Are you searching for a speaker system that seamlessly blends exceptional sound quality, convenience, and functionality? Look no further than the remarkable KEF LS50 Wireless II.
Experience ultimate streaming options featuring popular platforms such as Spotify, Tidal, and Amazon Music. Access your favorite tunes effortlessly with powerful amplifiers and wireless capabilities like Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast. Enjoy your music seamlessly and without any hassle.
Get ready to immerse yourself in clear, rich, and dynamic sound, all from the comfort of your own home.
Quick Verdict / Should You Buy It?
The KEF LS50 Wireless II is a triumph in compact audio engineering, serving as a significant upgrade from the original LS50 Wireless. These self-powered wireless speakers require only a wall plug, offering unparalleled simplicity and elegance.
Designed for audiophiles, the LS50 Wireless II supports high-resolution streaming up to 24-bit/384kHz, along with MQA, DSD256, and Roon Ready certification, ensuring every detail of your music is faithfully reproduced.
Pros and Cons
A major pro of the KEF LS50 Wireless II is its substantial performance leap, delivering a clean and punchy sound with all-encompassing connectivity. The ultra-immersive soundstage and focused bass provide a truly captivating experience.
Its gorgeous design, extensive digital connectivity, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and a functional HDMI ARC input for TVs, make it incredibly versatile and user-friendly. However, cons include its premium price point and the absence of an RCA input for analog components.
While the maximum output volume is around 90dB at 4 meters, these are not high-output speakers, and they are best placed on dedicated stands, making them less suitable for smaller rooms.
- Available streaming services include: Spotify Connect, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, QQ Music, Internet Radio, and Podcasts.
- Each speaker consists of a 280 watt amplifier for the mid range and 100w amplifier for the tweeter.
- Wireless Streaming features include: Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, ROON Ready, UPnP Compatible, Bluetooth 4.2
Design & Build Quality
Materials and Aesthetics
The KEF LS50 Wireless II loudspeakers are a visual and auditory masterpiece, featuring a 5.25-inch concentric Uni-Q midrange driver meticulously paired with a 1-inch tweeter.
The striking contrast of the Uni-Q driver array against the elegant finishes like Carbon Black, Titanium Gray, Mineral White, and the Crimson Red Special Edition, combined with the gracefully curved front panel, ensures these speakers are truly head-turners.
The new version maintains the iconic aesthetic of the original LS50, characterized by their distinct rounded rectangular shape and a captivating curved front that proudly showcases the exquisite drivers.
Size and Portability
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers are remarkably compact, fitting seamlessly into any bookshelf setup. With precise dimensions of 30.5 cm in height, 20 cm in width, and 31.1 cm in depth, these wireless speakers offer an ideal balance of size and powerful audio output.
Despite their compact form, each speaker weighs a substantial 10.05 kg, contributing to a total weight of 20.1 kg for the pair, which underscores their robust construction and premium components, ensuring stability and reducing unwanted vibrations for superior sound quality.
Durability and Longevity
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers are engineered for exceptional durability and longevity, meticulously designed to withstand the test of time and provide enduring high-fidelity audio.
Each speaker features threaded inserts strategically placed in all four corners, which allow them to securely lock onto the top of the new KEF S2 Floor Stands.
This robust connection not only enhances stability and reduces vibrations but also ensures precise acoustic alignment, optimizing sound dispersion and further contributing to the longevity and consistent performance of these remarkable loudspeakers.
Features & Connectivity
Wireless Streaming Options
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers offer an impressive array of wireless streaming options right out of the box, ensuring seamless integration into any modern audio setup.
These speakers boast compatibility with AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and Bluetooth 5.0, providing versatile ways to stream your favorite audio. Furthermore, the KEF LS50 Wireless II is Roon Ready, catering to audiophiles who demand the highest quality playback.
Through the intuitive KEF Connect app, users can directly access popular streaming services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Deezer, simplifying your listening experience.
The wireless limit has also been significantly enhanced, now supporting high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz for pristine sound quality.
Input Options and Compatibility
The connectivity of the KEF LS50 Wireless II is truly comprehensive, making these loudspeakers incredibly versatile for various home entertainment setups.
