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LSX is a good example of a glimpse into the future ....... More of these types of DSP enabled active speakers are coming our way :-) .........
KEF LSX wireless loudspeaker system Specifications
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Two-way, coaxial, rear-ported, active, dynamic wireless loudspeaker and all-in-one stereo hi-fi system. Drive-units: coaxial Uni-Q array comprising a 0.75" (19mm) aluminum-dome tweeter and 4.5" (115mm) magnesium-aluminum-alloy midrange-woofer, each powered by its own class-D amplifier (30W, tweeter; 70W, woofer) and 24-bit/192kHz DACs, with active crossover and DSP functions. Direct streaming: WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2 (aptX). All functions managed and controlled by KEF apps: Control accesses the LSX's Music Integrity Engine digital signal processing; Stream accesses Tidal, Apple AirPlay 2 (to come later in 2019 via a firmware update), Spotify Connect. Inputs (Master): TosLink (optical), Ethernet (network), USB Type A, 3.5mm jack (analog). Outputs: subwoofer (RCA), RJ45 (to Slave).
Dimensions: 9.5" (250mm) H by 6" (150mm) W by 7" (180mm) D. Weight: 7.9 lb (3.6kg) Master, 7.7 lb (3.5kg), Slave.
Finishes: Red, Blue, Green, or Black (fabric); White (no fabric).
Serial numbers of units reviewed: KMLSX07336K42L2G & 'R2G.
Price: $1099.99/pair. Approximate number of dealers: Sold direct as well as at Magnolia Home Theater and other stores; see www.kefdirect.com/dealerlocator/. Warranty: 5 years.
Manufacturer: KEF, GP Acoustics (UK) Ltd., Ecceleston Road, Tovil, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6QP, England, UK. US distributor: GP Acoustics (US) Inc., 10 Timber Lane, Marlboro, NJ 07746. Tel: (732) 683-2356. Fax: (732) 683-2358. Web: www.kef.com.
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COMMENTS
Oh?
Submitted by vincentvm on April 19, 2019 - 2:17pm
Highly doubtful, but I see the wishful thinking of the old guard.
Let them have their Harbeths and BBC LS\3 and spendors.
Then we will have Devialet and others map them and goose them to unheard performances. How passive are speakers then, when they are being Borged into the future.
Can't bypass the internal DAC?
Submitted by MhtLion on April 19, 2019 - 1:01pm
Can an external DAC be used? I see an AUX port but no RCA or Balanced input. Its internal DAC must be at best $30 a pop or less (more likely less) and is a limiting factor. Also, the sound cannot be upgraded at any means in the future.
But, I also see the fact each driver is coupled with its own internal DAC can be an advantage. Also, if an analog signal is received, then it would need to go through another DSP in order to actively drive each driver.
I hope some industry standard will be established that DAC manufactures can produce a standalone DAC which works with active speakers. It will be amazing to see a Yggy with three outputs per channel with a custom crossover setting for each speaker, which can be downloaded online.
Digital-to-analog-to-digital-to-analog
Submitted by kipoca on April 19, 2019 - 2:53pm
These are DSP speakers, so using a digital source with an analog converter would convert it back to digital and then back to analog. I don't know about this particular speaker, but a DSP speaker can use a DAC for each driver in the amplifier stage.
I hope (and expect) not.
Submitted by Kal Rubinson on April 19, 2019 - 6:14pm
There are many DSP-based active loudspeakers on the market already, wireless or not. Most are either life-style gadgets (not our concern) or professional products and neither have been featured in Stereophile. Two exceptions are the Beolab 90 and the Kii Three and it is clear that the highly integrated nature of these designs preclude what you are asking for. It would greatly and, unnecessarily, increase complexity and compromise the inherent value of the integration.
Eikon speaker system .........
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on April 20, 2019 - 4:44am
KR could consider reviewing the new Eikon speaker system, which was shown at AXPONA 2019 ...... It has DSP and room correction ...... Stereophile reported about the Eikon system :-) ..........
Did I miss some mention of using them wired?
Submitted by SteveG on April 19, 2019 - 12:52pm
I think I’ve seen mention of using these wired via Ethernet, along with the suggestion that they sound better this way.
Did I miss some mention of using them wired?
Submitted by SteveG on April 19, 2019 - 12:52pm
I think I’ve seen mention of using these wired via Ethernet, along with the suggestion that they sound better this way.
Subsonic/Infrasonic
Submitted by beave on April 19, 2019 - 2:01pm
"I suspect that this is to protect the tiny woofer from subsonic overload..."
