KEF LSX II LT review (vs. WiiM + Pro-Ject, PSB Alpha iQ, R3 Meta)

This episode is brought to you by Munich High-End 2024 and Roon:
👉 www.highendsociety.de/high-en...
👉 roon.app/en/
🎥 Camera: John Darko / Olaf von Voss
🎬 Editor: John Darko
🌈 Colour: Olaf von Voss
🕺🏻 Motion GFX: John Darko
💰 Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video - and other videos - can be found on PATREON: / johndarko
0:00 Intro
1:20 Setup & config
3:32 vs KEF LSX II, PSB Alpha iQ
9:00 vs WiiM AMP + Pro-Ject speakers
12:16 Adding a KUBE 8 MIE subwoofer
16:16 Wireless KW-1 subwoofer connection
18:01 Whatabout LS50?
👉 As seen in this video...
KEF LSX II LT
🛒 audioadvice.io/lsx-ii-lt
KEF S1 stands
🛒 howl.me/cl8Ha4nxGNn
KEF KUBE 8 MIE
🛒 howl.me/cl8HbGeknH0
PSB Alpha iQ
🛒 audioadvice.io/PSB
WiiM AMP
🛒 amzn.to/3WjJfDD
Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5 S2
🛒 audioadvice.io/Box-5-S2
KEF LSX II (Blue)
🛒 audioadvice.io/LSXII
KEF R3 Meta
🛒 audioadvice.io/R3-Meta
Cables and power products by AudioQuest
🛒 audioadvice.io/Audioquest
Hi-fi furniture and speaker stands by Solid Steel
🛒 howl.me/ckbW9947Hdi
Room treatment by Vicoustic
📖 audioadvice.io/Vicoustic
Darko.Audio may earn a small commission from items purchased via affiliate links, which are indicated with a '🛒'.
#kef #audiophile #hifi
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[@paulapplewhite6135]

Hats off to you John. Everyone needs to know Nick Drake ❤

[@radudvr]

Love your videos, reviews! A pleasure to watch them. Aaand... You convinced me! I just ordered my pair of KEF LSX II LT, I look forward hearing them.

[@pauljordan3828]

Great review , I’d love to see some turntable reviews in the future , really enjoyed your previous ones

[@vladimirjovanovic2803]

Thanks for the review, John. Just wanted to remark how good the intro music of this video sounds through the headphones. Wish it sounded the same through the speakers in my room...

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

Hey I just saw your post following up about the delay compensation! Thanks for finding out and for sharing that info!

[@stevenbailey4119]

I like the way you go about things...and you get on with it!

[@taidee]

Sweet, thank for the review JD, nice looking little speakers.

[@robertcowart2456]

I was an early adopter of the KEF LS50 wireless, and I added a KEF subwoofer which for me made a world of difference. I liked the idea of buying a complete system that included amps and DAC for what I consider to be a reasonable, yet well thought out matching system. I don't believe I could have purchased seperates at or near the same price offering the same level of musicality while occupying so little real estate.

[@anthonystephenson7659]

Nice New Order reference at the start 😉

[@rafaelfranco7041]

18:40 min. This is golden John, thanks for this.

[@FluxStage]

This! This is the one I've been waiting for! 🎉

[@jeffe.6445]

What about...a day off? A short vid of you buying physical media, bringing it home, making a cup of tea playing your new music, drinking tea and just enjoying your system.

[@bolobos]

I love the new order reference to start off lol. Everything's gone green

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

Nice video John, gives food for thought. I like the green too. As always your choice of music for your videos is 👍👏👏

[@L8KY]

You had me at Green. I love Green anything!

[@hansrasmussen5239]

Whatabout! - thank you for these interesting videos.

[@katejohnson955]

Whatabout…. Great review, Darko Audio team!

[@Greyhamism]

whatabout! Thanks for such an in-depth review

[@pogdog31]

I love these videos. I understand about 10% of what is being said but still I persevere 😂

[@bryandove5901]

whatabout? Another great review and playlist. Thanks!

