LSX II Lava Red

The KEF LSX II is the successor to the original, which arrived in 2018 and has since held the enviable position of our favorite budget all-in-one (with multiple What Hi-Fi? awards).

The LSX II is produced in almost the same form as the LSX and consists of two compact stereo speakers with amplification and network sources, and is also available in various color options. In fact, acoustically, the driver and the case have not changed. And yet KEF has found ways to significantly upgrade its affordable monoblock to justify its existence and offer buyers even more than before.

First, while the LSX II carries over much of the acoustic hardware from the original—a decision KEF says was made to keep costs down (and therefore the MSRP)—it benefits from a completely reworked DSP software, some of which was leaked with the LS50W II and LS60W above the range. This alone, according to KEF, increases the performance of the system. "To be honest, we were surprised by how much we were able to improve with our latest DSP techniques," said Jack Oakley-Brown, vice president of technology at KEF, What Hi-Fi?

Unsurprisingly, the 200-watt LSX II uses the company's latest W2 streaming platform, which is also built into its siblings. Users can stream Amazon Music, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer and internet radio stations via the KEF Connect app, and support for AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Roon and Bluetooth rounds out the highly competitive array of streaming smart devices.

Importantly, KEF has also expanded the physical connectivity options of the original, this time providing HDMI eARC and USB-C for more convenient TV and laptop connectivity. Those who choose to connect a pair of LSX IIs to their TV will also benefit from HDMI CEC, which allows them to turn on and adjust the speaker volume using the TV's remote control.

File support is as comprehensive as you'd expect, including DSD , MQA and PCM files up to 24-bit/384kHz (although anything above 24-bit/96kHz will be diluted due to the limitations of wireless transmission between the left and.

Built-in Room EQ processing allows users to tailor the sound of the LSX II to suit their room and taste, and the ability to adjust the subwoofer if it (KEF will no doubt point you to its diminutive KC62) is paired with the LSX II.

The eye-catching aesthetic - again the work of industrial designer Michael Young - is offered in five finishes: the White Mineral and Red Lava models have a matte satin and gloss finish, respectively, while the Carbon Black and Cobalt Blue models are dressed in fabric Kvadrat The special Soundwave by Terence Conran Edition trim also marks one of the latest collaborations from the iconic British designer.