Editors’ Choice: Best Wireless Speakers from $500 to $11,000

Ian White, eCoustics Editor in-Chief, explains why wireless loudspeakers are going to replace traditional passive systems in the next 5 years and selects some of his favorite high-end wireless speakers of 2022. The next golden age of Hi-Fi is already here.
Sponsor: Focal is currently running a 40% off sale on their Chora Loudspeakers at:
www.focal.com/...
Available at Crutchfield: www.pjatr.com/...
Products mentioned:
2:00 DALI KATCH G2 ($599)
• Shockingly Good: Dali ...
5:00 Q Acoustics M20 ($599)
7:34 Triangle BOREA BR03 BT ($1,000)
10:05 KEF LSX II ($1,399)
16:35 Sonus faber Omnia ($1,999)
23:02 Dynaudio Focus 50 ($11,000)
Full reviews:
DALI KATCH G2: www.ecoustics....
Q Acoustics M20: www.ecoustics....
KEF LSX II www.ecoustics....
Sonus faber Omnia: www.ecoustics....
Previews:
Triangle Borea BR03 BT: www.ecoustics....
Dynaudio Focus 50: www.ecoustics....
Where to buy:
Q Acoustics M20
- $599 at Amazon: amzn.to/3qM3NV5
- $599 at Crutchfield: www.pjtra.com/...
Triangle BOREA BR03 BT
www.trianglehi...
KEF LSX II
- $1,399 at Amazon: amzn.to/3WkLEeS
- $1,399 at Crutchfield: www.pjatr.com/...
Sonus faber Omnia
- $1,999 at Crutchfield: www.pntrac.com...
Dynaudio Focus 50
dynaudio.com/f...
Full Story: www.ecoustics....
#editorschoice #wirelessspeaker #hifi

[@davidfhayes75]

Thanks for the reviews.

[@futures2247]

I love the KEF 2 such amazing sound for something so compact, great design as well. Forget the stupidly priced stands there are loads of ideal cheaper stands available. The all in one solution is perfect for me - why you would want a pile of boxes and wires is beyond me.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

I started my hi-fi journey when buying a system for my parents in 1974. I got my own system in 1978 and moved to active speakers in 1980. Clearly active speakers were the future but then very few manufacturers included active models in their collections and powered speakers were the domain of computer speakers until more recent years. The arguments given in the late 70s are echoed today and many think they have the time to find and tweak all the components in the audio chain to a better performance than designers and engineers can achieve in test rooms with expensive test equipment and experienced listing panels. The new wireless DSP room correcting speakers can add a lot, giving better value in the all in one streaming DSP speaker than a rack of separates but this often comes with limitations that are not always obvious. Most wireless speaker systems will not scale up to surround sound and many will not work with computers or TV as they have poor latency. To be wireless and work with video and audio sources you need WiSA or the manufacture's own version of wireless connections like B&W Formation series and Dali's in house set up.

[@stephenmiller501]

I have the Kef LSX Mk1 and love them. I agree that the dedicated stands are expensive. I purchased a great alternative speaker stand from Vebos ( I believe a Belgian company) . They are a much cheaper alternative and I am very pleased with them. When I purchased mine, about 18 months ago, they were about £100, but due to the world economic pressures, I believe that they are now around £150

[@ecoustics]

Glad you're enjoying your LSX and got a great deal on the stands.

[@daviddrake6875]

How about Buchardt A-700? Less than $11,000.

[@robertkirk4387]

I think that if passive speakers go the way of the Dodo it will be because manufacturers make it happen, they said vinyl was dead and look at the comeback.

[@thepickyaudiophile]

Would you say the Q Acoustics is the more forgiving speaker for the desktop? I have the LSX 1 and find it nice and easy going in the mid field, but close up on a desk I find it slightly fatiguing (especially with zoom call audio quality!)

[@thepickyaudiophile]

Well Ian, guess I’m just going to have to buy them and see for myself!! Awesome video though 😊

[@likeris2]

What about Naim Mu-so2 and Devialet Phantom?

[@alexis.x]

What about a pair of Sonos Five?

[@MadViking82]

Considering between Kef R11 vs Dynaudio Focus 50 for living room. There's the cheaper design option of Beosound A9 Gen 5 as well, but am not sure I want to go that route.

[@ecoustics]

We have not heard r11, but it’s supposed to be very good. We don’t think you can wrong with Focus 50 either. B&O for looks and simplicity.

[@vitoponzio2234]

great job breaking down what's out there in the mid- price wise active speakers systems. thanks

[@ecoustics]

Thanks, glad we could help.

[@ExAPE_SiRiUS]

Thank You for the contribution

[@davidchingching167]

I've had three different sets of wireless speakers and won't be going back to them. The reason being when they fail it's a pain in the wotsit having to ship them back to wear they were purchased for repair. I had a Naim Muso, Kef lsx and ls50w's all fail. Receiving a soiled pair of speakers back from repair really takes the gloss off the purchase. With separates should this happen you have a sour taste but not to the same degree.

[@ecoustics]

Sorry to hear they all failed. Different issues each time?