Input options include HDMI eARC, TOSLINK Optical, Digital Coaxial, and an Analog 3.5mm Auxiliary port, alongside an RJ45 Ethernet connection for robust network connectivity. This extensive range of inputs means you can easily connect the KEF LS50 Wireless II to your TV, turntable, CD player, or games console, ensuring all your audio sources are covered.
The speaker system supports peak file resolutions of 24-bit/384kHz, DSD256, and MQA, delivering uncompromised audio fidelity. For an even higher-quality wired connection between the two speakers, physically connecting the right (master) and left (slave) speakers via the included Ethernet cable boosts native playback to 24-bit/192kHz.
A dedicated subwoofer output is also available, allowing for enhanced bass reproduction. It’s worth noting that the KEF LS50 Wireless II has removed the USB Type-B port for wired streaming from a desktop or laptop computer, and while exceptional, they are not ideal with turntables that lack a digital output, often requiring an RCA-to-3.5mm male adapter.
Smart Features and App Integration
The user experience with the KEF LS50 Wireless II is greatly enhanced by the sophisticated KEF Connect app, which serves as the central control hub for these impressive wireless speakers.
This app provides access to all the speakers’ features, adjustments, and setup options, making configuration straightforward and intuitive. Beyond control, the KEF Connect app also offers direct access to major streaming services once your login details are entered, consolidating your audio ecosystem.
Users consistently find the KEF Connect app perfectly straightforward and a pleasure to use, thanks to its well-designed interface and responsive controls. For those looking to optimize their bass, the app makes dialing in the crossover frequency and subwoofer level remarkably easy when integrating a separate subwoofer or multiple subwoofers into the system, ensuring seamless sonic integration.
Speaker Performance
Sound Quality Analysis
The KEF LS50 Wireless II loudspeakers deliver a truly impressive sound quality, characterized by a clean and punchy sound signature that sets them apart. Tonally, the KEF LS50 Wireless IIs aim for a coloration-free, timbrally honest reproduction, ensuring that music is presented exactly as the artist intended.
A significant innovation contributing to this pristine audio is the Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which is clearly audible in the exceptional cleanliness of the treble frequencies, virtually eliminating distortion. Compared to its predecessors, the KEF LS50 Wireless II offers cleaner-cut mids and more defined bass, coupled with an extra layer of refinement across the entire frequency spectrum.
The overall presentation has been opened out, filled with subtler, more precise detail, allowing for greater instrument separation and making its delivery sound much less congested. These KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers more deftly define the start and finish of individual notes, bringing a new level of articulation to your listening experience.Volume and Clarity
While the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers do not go infinitely low, nor infinitely loud, they maintain uncompromised clarity within their optimal operating range. At typical living room levels, the KEF LS50 Wireless IIs demonstrate their prowess by delivering a fully accurate, solidly extended, and glisteningly clean rendition of any audio content.
When called upon to produce something approaching concert-hall levels, these KEFs enthusiastically fill even a large-ish studio space with unexpected, even astonishing torrents of sound, demonstrating remarkable power for their size. The maximum output volume for these KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers is approximately 90dB at 4 meters, indicating that while they are not high output speakers designed for massive venues, they provide ample volume for most domestic environments.
The exceptional clarity and cleanliness of the sound profile vividly enliven every element, from a tuneful bassline to unequivocally cutting rap vocals, ensuring every detail is heard with precision.
Soundstage and Imaging
The KEF LS50 Wireless II loudspeakers redefine the listening experience through significantly improved depth and width of the soundstage, creating an incredibly immersive sonic environment.
Each element of the music occupies an almost three-dimensional place within this expansive soundstage, allowing for effortless focus between individual instruments or a clearer understanding of how they combine to form the complete musical tapestry.
The KEF LS50 Wireless II offers a remarkably deep soundstage, pulling you into the heart of the performance. Furthermore, the direct to reflected ratio is reasonably high, and the off-axis response closely mimics the direct sound, ensuring that the soundstage remains consistent and coherent regardless of your listening position.
This precise imaging and vast soundstage contribute to a truly captivating and lifelike audio reproduction, making the KEF LS50 Wireless II a standout in its class.
User Experience
Setup and Installation
Setting up the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers is remarkably easy, designed for a hassle-free user experience from the moment you unbox them. All that is needed for immediate enjoyment is to simply plug the speakers into wall-power outlets.
