About The KEF LS50 Wireless II Streaming System
The multi-award winning LS50 Wireless sets the bar high for high-performance wireless speakers, and in the same spirit of invention and innovation that created the original, the LS50 Wireless II is much more than just a new generation.
The result of three years intensive research and development, the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a fully active wireless stereo speaker system that delivers pristine, KEF signature sound coupled with great usability and high-performance wireless capability. LS50 Wireless II has been built on a whole new acoustic platform, the LS50 Meta passive loudspeakers, while the brand-new wireless platform has been engineered from the ground up. Active electronics, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), wireless streaming platform and the new KEF Connect app all combine to set a new benchmark of class-leading acoustics and user experience.
Freedom - All the Music, All the Time: The new wireless platform that sits at the digital heart of the LS50 Wireless II ensures that no matter how you like to listen to your music, you will be able to do so with the minimum of fuss and in fantastic sound quality. LS50 Wireless II gives you direct access to your favourite music services, including Spotify (via Spotify Connect), Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz and Deezer. You can even tune in to Internet Radio Stations and catch up on the latest podcasts through the KEF Connect app. AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast seamlessly connects your compatible Apple or Android device, whilst Bluetooth expands the options even further. There are also wired connections for your TV, turntable, CD player and games console, via the HDMI, analogue, optical and coaxial inputs.
LS50 Wireless II has audiophiles covered with support for streaming music files up to 24bit/384kHz, as well as MQA, DSD256, and Roon Ready. These features mean that even the experienced hi-fi enthusiast will marvel at this exceptional loudspeaker's ability; LS50 Wireless II really does offer something to everybody.
LS50 Wireless II is more than a high-fidelity speaker system - it is designed to enhance your everyday life. Seamlessly integrate LS50 Wireless II into your smart home to browse and play music, select sources, or use controls such as play, pause, and adjust the volume via your smart home app or control interface.
User-Centred - Let You Be You : Even beyond the flawless musical performance, the LS50 Wireless II is a breeze to set up, intuitive to use and offers over-the-air firmware updates for bringing you new and improved features with the minimum of fuss. You can choose to connect the speakers with the supplied cable (24bit/192kHz resolution) or wirelessly (with 24bit/96kHz resolution) for a completely clutter-free set up. You can even select your favourite source to wake up LS50 Wireless II whenever it comes on, giving you immediate access to your favourite source. Plus, when using AirPlay 2, Chromecast or Roon you can stream to multiple speakers, so you can play music all over your house. The brand-new dedicated KEF Connect app walks you through the set-up and controls the system on a day-to-day basis, including intuitive sound settings, so you can tune LS50 Wireless II to your own personal tastes.
Performance - Most Accurate, Immersive Sound: When it comes to physical technology, LS50 Wireless II takes its lead from KEF's LS50 Meta passive loudspeakers. A truly revolutionary tool in the KEF acoustic armoury, Metamaterial Absorption Technology1 (MAT™) is a highly complex maze-like structure, where each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency. When combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound that comes from the rear of the tweeter, eliminating the resulting distortion and providing a purer, more natural sound.
KEF's Uni-Q point source configuration delivers a more detailed, accurate and integrated three-dimensional sound image, which is dispersed so evenly throughout the room that the 'sweet spot' is wherever you are in the room. Using simulation and analysis tools, KEF's engineers have developed the 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT driver array, to reduce high-frequency distortion in the mid-frequency driver. The result is reduced coloration, less distortion and a sound that is more transparent and life-like than previously possible. The other frequencies are equally well served, with crystal clear midrange and room-filling, deep and articulate bass.
The performance of LS50 Wireless II is aided by KEF's bespoke Music Integrity Engine, a cutting-edge collection of bespoke Digital Signal Processing algorithms optimised for the new Uni-Q with MAT driver array, enabling it to deliver a perfectly timed performance, for better imaging and a tighter, unsmeared sound.
LS50 Wireless II also has plenty of power on tap. Each tweeter benefits from being driven by a 100W class A/B amplifier that delivers a smooth, incredibly detailed treble performance. Dedicated 280W class D amplifiers power the mid/bass drivers, for room-filling, controlled sound. The diligent amplifier development has all been undertaken in-house by KEF, in order to completely control the quality of power on offer. The end result of this tireless effort is sensationally dynamic sound, with the music's subtle ebb and flow delivered in all its glory.
