November 2022 Update: See our in-depth review of the KEF LSX II wireless speakers here. Our original news story remains below for reference.
Following up on the recent release of the LS60 wireless floorstanding speaker system, KEF has now released the LSX II Wireless Hi-Fi System. The system features a compact bookshelf design and is the successor to the original LSX wireless speakers and is similar to the popular LS50 II wireless speaker system but KEF stated that the LS50 Il will remain in their product line-up.
The LSX II features a great visual design courtesy of Michael Young and the KEF Product Design Team.
LSX II Overview
The KEF LSX II system consists of two wireless powered speakers. The “powered” designation means that they have built-in amplifiers. There is no need to connect the speakers to an additional amplifier, stereo, or home theater receiver. The primary speaker includes all the physical source connections. The audio signals that are needed for the secondary speaker are transferred from the primary speaker via an Ethernet connection.
- Uni-Q: To optimize the listening experience, each speaker includes an 11th Generation Uni-Q driver array consisting of a 19mm (0.75in.) aluminum dome tweeter and 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminum alloy cone woofer.
- Music Integrity Engine: This KEF feature uses signal processing algorithms to correct timing errors so that the Uni-Q drivers in the LSX II provide clear imaging and tighter sound free of unwanted artifacts.
The LSX II Wireless system has a total system power output of 200 watts with separate amplifiers for the woofer and tweeter in each speaker controlled by crossovers. System frequency response is 49Hz to 47Hz (dependent on EQ Settings).
Tip: Each speaker includes a rear-mounted port for increased lower frequency extension.
There is also a subwoofer preamp output, should you desire to enhance deeper low-frequency performance that the LSX II’s can provide (especially advisable for movie watching). You can use any powered subwoofer, but one option is the KEF KC62 space-saving compact sub.
Music Streaming Sources
The LSX II is compatible with Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast, as well as being able to stream directly from Spotify Connect and Tidal.
Tip: The LSX II Wireless system is also Roon Ready.
Hi-Res Audio (PCM up to 24bit/384kHz, DSD, and MQA) is also supported.
KEF’s own Connect app (iOS, Android) also provides access to Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, and TuneIn as well as providing source selection and EQ setting options.
Physical Source Connectivity
In addition to wireless connectivity and streaming, the LSX II system also includes HDMI ARC, Digital Optical, 3.5mm stereo, and USB-C connections which allow direct connection to compatible TVs, CD/DVD/Blu-ray players, game consoles, and more. You can also connect a turntable. However, depending on the brand/model, you may have to connect a phono preamp between the turntable and the analog audio input of the LSXII.
The LSX II Wireless system can connect to a home network/internet via built-in WiFi or Ethernet cable.
What Comes In The Box
- LSXII Wireless Speaker System
- Power cords
- Interspeaker connect cable
- Remote control
- Optional floor spikes
- Quick Start Guide, warranty, and safety information
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions (HWD per speaker): 240 × 155 × 180 mm (9.5 × 6.1 × 7.1 in.)
- Weight (per set): 7.2kg (15.6lbs)
Availability and Pricing
The KEF LSX II Wireless Hi-Fi system is available for $1,399 $1,299/pair at Amazon and Crutchfield in Carbon Black, Mineral White, Cobalt Blue, Lava Red, and Soundwave (by Terence Conran Edition).
Updates:
- January 2024: KEF’s LSX II LT Wireless Speakers Are $300 Less
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Claw
June 16, 2022 at 11:41 pm
What an absolute nonsense headline.
It’s another nail in the coffin for the true audiophile listening experience.
It’s a lifestyle product, all jammed into a small enclosure, poor digital amplification and still needs to be wired, (that’s 3 cables minimum, excluding any source components).
And absolutely no ability to tailor the sound, limited response, soundstage or real audio connections (3.5 mini jack for a TT, really?).
But hey they’ll look good amongst your ‘Raft’ furniture so that’s all fine (without all the cables in the photoshoot).