NEW KEF LSX II COMPACT WIRELESS HIFI SYSTEM ANNOUNCED

British HiFi brand KEF tells us that the new KEF LSX II is more than a simple upgrade to the original KEF LSX.

The new KEF LSX II Compact Wireless HiFi System combines the W2 wireless platform from the LS50 Wireless II with the addition of both HDMI and USB-C, allowing integration into TV, laptop and desktop computer set-ups.

The new KEF LSX II Compact Wireless HiFi System

CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

The technological enhancements of the LSX II are encased in a minimal and contemporary design created by industrial designer Michael Young. LSX II is available in five statement finishes: Mineral White and Lava Red models come with matte satin and high-gloss finish respectively, while Carbon Black and Cobalt Blue are clad in a specially designed fabric from Danish contemporary textile designer, Kvadrat. The Soundwave by Terence Conran Edition was one of the iconic British designer’s final collaborations. This version sees the ‘soundwave’ pattern woven into the unique Kvadrat fabric complemented with Conran’s signature blue on the speaker port and driver.

Five different finishes

KEF LSX II

Like the original KEF LSX, launched in 2018, the LSX II takes the two-speaker box approach, with each LSX II speaker using a version of KEF’s 11th generation Uni-Q driver array specially designed for this loudspeaker. This signature technology acts as a point source, where the tweeter is placed at the precise acoustic centre of the woofer, to open up the ‘sweet spot’, to all listeners.

The KEF LSX II has a combined 200 Watts of system power. The tweeter and woofer are powered by their own dedicated amplifier. Performance is further enhanced by the Music Integrity Engine. Optimised for the Uni-Q driver, the enhanced Music Integrity Engine enables LSX II to deliver, says KEF, a perfectly timed performance.

KEF CONNECT APP AND ROON READY

Using the latest KEF Connect app, you can stream Amazon Music, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, Internet Radio stations and podcasts. Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast seamlessly stream audio from compatible devices, whilst Bluetooth expands the options even further. You can use native apps to stream directly from Spotify Connect, Tidal and QPlay, and it is Roon Ready. When using Airplay 2, Chromecast or Roon, you can stream to multiple wireless speakers to synchronise music around your home.

The KEF Connect app walks you through the set-up and controls the system and playback navigation, with intuitive sound settings so you can adjust LSX II to best suit your room. Using the Room EQ DSP, LSX II can be easily fine-tuned to your room and personal taste. ‘Normal’ mode is designed to talk you through the process with easy questions. For easy integration of a KEF subwoofer with LSX II, Room EQ includes subwoofer pre-sets.

LSX II also comes with loads of other user-friendly features, including volume settings, sensitivity adjustments, and the ability to select a source to wake it up when it comes on. You can also play your music collection from a compatible NAS drive or music server. There is now extensive file support of up to 24bit/384kHz (PCM), DSD, and full MQA rendering.

KEF LSX II PLUG AND PLAY

Alongside Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, LSX II also has a comprehensive collection of wired connections. These include HDMI ARC for control using a TV remote and a high-quality USB-C input. There are also connections for your turntable, CD player, games console, and many other devices. There’s also a dedicated output so you can connect a KEF subwoofer.

KEF LSX II PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

£1,199

Availability: 23 June 2022

HiFi Pig Says: A true plug and play, versatile system, looks great for budding audiophiles or a second smaller system.