Design - Attention to Every Detail: The LS50 Wireless II will also fit comfortably into your living space when it comes to style. The low-diffraction, curved baffle is precision modelled around the Uni-Q driver array, while eye-catching heat sinks and colour-matched ports are located on the well-equipped rear. LS50 Wireless II is available in a variety of finishes and all the colours are mirrored on both the drive units and the rear-facing port means the LS50 Wireless II looks fantastic from any angle.
On the LS50 Wireless II's underside, each corner has a threaded inset allowing the speaker to lock onto the top of the new KEF S2 Speaker Stands, which also boast integrated cable management and a mass-loadable column. The stands are colour matched to your finish of choice.
For even more impact and bass extension, LS50 Wireless II features two subwoofer outputs, one on each speaker. When paired with a suitable subwoofer, music and film becomes even more impactful.
KEF LS50 Wireless II Review
"Built to celebrate KEF's 50th anniversary, the original LS50 monitor spun pure coincident-driver magic thanks to its blushing pink-gold Uni-Q coaxial midrange/tweeter. Visually arresting and sonically satisfying, the LS50 delivered tonal neutrality at just the right pitch, with superb midrange sonics, full-bodied presence, and potent midbass punch. Comes now an "all-in-one" version of this same speaker, the LS50 Wireless, with built-in amplifier, DAC, streaming preamp (Tidal- and Roon-ready), and DSP room-EQ that gives you the same sonics without any need for outboard electronics." The Absolute Sound, Editors' Choice: Best Integrated Systems Under USD$3,000 2024
Our Take
Things don't get any simpler than this. Take a few minutes to set up a pair of LS50 Wireless II and that is your whole system, nothing more to add. It almost seems like a trick. Surely you need something else? But no, if you want to stream music from a major streaming service then a pair of these plugged into power and connected to your Wi-Fi is everything you need to enjoy almost all the music in the world. Oh, and if you'd like to invest in an HDMI lead you can also plug your TV in for the simplest stereo AV system imaginable. A home friendly streaming system for the modern lifestyle, fantastic.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Powered Wireless Streaming Speaker System
- Bi-Amped Design with separate woofer and tweeter amplifiers for greater headroom and lower distortion
- Uni-Q Driver Array technology makes your entire room sound like the "sweet spot"
- Innovative Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs high-frequency vibrations to eliminate distortion
- 5¼" (133mm) Aluminium Cone Woofer
- Amplifier Power: 280 Watts (Class D)
- 1" (25mm) Vented Aluminium Dome Tweeter
- Amplifier Power: 100 Watts (Class AB)
- Connection between Left & Right Speakers: Wired (allows 24-bit/192kHz audio) or Wireless (allows 24-bit/96kHz audio)
- Frequency Response: 45-28,000 Hz (±3 dB)
- Peak SPL: 108 dB
- MDF enclosure with elegant curved front baffle
- Bass-Reflex Cabinet with patented offset, flexible port for reduced midrange coloration
Wireless
- Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX® for high-quality audio streaming performance
- Built-In Dual-Band Wi-Fi® for audio streaming from your network
- Compatible streaming platforms include Apple AirPlay® 2, Google Chromecast and Roon (firmware update required)
- uPnP for playing music files from your local network
- KEF Connect App offers comprehensive remote control via your Apple® or Android™ device
- Compatible with popular music streaming apps, including Spotify (via Spotify Connect), Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Deezer
- Precise Digital Signal Processing controls allow optimal room integration
Connections (Located on Primary Speaker)
- HDMI eARC (accepts signals up to 24-bit/192kHz) for improved sound from a compatible TV
- Toslink Optical Digital Input (24-bit/96kHz)
- Coaxial Digital Input (24-bit/192kHz)
- RJ45 Ethernet Port for network connection (24-bit/384kHz)
- Analogue 3.5mm Auxiliary Input
- USB Type A Input (for service only)
- Mono RCA Subwoofer Output
- Supported File Formats (all inputs): MP3, M4A, AAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, WMA, LPCM and Ogg Vorbis
- Also Supports DSD files up to 12.3 MHz and MQA files via network connection
General
- Threaded Inserts to secure to matching KEF S2 Speaker Stands (available separately)
- Included Accessories: 2 Power Cables, 3m CAT6 Interspeaker Cable, Remote Control, 2 AAA Batteries, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Information
- Available Finishes: Carbon Black, Mineral White, Titanium Grey
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 200 x 305 x 311mm
- Weight: 20.1kg pair
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years on Passive Components & Cabinets, 2 Years on Electronics + 1 Extended Year when Registered at KEF.com
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.