System strip-down
It’s fair to say that KEF’s wireless speaker systems have been a marked success. They neatly pack in source connectivity, amplification and extensive streaming features into a pair of active speakers that look, sound and perform brilliantly. The LSX II and more premium LS50 Wireless II are convincing, versatile all-in-one (or rather, all-in-two) alternatives to a traditional hi-fi separates system, while the high-end LS60 Wireless floorstanding system takes that concept to a whole new performance level (and price point).
In light of the success of the compact, desktop-friendly LSX II, KEF has now launched a streamlined and, most importantly, cheaper version: the KEF LSX II LT.
You have to look closely to spot the dierences between the two. The LSX II LT is near-identical to the LSX II, mirroring its design and dimensions and even using the same driver, amplification and streaming module. KEF says the sound performance should be exactly the same too.
To break that down, the LSX II LT uses KEF’s 11th generation Uni-Q driver with the distinctive tangerine waveguide. This is a fully active speaker system, with an amplifier behind each driver in each channel, oering a total of 200 watts of power (again, the very same quoted for the LSX II).
Streaming support is just as comprehensive as well: there’s UPnP for playing music stored on your network, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect. Amazon Music, Qobuz and Deezer are also supported, as is internet radio, and it’s capable of playing high-resolution music files up to 24-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128. Bluetooth 5.0 is onboard — up from the LSX II’s Bluetooth 4.2. You can control playback, volume and room EQ DSP features using the KEF Connect app for Android and iOS devices.
Physical inputs are present once again, albeit in a slightly dierent configuration this time. You still get an HDMI ARC input, an optical input and a USB-C input for plugging in a variety of sources, whether that's your TV, computer, CD player or games console. If you want more bass, there is a dedicated subwoofer output too.
Where KEF has been able to cut costs and oer the LSX II LT at a lower price compared with the LSX II is with the omission of a few features — Roon Ready support, an analogue aux input and, perhaps most significantly, the wireless link between the two speaker units, which now requires a cable connection.
On that last omission, only one speaker needs to be connected to the mains here (unlike both speaker units with the LSX II), with the primary unit powering the secondary speaker using a three-metre interspeaker cable between the two. A longer, eight-metre interspeaker cable is also available to buy separately if you require more flexible positioning of the speakers.
One visual change, too, is that the LSX II LT loses the luxury cloth covering element of the LSX II’s cabinet; the new LT model sports a smooth finish all over and is available in three new colourways — Graphite Grey, Stone White and Sage Green.
So, that all-important new price point: the LSX II LT costs $1,695 — a good few hundred dollars less than the LSX II at $2,195. If the LSX II LT really does deliver the same superb sonic performance that KEF is promising at a cheaper price point, those looking for a neat, aordable setup could be in for a real treat.