KEF's LS60 Wireless: the BEGINNING of the END

[@DarkoAudio]

PLEASE READ *before commenting*! 1) Got a question? Please ask it of the Darko.Audio KZbin community (and not me) as I'm off making the NEXT video 2) All comments here are moderated by a third party: instagram.com/p/CTWcokaszpW/ 3) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome (but no URLs, racist/sexist remarks or conspiracy theories, please)

[@JeffMax]

Sold my Ayon audio tube amp, turntable and the rest of analogue gear 2 years ago as 4-year old twins running around in the house wasn’t a great combo. Waited patiently for a replacement that is more child proof but still up to standards. I think I’m rewarded for my patience. Thx KEF!

[@markokompic7617]

These are not child proof since there are no grilles on any of the drivers. These drivers are VERY sensitive to any kind of impacts. Don’t ask me how I know :)

[@jamesbell7246]

With all those exposed drivers?! 😬

[@gary-kr7dm]

The Kef LS60’s are Not child friendly at all.

[@trinity0085]

Looking forward to part 2

[@bjwal6]

Really REALLY appreciate the value you place in side by side comparison. Idea - Going forward with all the mega super streaming integrated amplifier reviews, comparing external components with the included integrated ones would be A) painful for you, but B) very helpful for us - particularly with things like phono stages, just to gauge the component quality in a similar objective-ish way.

[@halkdc]

Thank you for taking your time to review them properly.

[@AnotherAnonymousMan]

The wait's going to be agonising! Not that they're even available yet, but I'm immensely interested in these speakers.

[@krisztianh.7445]

The way John is teasing us before the ACTUAL review of these speakers is really the "Beginning of the End"... On the other hand, at least this title gives us - an otherwise predictable - sum up: if you are not into the hobby of buying, selling, playing with different set-ups, but looking for amazing (ultimate?) sound quality, services and aesthetics in one complete package: this might be the final destination.

[@E.Frey2002]

I really like your room now. This new style is less contemporary and extra chill.

[@deangale4496]

Yours is the only KZbin where I actually love the advertising her voice is just great . 👍

[@themaskedsingercucucachu8225]

love the philosophy here, the side by side comparisons are why i am here, thanks.

[@mbizozo6271]

I can’t afford any of the gear here but I never miss an upload.

[@brick8253]

I mean juuust saying.... Hear me out! Yesss I know the ls60 is hella expensive 🫰🏼 but once you get them you don't need anything else such as a receiver, dac, amp or a streamer.... Those things can really raise the price extremely fast.... With just about any other setups you would really want get at least half that stuff in which you could easily spend just as much and have sooo much more clutter.... Something like this could cut most the accessories and cost "a lot of Ephesians on the could" yes you could make a system for wayyyyy less but I hope you can understand my point 😂 ps I don't have the money to spend on it either.... The cool thing about building a system is you can buy things and build as you go but with this you would need 5k in your hands right there.

[@andrewsmith3121]

John, for you and your review, I will happily wait. Carry on, and just do you!

[@maxpower7504]

Don't forget if you get lip sync issues (i.e. any audio delay) try disabling the phase correction/time alignment in the app - it should put the speaker into a low(er) latency mode

[@shaanssonnets430]

Would love to hear your thoughts on these compared to a pair of LS50W II with KC62 Subs (which appears on the surface level to be a similar spec and priced comparison) Thanks!

[@manuelrobledo5106]

Yes ! You read my mind!

[@maxwellgriffith]

LS50W2/KC62 combo is $4300 usd at full retail, while these LS60 are $7000 usd, almost a 70% increase.

[@markrosenthal9108]

@@maxwellgriffith Or $5800 usd with a pair of KC62s, which may be a better comparison.