Isn't the proper word here infrasonic, not subsonic?
what the hell?
Submitted by Ali on April 19, 2019 - 8:07pm
I still prefer 2 Apple Home pod far more. Thats it.
Dubious
Submitted by wozwoz on April 20, 2019 - 1:05am
Leaving aside the fact that a rational informed person would not want to needlessly and pointlessly radiate their own home with wi-fi, the biggest failing of the review is not to expound on the line: "signals can enter the LSX wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.2" etc ... which is a lossy massively compressed medium and that has no place in a magazine calling itself "Stereophile". Bluetooth is for noobs who do not know better .. with substantially worse quality than redbook CD ... and since the suggested inputs are streaming (Spotify) ... it only gets worse. Buy yourself a $20 cable, stick in under the carpet if you don't want to see it, and get serious.
"If I Only Had A Brain."
Submitted by Robin Landseadel on April 21, 2019 - 9:26am
"Rational informed people" is one of them straw men. First, seen any rational informed people lately? Second, like it or not we are awash in wi-fi anyway. And if I want to hear Blandine Verlet's recordings of François Couperin I'm going to be streaming it because the physical issues are unobtanium. The reality is that streaming is the new norm. "Substantially worse quality than redbook CD" is meaningful only when the playback gear can actually deliver 44.1/16. It usually doesn't, particularly with older gear. And streams can do better than that anyway. In any case, my smartphone lashed to good headphones gives me better sound than most of what I've owned over the last 50 years.
I also
Submitted by ok on April 20, 2019 - 2:54pm
do most of my listening through phone-plugged ear-cans nowadays, both chosen on grounds of available measurements and good looks. When I first realized the quality, quantity and convenience that can be had for no more than 1k (fully functional smartphone bonus included) I felt like an old fool no less. Yes, I still enjoy my once-indispensable home system under certain conditions; but the hard-earned money I certainly regret, though I know it was the only way those days back then.
Can't get here from there
Submitted by Robin Landseadel on April 20, 2019 - 3:09pm
It's not as if I spent the kind of money we see regularly for new gear in Stereophile. My stuff ain't junk, but it ain't new either. And radio still sounds like radio. Digital streams sometimes reveal low-bitrate sources, but sometimes the sound is as good as any CD I've heard, it all depends. When I play a stream over one of my old-fashioned "stereos" it usually sounds a little better that what I used to get from LPs and CDs. The reality was that during the "Golden Age" of analog some releases were great, most were only ok, some awful. Same as it ever was. Chances of first rate sound are greater now than then. If it's a choice between wi-fi throughout the house or fuzz on the stylus, I'll take the wi-fi.
Love me some Bluetooth
Submitted by Jim Austin on April 20, 2019 - 5:27am
I would never use Bluetooth for serious listening, but I've come to appreciate it as a feature. Why? I enjoy movies, but I'm not serious about video. This means I usually watch on my laptop computer, with the computer sitting in my lap. But I do like some good sound, so I like to cast the audio to my main audio system. Bluetooth makes it easy, and AptX (supported by KEF LSX) means minimal latency so good voice sync.
High-end audio companies are increasingly supporting Bluetooth in their integrated devices. One example is the new Mark Levinson No. 5805 integrated amplifier, which I have in-house right now. It's capable of very good sound--but its also very easy for me to sync my laptop and watch a movie.
The new-ish aptX HD is supposedly has quite good sound, although I haven't investigated it sufficiently to know whether their "high-res" claims have merit.
Jim Austin, Editor
Stereophile
Watching movies ..........
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on April 20, 2019 - 10:38am
Watching movies on a lap-top computer, when 8k displays and projectors with HDR are showing up on the market? :-) ........
I'm not sure where you get your information...
Submitted by spectral75 on July 21, 2019 - 12:13pm
Both Bluetooth and Airplay support lossless Red Book transmission, both of which the LSXs support. Looks like you are the "noob".
Dubious Opinions
Submitted by CelticMan on August 16, 2019 - 2:08pm
What a complete and utter snob you are. You don’t have to like wireless technologies but it’s also obvious you have no clue about them. A pretentious expert.
"Love Me Tender" .........
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on April 20, 2019 - 7:05am
"Love Me Tender" ......... Elvis Presley :-) .........
