Are you looking for a speaker that suits your budget and promises you a great experience? KEF wireless speakers have brought some exceptional speakers for you in the market. Kef LSX and Kef LS50W, two of the most outstanding speakers can be your ultimate choices in this case. I can promise you that you won’t be disappointed by these high-end speakers. You will however find it challenging to select from these incredible items.
With Kef LSX and Kef LS50W both of these wireless speakers and cordless speakers, you’ll enjoy perfect Hi-Fi audio sound. If you’re looking for a small, lightweight speaker or want to adjust your TV or computer sound, these finely made speakers have maximum audio bandwidth to deliver the best performance you deserve to get.
By reading this kef speakers review you will find everything about LSX and LS50. In this wireless speakers review, we will help to decide to choose between these two kef speaker.
Kef LSX: Quick Review
Kef LSX wireless speaker is an all-in-one device with exceptional sound consistency, neat design, and fantastic compatibility. This high-end product gives the room you owe to your songs and with a durable design and modern features.
With the rich and vibrant audio performance and high-resolution stereo system, what more you can want from an audiophile approved speaker!
What I liked about Kef LSX:
- Advanced Uni-Q driver array for improved sound quality
- Leading class awareness
- Vast connectivity
- Colorful and elegant design
- Allow you to achieve the performance of a relatively affordable package of flagship KEF speakers
- Comparatively affordable
- Exceptional, attractive, rich, and airy sound
- Apple Airplay 2 supported
- Versatile modern app
However, if you want to know about JBL Charge 5 and 4, then you can take a loot at these.
What I didn’t like about LSX:
- Users have to use the KEF LSX with two apps
- Faltering remote control
- Not ideal for bigger rooms
- Deteriorating sub-bass
KEF LS50W: Quick Review
The KEF LS50 speakers have variety of models and the KEF powered speakers LS50W is a popular one. The awesome KEF LS50 Wireless delivers simple, transparent sounds that redefine everything from an integrated device. It is the complete system packed in a clean and pleasant cabinet.
LS50 wireless speaker has been built to become an aspect of your lifestyle, showing that hi-fi is not a challenge. You can expect a beautiful melody that will pull you into any song and you don’t even have to worry about this tiny wireless speaker. The KEF ls50 anniversary model is also famous among users and its kef ls50 limited edition.
Why you should love Kef LS50W:
- Sophisticated Uni-Q driver array for improved sound quality
- Bass Two-way Reflex
- Offered in three premium finishes
- Excellent clarity and insight
- Strong dynamics and bass
- Equipment and excellent construction
- Smooth and detailed bass
- Excellently versatile
Places to improve for LS50W:
- Not for budgetary people
- Voices look a little dull
- Remote control keeps failing
- Annoying usability issues
Kef LSX vs Kef LS50W: Similarities in specifications
| Kef LSX | Kef LS50W | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver type | Uni-Q array | Uni-Q array |
| Nominal Impedance (ohms) | 8 | 8 |
| HF Driver Type | Aluminum dome | Aluminum dome |
| LF Driver Type | Magnesium/Aluminum alloy cone | Magnesium/Aluminum alloy cone |
| Inputs | TOSLINK Optical 3.5mm Auxiliary Input RJ45 Ethernet Dual-band Wi-Fi USB Type B RCA analog line level | TOSLINK Optical 3.5mm Auxiliary Input RJ45 Ethernet Dual-band Wi-Fi USB Type B RCA analog line level |
| Bluetooth Range & Memory | 10m; 8 devices | 10m; 8 devices |
| DLNA | Supported | Supported |
| Wireless Connectivity | Tidal and Spotify | Tidal and Spotify |
Kef LSX vs Kef LS50W: Differences in specifications
| Kef LSX | Kef LS50W | |
|---|---|---|
| HF Size | 19mm (0.75in.) | 25mm (1in.) |
| LF Size | 115mm (4.5in.) | 130mm (5.25in.) |
| Amplifier type | HF: Class D LF: Class D | HF: Class A/B LF: Class D |
| Frequency Range | (-6dB) Measured at 85dB/1m 49Hz - 47kHz (More bass extension) 52Hz - 47kHz (Standard) 55Hz - 47kHz (Less bass extension) Depending on speaker settings | (-6dB) Measured at 85dB/1m 40Hz – 47kHz (More bass extension) 43Hz – 47kHz (Standard) 46Hz – 47kHz (Less bass extension) Depending on speaker settings |
| Frequency Response | (±3dB) Measured at 85dB/1m 54Hz - 28kHz (More bass extension) 59Hz - 28kHz (Standard) 69Hz - 28kHz (Less bass extension) Depending on speaker settings | (±3dB) Measured at 85dB/1m 45Hz – 28kHz (More bass extension) 50Hz – 28kHz (Standard) 61Hz – 28kHz (Less bass extension) Depending on speaker settings |
| Amplifier Output Power | LF: 70W HF: 30W | LF:200W HF:30W |
| Maximum Output (SPL) | 102dB | 106dB |
| Bluetooth Type | Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX | Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX |
| Dimension (H X W X D) | 240 x 155 x 180 mm (9.5 x 6.1 x 7.1in.) | 302 x 200 x 27 8mm (11.9 x 7.9 x 10.9in) |
| Weight | 3.6kg (7.9lbs) 3.5kg (7.7lbs) | 10.0kg (22.0lbs.) 10.2kg (22.5lbs.) |
| Airplay 2 | Supported | Not Supported |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
How I differentiated the product
Driver type
Both audio speakers LSX and LS50W come with the Uni-Q driver array innovation of KEF. With the very last Uni-Q driver was specially built for these models and so they can both produce an incredibly broad, clean, and powerful performance.
