Description
The KEF LSX II is the successor to the original, which was launched in 2018 and has since held the enviable position of our favorite "budget" all-in-one system (with numerous What Hi-Fi? awards).
The LSX II comes in almost the same form as the LSX and consists of two compact stereo speakers with amplification and mains sources, and is available in a variety of colors. In fact, acoustically, the driver and cabinet have not changed. Yet KEF has found ways to significantly update its affordable monoblock to justify its existence and offer customers even more than before.
Product information
First, while the LSX II carries over much of the original's acoustic hardware-a decision KEF says was made to keep costs down (and thus the recommended retail price) it benefits from a completely redesigned DSP software, some of which leaked from the LS50W II and LS60W up the range. This alone, according to KEF, improves system performance. "To be honest, we were surprised by how much we were able to improve things by applying our latest DSP techniques," Jack Oakley-Brown, vice president of technology at KEF, told What Hi-Fi?
Unsurprisingly, the 200-watt LSX II utilizes 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, while support for AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Roon, and Bluetooth completes the highly competitive suite of streaming smart devices.
Importantly, KEF has also expanded the physical connectivity of the original to provide HDMI eARC and USB-C for easier connection to TV and laptop. Those who choose to connect a pair of LSX IIs to their TV will also benefit from the HDMI CEC feature, allowing them to turn on and adjust the speaker volume using their TV 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 thinned out due to wireless transmission limitations between the left and right speakers).
Room EQ processing is built in, allowing users to customize the LSX II's sound to suit their room and taste, as well as the ability to adjust the subwoofer if it (KEF will no doubt point you to its miniature KC62) is paired with the LSX II.
The attractive aesthetics - again the work of industrial designer Michael Young - are available in five finishes: the "white mineral" and "red lava" models have a matte satin and glossy finish, respectively, while the "black carbon" and "blue cobalt" models are clad in Kvadrat fabric. The special Soundwave by Terence Conran Edition also marks one of the latest collaborations with the iconic British designer.
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