[@Kenji-Tsuyoi]

yes same I using that current set up

[@sfh2110]

Exactly! My guess is the LS60 might have a cleaner midrange since it's designed as a dedicated midrange speaker whereas the LS50s have been designed to cater to midbass as well if required as evidenced by the thicker rubber surrounds. The LS50WII with dual KC62 will definitely dig deeper but then again might be much more difficult to get a coherent and perfectly blended full range sound as the LS60s with their Single Apparent Source design. Ofcourse you get the option to add a subwoofer or two with the LS60s in the future, which will add more price since the LS60W is already $1500 more than the LS50WII + dual KC62 combo to begin with! Excited to see Darko's followup 🥳

[@coreyoliver3653]

Aside from the subjects, themselves, man - your reviews are a work of art, sincerely. 👍🏽

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Can't wait to see part 2. Very cool looking and I'll bet they sounds amazing knowing KEF. I just worry about active speakers with 2nd party components (e.g.., amplifiers) not made by the speaker manufacturer that cost $6,999 + tax (about $7,500 total in the US... certainly not pocket change for most). Replacement parts for all in one components could be a serious issue. I sure hope the warranty is 10 years for long term keepers of audio equipment. Unfortunately, there's little long term history on KEF actives to date with the LS50W only being out 3-4 years at most.

[@aviatoFPV]

Yeah to add onto those worries, KEF has been notoriously bad with electronics. They use chinese amps that self destruct generally just outside of the warranty period. I had 2 active KEF products, both broke around the 2 year mark (kc62 sub died within the year).. I don't trust them anymore. I would love to buy the LS6 though, but I know I'll be mad at myself again when they invariably stop working.

[@Krell666]

The worry with expensive active systems is the failure of the electronics. I've had three sets of actives and in all three an amp module died outside of warranty. The fact that KEF warrants the speaker for five years but the electronics for two is a worry on a high-end, high price piece of kit.

[@julianwarr7246]

Yep, they're essentially disposable kit unless the manufacturer commits to support them for at least a decade - ideally longer. Just had a 20-year old Krell amp serviced. Are these speakers going to be serviceable in 20 years or will they be landfill?

[@westelaudio943]

@@julianwarr7246 Ideally they should be built in a way that much manufacturer's support isn't even needed to repair them. Anyways, in 10 years nobody will care about these things anymore because the world of digital trends will have moved on and most of the fancy-shmancy here won't even be supported anymore. Very short sighted decision to buy such things which will depreciate so quickly in value.

[@electricsnut]

It’s not just amp failures but also app and software support…But yes I wouldn’t trust the amps either… they will fail its just a matter of when…

[@episodesglow]

@@westelaudio943 I think this is how kii and D&D do it, they send you or the dealer a module you can just swap in or out

[@dennisd9875]

same here. I had distortion show up after little over 2 year. I had a KEF dealer looking at it and even after 3 months of being in the repair queue I got them back with the same issue, so I think this is a real and biggest concern of any buyer of this product. The fact they don't address this better is a big problem to me

[@mmdusa]

Of course I can't wait! But I will. Because you're worth it. Thanks J.D.

[@fortuitousjimmy1341]

Music recommendations can sometimes be a bit hit and miss. Not this time, you beauty, thank you so much for introducing me to this artist.

[@FireMunki63]

Fantastic, love your plan John :)

[@jinvid]

When I saw your short of the unboxing, I COULD NOT WAIT to see this review!

[@Roof_Pizza]

Thanks for covering full sized speakers.

[@666chew]

Kudos to your work ethic and thoroughness. That's what makes your reviews so informative and entertaining.

[@marksbrady09]

thanks John, great video as always. really looking forward to part two, definitely on my very short shortlist 😁

[@feejus]

Thnx for doing this. Super keen to get your view on these.

[@KITFLETCH1]

Very thorough. I’ve never been sure about the look of KEF speakers and think this is a bit ugly. I can see how others would like them. Fascinated by the location of the drivers and your comparison of this. Thank you.

[@de.grandi]

Your videos are eye candy in a 4K TV, congrats on the image quality

[@FluxStage]

Been looking forward to this upload!

[@lukaszdoleczek6852]

Pleeeease compare them to buchardts a700. There are NO reviews of them online whatsoever. Thanks!!

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗THANKS FOR YOUR MUSIC 🎶 SUGGESTIONS AND TAKING YOUR TIME REVIEWING THEM 🤔😍😍😍

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗LISTENING AND PASSED IT ON TO OTHERS 🎶👍😍😍😁

[@gennadiyseafarer2894]

Awaitig for new video!!!!