This is a $1,100 deception
Submitted by tonykaz on April 20, 2019 - 10:55pm
Stereophile is the ONLY place that a Picture of the Lower Printed Manufacturing details are showing, I just did a Google search trying to reveal a better photo of the Made in UK Lower Label, none exist. There is none offered by ANY of the very large number of Reviews and/or reviewer' comments! Even Stereophile avoided mentioning the Obvious fact that this is a complex Chinese Product sellling for Made in UK Pricing " as stated by one review writing buyer/owner" .
This LSX is not an Audiophile Loudspeaker, is it? It's a Colorful Consumer Product destined for the Shelves of Walmart, Best Best Buy and Amazon.
So, I have to think that this is a Paid for Review. I'm profoundly disappointed by this realization.
Is TAS reviewing this little Plastic device? Is Darko ? Is 6-Moons ?
So, can/should I ask that our Editors present some sort of Statement that they are going to be sellling reviews & endorsing Non-Audiophile Products to help defray the increasing costs of keeping themselves financially sound. ( pardon the un-intentional pun )
Dammit, I knew Raymond Cooke. Can I feel saddened that his creation and considerable UK exporting prowess is now a Chinese Company making plastic appliances ??? ( and hiding their Country of Origin )
Tony in Michigan
ps. by the way, one Amazon Buyer/owner complained that there is NO support for this device, did anyone at Stereophile attempt to get any sort of assistance from KEF? is there ample support for this product ?
Other reviews ...........
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on April 21, 2019 - 7:49am
TAS, Darko and AudioStream have reviewed LSX, as far as I know ........ TAS and Twittering Machines have reviewed similar, but more expensive ($2,500) LS-50 Nocturnes, as far as I know :-) ..........
Both LSX and LS-50 Nocturnes have received very favorable reviews by all the reviewers :-) .........
Re: This is a $1,100 deception
Submitted by John Atkinson on April 21, 2019 - 8:24am
I have to think that this is a Paid for Review. I'm profoundly disappointed by this realization . . . So, can/should I ask that our Editors present some sort of Statement that they are going to be sellling reviews & endorsing Non-Audiophile Products to help defray the increasing costs of keeping themselves financially sound.
This not a pay-for-play review. Stereophile does not publish reviews that are paid for by manufacturers. Frankly, Tony, I am saddened that you make this accusation.
I have written a followup on this little gem of a speaker for the June issue, where I discuss its sound with a wired connection and hi-rez files.
Dammit, I knew Raymond Cooke. Can I feel saddened that his creation and considerable UK exporting prowess is now a Chinese Company making plastic appliances . . .
Hong Kong-based Gold Peak bought KEF (and Celestion) in 1992, so you are a little behind the times with this revelation.
John Atkinson
Technical Editor, Stereophile
Dear John,
Submitted by tonykaz on April 21, 2019 - 9:16am
Thank you for being saddened and thank you for addressing my "accusation" ! I have confidence in You and Stereophile and very much hope to maintain that confidence. I needed you to step forward and declare me wrong. ( especially if I am and when I am )
Yes, I am well behind the times. It was Tyll and Steve G. at RMAF 2011 that re-kindeled my long absence from Audio Hobby interests.
I didn't intend to be rude or accusational in a painful way, I was writing from a tearful & painful realization that the World I knew is transitioning into a World I'm uncomfortable with.
For me, Raymond Cooke was an Industry Leader, KEF was an Aston Martin type Product Engineered and Built in Maidstone. KEF today is something much ( considerably ) less and I'm being neurotically unhappy about it. ( as I am about any Company that Off-Shores to save on Labor ).
I now understand that KEF was purchased outright.
Tony in Michigan
ps. I read the Specifications to say KEF England with no mention of China. I saw the photo of the Bottom 1/4 20 Mounting that HR mentions and notice all that print being fuzzily out of focus an unreadable. I then did a proper Google search only to discover that China is never mentioned or hinted on by Anyone writing about this device.
I concluded that it's an "INTENTIONAL" non-disclosure of important decision altering information.
ps. my batting average is below .500, I'm often wrong
It does say "Made in China"
Submitted by John Atkinson on April 21, 2019 - 10:54am
I read the Specifications to say KEF England with no mention of China. I saw the photo of the Bottom 1/4 20 Mounting that HR mentions and notice all that print being fuzzily out of focus an unreadable.
It does clearly say "Made in China" on the original photo of the LSX's bottom panel but at the 600-pixel image width that is standard on our website, it is illegible.