[@guydoms294]

I got the exact same KEF setup John mentions, including the Kube8 MIE, about a month or so ago. Sounds top notch in my small audio room, using native QOBUZ via the KEF Connect app. I don't have room for clutter, so this works well in that situation and a breeze to setup. It also comes with a remote which is useful for quick volume adjustments without going into the app. Excellent review JD.

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

Very interesting I might have to think about the LSX II LT

[@jacquesvilleneuve754]

John, I just received my Alpha iQ speakers and ooooh was I surprised to hear what comes out of these small speakers. I looked at the Kef but I feel you get a lot more for your money with PSB. And I am Canadian...although they are made in China, designed in Canada. Very happy and I must thank you for giving me the proper info to make my choice.

[@MarcelB-uu8ut]

What a nice song "Poor boy" ty for sharing :)

[@kingdome1874]

Green looks good on you John.

[@djse7en1976]

whatabout. Great video Mr Darko thank you.

[@MrTomato404]

I’ve been struggling to pick over OG LSX II and the LT version, but picked the former due to aux and wireless speakers interconnect. I’ve just ordered mine like a week ago and still waiting for ones, but with your review I think I was right picking original ones Thanks, John. As always your videos are not only informative, but also just a pleasure to watch.

[@nilocp5684]

@DarkoAudio …Another fantastic review! I thoroughly enjoy your honest feedback, detailed in such a thoughtful and informative manner. This video was especially interesting as I am in the market for a pair of active speakers. I was wondering if you’ve had any experience with the Elipson W35xi speakers? …I would really appreciate your input on them. WHATABOUT doing another comparison video including the W35xi?? Thanks for providing such entertaining and informative content! Cheers from Canada! 🇨🇦

[@stnkpalm]

Oooh, thank you for sharing the track - Terminate by William Cleason! I never heard it before, it's great!

[@RickRolling-tc7vb]

Thanks John, nice to see that things are still evolving. I don't know if I could deal with all those cables, reckon I prefer my speakers with just the one wire. Good review, and you seem to be in good spirits, so I quite enjoyed that. Whatabout Munich then, are you going to go and listen to more doors closing?

[@a.h.d.h.2803]

Whatabout. Got the LSX II on my desktop, love them. The KEF R7s' are destined for the living room.

[@philippecollard1716]

Nothing to do with the speakers but I absolutely LOVE the aesthetics of your room!

[@johnprice4819]

What about such a great Nick Cage recommendation! Bravo keep it coming!

[@B1bthinkin]

Whatabout me? Excellent video as always.

[@stevenrobinson4884]

Thank you - that was the exact hi-fi speaker review hit I needed… it’s been a while, hasn’t it? (Or have I missed a few videos)

[@HectorHughMunro]

I really like the comparison with the R3 meta. It’s more valuable than a comparison with an equal piece of kit for me, imo. Whatabout!

[@kasperoff1]

Whatabout. Great vid.

[@seanrichardson9404]

I'm curious was the shirt purchased for the above video.. If so I'm impressed excellent as usual 👌

[@gpapa31]

Got the LSX II recently as a desktop solution and for the price bracket (got it on offer £830) I could not been happier. Absolute stellar smart active!

[@stephenserrato3482]

The USM Haller sideboard upgrade is a good look!

[@davidbennett4286]

"Whatabout" comparing the LSX II LT to my comfy slippers? Don't tell me you don't have my comfy slippers on hand to do a side-by-side comparison!

[@The_only_Higgsinspace]

Ive just found my birthday present!

[@aceofspades6667]

My SVS prime wireless bookies arrive next week. I’ve got a 3 way active speaker shootout all lined up for my desktop/nearfield listening setup.

