Drivers: Uni-Q driver array (19mm aluminium tweeter; 11.5cm aluminium mid/bass driver)
Streaming: AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, UPnP, Bluetooth 4.2, Roon Ready
Max file resolution: 24-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256, MQA
Inputs: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, aux
Output: Subwoofer
Finishes: Mineral white, lava red, carbon black, cobalt blue, Soundwave by Terence Conran Edition
Dimensions: 24 x 15.5 x 18cm
Weight: 7.2kg
The LSX II is one of the best speaker systems we've come across at this price. It sounds wonderful, packs in plenty of features and looks stunning. Anyone looking for convenience and superb sound in a single system should seriously consider it.
For
- Well-rounded sonic performance
- Excellent imaging and dynamics
- HDMI, USB-C and aux inputs
- Extensive streaming support
Against
- Native 24-bit/192kHz playback requires wired connection
- Those wanting a bigger sound need the step-up LS50 Wireless II model
Drivers: Uni-Q driver array (19mm aluminium tweeter; 11.5cm aluminium mid/bass driver)
Streaming: AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, UPnP, Bluetooth 5.0
Max file resolution: 24-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD128
Inputs: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical
Output: Subwoofer
Finishes: Graphite grey, stone white, sage green
Dimensions: 24 x 15.5 x 18cm
Weight: 6.8kg
If you don't mind losing a few connectivity options and features from the step-up LSX II but still crave that signature KEF sound, the new, more affordable and near-identical LSX II LT is a fantastic value alternative that will appeal to many.
For
- Cohesive, effortlessly balanced performance
- Full, well-formed bass
- Great value for most users
Against
- No aux input
- Less luxurious finish options
- No wireless link between speakers
As far as wireless speaker systems go, we can't think of many we like more than the exceptional, Award-winning KEF LSX II. Brilliantly made and effortlessly simple to use, the KEFs give you a robust, pleasing sound profile in a neat package without the need for endless separates such as amplifiers, DACs and source components. Simply connect your phone and fire up a streaming service, or you can even hook up alternative sources (TV, laptop, portable music player) – then pop the LSX II somewhere sensible and you're pretty much away.
What we have with the new KEF LSX II LT, though, is a potential improvement in terms of value for money. Let's make this clear: the LT is not a sequel to the standard LSX II, rather, it's a more affordable, streamlined iteration of the concept that strips away a few features for the sake of giving you the same superb KEF sound at a more competitive price.
Which, though, is the right system for you, and do the two really match up sonically when tested side by side? Good news: we've done just that, putting both models through their respective paces so that you know exactly what the differences – and many similarities – are.
Let's get you clued in.
- Read our full KEF LSX II review and KEF LSX II LT review
KEF LSX II vs KEF LSX II LT: price
We tested the Award-winning KEF LSX II at £1199 / $1400 / AU$2195 when it launched in 2022, a price that we still consider to be pretty good value for its talents. That pricing has fluctuated since then, dropping down recently on numerous occasions during winter sales events and other discounted periods, often by a few hundred quid.
The LSX II LT version, however, has arrived with a significantly lower original RRP, costing £899 / $999 / AU$1695 at launch. That's a £300 difference to UK consumers, something which isn't exactly to be sniffed at when the two are placed side by side. The LSX II LT could be the smarter choice if pure value is a priority.
While we've seen the original LSX II dip below the £1000 mark briefly last year, the arrival of the more affordable LT has now seen prices for its older sibling go back up to its original RRP. If you want to hold out on getting the best deal, you might have to wait for a fair few months to see the LSX II listed at any meaningful discount again. So if you're after the best deal right now, the 'cheaper', newer LSX II LT are your best bet.
**Winner: KEF LSX II LT**
KEF LSX II vs KEF LSX II LT: build & design
At a glance, there isn't much to distinguish the KEF LSX II originals from the newer, more affordable LT debutantes, with both sporting that sleek KEF profile, the shiny Uni-Q driver and tangerine waveguide that make the British brand's speakers so recognisable. Both sets of speakers sport the same dimensions (24 x 15.5 x 18cm), but the LT are, true to the name, just a little lighter at 6.8kg. The LSX II weigh in a bit more at 7.2kg, perhaps thanks to the inclusion of some internal hardware for wireless connectivity.
We find both sets of speakers to be handsome, well-made and attractive without ever seeming gaudy or overly designed. Whether you place them on your home office desk, next to your TV or on dedicated speaker stands, we find they look right at home.
If you prefer a truly premium feel and a greater choice of colourways, though, opt for the standard LSX II. The lovely cloth cover of the LSX II's cabinet feels and looks stunning, and we're particularly fond of the contrasting drivers' shades with the five colourways available here. The LSX II LT speakers don't feature that attractive cloth-covered finish and there are just three uniform shades for the more affordable iteration. We found our sage green review pair (stone white and graphite grey available) to look stylish and modern enough when placed in our listening rooms, but they're outshone by the rather more lush elegance of the LSX II's cobalt blue duo when placed side-by-side.
In terms of driver arrangement and internal components, both versions are identical. They both use the same 11th-generation of KEF's Uni-Q driver array with the same 19mm aluminium tweeter and 11.5cm mid/bass driver. The internal amplification, DACs and streaming module used are all shared across both models, with a total of 200 watts of Class D amplification powering the speakers. Both also come with the same slim, simple remote control.
That KEF has been able to keep the internal specs and overall design identical between the two models is to be applauded, and truth to be told, we'd be happy with either pair. But for that extra touch of luxurious finish, the LSX II wins this round.