John Atkinson
Technical Editor, Stereophile
Illegible
Submitted by tonykaz on April 21, 2019 - 11:31am
Thank you for confirming my visual analysis. I went on a Google Image hunt for a Clear view of that lower mounting panel to realize that "only" Stereophile decided to show it's quarter-twenty threaded brass mounting panel but not a legible rendering. ( all other photos are sharp ) feeling the inconsistency being a decision to not let us have a good read of it's contents. ( by the way, when you had someone in your own listening room, I was enlarging the images to reveal the origins of the cabling hanging on your rear area. I own a high resolution monitor for technical analysis purposes, I'm not a voyeur )
I applaud Mr. HR for mentioning the trip-pod mounting capability of this transducer system, he is the only person doing so. Not even the Owners Manual describes this PRO type feature. But still, no surprise, HR is the best Audio Reviewer out there today, he's rapidly catching up with the All Time Best : Alex Dykes and he's surpassing the great Tyll. ( I think )
Tony in Michigan
ps. my big toe is getting sore from kicking KEF, I'm standing down!
Product of the year .........
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on April 21, 2019 - 9:27am
May I nominate LSX for budget component of the year, editor's choice award of the year and overall product of the year 2019 of Stereophile? :-) .........
No affiliation .........
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on April 21, 2019 - 4:11pm
No, I don't work for KEF ...... I don't have any affiliation with any audio company ....... I just comment about any audio product which is favorably (or, otherwise) reviewed in Stereophile and other publications/websites ...... I just love to hear great music and great music reproduction :-) ........
Try the photo in the ...
Submitted by Ortofan on April 25, 2019 - 3:17am
... following link:
https://www.soundstagesimplifi.com/images/stories/equipment3/201902_KEF_green_bottomb.jpg
The ninth line below the KEF logo clearly reads "MADE IN CHINA".
If you want a new set of KEF speakers made in the UK, you need to choose from the Reference series or the Blades.
Green Loudspeaker, Red Printed Bottom Plate
Submitted by tonykaz on April 25, 2019 - 4:13am
You are a good researcher.
I looked for a half hour and quit.
This is a nearly impossible detail to find, it should be OUT-Front because it itself is a "Decision Altering" Purchase Factor for a considerable percentage USA folks increasingly pissed at Corporate Off-Shoring. Especially with it's Premium Price and that KEF are Marketing it to be a UK product. ( with tricky phrasing to encourage folks to think it's a UK product )
The next "still-unanswered" question is Service. Can this thing be serviced and is it Supported? For $1,100 should we expect it to have support and service ? or Is this device something we return for an Exchange with the broken one re-sold as repaired B stock from an eBay warehouse fulfiller in Central USA. SONY has abandoned Service of any SONY product I'm aware of, especially their Cameras. Canon services their Cameras!
My persisting feeling is that Audiophile Products are Artisan built, by Skilled Craftsman, designed to deliver consistant Performance that will assure retained value for Generations.
Why waste funds on trendy nonsense devices that will be on next year's Garage Sale Tables?
I read Stereophile for Lasting-Quality, decision help & understanding. ( and Steve G )
I go to David Pogue for Pop-Culture Technology Device-Advice.
Tony in Michigan
ps. do these Green KEFs belong to Michael Jones ?
read the measurements
Submitted by hb72 on April 29, 2019 - 4:24am
if you were able to read the (excellent!) measurements you'd recognize these speakers are by no means just a "colourful consumer products".
Of course, measurements do not draw the complete picture but provide some very helpful information about basic balance, quality, and, e.g., time-alignment, in which resepct the LSX is quite perfect and thus better than ca 99% of speakers on the market.
Agreed ........
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on April 29, 2019 - 6:19am
Agreed ........ LSX is one very good example of what an active, DSP enabled loudspeaker engineering can do :-) .........
Not just another 'pretty face' ......... The beauty is more than 'skin deep' :-) ............
Mr. hb72
Submitted by tonykaz on April 29, 2019 - 8:37am
Yes, you are correct, I didn't read the measurements. I almost never read the measurements even though I'm an Electrical Engineer. Good call !!!
Your summary of these Transducer Systems agree with the majority of the Reviewer's Statements but not necessarily with the majority of the actual buyers writing published reviews.
Reviewers are close to 100% positive on these things, the Reviewers publishers seem to add an additional 10% approval making these devices the finest Loudspeaker Transducer System in the Known World -- This Month? ( am I being cynical ?, hell yes! )
Actual Owners with real life experience report significantly lower approvals with levels of disapproval for various details. ( typical of any product, nothing special about this product's acceptance patterns )
So, the actual customer, man-on-the-street, yawns at these cute little things about 50%, while Reviewers seem to be 110% positive.