The intuitive design and comprehensive connectivity options ensure that even those new to high-fidelity audio systems can get these impressive wireless speakers up and running quickly.
This streamlined setup process reflects KEF’s commitment to providing an accessible yet premium audio solution, allowing users to dive into their music without unnecessary complications.
User Interface and Controls
The KEF LS50 Wireless II offers flexible and intuitive control options, ensuring a seamless user experience whether you prefer physical controls or app-based management. All inputs and playback functions can be adjusted with the included small black remote control, providing convenient access from your listening position.
Alternatively, the backlit touch controls located on the top of the right (master) speaker offer a sleek, integrated interface for direct interaction. For comprehensive control and access to advanced features, the KEF Connect app duplicates these functions and offers even more granular adjustments.
The remote specifically features essential controls such as volume up/down, mute, source select step-through, and track forward/reverse buttons, making daily operation straightforward and enjoyable.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
The KEF LS50 Wireless II has garnered widespread acclaim, frequently being regarded as one of the most thrilling speaker systems heard by audiophiles and critics alike. It consistently improves upon the already impressive concept of an all-in-one stereo system, setting a new benchmark for integrated audio solutions.
Users praise its remarkable sound quality, extensive connectivity, and intuitive user experience, highlighting how these KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers deliver an exceptional blend of performance and convenience.
The positive reception underscores its position as a top-tier choice for those seeking a high-fidelity wireless stereo system that offers both sonic excellence and modern versatility.
Comparison/Alternatives
Similar Products in the Market
When considering the KEF LS50 Wireless II, it’s beneficial to look at other exceptional products within KEF’s own ecosystem and beyond. The KEF LS50 Meta, for example, offers a passive version of the acclaimed design, requiring a separate amplifier, while the R3 Meta and R1 Reference Meta elevate the performance further within the passive speaker range.
For those seeking an even more integrated and larger-scale wireless stereo experience, the KEF LS60 Wireless represents a significant step up, delivering immense sound from a slender form factor. Meanwhile, the LSX II and LSX II LT models provide more compact and budget-friendly wireless speaker systems, perfect for smaller spaces or secondary setups, all benefiting from the seamless connectivity of the KEF Connect app.
Comparative Performance Analysis
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers truly stand out when compared to their predecessors, the original LS50 Wireless. The advancements in the Wireless II version are immediately apparent, delivering a cleaner, more refined, and ultimately more compelling soundstage. The incorporation of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) in the LS50 Wireless II contributes significantly to a level of clarity in the treble that makes the original LS50 Wireless sound a touch crude by comparison.
This extra refinement ensures that the KEF LS50 Wireless II provides a more detailed and nuanced listening experience, revealing subtle textures and spatial cues that might have been less distinct on the older model, making them a clear upgrade.
Why Choose KEF LS50 Wireless II
Choosing the KEF LS50 Wireless II is an excellent decision for anyone seeking the pinnacle of integrated audio performance combined with supreme ease of use.
If your priority is achieving the best possible sound from an all-in-one speaker system without the complexities of separate components, there’s truly nothing better on the market. The KEF LS50 Wireless II eliminates tricky decision-making processes for those who are tight on space, as they integrate the amplifier, streamer, and speaker into a single, elegant package.
With extensive input options, seamless streaming service integration, and the intuitive KEF Connect app, these wireless speakers offer a comprehensive and uncompromised solution for modern audiophiles.
Value for Money
Pricing Details
The KEF LS50 Wireless II represents a significant investment in high-fidelity audio, with a price tag of approximately $2800 USD for a pair. If you opt to enhance the bass with a dedicated subwoofer, a speaker/sub combo will set you back around four large, bringing the total cost closer to $4000.
Additionally, for optimal acoustic performance and aesthetic integration, the matching KEF S2 Floor Stands are highly recommended, though they come at an additional cost of £400, $449, or AU$800 per pair. While the initial outlay is substantial, the KEF LS50 Wireless II offers an all-in-one solution that bundles the cost of a high-quality amplifier, streamer, and speakers into a single, cohesive system.
Cost vs. Features
There’s no denying that the KEF LS50 Wireless II is an expensive speaker set, positioning itself firmly in the premium segment of the market. However, when evaluating its cost against its extensive array of features, the value proposition becomes clearer.
