Related Reading