One year from now, we'll know better. Will our Audiophile Journalists include these little transducers in their stated "Owned" associated gear? I'm guessing no.
Even so, ( after all my bitching and moaning ) I might own a pair when an Amazon Seller puts them on closeout for $229.00 Free Shipping. Even then, I might return them if they don't perform as expected. Such is Life for a product designed to be a Race to the Bottom / Impulse buyer product ( a phrase I might be asked to retract ). These are not LS3/5a Heirloom type products.
Above is "MY" opinion. I'm not trying to throw ashtrays here.
I'm a KEF fan of 4 Decades.
Tony in transit
ps. Thank you for Writing, I need calling out and you make dam good points!!!
Amazon reviews ..........
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on April 29, 2019 - 10:30am
Amazon has 62% five star ratings out of 29 reviews, so far ......... for whatever it is worth :-) .........
Mr.bogolu
Submitted by tonykaz on April 29, 2019 - 11:44am
Why aren't those ratings 100% ?
The Brits buyer/owners have plenty of "experience" informed commentary, they are being sold this device to be a traditional UK KEF device and only learn of it's true origin after careful examination of the devices themselves.
I am directing this comment to you, specifically. I am not attempting to generate a landslide of public anger.
However we are having a useful public discussion.
And : I'm not mentioning a Company Name or Product Name.
I consider this a Philosophical discussion about Corporate decisions on Global Marketing.
Tony in transit
Just additional information ........
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on April 29, 2019 - 12:12pm
I agree with your point of view ....... I just mentioned Amazon reviews as an additional, supplemental information for those who may be interested in such information :-) .........
mr.bogolu on supplemental
Submitted by tonykaz on April 29, 2019 - 1:01pm
Yes, of course.
I just don't think that anyone reading this Publication ( stereophile ) will find the colorful little appliance as an Audiophile Product ( especially considering it's "Perfect" measurements. It's just a trendy adaptation of Wireless technology.
Audiophiles know fully well that outstanding sounding Componentry will typically measure rather poorly, especially Loudspeakers. ( I'm gonna catch hell from measurers on this )
Having said all the above, with conviction, I'm prepared to be completely wrong. I'll then issue apologies and retractions in BOLD letters.
In a way, I hope that I'm wrong because I'd like to think of us going forth into a better World.
On the Bright Side of China :
China has only been in ONE War since 1500 AD., with Viet Nam, they got clobbered, just like we did. It was a short War.
China publicly executes Drug Dealers! They drive the dealer around to show everyone and then....
China doesn't tolerate the Sale of War Guns to civilians!
China's Governance is far more Humane than Western/Christian based Governments.
China is an Advanced Civilization and has been for thousands of years. They don't Genocide.
China has never exported War, Colonialism, Imperialism, Buddhism, etc...
I greatly admire China. The Chinese leadership are the fathers and protectors of families.
There is no smell of racism in China. ( as far as I've come to understand )
I could go on and on....
Tony in transit
ps. one of my Sons married Asian
Agreed ........
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on April 29, 2019 - 4:23pm
Agreed ........ I don't think LSX is gonna replace any audiophile main system ........ It could be considered for a 2nd or a 3rd system ........ The cost and the ease of use are attractive as HR mentioned .......... At the moment there is no American made product quite like the LSX .......... That situation may change 2 to 5 years from now :-) ..........
Tony in Michigan
Submitted by CelticMan on August 16, 2019 - 2:12pm
You talk too much. You need something to occupy you more!
For whatever it's worth, many
Submitted by dalethorn on May 4, 2019 - 2:58pm
For whatever it's worth, many products that I've found to be good quality and reliable get a lot of one and two-star reviews on Amazon. Not the majority of the reviews, but enough to wonder if 1) They got the genuine product and 2) What they did to it after they installed and used it.
Keep buying
Submitted by Indydan on May 6, 2019 - 12:09pm
Garbage on Amazon. You get what you pay for.
Pay-to-play ........
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on April 28, 2019 - 10:34am
Talking about 'pay-to-play' ....... I could not find any such thing as 'John Atkinson Foundation' ....... I have searched for it on the internet :-) .........
.... also, there is no 'Atkinson Tower' or 'Atkinson International Hotel' in Beijing :-) .........
Foundation?
