Imagine a quiet evening at home, your favorite album playing over and over. The sound fills the room, making each note feel like it’s touching you. This magic can turn any day into something special.
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers are at the top of compact hi-fi. They show a deep commitment to sound quality. This commitment honors the LS50 legacy and brings innovation to today’s active speakers.
When you get the KEF LS50 Wireless II, you start a journey. This journey combines clarity, design, and technology in a new way. This review will dive into their craftsmanship, features, and amazing sound. Let’s see how these speakers can change your listening experience and why they’re worth having at home.
Key Takeaways
- The KEF LS50 Wireless II features a 12th generation Uni-Q driver array for optimized sound.
- These speakers boast a powerful maximum output of 380W per channel, ensuring robust audio performance.
- Streaming capabilities cover a wide range of services including Spotify, Tidal, and Amazon Music.
- With multiple connectivity options, the LS50 Wireless II adapts easily to any setup.
- The speakers have received high praise for their clarity and precision across various music genres.
Introduction to KEF LS50 Wireless II
The KEF LS50 Wireless II is a big step up from its predecessors. It’s known for top-notch sound and being easy to use. This new system brings together the best of the old with new features for today’s music lovers.
It started with the LS50 Wireless in 2016. It was a hit for its sound and streaming. It even made it into the What Hi-Fi? Hall of Fame.
The LS50 Wireless II has better design and more ways to connect. It fixes old issues and offers a wider soundstage. It’s great for getting lost in music, thanks to the KEF Connect app.
It connects easily, keeping sound quality high. It’s perfect for both new and old setups. The LS50 Wireless II is a big leap in sound quality, making it a great choice for your music.
Design and Build Quality
The KEF LS50 Wireless II stands out with its sleek design. It takes inspiration from the past but adds new twists. Its shape is compact and stylish, with a curved front and smooth edges.
It comes in various finishes like Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, and Mineral White. There’s even a Crimson Red special edition. This means you can find the perfect match for your space.
The build quality of the KEF LS50 Wireless II is top-notch. Each speaker is heavy and well-made, measuring 30.5 x 20 x 31.1 cm. They’re designed to last, with special inserts for KEF’s stands.
Modern materials and tech make these speakers durable and long-lasting. They’re a great choice for anyone who loves high-quality sound.
KEF LS50 Wireless II Speakers Review
The KEF LS50 Wireless II is a top-notch audio solution. It combines the latest tech with sleek design. This review highlights its key features and how it compares to the previous LS50 Wireless model.
Overview of Features and Specifications
The LS50 Wireless II has impressive engineering. It has a strong amplification system. Each speaker has:
- 280 watts Class D amplifier for the woofer
- 100 watts Class AB amplifier for the tweeter
These specs allow for top-notch sound quality. The sound range is 45Hz to 47kHz (+/- 3dB). It supports high-resolution audio, including 24-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128. It works well with both wireless and wired connections. For the best streaming, use an Ethernet cable.
It has many connectivity options. You can connect via:
- e-ARC HDMI
- Optical and coaxial inputs
- Auxiliary analog inputs
- RJ45 connector for a wired setup
These features make the LS50 Wireless II very flexible. It works with many playback sources and streaming services like Amazon Music, Tidal, and Spotify.
Comparative Analysis with Previous Models
Compared to the LS50 Wireless, the LS50 Wireless II has big upgrades. It has:
- Better streaming quality with dual-band Wi-Fi
- A better app experience for easier use
These upgrades make the KEF LS50 Wireless II a great choice for audiophiles. It’s priced at $2,799.99. The cost is worth it for its advanced tech and sound quality. It’s a top pick in the high-end audio market.
Innovation in Audio Technology
The KEF LS50 Wireless II brings new tech to the table, making music sound better than ever. Its Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) changes how we hear sound. It makes music clear and clean, without any unwanted noise.
Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT)
With MAT, the LS50 Wireless II catches almost all sound waves from the tweeter. This means listeners get a more real and detailed sound. It’s perfect for those who love music and want the best sound quality.
12th Generation Uni-Q Driver System
The Uni-Q Driver System in the LS50 Wireless II is a big step up in speaker design. It has a new motor and a strong 280W amplifier. This combo makes the sound wide and lively.
The system uses two 5.25-inch Uni-Q drivers and a 1-inch aluminum tweeter. This setup makes instruments sound clear and separate. It shows how new tech can make music sound better.
To see how the LS50 Wireless II stacks up against others, like the Dynaudio Xeo 30, check out this detailed review.
Audio Performance
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers aim to improve your listening experience. They excel in many genres, providing top-notch sound quality. Whether it’s classical music or modern pop, they deliver clear and vibrant sound.
Sound Quality Across Various Genres
The speakers have a wide frequency range, from 48Hz to 28kHz. This range creates a detailed soundstage. It makes instruments and vocals sound vivid, drawing you into the music.
People love the clear sound, thanks to the 5.25-inch Uni-Q driver. It has a 1-inch tweeter for balanced sound. This ensures great sound quality across all frequencies.
