KEF LS50 Wireless II Review — New Speakers Promising Impressive Audio

KEF is responsible for many high end speakers with incredibly detailed treble performance. Their new product, LS50, just hit the market, but a lot of you may be tentative to take the plunge because of its staggering price tag. 

To help you make the right decision, our expert team has conducted a thorough KEF LS50 Wireless II review.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

KEF LS50 Wireless II Design

Perhaps one of the most pretty much advanced bookshelf wireless speakers, the KEF LS50 Wireless II has a very unique build. They are small bookshelf speakers unlike other top-performing bookshelf speakers under 500. They can be converted into new tower speakers with a stand.

There are multiple matte finishes you can choose from to mix and match with your new interior decor as well as a crimson red special edition version that will give your living room a pop of new color. 

The LS50 wireless II is also visible from the surface. The 12th generation uni q driver array embodies the tweeter and the midrange cone. The mid and bass drivers are powered by dedicated 280w class D amplifiers, high performance frequency response amplifiers and the original ls50 also has a 100w class a b amplifier for the highs.

There is also a touch control panel, which is a unique feature of the LS50 Wireless II. It lights up to indicate your settings and the panel takes control of basic functions such as turning the wireless speaker on and off, volume control, wireless connectivity and mute. 

To give you more flexibility, the KEF LS50 Wireless II also includes an infrared remote control for the more in-depth features. All the connections can be found on the back.

The brand new version kef LS50 Wireless II supports wired and wireless connectivity. The wired connections come with a choice of coaxial, auxiliary or optical selections.

The proprietary MAT will dampen the undesired music from rear drivers to make sure the LS50 WIreless II KEF has optimised its bespoke digital signal processing algorithm system so the speaker will only bring distortion-free and improved sound settings.

Features of the KEF LS50 Wireless II

If you are an audiophile, then you know new kef speakers has never disappointed consumers with its hi-fi speakers, and the LS50 Meta Wireless II speakers are no exception.

Other than the amazing tighter sound and audio quality, what else can the bookshelf speakers offer you? Our team is going to address all the features you get in this part of the speaker evaluation.

Sound Quality

Our experts will start by saying the Wireless II KEF LS50 creates a wide soundstage with dynamic  hi res audio clarity and detail. It doesn’t disappoint with these wireless hi-fi speakers that can deliver a perfectly timed hi res audio performance every single time.

This wireless speakers system can offer support for streaming 384kHz as well as mqa and DSD256, 24 bit or 24 bit 192khz, 24 bit 96khz depending on the connection and frequency range, and can stream directly from spotify connect tidal. It’s also worth it for our experts to mention the supported sound formats which include: MP3, M4A, AAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, WMA, LPCM and Ogg Vorbis and apple airplay 2 chromecast roon ready. 

The KEF LS50 Wireless II is not only hi-fi stereo speakers, they have speaker’s specialized  Music Integrity Engine, which optimizes the drivers in the stereo speakers to improve the sound kef ls50 delivers.

KEF says users can tune the sound to their personal preferences with the dedicated KEF app. This app kef says has tuning ability includes the mid bass, bass, and highs and lows and boosted performance for better imaging.

Although the hi-fi stereo speakers don’t feature advanced sound technologies, this all-in-one passive speakers doesn’t need it with all the dedicated components. 

Connections

The LS50 features both wired and wireless connections. You can choose to play content via bluetooth 4.2 or Wi-Fi [1] for wireless connection or opt for analog 3.5mm auxiliary ethernet cable to connect the two speakers.

However, LS50 does have HDMI eARC and usb input, which kef speakers says is the best, and our experts wholeheartedly agree.

For wired connection, there is also an ethernet port, coaxial, optical and auxiliary inputs, a subwoofer output and of course, the mentioned 3.5mm.

All the connections are conveniently located on the back of the components to keep everything gathered together and out of sight. 

Wireless Connectivity

When one speaker offer wireless connectivity, our experts usually recommend this form of connection versus wired. This is for the convenience of placement and clean setup. The LS50  offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and usb type support. The speakers can connect to your home network system in a matter of seconds and play apple music from apps.  The app also has internet radio and podcasts and streaming services integrated.