They are also able to dramatically enhance stereo reproduction by putting the tweeter in the middle of the midrange and bass cones. Not only does this make music simple, accurate, and vivid, it also does this to a wider soundstage.
Winner: Tie
Nominal Impedance
An additional important specification to be assigned priority is the nominal impedance. Your speaker need not be high or low impedance, 6-8 ohm impedance is best. The speaker with a high impedance requires more current and when the correct impedance is not located the sound becomes impoverished.
Low impedance causes overheating which can damage the amplifier. Both of these music speakers have 8ohms nominal impedance which is considered as optimal and perfect in all categories.
Winner: Tie
Frequency Response or Frequency Range
Frequency Response or frequency range indicates how high or low speakers will perform. A strong frequency response sound is capable of playing accurately and to an acceptable degree, both low, middle, and high tones and that is what informs our ears that this is a rich, vivid sound device with high quality.
As the number is lower, bass sounds are more intense and insightful. Any display that exceeds 50Hz or less shall be deemed fair.
As you can see, LS50W can clearly go down to 45Hz when LSX can get only to 54Hz. Undoubtedly, LS50W has an overall better frequency response which helps it to acquire an accurate and detailed soundstage.
Winner: LS50W
Driver Size
It’s not just for louder volume or bass: large speakers like ceiling speakers just sound great. The size of the speakers is crucial. The greater the driver, the lower the frequencies for which it has been engineered. You want a speaker that can generate as many frequencies as possible in your ears.
Smaller speakers can have the benefit of scale and expense (though you don’t go for a new high-end model), greater speakers usually are more powerful than smaller speakers. And audio performance is usually what we all want most in a speaker.
LSX is almost half the size of the LS50W. So generally, this LS50Ws is much louder and far more powerful than the LSX and thus far better suited for larger spaces. The LSX is not loud enough to please your preference, whether you have wide spaces such as a living room or an open floor plan office.
Winner: LS50W
Maximum Output (SPL)
Tone Sound Level corresponds to SPL. The dB (Decibels) is measured. The MAX SPL is the loud sound (in dB) of a speaker at a distance of 1 meter. It is calculated using two measurements, a speaker response level and the total power value (Watts).
When you hear more at the same SPL you can measure the levels more reliably for your brain. It becomes much easier for you to figure out if something is not correctly balanced which, in essence, helps to understand the audio quality accurately.
LS50W’s SPL value is greater than LSX which refers that your LS50W needs less power to create accurate and natural vibrant sound.
Winner: LS50W
Amplifier type
An amplifier class is quite crucial if you want a more convenient speaker. The four types of classes include Class A, Class B, Class AB, and Class D. Class-D amplifiers are more efficient switches that produce less heat than their Class-AB alternatives.
Although LS50W used a class D amplifier for their woofer, Tweeter was made with an AB amplifier. On the other hand, LSX has used a D class amplifier for both of their drivers.
Winner: LSX
Design
In the exterior, there is the greatest change in design between the LSX and the LS50W. The LS50Ws are coated with a designed textured fabric which occasionally requires vacuuming, whereas the LSXs are plastic.
The immediately identifiable form is not only an option but also an acoustic feature that reinforces KEF’s holistic approach to acoustic and industrial design. You can make LS50W Wireless standout as much or as little as you want, available in kef ls50 Titanium Grey/ kef ls50 Red, kef ls50 Gloss Black/ kef ls50 Blue, and kef ls50 Gloss White.
