Wireless speaker “LSX II LT”
On the 22nd, KEF held a media test session for the newly released wireless speaker “LSX II LT” (137,500 yen per pair). In addition to explaining the product features, we also conducted a comparative listening session with the current “LSX II” (231,000 yen for a pair).
Difference between LSX II and LSX II LT
「LSX II LT」
LSX II and LSX II LT are wireless bookshelf speakers. Equipped with the 11th generation Uni-Q driver, which can be said to be synonymous with KEF. Uses KEF’s unique technology that disperses sound evenly using a point sound source. It also features a unique DSP, Music Integrity Engine. The coaxial woofer and tweeter are driven by separate class D amplifiers.
You can control it from an app to play music distribution services like Amazon Music on the speaker only, connect it to a PC via USB and use it as a PC speaker, or connect wirelessly with AirPlay 2 or Bluetooth. It also has HDMI ARC, so you can connect it to your TV with a single HDMI cable and play the audio from the TV. Please refer to news articles and review articles for details.
The LSX II LT is a model based on the LSX II developed to appeal to a wider range of consumers, and costs around 100,000 yen. Available in three finishes: Stone White, Graphite Grey, and Sage Green.
The LSX II LT is available in three finishes: Stone White, Graphite Grey, and Sage Green.
The big difference is the connection method between the left and right speakers. LSX II can connect the left and right side wirelessly, but LSX II LT connects with the included USB-C cable (USB 3.0 / 3M included). Therefore, the LSX II LT is suitable for a desktop location, while the LSX II is suitable for use in a large room where the devices are separated and the cables are not visible.
The LSX II also has USB-C, HDMI ARC, optical digital, and AUX inputs, but the LSX II LT removes the AUX input. Another difference is that the LSX II LT does not support MQA or Roon Ready.
Comparison table of LSX II and LSX II LT
In terms of usability, the LSX II has a built-in power supply in each of the left and right casings, and separate power cables are required for the left and right speakers (two power cables are required). LSX II LT is built in primary only. Since the music signal and the power are transferred together to the secondary speaker via USB-C, only one power cable is needed on the primary side. Although it supports input data up to 384kHz / 24bit, the transmission between left and right is 96kHz / 24bit, so playback is 96kHz / 24bit.
The USB cable used to connect the left and right speakers complies with the USB 3.0 standard and has been tested by KEF internally and is called “C-Link Speaker Cable.” An 8m USB-C cable will also be available as an option for 8,800 yen. Desktop stands and floor speaker stands are also available as options.
Rear “LSX II LT”
How do LSX II LT and LSX II sound different?
LSX II on the outside, LSX II LT on the inside
The question I’m curious about is, since the LSX II LT and LSX II have the same chassis size and have the same 11th generation Uni-Q driver and amplifier, do they have the same sound?
At the test event location, LSX II LT and LSX II were placed on the same S1 floor stand. I listened to “Diana Krall/California Dreams” and compared it at the same volume level.
First of all, when you listen to the LSX II, it takes advantage of its coaxial unit and bookshelf characteristics to create a vast sound field, with vocals and instruments sharply localized. The sound image is three dimensional and the sound is clear. However, the sound is not too clear and harsh, and the soothing texture of the female voices is captured well.
Although it is a small speaker, the rear bass reflex produces a powerful low range, and you can feel the sound pressure so strongly that it feels like the bass is rushing towards you. The bass is rich and the sound is quite dramatic, rather than a speaker-like monitor. Even if you are listening to movies or games, you will be very satisfied.
When I switch the playback to LSX II LT, the basic sound direction is the same, such as the clarity of the sound and the width of the sound field. However, it doesn’t sound quite the same. Compared to the LSX II, which has strong bass, the LSX II LT’s bass is less assertive. However, the sinking of the bass is clearly depicted, and the bass itself is properly reproduced. If anything, I feel the LSX II LT has a tighter, monitor-like balance.
This difference is probably due to the fact that the LSX II supplies power to the left and right sides separately, while the LSX II LT only has power on the primary side.
However, the difference is not that one is better or worse, but that the matching model is different depending on the listening distance. If you want to listen from a certain distance in a large room as in this test, the LSX II will fill the space with powerful sound, and if you want to enjoy it from a relatively close distance on a desktop, the LSX II LT matches… That’s the impression I got.
As mentioned above, LSX II allows a wireless connection between the left and right speakers, so you are not limited by the length of the cable and have a lot of freedom in installation. Of course there is a difference in price, but it seems to be a better choice based on where and how you want to listen.
“We want a wide range of people to experience original sound reproduction.”
Grace Law, President of KEF JAPAN
Grace Loh, president of KEF JAPAN, explains why KEF, a Hi-Fi speaker manufacturer with a history of over 60 years, entered the active speaker business about 10 years ago: “A wider range of people across the original sound testing world of reproduction.”I thought I’d like you to do that,” he explained.
“Hi-Fi audio is generally perceived as a male hobby, but I believe that providing the best sound quality should transcend gender. , and these have revived streaming services, which in turn have created a “commitment to sound quality” among consumers.”
Furthermore, “Many people say that even if they buy good audio equipment because they don’t have ears that can distinguish between good sound, that’s not true. Such people still have the experience of encountering good sound. Tokyo”, which opened in Aoyama, Tokyo, at the end of last year, was opened as a place to test this. Using this as a base, we promoted devices like the LSX II LT that make it easier to enjoy the original sound reproduction that KEF is after.
“KEF Music Gallery Tokyo” opened in Aoyama, Tokyo at the end of last year.
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