[@enrico-nx1ow]

nice review as always, what is that sideboard, looking very nice 😊

[@whatevahz531]

This video sounds great in Dolby Atmos! 😉

[@magnusmoody8177]

Subtle Everything's Gone Green sample John! 🤫

[@timvanrooyen]

whatabout that's a really nice shirt John

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

Yeah that Nick Drake album is gorgeous. Feels like living in a long seventies montage scene

[@artemario7116]

¡¡¡Fantastic Nick Drake!!

[@vmixer]

Whatabout. Great songs!

[@joseandres4590]

What a boat!

[@KITFLETCH1]

Small speakers plus sub are a very versatile combo since I suspect if we did a survey or room size most would find them a better fit.

[@patrickchampagne7894]

What about ? ha ha .... loved your clarity and humour re what you actually have there for comparison or don't. Even though I do have LS50 Meta's that I was listening to your video through watching on my television. 🤣

[@albinoewok]

Whatabout.... I agree about the importance of a sub. Currently considering Dynaudio Evoke 10 to pair with an SVS Micro 3000.

[@eurekamark1793]

What about brilliance! 😊

[@jeffreyastjohn]

Whatabout! I’d love these as a 2.1 setup in my office.

[@mrpositronia]

We all love a good 'whatabout!'.

[@syanhc]

I think the dual ports of the sub uses the same concept found in in-ear monitors that have two dynamic drivers facing in opposite directions. The result is a more immersive, spacious sub bass presentation. ❤

[@klaverro]

Interesting ‘green’ review. Whatabout compared these with the Kef LS60?

[@tdtm82]

Monitor Audio Silver 100's 5g linked to my old Onkyo and my Samsung QLED. I will get a new amp at some point but I don't understand the fuss with Sidebars. Nice bit of 70's wah-wah funk in the video today!

[@esce69]

"Whatabout!" Loving my LS50W + Kube8, even if they're not meta or MIE. And yes, some proper Audioquest cables do make a difference. (Not a WiFi guy)

[@AnotherAnonymousMan]

HDMI ARC is a must for any digital living room speaker setup in my books...

[@LordXaccieOfficial]

Whatabout man!

[@Dpace111]

Great video John, it seems KEF are really targeting the desktop user with these.

[@syanhc]

That green is totally gorgeous. Its more like an emerald green.

[@MaZEEZaM]

Personally I prefer the dark blue or the grey of the previous model but everyone has different tastes

[@lokerola]

whatabout! I've never had the need for active speakers, but they are interesting.

[@rc2257]

My main system has the KEF R3 Metas and suitable amp and sources. I found your review of the R3's super helpful. For my secondary system, I chose the KEF LSX II over the LT version. I have a turntable, and needed the aux input that the LT version doesn't have. Aesthetically, the regular LSX II seems a bit more upscale, which I like a lot. And the regular LSX II's give you the option of wireless connection between the two speakers. I think using the cable to connect them sounds slightly better, but I can definitely see use-cases where the wireless option would be super helpful. I was super lucky. My local hifi dealer was offering an open-box LSX II for the same price as the LT's. The open-box unit is indistinguishable from new. Thanks for another really thoughtful, helpful, and well put together video essay. Oh, and thanks for the Nick Drake recommendation. I've just queued up "Poor Boy" in TIDAL, sounds amazing!!!

[@eugeniodinardo3881]

Thanks again! Can you tell me which Thorens turntable you have , will there be a review soon. Thanks

[@mr_glasses]

Nice! Todd Hido :)

[@Kevin-the-Just]

I like your new low-board. Where'd it come from - is it available in the UK?

[@justadad2304]

Whatabout side-by-side comparisons to: the speakerphone on your phone, a complete Nagra/Wilson Audio system, your current true wireless earbuds, a desktop headphone rig with an OTL tube amplifier and R2R tape deck, and your experience having been at the live event recording??? Or is that all on the Patreon channel

[@markjameshughes1]

Whatabout!

[@dodpr]

Hopefully, you get the Q Acoustics M40s for another side to side comparison.

