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The second iteration of the active LS50 is the KEF LS50 Wireless II. The original LS50 was released by KEF as a passive design (and very good it was too). The company then surprised many people, including myself, with an active version. The surprise came in two parts. First off, KEF has largely concentrated on passive speakers, with the notable exception of its subwoofer range and the unusual but rather excellent Egg Digital Music System.
It was unexpected for the firm to resume operations after several decades of contented inactivity. What was more unexpected was how KEF had activated the LS50, in several ways. KEF made the LS50 into a system as opposed to using the conventional approach to applying amps to speakers, which involves attaching/integrating the amp and power supply and handing off control to someone else via either RCA or XLR. It evolved into a gadget that could function as a standalone device with just an internet connection.
KEF has sold a significant number of them, so as far as decisions go, it was a good one. The active version has now received the same update as the passive LS50. These carry more weight than the passive version in several aspects. This is due to the fact that, despite the LS50 Wireless’s audacity and innovation, it had a few operational issues that prevented it from always fulfilling the promise made by the specification. you can read our article on KEF LS50 Wireless II review.
KEF LS50 Wireless II review: Design
The KEF LS50 Wireless II headphones are sleek and subtle, and they are offered in four subdued colors: white, black, red, and grey. The well-known copper-colored Uni-Q driver, which places a tweeter in the Centre of the bass and mid-range cone, contrasts with the sleek cabinet, which KEF claims has been “optimized for [the] best acoustic performance.” The inserts on each corner of the LS50 Wireless II allow them to fit securely onto the KEF S2 stands if you want to go all out with your hi-fi setup. Alternatively, if money is tight, just use them as a set of desk or bookshelf speakers.
You can turn on the speakers, cycle through several connectivity choices, change the volume, or muffle them entirely using the touch-sensitive control panel that lights up on top of the main speaker. You can see the type of audio source you’re connected to, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, TV, optical, coaxial, or auxiliary, via a mode indicator at the top of the control panel.
The KEF LS50 Wireless II also includes an infrared remote control that allows you to switch between audio sources, skip tracks, fast forward, rewind, and play/pause your music. On the back of the main speaker are numerous ports for wired connections; more on that in a moment.
Features
The redesigned motor system and KEF’s optimized custom digital signal processing algorithm system are what define the 12th version of the patented Uni-Q from KEF. The LS50 Wirelesses’ layout is replicated here, with a new 100W class A/B amplifier driving the tweeter and a 280W class A/B amplifier driving the mid/bass driver. When KEF unveiled its LSX speaker system in 2018, it did away with the physical inter-speaker cable in favor of a wireless connection that could play files (up to 24-bit/192kHz) at a maximum 24-bit/48kHz resolution. The LSX is essentially a smaller version of the LS50 Wireless.
It is not unexpected to find this more useful technique utilized in the LS50 Wireless II even though the wireless limit has been raised to 24-bit/96kHz, meaning they only need to downsample files above that resolution – peak file support is 24-bit/384kHz. By physically connecting the right (master) and left (slave) speakers with the provided ethernet cable, native playback is upgraded to 24-bit/192kHz. This time, high-resolution Tidal Masters and compatible downloaded files can be played back with DSD256 support and MQA decoding. also you will learn our article on KEF LS50 Wireless II review.
Tidal is just one of the numerous streaming services that can be accessed directly from the new KEF Connect app. Other options include internet radio, UPnP servers, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, and Spotify. Because our review sample only has access to a beta version of the software, some features, such music server discovery, aren’t yet functional. First impressions, however, indicate that it is a worthwhile replacement for the frequently buggy Stream app on the LS50 Wireless. It is a pleasant and reliable experience to load large service libraries, navigate its clear and logical interface, and switch inputs.
KEF LS50 Wireless II review: Connectivity
In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a variety of wired setups are available. These include a coaxial and optical input, an Ethernet port, a subwoofer output, an HDMI eARC plug for your TV, and 3.5mm AUX inputs. You have the option of connecting the speakers to any audio source using the included cable, which will give you 24-bit/192kHz resolution audio as opposed to the 24-bit/96kHz provided by the wireless setup.
Audio performance
We praised the original LS50 Wireless’ “clean and crisp” demeanour and “nicely rich and delineated” soundstage in our assessment of the device. Here, KEF has elevated these qualities to a new level. Although the difference in purity can be heard throughout the frequency range, the effect of MAT is most noticeable in the treble’s cleanliness. The originals sound a little bit more refined because to the cleaner-cut mids and better-defined bass.
The entire presentation has been opened up, and that additional space is now filled with finer, more accurate detail as well as greater instrument separation, which makes the delivery sound significantly less crowded in comparison. With the Wireless IIs, Adrienne Lenker’s Symbol is more engrossing to listen to.
In contrast to the originals, which sound as if they are competing with one another for attention, her vocal and the strings are given more room here. Additionally, the cohesiveness that is a hallmark of the Uni-Q driver’s tweeter-inside-the-mid/bass-cone design is not sacrificed for the extra spaciousness.
The new KEFs reveal more intricate guitar playing while also highlighting her vocal’s particular fragility. When we flip to Peter Broderick’s Moment, the piano sequence aches with painstakingly created melody as the LS50 Wireless II more skillfully defines the beginning and end of notes. The Wireless II are eager to demonstrate their improved punch, agility, and finesse as we play Mac Miller’s What’s The Use? Their clarity and purity compliment the track’s professional production by bringing life to the melodic baseline and unmistakably cutting lyricism. also you can check our article on KEF LS50 Wireless II review.
Performance
Both subjectivist and objectivist audio enthusiasts have embraced KEF’s LS50 line of loudspeakers, and this newest model is unlikely to buck the trend. The timbrally honest, spatially accurate, and dynamically competent LS50 Wireless II has insanely amazing sound quality.
Additionally, it is absurdly extended for a speaker that is about the size and weight of a serious one-volume dictionary, producing usable, clean, and reasonably dynamic bass to about 45Hz or so, which is adequate for the majority of musical genres and listeners. In fact, the LS50 Wireless II is so excellent overall that we will move on to the few things the LS50 Wireless IIs do not do with almost perfect accuracy rather than boring you with the usual rotation of tracks auditioned and effects heard.
KEF LS50 Wireless II review: Price
KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers cost $2,499 / £2,250 / AU$4,295 and may be purchased right away. They were introduced in September 2020. Although that may seem pricey, there hasn’t been a material increase in cost since the original KEF LS50 Wireless were introduced back in 2016 – and that price isn’t excessively high for a pair of audiophile speakers with wireless connectivity. Although the LS50 Wireless II has replaced their predecessors, you might still be able to find some great deals on those models.
Conclusion
The new KEF LS50 Wireless II outperforms its already impressive predecessor in every way, both sonically and practically. It checks all the audio boxes with a rich, nuanced sound signature, excellent imaging, and plenty of power.
The excellent wireless implementation, simplicity of setup, and practical connectivity options come next. There is no higher compliment, in our opinion, than the fact that we are seriously considering spending money on a set because of this elegant package.