On the other hand, compact, elegant, unbelievably versatile, LSX looks great and fits in any environment comfortably. The system has five colors, LSX green olive, LSX red, LSX white gloss, LSX black, and LSX blue. And if you look for a bookshelf design then KEF R300 is the best.
Winner: LS50W
Features
There are controls for adjusting the sound for different speakers of LS50W. IOS/Android applications can also make these choices. The app looks fantastic, has a good design, and is easy to use.
It regulates the streaming functionality (DLNA and Tidal) and enables a great deal of scope to adjust the performance of the speakers in a given environment. However, there can be improvements.
It’s a little elated and sometimes feels irresponsive. The app doesn’t switch between physical inputs, as it only works with the KEFs in streaming mode. You have to use the remote supplied or the touch controls on the master speaker in order to change your input which can be irritating sometimes.
It supports Wi-Fi, as well as Tidal and Spotify from your device, and both speakers Bluetooth supported. Audioengine A2+ and HD3 are also wireless Bluetooth speakers and work with a variety of devices.
The slightly disturbing decision of KEF LSX is that it needs to download two separate apps for setup. First, the KEF Control app needs to be downloaded, which you will use to set up the speaker for a Wi-Fi connection.
You must then download the KEF stream application that will allow you to access your audio from any files stored on your phone and on the streaming services. Once you have established things, you will get access to a number of different streaming services.
The LSX offers not only Spotify Connection, Tidal, and Bluetooth audio, but also Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity. Both are Bluetooth wireless speakers and KEF wireless system perfectly works with other devices.
Winner: LS50W
Cost
Let’s come to this comparison’s most proposed methodology. The price difference between these two exceptional speakers is enormous. LSX is half the size of LS50W and therefore it is cheaper than the awarded sibling. You can buy LS50W for US$ 2399.99 if you only need to spend US$ 1249.99 on LSX.
KEF ls50 wireless price is a bit higher than LSX but worth it.
There is no doubt that both speakers are expensive. But if you are an audiophile and don’t hesitate to spend much of your money on speakers, these products will offer you the richest and most satisfying sound experience you won’t see anywhere else.
Winner: LSX
Prouct Differiantor: Kef LSX vs Kef LS50W
The KEF LSX has a warmer and heavier sound, but the LS50W has an extension bass reflex, air, and resolution. I preferred, especially on vocals, the crispy quality of LSX, but do miss the consistency and transparency of the LS50WW.
The LS50W is also larger than the normally used LSX. The LS50WW is more high-end quality between the two technical elements but I thought the LSX was immensely enjoyable and musical. But both speakers consider being the best wireless speakers.
It has a rich and luxurious tone, which makes it attractive and pleasant. However, LSX will obviously need subwoofers to get constant detailed bass.
The design and sound quality are essentially the same – and if you go for the smaller LSX, you ought not to feel worried about lacking anything. In addition, the new Kef LSX offers a wide range of applications and modern features that make this speaker versatile in all situations.
Alternative Speakers
KEF R3
The KEF R3 standmounters are arguably the most full standmounters available at this price point, since they are excellent performers and fit well with a variety of systems.
Pros
- Exceptional insight and resolution
- Balanced and entertaining sound
- Excellent build and finish
Cons
- Nothing at this price.
Focal Aria 906
The Focal Aria 906 is a two-way bookshelf speaker with a strong, mature sound and a lot of talent behind it. Focal Aria 936 and 948 are similar kind os speakers, you should surey check out.
Pros
- Large scale
- Great power
- Refined presentation
Cons
- Bass Performance
Verdict: Kef LSX vs Kef LS50W
Based on the features you might be a little more inclined towards the LS50W. The LS50W has a bigger sound stage, can produce deep bass, and clear mids. Its transparent with rich viberant sound, with a good price tag to vouch for. But wait a minute and reconsider your thought.
I really believe Kef LSX is a more convenient and modest option for your living room. In fact, LSX is much cost-effective than LS50W. However, if you have a large space to fill or simply want to raise loud, high-cost things, I suggest you invest in Kef LS50W, and you can also buy KEF Q100 as a support speaker. And you can also use these two speakers as computer speakers and both are good speakers.
Author’s Pick: KEF LS50W
Related Articles:
Sonos Move and JBL BoomBox comparison
Fluance Ai60 and Edifier S2000 Pro- Review and comparison.
Freelance tech journalist & author of soundboxlab.com …Read More