Submitted by tonykaz on April 21, 2019 - 1:07pm
Are you kidding, I was running his Foundation and spent all the money on Taco Bell Salads.
Have another look for : "Save the Audiophile Foundation" , donate all the money you can spare, I'm gonna need it to continue my product bashing. ;-( ....
Tony in Michigan
Chorus Question
Submitted by musicophile on April 23, 2019 - 12:46am
Hello,
May I ask what was the piece where you could point out each singer in a large chorus? And what was the source? Spotify over bluetooth or something else?
Thanks.
Bowers &Wilkins Formation Suite
Submitted by Charles E Flynn on April 22, 2019 - 10:51am
Mostly made in China:
https://www.techhive.com/article/3390203/bowers-and-wilkins-formation-suite.html
Poor JA, what you must go through in retirement, even semi...
Submitted by jimtavegia on April 22, 2019 - 1:16pm
What I have done is taken a Yamaha MG-10XU ($199) that has 4 mic pre amps and 3 line level stereo inputs driven by my Mac mini USB. Using the USB takes up the 4th stereo line level in. The Yamaha handles 24192 flawlessly and with a decent microphone gives me the best possible FaceTime anyone could want.
The Yamaha also has built-in effects from hall and plate reverbs to make your voice sound as good as you want, and even has 48Vdc phantom power for condenser mics as I run a Sennheiser e865 though mine and folks tell me it sounds great. It does even with a $99 Rode M1 as well. The great Shure SM 58 is also an excellent $99 choice. Music through it sounds superb even on headphones.
Now you can use the Yamaha to drive any powered loudspeaker you want and I use some JBL 305s that sound just fine for me and my wife has some Behringer's off her computer as she is much less into audio as I, but the Behringer's sound fine. All for under $500, less microphone, and you may not need one if you don't do FaceTime.
Many ways to make computer audio sound great and I am sure the KEF options is a good one.
I own these as well as LS50's...
Submitted by jeffhenning on April 22, 2019 - 5:38pm
For my bedroom, I bought a pair of LSX's and some discounted Boston Acoustics ASX250 subs. I added some KEF 2ft. stands, Mogami cables, Sorbothane hemispheres, 20lbs. of steel shot & another 20 of sand for the stands as well as Auralex Baby GRAMMA platforms and SVS sub feet.
I have a much more expensive system in the basement that's centered around KEF LS50's and Rythmik servo subs, but the set up is very similar as is the way they radiate into the room.
I have 3 take-away's to offer:
• The LSX's are a pretty fantastic product and offer the promise of a great sound system if they would just add a couple bands of parametric EQ into the mix with their setup app so you can take it to the next level and do some real room/playback adjustment. That said, the controls available through the app are very impressive.
• The LSX cabinets are not built to nearly the same level as the LS50's (no surprise given the price point) and they do "sing" (vibrate) a great deal when you turn the volume up even with a 120Hz hi-pass filter working. These are not speakers meant to produce more than 98-100dB even with the hi-pass filter maxed.
• You can never have a truly great sounding system without a great sounding room... already knew that, but, given the commonality of the systems, that has been put into stark relief. My wood floored/drywalled bedroom has nothing, but a bed to absorb sound. The bass is uneven, the mids are a touch overpowering and the stereo image is vague. My main system is in the basement and I'm setting it up as a LEDE room (live end/dead end). It's sounds incredible. I'll forgo the description, but anyone would be and is impressed when they hear it.
One final thought: when you place a tubular speaker stand on top of a sub, even with SVS sub feet, you still need to fill them with steel shot and sand. The difference is not subtle and it's effective & cheap!
Cheers,
jeff
Wow
Submitted by Carloscastaneda on April 22, 2019 - 8:33pm
tony in Michigan is spewing racist bs. It dismays me that stereophile would feed the hatred in the world like this. I hear a lot of casual racism towards Chinese people here too but it should not be normalized. As Billy Bragg used to say, even the communists fall in love and have babies and families. Dehumanizing comments like Tony's have no place in society.. Peace. Plus I'm probably going to buy these speakers because of this review.
Mr. Carlos Castaneda on Race
Submitted by tonykaz on April 23, 2019 - 8:45am
Discussing Global Manufacturing Economics is not reducible to Racism.
My Position on Manufacturing evolves from thouroughly documented Data Bases.
Dismissing my Voiced Complaints as Racist is itself a Racist Comment.
My position is to point out that our Captains of Industry are Outsourcing Labor to disadvantaged Slave Labor. Buying Walmart products is endorsing and supporting the Chines Slave Labor Policies of "OUR" Vastly Wealthy Corporate Class.
