1. Home
  2. Audio / Video
  3. News

KEF’s second-generation LSX II connects to all your audio

By

With its lineup of high-end, high-design speakers, KEF commands a unique spot in the premium consumer audio space. And now, KEF is launching the second generation of its popular LSX-powered speakers. The LSX was something of a runaway hit for KEF, so the LSX II is really more of a modern refinement—namely folding in some additional connectivity, added design polish, and wireless connectivity befitting of 2022.

First, the sound quality on deck here should be in keeping with KEF’s track record. Featuring the unique 11-inch Uni-Q driver technology that KEF designs to fit perfectly into its speakers, this speaker places the tweeter at the dead center of the woofer, which is meant to reproduce sound in a much more natural way. Not only is this driver array designed to give the speakers an impressively focused sound, it also contributes to KEF’s unique exposed woofer design with the visually contrasting tweeter at the center.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The most notable enhancements for the LSX II center on connectivity. KEF recently released flagship LS50 II and LS60 wireless speaker systems with key enhancements on the hi-res audio, and the company is now bringing that same seamless content integration to the LSX. With what KEF calls W2 technology, the wireless connectivity is more stable than previous iterations, and is now compatible with a whole suite of third-party services including Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Tidal, and Spotify Connect. There’s also now HDMI ARC and USB-C to deliver more options to fold the LSX II into your setup.

Recommended Videos

To go with all that connectivity, there’s DSD and MQA processing on deck to help add some studio polish from a software perspective, and there’s also KEF’s pretty impressive Music Integrity Engine that bolsters the richness on the way out the door as well.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The LSX II is available in five colors: Carbon Black, Mineral White, Cobalt Blue, Lava Red, and Soundwave — and thanks to the sleekly designed enclosure, there’s something seriously streamlined about these little bookshelf speakers. The second-gen LSX II will be available for purchase starting on June 23 for $1,400 directly from KEF.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Jason Schneider
Jason Schneider is a northeast US-based writer, editor, and horror movie enthusiast with more than 10 years of experience. He…
Astell&Kern gives its new entry-level digital audio player some premium features

Starting in the $700-range, Astell&Kern's (A&K) most affordable portable digital audio players have never been easy on the wallet, but they have always been packed with top-quality components and features. With its latest entry-level model, the $799 A&norma SR35, that tradition continues with impressive upgrades, some of which have been lifted directly from the company's ultra-premium models. You'll be able to buy it at A&K dealers in May.

On the outside, not much has changed from the $749

Read more
Sonos’ new Era 100 and Era 300 wireless speakers go all-in on spatial audio and Bluetooth

Sonos has officially unveiled two new wireless smart speakers -- the $249 Sonos Era 100, and the $449 Sonos Era 300. While the Era 100 is effectively a new version of the aging Sonos One, which it replaces, the Era 300 is an entirely new type of speaker for the company, with six drivers (including an up-firing tweeter) and compatibility with spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos.

The leaks pretty much nailed it. Both speakers will be available on March 28 in 26 countries including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, and Australia, with preorders beginning March 7.

Read more
Can we talk about wireless audio’s missing speedometer?

Imagine someone spending $150,000 on a Porsche that had no speedometer. “This fine sports car can do zero to 60 in under three seconds.” Uh, how do I know? “Doesn’t it feel fast when you drive it? Trust us, it’s under three seconds.” Probably wouldn’t fly, would it? 

And yet, this unlikely scenario is exactly what’s happening in the world of wireless audio. 

Read more