Precision and Clarity in Playback
The LS50 Wireless II stands out for its advanced engineering. Features like Metamaterial Absorption Technology improve sound resolution. This means you can hear every detail in your music.
The speakers also have strong bass, adding punch and agility. This makes them perfect for any music lover. You can adjust the audio settings to fit your listening space, ensuring the best sound quality.
Connectivity Options
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers have many ways to connect, meeting different needs. They support HDMI eARC for easy connection to TVs, improving your viewing with better sound. This makes setting up your speakers simple, so you can enjoy great sound right from your TV.
These speakers also have coaxial, optical, and auxiliary ports for various devices. An Ethernet port is there for network streaming, boosting the wireless system’s performance. This makes it easy to connect and stream music.
Bluetooth 5.0 is also available, making it simple to stream from mobile devices. You can use services like Tidal or Amazon Music without any trouble. This makes listening to music easy and convenient.
Even with all these options, some users face issues with 4G or 5G networks. Some hear popping noises on HDMI connections. Yet, the LS50 Wireless II is known for its quality sound when set up right.
If you want more reliability, consider passive alternatives. A wired system might be better for a custom audio setup. It could solve some of the usability problems and improve sound quality.
Streaming Capabilities
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers bring top-notch streaming to your music. They offer a wide range of music streaming options. You can easily access your favorite playlists from many supported services.
Supported Streaming Services
These speakers work well with popular music streaming platforms. They give you easy access to a huge music library. Some of the notable services supported include:
- Spotify Connect
- Tidal
- Amazon Music
- Deezer
With these connections, your music streaming is rich and includes high-resolution audio. You’ll never miss a beat.
Integration with Smart Home Systems
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers are great for smart home integration. They work well with devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This makes it easy to control your audio or switch music services.
User Experience and App Functionality
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers offer great sound, but the app plays a big role too. The KEF Connect app makes things easy to use, but it has some issues. For example, not having a desktop app makes streaming from laptops hard.
The app lets you access many streaming services. But, it doesn’t show the quality of streams for services like Qobuz. This might upset fans of high-quality audio. Also, the app doesn’t have a queue feature yet, but KEF says it will soon.
Some users find it hard to add radio stations to favorites. This is because of a tricky podcast section. The app also corrects words too much, which can mess up names of artists or albums. You can’t easily find where you are in a playlist or album. And, finding songs in the app takes too many steps.
On iOS, the app doesn’t work like a music app. This means you can’t adjust the volume from the locked screen. The remote control is also seen as poor quality. Plus, setting up EQ settings can be confusing.
Many users wish KEF would work with Qobuz for better streaming. They might switch to Tidal or Bluesound for better music management. Despite the app’s issues, it’s key to enjoying the speakers fully.
| Feature | Observation |
|---|---|
| Desktop App | No desktop app available, inconvenient for laptop streaming. |
| Streaming Quality Visibility | Lack of visibility on streaming quality with Qobuz. |
| Queue Functionality | Absence of a queue; updates expected in future versions. |
| Radio Station Favorites | Difficulties adding radio stations, requires navigation through podcasts. |
| Auto-Correct Sensitivity | Frustration with search field sensitivity for unique names. |
| Song Position Tracking | Inability to see current song position in playlists. |
| Search Accessibility | Limited access to the search field from main Qobuz screen. |
| iOS Music Recognition | Not recognized as a music app on iOS affecting external controls. |
| Remote Control Quality | Remote control perceived as cheap with limited signal strength. |
| EQ Adjustments | Complexity of adjustments due to unclear instructions. |
| User Suggestions | Desire for collaboration with Qobuz for direct streaming. |
| Platform Consideration | Users considering Tidal or Bluesound for perceived better management. |
Specifications and Technical Details
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers offer a deep look into modern audio tech. Knowing their specs and details helps you see their value in your sound system.
Amplification and Power Ratings
These speakers have a strong amplification setup. They have a total of 380W power output per channel. The power is split into a 100W Class A/B amplifier for the tweeter and a 280W Class D amplifier for the midrange and bass drivers.
This setup ensures clear and deep sound across all audio. It meets different listening needs.
Input and Output Configurations
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers offer many input-output options. Key connections include:
- HDMI eARC
- TOSLINK Optical
- Digital Coaxial
- Analog 3.5mm Auxiliary
- RJ45 Ethernet for network connections
This wide range of connections makes it easy to link with various devices. You can use both analog and digital audio sources. There’s also a dedicated subwoofer output for better bass.
These speakers support high-quality audio up to 24-bit/384kHz. This includes MQA and DSD256. You get sound that matches your taste.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 45 – 28,000Hz (+/- 3dB) |
| Built-In Amplifier | LF-MF: Class D 280W, HF: Class AB 100W |
| Enclosure Dimensions (HxWxD) | 305x200x311 mm (12×7.9×12.2″) |
| Weight | 10kg (each speaker) |
| Price When Launched | £2,499 for a pair / approx. $2,800 USD |
| Color Options | Four |
Comparing Active Speakers in the Market
Exploring active speakers, the KEF LS50 Wireless II stands out. It has impressive specs, functionality, and sound quality. This makes it a top choice among high-end speakers.