I'm against Slavery !
I'm against Walmart/China Slave Masters hollowing-out our Downtowns and turning our Skilled Workforce into minimum wage workers at Fast Food Outlets.
and
I applaud Europe & UK for Yellow Vesting to protect themselves.
I applaud our HighEnd Audio Companies that are striving to Build Quality Products that will probably outlive us and maintain or increase in value to our inheriting generations. ( thank you Steve G. for todays important Idea/Concept Philosophical Contribution )
Tony in Michigan
ps. put me down as fully supporting all Races ( even Rep.Omar from Mn )
ps. my personal family & Extended Family is/are multi-racial, I love all of us.
Oh Tony!
Submitted by Jason Victor Serinus on April 24, 2019 - 9:40am
You wrote: ps. put me down as fully supporting all Races ( even Rep.Omar from Mn )
Rep. Omar is not a race; she is a human being who speaks her mind as freely and, if I may be permitted to say so, as carelessly as you do.
Hello ,
Submitted by tonykaz on April 24, 2019 - 10:33am
Thanks for writing.
Of course she's not a Race. I admire her and all she represents.
On speaking minds.
I am an Analytical Electrical Engineer retired from Large Scale Manufacturing where speaking of minds is the only communication appropriate, acceptable and Demanded!!! Industrial communication has a standard lexicon of socially distasteful terms & phrases that are only just now going mainstream over internet based Media and are Powerful Descriptives for illustrating levels of Priorities, levels of urgency and other High Noise Enviornment Circumstances. I'm a Factory Rat for over 5 Decade where only Clear, Direct, Sharply pointed & accurate communication of information is appropriate. It's not insulting ( or Racist ) if it's accurate!
My Wife is a Minister Care Giver/Social Type who speaks with great care to not hurt anyone's feelings.
I accept your spoken disapproval of the things I say, the points of view I have, the positions I take. I will continue to admire you, cherish your work, value your contributions. In my World, where two people agree, only one is thinking, if you don't stand up for your point of view than I'm not quite as enamored with you as I should be.
I remember clearly you snapping back when I was commenting on the photo of you in front of those towering Mormon Loudspeakers. ( I won't restate my rather ugly comment about re-education )
I admired you Shooting back with both guns blazing in defense of yourself. I was rather proud of you for your written/spoken position in Life and all of your recited History.
You're a good person : The highest Award I have!
Tony in Michigan
ps. are you gonna do that Schiit Class A Amp?
ps. I'll expose myself to you. I'm a Neurotic, Psychotic and Depressive ( not suicidal ) and I typically have a lower estimate of myself that most people have of me. I'm probably a 3 of 10 as a human being, even my own mother knew this by the time I was 10 years old. When or if you say that I'm bad, I'll agree with you more that you can imagine. My wife & children & grandchildren say that I'm a good person, I tend to not believe them. Even so, I like myself!
Thank you, Tony
Submitted by Jason Victor Serinus on April 24, 2019 - 3:06pm
I truly appreciate your response. As for the Schiit, others are better equipped to evaluate it fairly. It's not an appropriate piece for my reference system, and won't work with the self-powered speakers in our living room and my office.
jason
B & W Formation Duo ..........
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on April 24, 2019 - 4:12pm
In that case, may be JVS could review the new B & W Formation Duo wireless, active speakers? ........ somewhat similar to KEF LSX :-) ..........
"My position is to point out
Submitted by dalethorn on May 4, 2019 - 3:11pm
"My position is to point out that our Captains of Industry are Outsourcing Labor to disadvantaged Slave Labor. Buying Walmart products is endorsing and supporting the Chines Slave Labor Policies of "OUR" Vastly Wealthy Corporate Class."
Ordinary people will almost invariably buy the cheaper product, especially if they can return or exchange it when defective or whatever, at the local Walmart etc. So as we cast around for someone to blame, it's not so much the fault of the little people or the big shots, it's the system. Large-scale manufacturing and distribution, international shipping and trade agreements, and the risks that accompany these things develop over a long period of time. So you have choices, and not merely where you spend your dwindling paycheck. You can participate to change the system at many points, such as writing reviews, joining a trade group or APICS, etc. etc. There aren't any shortcuts.
What was racist in what he said?
Submitted by Thomas Collins on April 29, 2019 - 12:07pm
China is notorious for lower quality control and difficulty in obtaining product support. Did I miss something?