These wireless speakers offer a complete high-resolution audio system in one sleek package, integrating powerful built-in amplifiers, advanced DSP, and comprehensive streaming service support through the KEF Connect app. Features like HDMI eARC, Roon Ready certification, and compatibility with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast reduce the need for additional components, streamlining your setup and reducing cable clutter.
The advanced Uni-Q driver with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) further justifies the price by delivering an unparalleled soundstage and clarity.
Long-term Investment Potential
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers are an excellent long-term investment, particularly for someone who desires a mostly neutral speaker with a very deep and immersive soundstage.
Their robust build quality, combined with KEF’s commitment to ongoing firmware updates via the KEF Connect app, ensures that these wireless speakers will remain current and perform optimally for years to come. The all-in-one design, incorporating amplifier, DSP, and extensive connectivity, means you won’t need to constantly upgrade individual components.
For audiophiles seeking a reliable, high-performing, and aesthetically pleasing audio solution that simplifies the home entertainment experience while delivering exceptional sound quality, the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a sound investment that promises enduring enjoyment.
Final Verdict
Summary of Key Points
The KEF LS50 Wireless II truly redefines what an all-in-one wireless speaker system can achieve, blending stunning aesthetics with unparalleled acoustic performance.
These loudspeakers offer a clean, punchy sound with remarkable clarity, enhanced by the innovative Metamaterial Absorption Technology that virtually eliminates distortion. The expansive soundstage and precise imaging create an immersive listening experience, bringing your music to life.
With comprehensive connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, extensive streaming service integration via the intuitive KEF Connect app, and robust wireless capabilities like AirPlay 2 and Roon Ready, the LS50 Wireless II simplifies high-fidelity audio. Despite its premium price point, its integrated design and exceptional sound quality represent significant value.
Closing Thoughts
The KEF LS50 Wireless II is more than just a pair of speakers; it’s a complete high-fidelity audio ecosystem designed for the modern listener.
Its ability to deliver a sophisticated soundstage, combined with an effortless user experience, makes it a standout product in the crowded audio market. For those who prioritize both sonic excellence and minimalist design, the KEF LS50 Wireless II offers an uncompromised solution that will elevate any home entertainment setup.
Invest in these remarkable wireless speakers and prepare to rediscover your favorite music with astonishing clarity and depth.
Ready to transform your listening experience with the KEF LS50 Wireless II? Dive into a world of pristine audio and seamless connectivity. Don’t miss out on owning this exceptional wireless stereo system.
- Available streaming services include: Spotify Connect, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, QQ Music, Internet Radio, and Podcasts.
- Each speaker consists of a 280 watt amplifier for the mid range and 100w amplifier for the tweeter.
- Wireless Streaming features include: Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, ROON Ready, UPnP Compatible, Bluetooth 4.2
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between passive LS50 and LS50 Wireless II?
The passive LS50 requires an external amplifier, while the LS50 Wireless II incorporates built-in amplification, making it more convenient for users.
How has KEF improved since the LS50 Wireless II?
KEF has enhanced sound quality and wireless connectivity with the updated version of the LS50, making it a significant upgrade over its predecessor.
What type of wireless connection does the LS50 Wireless II use?
The LS50 Wireless II employs advanced wireless technology that ensures a stable connection for high-quality audio streaming.
Is there a KEF app for controlling the LS50 Wireless II?
Yes, the KEF app allows users to manage settings, adjust volume control, and customize their listening experience with ease.
What is the total power output of the LS50 Wireless II?
The LS50 Wireless II boasts a powerful 280W output, providing exceptional audio performance.
Can I add speakers to the LS50 Wireless II setup?
Yes, you can add speakers to the primary setup, allowing for a more immersive sound experience.
What are the features of the LS50 Wireless II’s control app?
The control app offers various features, including volume control, equalizer settings, and access to streaming services.
How does the sound quality of the LS50 Wireless II compare to the LS50 speakers?
The LS50 Wireless II offers enhanced sound quality due to updated technology, making it sound quite superior to the original LS50 speakers.
What is the significance of the passive LS50 Meta?
The passive LS50 Meta represents KEF’s commitment to innovation in speaker design and sound quality improvements.
