KEF LS50 Wireles Review

He did not really compare them to the Phantom, did he? He did make a reference, but did not specify which Phantom he was referring to...


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One thing I don't get about "wireless" speakers is they really aren't wireless, are they. They just replace speaker cables with power cables. In many cases, for audiophiles anyway, its harder to find a power socket than a set of speaker cables. I get the life style approach and system-in-a-box convenience for modern day space constraints, but these shouldn't really be called or promoted as wireless because they aren't.
 
I think the wireless nomenclature is that the speakers do away with the need for amps, preamps, DACs, speaker cables and the like. One cable to connect from the source (computer, phono, CD player, music server, etc.) to the applicable input is all that is required.
 
These are supposed to start shipping in the US soon (2nd week of Jan is what I am hearing at this point). I have several pairs on order and really looking forward to getting to try them out.
 
Not yet....the first few pairs are already spoken for, but I have several more coming..... so I'll get to pop open one of those pairs and "play" around with them.
 
Which color do you think has the highest WAF since as it stands she won't let me bring anything above basement level!
 
My guess would be white, but probably depends a bit on house decor. I really like the grey color that they have now, and the gloss black looks really nice as well.
 
2'490.00 CHF(la paire)​
2'490.00 CHF(each pair) Brilliant white Frosted Black Titan KEF LS50 Wireless

The new active LS50 and wireless delivers clear, precise, and transparent sound that creates an intense, rich and multi-dimensional sound experience. The beauty of the wireless LS50, its simplicity of use and its elegance will make you shudder with emotions.






2'490.00 CHF

(Each pair)

Brilliant white Frosted Black Titanium


LS50 Wireless
LS50 Wireless LS50 Wireless LS50 Wireless Video The KEF LS50 wireless is an LS50 wired model. The look remains unchanged just like the design. The Uni-Q technology is based on the placement of the tweeter (25 mm aluminum dome) in the center of the woofer (130 mm magnesium alloy). The amplification system also evolves as each enclosure incorporates bi-amplification (200 + 30 watts), to an optimized DSP filter with phase corrector to synchronize the membranes as well as possible.
The pair of speakers does not work completely "wireless" since each speaker must be connected to each other via RJ45 cable. The right speaker, mistress, hosts all the connections. In wireless, there is Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz) as well as Bluetooth 4.0 aptX. For the wired, it is possible to connect the system in RCA, USB type B as well as S / PDIF Toslink and RJ45. The KEF LS50 Wireless can process music streams at up to 192 kHz / 24 bits. Via USB Type B and up to 96 kHz in optics. A subwoofer output is also present.
It is still the right speaker. You can adjust the listening volume, select the source and start the Bluetooth pairing procedure. In the rear, the speaker also offers correction EQs according to the position: desktop or standing, near a wall or not. An application under iOS and Android is available to optimize even more efficiently the sound rendering
 
OK so I just auditioned them...and I love 'em!

Great price, great sound, great convenience. For European/Asian in apartments, its almost PERFECT. For you yanks with tons of retail space in your home, this is an ideal 2nd system that is gentle enough on the pockets.

The new little active KEF should sell like hot cakes to the audiophile crowd living in condos in the big cities. It is the Phantom Killer. White, piano black and titanium are the colour choices. I demoed the black.


I sat in a near field position as the loudspeaker postioning was not great. They sat beside some average size floorstanders and the dealer gentleman didnt want to move too much stuff around. Originally the speakers were about 5 feet apart and he moved them closer to 6ft apart, but almost touching the floorstanders. Despite this, the imaginging was exemplary and the tweeter beats the upgraded one in the Phantom Gold. Very coherent sound, but you would expect this from a standmount, and this is a VERY good one.

The music selection were from 3 of my system demo albums. Markus Miller/Kodo Giant drums, Mussorgsky Gnomus, Fairfield 4 Swing Low/Sweet Chariot, Lofgren Keith dont go, Ozone Percussion Group, Diana Krall - Case of you, etc, were just some of the cuts played. All was done via digital out optical connection from a Cambridge Audio spinner (they only had Ethernet setup there, no wifi).

They dont take up much space, play to 106 dB without subwoofer (only needed for bassheads and HT...not for normal listening...I checked with some depth plumbing organ music).

Lack of DSD is NOT a deal-killing drawback, as you can wifi or USB connect your laptop and with HQP/JRiver convert on the fly to PCM 24/192. The elegance and simplicity of the setup makes up for this minor shortfall.

Careful though, this may make you less audiophile and more musicophile given the turnkey nature of this beast! LoL
 
Thanks for the great review! Nice to hear you loved them.

Sold a pair yesterday to a good customer for his daughter to use in the apartment she is living in currently. Like you mention, they do make a fantastic little setup for a smaller space, and without taking up much room.

As an FYI, KEF is also going to start selling matching (color) stands for these as well. Should start seeing those next month (hopefully).
 
Thanks Norman. Great review! I have ordered a pair. Now what am I going to do with all of my tube and solid state amps, preamps, cables and DAC's (and speakers)? :)

wisnon said:
OK so I just auditioned them...and I love 'em!

Great price, great sound, great convenience. For European/Asian in apartments, its almost PERFECT. For you yanks with tons of retail space in your home, this is an ideal 2nd system that is gentle enough on the pockets.

The new little active KEF should sell like hot cakes to the audiophile crowd living in condos in the big cities. It is the Phantom Killer. White, piano black and titanium are the colour choices. I demoed the black.


I sat in a near field position as the loudspeaker postioning was not great. They sat beside some average size floor standers and the dealer gentleman didnt want to move too much stuff around. Originally the speakers were about 5 feet apart and he moved them closer to 6ft apart, but almost touching the floorstanders. Despite this, the imaginging was exemplary and the tweeter beats the upgraded one in the Phantom Gold. Very coherent sound, but you would expect this from a standmount, and this is a VERY good one.

The music selection were from 3 of my system demo albums. Markus Miller/Kodo Giant drums, Mussorgsky Gnomus, Fairfiled 4 Swing Low, Lofgren Keith dont go, Ozone Percussion Group, Diana Krall - Case of you, etc, were just some of the cuts played. All was done via digital out optical connection from a Cambridge Audio spinner (they only had Ethernet setup there, no wifi).

They dont take up much space, play to 106 dB without subwoofer (only needed for bassheads and HT...not for normal listening...I checked with some deep plumbing organ music).

No DSD is NOT a deal-killing drawback as you can wifi or USB connect your laptop and with HQP/JRiver convert on the fly to PCM 24/192. The elegance and simplicity of the setup makes up for this minor shortfall.

Careful though, this may make you less audiophile and more musicophile given the turnkey nature of this beast! LoL
Click to expand...
 
RDSChicago, please post a review of them after you get them. If you are coming from tubes, I wonder how the transition will go for you.
Myself I tried to change from a tube preamp several times over the years but always went back to a tube preamp. My listening room has shrunk down in size over the past few years to 10X9'. The wireless KEF's has my interest.
 
sheltie1 said:
Thanks for the great review! Nice to hear you loved them.

Sold a pair yesterday to a good customer for his daughter to use in the apartment she is living in currently. Like you mention, they do make a fantastic little setup for a smaller space, and without taking up much room.

As an FYI, KEF is also going to start selling matching (color) stands for these as well. Should start seeing those next month (hopefully).
Click to expand...

Yup, the demo units were on Black dedicated KEF stands. CHF650, so about $600 a pair. Heavy.
 
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