[@lookslikekevin]

Whatabout😂 wonka! you’ve done it again

[@mrfaversham5345]

Whatabout- The TV being off center in regard to the speakers would drive me crazy. 😂

[@aj..23]

What about - I’m currently running a KEF R3, Leak audio, BS Node 3 and REL setup in my lounge but having an annexe built where I’m going to be setting up a cinema room. I’ll have an AV amp and interested to know your thoughts on how that AV amp might deal with streaming music. Going to be running KEF bookshelf’s and centre with a sub. I’d still like to be able to listen to music in that space but wondering how much I’m giving up through using the AV amp.

[@user-yx9xm9ue1b]

What about.... Thoughts on changing opp amp chips in equipment?

[@ItsEban]

Because there is a 9 behind your head during the intro I thought they were 99€ !!!! I was like whatttttt???? That brand is usually super expensive (to me). And then got disappointed when the price was repeated at 999€ 😅

[@tuffkid1985]

Hi Darko. Is there a real performance / quality differences between the kube and the kc62 ? Thank tou for your response.

[@dominikalbers6983]

Whatabout the Kef Blade Meta vs the lsx lt in a desktop setup?

[@user-zb6el4ks2b]

love my lsx 2 , best computer speakers , use rme adi 2 dac with them and kanto sub ........

[@Hyper1555]

You need a dac with them? What about the internal dac?

[@user-zb6el4ks2b]

@@Hyper1555 internal dac is good but if you have a better one you like might as well use it ......... and for me the dac has a headphone socket which the speakers don't .........

[@anon8613]

You don't need a dac 🤣 remove the dac will sound better way to much processing.

[@Lutznn]

Whatabout the new Audiovector Trapeze speakers?!

[@demazy]

Whatabout. I was just posting this question on your other last video and weirdly enough you 're talking about the KEF. Could you please check AIAIAI TMA-2 Wireless+ Studio headphones and Unit-4 Wireless+ studio speakers ? Low latency wireless transmission (stable 16ms, not like BT), ideal for music producing and djing with, or simply lossless quality on the go. W+ sends CD quality wirelessly, both headphones and speakers. Double signal for stability. Can’t wait to see your take on them and your precise analysis if ever you chose so! (Unit-4 vs LSX ?)

[@ruvamsi]

Already on my 4th pair of coaxial speakers. Trying to choose between Mofi Sourepoint or JTR 110

[@MyFatherLoves]

I'd love to here your thoughts on a proper video for Genelec's 8361a.

[@stepherino29]

Whatabout!!

[@mariomajcica4618]

Can we expect also KC92 review anytime soon?

[@tombuehner6119]

Whatabout😊

[@calway1962]

Whatabout trying that new Q Acoustic M40 as another comparison :)

[@pbea2410]

Whatabout 🎉

[@paulwells2227]

Thank you, John. Do you feel the Cube 8’s 34Hz at -6db to be low enough for the music you listen to? You weren’t missing anything compared to the KC62, which goes much lower? (11Hz at -3db!)

[@pixelmixture3067]

I love my KEF active speakers but I hate the need to plug all the cables into a speaker … I’d rather have a hub that can be hidden away wirelessly connected to the speakers … ala buchardt

[@robertgrignon3688]

Calling these “wireless” is somewhat misleading aye… more like “powered”

[@jikenj]

What about those mofi towers at the latest audio show waiting for your review

[@suryadnb]

But whatabout a comparison to the Focal Utopia EVOs?🤪

[@andybarnettuk]

whatabout!

[@PiotrMic]

Whatabout🎉

[@Fazmag]

Whatabout the fact that the fabric wrapped speakers are way less prone to getting scratches, I wish more speaker companies did that!

[@tyger82]

John, can you please said something about your music / audio books seen on your videos? Thank you.

[@guyelazar6144]

Whatabout the Triangle Audio AIO TWIN?

[@luigihd2317]

What about the Nubert NuBoxx 381 ore following model B-40 as budget alternative? The 381 also work with the WIIM Amp