Competitive Analysis with Other Hi-Fi Speakers
The KEF LS50 Wireless II competes well against Sonos and Audioengine. Looking at their performance shows why it’s a strong contender:
| Feature | KEF LS50 Wireless II | Sonos One | Audioengine A5+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 760 watts | 160 watts | 150 watts |
| Frequency Response | 45 – 47,000 Hz | 55 – 20,000 Hz | 50 – 22,000 Hz |
| Connectivity | Bluetooh 4.2, Airplay 2, Chromecast | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Bluetooth, RCA, USB |
| Price (USD) | $1,999 | $199 | $399 |
What Sets the KEF LS50 Wireless II Apart
The KEF LS50 Wireless II has unique features. It uses 280 watts for bass and 100 watts for highs. This adds up to 760 watts of power.
It also pairs well with the KEF KC62 subwoofer. This adds deep bass to its already clear sound. The speaker’s design ensures a top-notch listening experience.
Pricing and Value
The KEF LS50 Wireless II costs about $2,200 per pair. This puts them in the high-end category of the audio world. They offer top-notch sound and modern connectivity, making them a great value.
Compared to the original KEF LS50 from 2012, which was $1,300, these speakers have more features. They have a powerful output of 230 watts per channel and support high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. This makes them a worthwhile investment for audiophiles.
The KEF LS50 Wireless II is easy to set up in any audio system. They come with wi-fi, Bluetooth 4.0 aptX, and subwoofer connections. This makes them very user-friendly. Plus, a 30-day return policy adds to their value.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Customers love the KEF LS50 Wireless II for its amazing sound and design. They say the speakers make music sound clear and rich, no matter the genre. Many say these speakers take their listening experience to a new level, making them a favorite among music lovers.
Setting up the speakers is easy, according to many users. They like how the app makes streaming and control simple. Some also appreciate the many ways to connect the speakers, making them easy to add to any system.
Even though most feedback is positive, some users mention the bass. They say the speakers are great for highs and midrange but might not have enough bass for everyone. This is more noticeable in bigger rooms.
In short, the KEF LS50 Wireless II gets great reviews for its sound and looks. But, it’s good to know about the bass to make sure you’re okay with it before buying.
| Aspect | User Feedback |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Clarity and richness across genres |
| Design | Aesthetic appeal; available in multiple colors |
| Setup Process | Easy and user-friendly |
| App Functionality | Comprehensive control and streaming options |
| Bass Performance | Moderate; may not meet all expectations |
Conclusion
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers are a perfect mix of design, innovation, and sound quality. They are great for both music lovers and casual listeners. With 380W amplification, they deliver strong sound for any room.
They have advanced features like the Music Integrity Engine and deep bass. This makes for a clear and rich audio experience.
These speakers come with a 24-bit/384kHz UPnP streamer and many ways to connect. You can use HDMI ARC, digital optical, and Bluetooth 4.2. They sound amazing with all kinds of music and offer precise sound imaging.
As shown in this KEF LS50 Wireless II review summary, they take audio innovation to new levels. They meet the needs of any music lover.
Buying the KEF LS50 Wireless II means you get a stylish, all-in-one system. They work great on their own but sound even better with a subwoofer. The KEF LS50 Wireless II is all you need for an amazing listening experience.
FAQ
What are the key features of the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers?
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers have advanced features. They include a 12th generation Uni-Q driver design and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) to reduce distortion. They also have 380 watts of amplification per channel.
They offer multiple connectivity options like HDMI eARC and Bluetooth 5.0. Plus, they support various streaming services.
How does the sound quality of the KEF LS50 Wireless II compare to other active speakers?
The KEF LS50 Wireless II has exceptional sound quality. It offers a broader soundstage, improved clarity, and better instrument separation. Compared to other active speakers in its price range, it outperforms many.
It is a top choice for audiophiles because of its audio fidelity.
Can I connect my LS50 Wireless II speakers to a smart home system?
Yes, the KEF LS50 Wireless II is compatible with smart home systems. You can integrate the speakers into your existing home automation setup. This improves control and versatility in music playback.
What music streaming services are supported by the KEF LS50 Wireless II?
The LS50 Wireless II supports many streaming services. These include Spotify Connect, Tidal, Amazon Music, and Deezer. You can access these services through the updated KEF Connect app for seamless audio enjoyment.
Is the KEF Connect app user-friendly?
Yes, the KEF Connect app is now more user-friendly. It offers easy navigation for streaming services, setup functions, and control over speaker features. This includes digital signal processing settings and subwoofer levels.
What is the price range for the KEF LS50 Wireless II, and is it worth the investment?
The KEF LS50 Wireless II is priced around ,499.99 per pair. Its rich feature set, superior audio performance, and robust build quality make it a justified investment for high-fidelity audio.
How does the design of the LS50 Wireless II contribute to its audio performance?
The design of the LS50 Wireless II includes a convex front baffle and improved threaded inserts for stands. These features enhance stability and sound projection. They help deliver precise and clear sound across various music genres.
