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

[@paulapplewhite6135]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@romain_vd]

Do you hear white noise when they are ON and without any music playing? It seems to be the only problem I have with active speakers, I always can hear white noise

[@rafaelfranco7041]

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

[@bolobos]

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

[@MarcelB-uu8ut]

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

[@stevenbailey4119]

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

[@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.

[@msmia6610]

Bought the LSX LT because of your review! Amazing for the price/size! Great content videos as always!

[@FluxStage]

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

[@anthonystephenson7659]

Nice New Order reference at the start 😉

[@nossy232323]

Just bought these for my gaming PC. They are fantastic for that!!!

[@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...

[@L8KY]

You had me at Green. I love Green anything!

[@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.

[@pogdog31]

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

[@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.

[@philippecollard1716]

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

[@hansrasmussen5239]

Whatabout! - thank you for these interesting videos.

[@roa5359]

Thank you. Really useful perspective on some options. Appreciated as always. Hope your health is back to normal too.

[@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!!!

[@taidee]

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

[@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!

[@Daniel19766]

I’m considering these for a desktop application in home office for near field Hifi music listening, upgrading from Emotiva Airmotiv4s from many years ago. Also have older SVS 1000 sub in place. Would you consider anything else in similar price bracket, or is Kef LSX II LTthe best bet for price to performance / value?

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

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

[@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.

[@Greyhamism]

whatabout! Thanks for such an in-depth review

[@pauljordan3828]

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

[@stnkpalm]

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

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

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

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

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

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

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

[@katejohnson955]

Whatabout…. Great review, Darko Audio team!

[@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.

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

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

[@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)

[@AHash5745]

Good review John! Lsx off axis imaging is superb!

[@kingdome1874]

Green looks good on you John.

[@kasperoff1]

Whatabout. Great vid.

[@djse7en1976]

whatabout. Great video Mr Darko thank you.

[@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

[@bryandove5901]

whatabout? Another great review and playlist. Thanks!

[@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!

[@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. ❤

[@whatevahz531]

This video sounds great in Dolby Atmos! 😉

[@johnprice4819]

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

[@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.

[@jakemoore1973]

Great review John

[@BiggerThanFrogs]

Whatabout me? Excellent video as always.

[@artemario7116]

¡¡¡Fantastic Nick Drake!!

[@magnusmoody8177]

Subtle Everything's Gone Green sample John! 🤫

[@stephenserrato3482]

The USM Haller sideboard upgrade is a good look!

[@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)

[@joseandres4590]

What a boat!

[@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. 🤣

[@larryh9525]

My take between the LT and the full LSX II is that the LT version is designed to go after the lifestyle crowd that wants something better than a sound bar. Having ARC and long with built-in streaming support is all that most people need/want. I think that you are a more sophistaced user than most, and if features like Roon are important then it's easy to justify the additional cost for the LSX II. What KEF should do next is upgrade the driver in the LSX II using the META disk to futher differentiate the two products.

[@AnotherAnonymousMan]

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

[@klaverro]

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

[@vmixer]

Whatabout. Great songs!

[@albinoewok]

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

[@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!

[@The_only_Higgsinspace]

Ive just found my birthday present!

[@kimwkahler7381]

A 17 ms delay to the woofer does not sound good to me. In sound engineering, If you try to get some stereo separation on a lead vocal, you would often mix the original vocal to the left speaker and a 15 ms delay to the right speaker which will give kind of a roomy feeling. So in this case I would expect that the 17 ms delay will make the subwoofer appear to be off in the room somehow. I really do not think that would be a good idea. I’m not sure if it could do something to the phase of the audio, but that could also be something to look out for.

[@DarkoAudio]

Careful with the generalisations. The KC62 uses DSP and according to KEF has a 0.4 - 0.5ms delay. And let us also be clear: the 17ms delay in this video refers to the KW-1 wireless kit and not the KUBE 8 MIE sub.

[@mrpositronia]

We all love a good 'whatabout!'.

[@Fazmag]

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

[@ravington666]

Ignore the whatabout comments, the more comparisons the better.. Can never have too much !

[@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?

[@jeffreyastjohn]

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

[@eurekamark1793]

What about brilliance! 😊

[@itsmetimmee]

whatabout that's a really nice shirt John

[@saverioricchiuto5386]

Ah ah ah…I started reading comments before the end of the video so I just thought “whatabout these people? Did everyone go nuts?” Now I get it…

[@mrfaversham5345]

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

[@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€ 😅

[@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”

[@andrew-o5i]

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?

[@andrew-o5i]

@@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.

[@MrWindmad]

The Project speakers seem to deserve clearly more than the Wiim amp, perhaps the upcoming Wiim ultra

[@YouTubes33]

Yes, I was thinking the same. Now it seems like the speakers are not that good. But can you really blame the speakers?

[@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

[@seanrichardson9404]

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

[@louis-charlesdufresne522]

this was really insightful as someone who's new to this channel and looking at ways to improve my setup at home. Whatabout the new wiim amp pro that was introduced? Really debating on waiting for it's realease and pairing it with KEFS Q150 or going with the LSX II LT instead. Both setups would be used for TV and music.

[@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 ?)

[@sebulban]

Would love to see you review more active speakers. Especially genetics :) 8341 & 835, 8050 and 8330 for starters. With and without subs of course :)

[@Dpace111]

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

[@lookslikekevin]

Whatabout😂 wonka! you’ve done it again

[@jacquesvilleneuve754]

PSB iQ are presently at 1299$ cdn on Amazon, KEF LSXII LT are 1398$ cdn so I chose the PSBs and should be very happy with the sound. I will know tomorrow when UPS brings them home!

[@anon8613]

Kef is better get the lsx2 👌👌👌

[@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! 🇨🇦

[@PiotrMic]

Whatabout🎉

[@enrico-nx1ow]

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

[@pbea2410]

Whatabout 🎉

[@ianmurray57]

Whatabout!!

[@adamodavis]

Interesting review. I’m running LS50 meta + BK XLS300 sub. Sounds pretty good to me. KEF sub range was no good, as black is an immediate no from me.

[@adamodavis]

Ps whatabout.

[@robertgrignon3688]

For what it’s worth, the Kef KC62 also comes in white and titanium silver. Out of luck if prefer a wood finish though.

[@ruvamsi]

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

[@lokerola]

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

[@dominikalbers6983]

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

[@ChristopheLereverend]

whatabout! KEF LSX II LT Office setup set with a Subwoofer , UK retail at £899

[@eugeniodinardo3881]

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

[@dimitrikatsaros9212]

Whatabout comparing the KEF subs against the PSB BP-8?

[@tuffkid1985]

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

[@markwoll]

Whatabout , I have the LS50 Wireless II with the KC62 and the R3 Meta with an SA30. A sub would be nice, would another KC62 or the newer Kube 8 be a better match. I won't have the KEF secret sauce that the LS50 has but I can audition the KC62 in place first. The cost difference is big between the two subs.

[@1christian1sonne1]

"whataboute" your latest LP experience :-)

[@mwmaccount]

Whaddabout the ones that the LSX II LTs blow out of the water? Whaddabout those that they destroy?

[@batemanlife]

Im considering these. Should i be worried about their long-term usefulness? Will Kef still support these in say 5 years time?