KEF LSX
Submitted by ivayvr on April 27, 2019 - 9:23am
I believe that even a cursory interest in the product that is being reviewed would reveal that you don't need an iPhone or iPad to control it. It can be controlled either by an Android device or by an Apple device. The original statement is unfair to the manufacturer because it may limit the number of people interested in the speaker because they may have additional expense for an Apple device.
If the above omission is a result of old age or LSD, as mentioned in the review, some additional proof reading/editing may be beneficial.
Chorus Question
Submitted by musicophile on April 29, 2019 - 3:21am
Hello. I'm still waiting for the answer to my question what was the piece with the big chorus where single voices could be pointed out. Thanks.
12 db/octave for Rb speakers????
Submitted by Timbo in Oz on April 27, 2019 - 8:06pm
4th order/ 24db / octave, surely!
But it IS possible that there's an ELF filter in the active circuits.
iOS control ONLY?
Submitted by Thomas Collins on April 29, 2019 - 11:10am
So only an Apple product can be used to control these? I surely hope that's a mistake on Stereophile's part.
I was speaking generally
Submitted by Herb Reichert on May 1, 2019 - 8:19am
but try "Christmas at Kings College" on Tidal - it should give you some heads to count
B&W Formation Duo ..........
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on May 1, 2019 - 10:27am
Would HR be interested in reviewing the new B&W Formation Duo wireless, active speakers, also (4,000/pair)? ...... They are supposed to be totally wireless, except for power cord connections :-) ........
LSX Longevity
Submitted by Linnie01 on May 5, 2019 - 5:28am
Herb / LSX Owners PLEASE HELP ASAP!!
I am seriously considering purchasing the LSX.
My only concern (maybe unfounded) is long term (10+year) reliability regarding the electronics, not the drivers.
Called KEF. WARRANTY IS 5 YEARS ON DRIVERS, 1 YEAR ON ELECTRONICS.
I really want to avoid the disposable toaster syndrome at $1,099.
I am also strongly considering the Triangle LN01A’s @ $799 (2 year warranty) but a cable between speakers is needed.
I would really appreciate your thoughts sooner than later.
Many thanks!
LSX Longevity
Submitted by Linnie01 on May 5, 2019 - 5:33am
One last comment ....with no real history of WiFi speakers, no one reason has the answer to my question. However, I am looking for gut feelings at this point.
With so much tech stuffed in these boxes, I worry about the long term at this price point. Thanks!!
I can't speak for the LSX specifically...
Submitted by ednazarko on June 15, 2019 - 5:09pm
...but I had two different pairs of powered studio monitors. Both were M-Audio branded. One large size and one small. Purchased in 2001. A neighbor just bought both sets for their basement A/V system, a pre/pro, no amp, using the large set as the fronts, the small set for the rears, and they found a powered center of some other brand.
Those speakers played everything from the MC5 to Gregorian chant for around 18 years.So based on that experience, I reckon the electronic bits of the LSX will be as durable as any other DAC or class-D amplifier.
Priorities.
Submitted by Jim Austin on March 29, 2020 - 12:53pm
Durability aside--even potential noise issues aside--there are downsides to sticking a lot of stuff inside one box. I think about this often in terms of streaming DACs: Very compact, but a DAC is more or less a stable technology: If it sounds good now, it's likely to sound good in 10 years.
Streaming, though--all those sources delivered over the Internet--are likely to develop and change. Best to keep that all in a separate box, IMO, then connect that box to the DAC via the best-sounding connection. (I'm not 100% sure that is--not sure it's always the same.)
Wireless is convenient--just decide how important it is for you to eliminate the cables. The LSX may last forever the odds are on a simple speaker, with a box, drivers, and robust crossover parts, for durability.
Jim Austin, Editor
Stereophile
USB connection on the LSX's?
Submitted by douglas1969 on March 29, 2020 - 12:32pm
Hello how did you connect these to your computer using USB if there is no USB input in the back of the speaker? Did you use a USB dac with toslink output maybe?
USB connection on the LSX's?
Submitted by RobertJS on April 27, 2020 - 1:03am
He was referring to the LS-50 Wireless being able to connect to USB/RCA not the LSX.
In my short time with the LSX on my desktop, I have found the best sound to be with a Ethernet network connection and the RJ45 to the Slave while being streamed to with my Roon Nucleus+. I am able to tailor the sound further with the Parametric EQ in the Roon. Another nice benefit is the the Roon will wake the LSX from standby when you press play.
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