**Winner: KEF LSX II**
KEF LSX II vs KEF LSX II LT: features & connectivity
As we stated in the intro, the LSX II LT is not a direct sequel to the LSX II. Rather, this is a stripped-down, streamlined edition that sacrifices a few (possibly) non-essential features and add-ons to give you the choice of a more affordable entry into KEF's range of speaker systems. What, then, does the LSX II offer, and what does the LSX II LT sacrifice so that you can make a saving?
The LSX II uses KEF’s W2 wireless streaming platform which acts as your gateway to all the various streaming options currently on offer, including wi-fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Bluetooth. Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect music streaming services, as well as internet radio, are all supported via the easy-to-use KEF Connect app for iOS and Android devices. You can even stream your high-res music library stored on an external NAS drive – up to 24-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256 and MQA files are supported – and it's Roon Ready certified.
Physical inputs are extensively catered to as well. An HDMI ARC input allows you to hook up your TV, while a USB-C port lets you link up to a laptop, computer or a smart device like the iPhone 15. There's also a digital optical input and an analogue aux input for connecting various other sources, such as a CD player. If you want a more stable network connection, a wired Ethernet connection is available, and for extra oomph to the low end, there's an output for adding in a subwoofer.
With the LSX II LT, the story is much the same, with a few key differences. It uses the same W2 streaming platform and KEF Connect app, and the wireless options and streaming services supported are identical. The LT model isn't Roon Ready, drops the MQA decoding and tops out at DSD128, but it does offer Bluetooth 5.0 rather than the LSX II's 4.2.
The LT is also lighter on physical connectivity options. The HDMI ARC port, optical input and subwoofer output remain present, but it loses the aux input. That might make it tricky to connect certain source devices to the LT, but we find the USB-C and optical input take care of most modern products. Sorry, aux input, but your time is seemingly coming to an end.
A bigger difference is regarding how you plug the speakers into the mains power. In the LSX II, both speaker units need to be plugged into the mains, whereas the LT only requires a single mains lead plugged into the primary unit, with the other speaker then taking the power via a new USB-C inter-speaker cable. This means the LSX II LT speakers have to be tethered to each other at all times with the included 3m cable (a longer 8m cable is sold separately for £50). The LSX II model is a bit more versatile here, as it offers both a wired and wireless link between the speaker units, giving you more flexibility for placement.
We find that only having to plug in one speaker to the mains makes the whole set-up a bit neater, and we think for many customers, the loss of those extra features on the LSX II LT won't be missed too much, especially for the stripped-down price.
Still, for its stronger spec sheet and more versatile features, the pricier LSX II has to take the win by default.
*Winner: KEF LSX II**
KEF LSX II vs KEF LSX II LT: sound
When the new LSX II LT arrived on the scene and, more importantly, in our test rooms, we were worried that some sonic corners might have been cut in a bid to bring down costs a little, with concerns raised that a shared inter-speaker power supply might result in a slightly dulled or compromised performance.
That, happily, isn't the case, with both the LSX II and the LSX II LT to our ears offering pretty much identical sound profiles across a range of positions, sources and musical offerings. During our review, found the LSX II performed superbly thanks to the speakers' deft handling of musical layers, elements and textures. As we stated in our original review, "There’s a real sense of refinement and maturity to the sound without being showy." Tracks benefit from pleasing robustness and solidity, and while some rival systems can sound unwieldy or overexcited, everything feels like it's right where it's supposed to be.
It's the same story with the LSX II LT "spin-off", which we're pleasantly surprised to hear. As we said in our full review: "If you loved the performance of the standard system, you’ll likely be enamoured by what the 'lite' version is offering, too."
A Tidal stream of Muse’s Madness brings us exactly the same solidity, crispness and deft tonal balance regardless of which LS model plays it, enjoying a breadth of bass and a sense of poise and control from both the LSX II and the LSX II LT. Both models provide cohesion, focus and a snappy sense of propulsion without a hint of fuss or strain, and while they're taut and snappy, neither feels like a thin or overly lean pair of speakers.
No, they won't fill out a large room like the bigger, next step-up LS50 Wireless II speaker system does, but the LSX models – both of them – deliver a hugely entertaining performance for their relatively compact designs.
All in all, there's virtually nothing to separate the two systems, even when you switch to high-res (or lower-res) recordings, use a CD player as the source, or change the position from speaker stands to a standard desk. The LSX II LT are a fantastic value alternative to the pricier LSX II, and nothing is really lost or gained by picking one over the other.
*Winner: Draw**
KEF LSX II vs KEF LSX II LT: verdict
That KEF has made a more affordable version of the KEF LSX II that we rate so highly without compromising the sonic performance is a real treat. The loss of a few not-so-essential features, different finishes and changes to the power supply method aren't huge sacrifices for the more streamlined LSX II LT version, in our eyes. Having spent a few weeks testing both models, we're happy listening to and using both.
What you have here is a choice between a generously specced, full-fat version and a streamlined, "lite" version that costs around £300 ($500 / AU$400) less. With both models offering the same sound quality, there's no need to assess whether a saving of £300 / $500 / AU$400 will be worth any sonic losses suffered by the LSX II LT – as there aren't any. Just like its older siblings, this year's model is a taut, balanced and deeply musical listen.
The choice, then, is entirely up to whether those additional specs and features offered by the LSX II are essential to you, and therefore worth the extra price jump. But we would wager the more affordable LSX II LT will be more than adequate for those looking for a neat, modern, versatile and entertaining system that packs so much into two boxes.
MORE:
Read our full KEF LSX II LT review and the KEF LSX II review
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