[@hunterm7624]

1st Time viewer ---- superb price point critique Ian ! Two years ago i (30 day trialed) my first desktop speakers = Peachtree M25's. They were good for Movies & Music ---- yet really failed on NFL Game broadcasts. I would like Announcers voices to half way resemble John Coltrane :))) during Football telecasts & such. How are the 3020i's with Sports & TV dialogue ? Steve Huff is GAGA about Triangle AIO Twins. Probably give both a 30 Day test in the New Year. I have followed Steve for couple years now. During my online research somebody in the Comments recommended Mission LX. Went to their website last night & they have wireless powered speakers which includes a Hub (DAC + Headphone amp). Uncertain if they offer a Trial period. But to get a DAC/AMP for my Grado headphones would be gravy ! I am rather flabbergasted at Powered speaker designers omission of this feature. Ton's more folks with headphones versus blooming phono stage. Ever listen to the Mission's with Mid Range Woofer above the Tweeter ? Thanks for any enlightenment you can send my way !

[@ecoustics]

We haven’t heard the Missions, but you will find Triangle reviewed on website. www.ecoustics.com/reviews/triangle-aio-twin/

[@willy1957]

The white version of the Q Acoustic is much cheaper here in Germany. Is there any reason for it?

[@ecoustics]

We’re not sure. Could be region/store specific.

[@shelloiluk]

I have the KEF LSXii they are ok but not the best. Keep away from the LS50. KEF R3 are much much better

[@ecoustics]

Appreciate the feedback.

[@PavelPodkopajev]

what about wireless 2 version of them?

[@willy1957]

I have iTunes, does this work too?

[@ecoustics]

Connecting from iTunes should work over AirPlay.

[@richardmagnusson6419]

👏👏👏

[@ecoustics]

Thank you!

[@TerrapinSuite]

Thank you for this video! I am considering purchasing the KEF LSXII for my desk setup. I have had a pair of Bose Companion (metal version) for about 5 years. They have been ok but I am looking to upgrade to a higher quality speaker as I spend a lot of time at my desk and I am upgrading my computer as well. I would connect them through a Mac Studio likely with the USB-C connection and link each speaker with an ethernet cable behind my desk. Upper end of what I thought to spend, but they are available now for $999 US which seems a significant discount off their original list price. I am not a big bass person and prefer high and midrange so I hope they will great for me even without a sub. I have Kef Reference floor standing loudspeakers I purchased about 22 years ago and still love them.

[@David-jm8wt]

I have upgraded from the same Bose desktop system as yours to the KEF LSX II's For your information these are my observations for using them on a desktop. Plus points; Very good sound quality much better than expected. Excellent transient response demonstrates that they have ample power in reserve. They also have ample bass response without needing a sub-woofer and multiple inputs including USB so that the sound channel on your computer is played through the KEFs. They are energy efficient with auto shutdown and audio signal detection to wake. They run very cool and are on permanent standby. Minus Points: No coaxial digital input. Controls via the KEF Connect app are extremely awkward for desktop use as the speakers have no physical controls, (I still keep reaching for the phantom Bose volume control pod). The included power leads with the odd clover leaf plugs make it difficult to get audiophile replacements or if longer leads are required. This Mac tip will make them easier to control on a desktop. Although meant for a mobile or tablet the KEF Connect app is able to be installed on a Mac M1 computer and run in a minimised window on a desktop monitor. This was a major decision in keeping them. Originally, I considered putting together an alternative "separates" system. I eventually concluded that it was unlikely that I could match the sound quality and convenience of the KEF ii's at the same price point. They are also very well finished, solidly built and about the right size for a desk. I haven't tried the included the KEF Connect's cloud music apps or radio tuner yet. My main music source is a large collection of CD's which have been burnt in lossless format on my external NAS drive. The KEF Connect Network media server when connected to my router is able to locate my music files but offers very little control over their selection and requires considerable further development. The best way to play my music files for the time being is via the USB connection and iTunes. My speaker inter-connections are hard wired using the included Cat 6 lead, they do sound much better set-up this way. Although as I only listen through USB, I would recommend that the speakers are also connected to the router by an ethernet cable to totally avoid occasional wifi disconnection from the controller App which I have experienced. Wifi operation is not as good as Sonos in this respect. The speakers perform magnificently and particularly well with vocal and acoustic instruments. One omission in the KEF Control App is a conventional graphic equaliser and in this respect I would recommend the SoundSource app by Rogue Amoeba.

[@rich.e]

Thanks for sharing your real world observations@@David-jm8wt, I'm considering getting the LSX IIs and found your comment very useful, especially re the Mac M1 compatibility and accessing stored music files. Cheers.

[@TerrapinSuite]

@@David-jm8wt Thank you so much for your detailed reply and helpful comments on the KEF LSX II's. I did go ahead and purchased the speakers (in white) and I am very pleased with them so far. I also have them connected to my Mac (M2 Ultra Mac Studio) via the USB connection and the speakers are connected to each other using the included ethernet cable. I have primarily been playing music through Apple Music on the MAC from which I can access both my music library which was imported using WAV or lossless and the Apple Music library in high res lossless. As you mentioned, the sound quality of these speakers is quite amazing. I feel there is sufficient bass for my purposes and doubt I will add a sub. I have not used the KEF app much aside from the initial setup so I cannot comment as to its overall usability. I also have not used the remote control yet, which does not seem configured to control volume out of the box. To me the sound quality is 20x better than my old Bose Companion set. The only thing I still miss is the knob volume control, but I won't miss it for long. I will add that KEF customer support on the one call I made was excellent and I feel confident that if I need additional troubleshooting or configuration assistance that they will be there to help.