Then there is Wi fi Bluetooth, which is the most common form of wireless connection offered by most media devices. Having Bluetooth will further ensure compatibility with your laptop, tablet, TV or cd player.

Wireless connectivity is an impressive technology nowadays, anyone can enjoy even the hearing impaired. Here are the bestselling wireless TV speakers for the hearing impaired. Read next! 

App Compatibility

The wireless speaker features also allow for app compatibility. The LS50 can be controlled with the link app, which can act as a remote control or connect to music apps such as Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Spotify, and more. You can also connect to internet radio stations if you wish.

The KEF connect app is very easy to use and the eq settings is easily accessed to tune the speakers to your liking. 

KEF LS50 Wireless II Setup

Just like topnotch Episode speakers, the setup of the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a simple one. Not only should products have excellent sound, the setup shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to get our hi res audio team’s star of approval.  Speaker teamed up with the acoustic metamaterials group to use MAT. After the entire MAT maze like structure is combined, “acoustic black hole” is formed and absorbed unwanted sound.

These bookshelf speakers come with everything you need in the box and come ready to pair with streaming apps. The cables and user manual also come with the speakers.

Bookshelf speakers can be used as a primary speaker system or satellite speakers and secondary speaker are separated, so it’s important for them to be easily integrated into your setup.

Price

Our team understands that the price of the KEF is a huge deterrent for many individuals. We will admit it’s a hefty price tag, compared to other high-quality bookshelf speakers under 200, but one way to save on cash is to choose a more affordable color.

Manufacturers often price the same product differently not according to sound, but according to the shade. 

Our team finds it amusing that the special edition red is actually a lower price than the matte black. Regardless of the color you choose, the price is still a steep one. Our experts hope to put your mind at ease by telling you the sound quality from the LS50 is unmatched and high end.

Aside from the sound, the price also goes to the innovative technology, added bonus features and compatibility. One thing our experts wish soundbar did was include the speaker stands with the purchase.

If you plan on using the speaker solely as bookshelf or satellite speakers, this would be less of an issue. However, the stands can transform them into tower speakers with elevated sound. 

Unfortunately, if you want them to be floorstanding, you have to shell out extra cash for the stands. Our team suggests placing them on an elevated surface you have in your home to save on the price.

FAQ

How good are KEF LS50?

The KEF LS50 is incredible. These bookshelf speakers are the epitome of innovative technology and design. The speakers are designed and engineered in England and are outfitted with advanced features such as MAT, support for multiple audio formats, high quality amplifiers.

How do I reset my KEF LS50 wireless?

You can reset your KEF LS50 Wireless by pressing the reset button. The reset button is located on the back panel of the speaker. You will need to find a pin or something small enough to reach the button and press down. Only release when the blinking light is solid. This will take you back to the factory settings of the speaker.

How do I update my KEF LS50 wireless firmware?

You can update your KEF LS50 wireless firmware by going to the speaker support page. You will need to install the firmware update tool. On the page, select the right program for your computer, install it, then follow the instructions to update the firmware.

Where are KEF LS50 speakers made?

KEF LS50 speakers are made in China. The LS50 speakers are designed and engineered in England, but the manufacturing of the parts and construction of the device is conducted in China.

KEF LS50 Wireless II Review Conclusion

Our experts’ in-depth KEF LS50 Wireless II evaluation has very positive results. Our team has concluded that these wireless bookshelf speakers are packed full of proprietary technology such as MAT and a Music Integrity Engine.

Not only that, but the included amplifier output will propel the sound, filling the room with a dynamic soundstage.

The speaker is also highly compatible with other devices, thanks to the wireless support and app integration that make it convenient to use and pleasant to hear.

Want to elevate the sound quality of your personal computer? Here is our list of top-performing computer speakers under 100. Read next! 

Writer

Willie Greer
Willie Greer
Willie Greer is the founder of The Product Analyst. A cinephile, he has made it a personal quest to achieve the awesomest home theater possible. He now shares what he has learned through the years on the site, and has enlisted the help of tech-savvy colleagues in providing more insight about today’s most sought-after gadgets.