KEF’s Compact Wireless Speaker Keeps Topping Search Charts — Here’s Why
You know that feeling when you discover a hidden gem, and you can’t wait to tell all your friends? That’s exactly how I felt when I first cranked up the KEF LSX II. These wireless bookshelf speakers are like the Swiss Army knife of the audio world — versatile, compact, and surprisingly potent. They’re the kind of speakers that make you question why you ever tolerated less in your listening setup.
Unboxing & Build
Unboxing the KEF LSX II is a bit like unwrapping a gift from an old friend who knows your taste down to a T. You’re greeted by a sleek and minimalistic design that screams quality. The speakers are available in a range of colors to suit your room’s aesthetic, but the Mineral White finish I got my hands on is understated elegance at its finest.
The build quality is rock-solid. Despite their petite form factor, the LSX II doesn’t feel flimsy in the slightest. They’ve got some heft to them, which gives a reassuring sense of durability. The front baffle has that signature KEF Uni-Q driver, which is not just a pretty face but the heart of these speakers. It’s an all-in-one design with the tweeter sitting smack in the center of the mid-bass driver—like a high-end audio pinwheel daring you to doubt its prowess.
Features & Controls
KEF knew what they were doing when they packed features into the LSX II, striking a balance between simplicity and functionality. You’ve got a bevy of inputs here: HDMI ARC, Toslink, and even the good old analog. And let’s not forget about the wireless connectivity — Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, Apple AirPlay 2, and Chromecast are all on board. Basically, if you can think of a way to get sound to these speakers, it’s probably covered.
Controlling them is a breeze too. The KEF Connect app is your command center, letting you tweak the EQ settings to your heart’s content. Although I did notice some occasional lag in the app’s responsiveness, it’s generally well-laid out and intuitive. There’s also a remote, because hey, sometimes you just want to be old-school and press a button.
Sound Quality
“Let’s talk sound. You know that part in Pink Floyd’s “Time” with the clocks chiming in unison? The LSX II handles it with a clarity that’s nothing short of mesmerizing. The sound is spacious and detailed, with each chime distinct yet harmonious. It’s like the speakers open a portal to the recording studio itself.”
Bass: For their size, the LSX II deliver a punchy and precise bass. Listening to “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson, the iconic bassline is tight and well-defined. It doesn’t try to shatter windows (and really, it shouldn’t), but it hits with a satisfying impact that keeps your foot tapping without overwhelming the rest of the mix.
Mids: This is where the LSX II truly shine. The vocals in Adele’s “Someone Like You” come through with remarkable warmth and presence, like she’s serenading you right in your living room. It’s as if the speakers carve a dedicated path for the vocals, ensuring they never get lost in the mix.
Treble: The highs are crisp without veering into harsh territory. Listening to the cymbal crashes in “Hotel California” by the Eagles, you get that shimmering decay that teases your ears just the right way. There’s airiness here that adds a layer of refinement to the overall sound signature.
Soundstage & Imaging: If you close your eyes, these speakers trick you into thinking they’re much larger than they are. The soundstage is wide, wrapping around you like a cozy audio blanket. The imaging is pinpoint accurate, so much so that you can almost see Norah Jones’ fingers gliding over the piano keys in “Don’t Know Why.”
Who It’s For
The KEF LSX II are for the discerning listener who wants high-quality sound without the clutter of cables and components. If you’re living in an apartment or have limited space, these are a godsend. They’re also perfect for anyone who loves the idea of modern design meeting audiophile-grade performance. However, if you’re a bass head who thrives on room-shaking lows, you might find them lacking a bit in that department.
Verdict
At around $1,400, the KEF LSX II aren’t exactly a budget option, but they’re worth every penny if you’re after a rich, detailed sound that fits seamlessly into your life. They’re easy to live with, versatile enough to handle most audio sources, and they sound downright sublime. If you’ve been on the hunt for speakers that don’t just play music but make you feel it, the LSX II are definitely worth the investment.
Tested with: KEF LSX II in Mineral White, iPhone 12 with Apple Music, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Turntable, Marantz NR1200, KEF Connect App
KEF LSX II
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