[@jamiechuramusic]

Thank you so much for your hard work and for taking the time to do the comparison/testing review the right way. We appreciate ya'! Looking forward to Part II whenever it's ready!

[@lorenzo_bi]

Great video and great, GREAT music suggestion. Thank you for your amazing work!

[@syanhc]

Love your attitude. I love your time taken to do things right!

[@leemartin2978]

Fantastic first part review. I completely agree re the remote. I’m totally convinced that Bang and Olufsen have sold more TVs from handing the customer the remote than any actual picture differences compared with competitors. It exudes class and money. If you haven’t seen one just call in and have a look. It’s everything this one isn’t and it immediately reflects on the experience. These have all the makings of being great and I’m looking forward to part 2

[@igloo687]

Just bought demo KEF reference 3. Wow wow and thrice wow.

[@BananaHammyForYou]

I love my LS50 Meta/KC62 workspace setup, I'd go for this.

[@jazzbase412]

Holy smokes your reviews are good! Thanks John!

[@Freedom89984]

If you already have a good amp and dac, please try the LS50 Meta and a good subwoofer. This LS60 is packed with electronics. One small issue and you lose your whole audio system. This is a speaker set for design lovers (and also like good audio) who used to buy B&O etc. It’s not a set for audio lovers. They want a nice amp and a pair of real speakers, not a pair of electric car chargers in your living room. Said that, I believe that the LS60’s will find it’s way to the customers. They have enough to attract buyers with a filled wallet looking for a compromise to keep their wife and their ears happy.

[@robertdonovan1554]

Thanks for the Music suggestion. Really digging it.

[@TheAlbert18361]

Buchardt A700 as the comparator system pls…. No hurry but pls don’t make us wait too long….

[@tronderikbrekke8792]

Great part 1. Waiting for part 2, is like waiting for Christmas, as a child. But do it right! The probability of me purchasing a pair is very high.

[@paulthomas7007]

Loving the addition of kendrick’s new video in the background. Speakers look pretty great too…

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

I love the desighn Sleek n Sheek Wow ! Thanks John room looks great !

[@klaverro]

Great introduction video. Very nice looking speakers. Can’t wait for part two. Love to see a comparison with the new Dynaudio Focus 30.

[@ciousli]

Seems like KEF mastered the art of the WAF. They look really nice.

[@aviatoFPV]

If they would also master the art of making integrated amps that don't self destruct after their warranty period I would be a happy camper. I'll never buy an active KEF product again until I see some surviving for longer than 2 years.

[@vikrambhaskar7976]

Beautiful! Even if it takes time, give us the best quality review as you always do! Please bring more tower speakers to this channel Darko!

[@damned006]

you absolutly need to have the Buchardt A700 in comparison ! Same spirit and flavour, about the same price, you already know Mads well so it's a very (very very) simple process for you. Indulge us, it will be huge.

[@sonnyhenriksen9398]

Mads, not Mad...

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

Buchardt A700 down to 17Hz. WiSA, no latency. The price is lower than systems they might be compared with.

[@damned006]

@@sonnyhenriksen9398 absolutly

[@damned006]

@@geraldmcmullon2465 I do own the A700 walnut and I did have the ls50w among others speakers. The A700 are very very hard to beat when it comes to bass, quantity, quality in such a small footprint. Not as powerfull as a sb3000 I have in the TV corner but still very impressive (more than Kii tree for example). But they're not perfect, sadly, as any speaker/system

[@yowandbm]

Yeah! Same thought! Buchardt would be better I think

[@themrgumbatron]

The most impressive speakers, I love them and also did a review. I throughly enjoyed your highly detailed audiophile perspective. Nicely done mate.✌

[@benpatana7664]

Kudos on the Giant Sands Tuscon recommendation. Splendid!

[@iborrada]

Looking forward to part 2!

[@simonangelin6074]

I'll gladly wait a couple of weeks for a good review 😊 Gorgeous speakers by the way 😍😋

[@SumbaListens]

My goodness, these are some handsome speakers..

[@rutgerleunen4812]

Together with the featured Suede album in a more recent video, Tucson was by far the best album recommendation. Thank you, John

[@azza2575]

Can't tell you how glad I am to see Kendrick on the TV. I know you're not a hip hop fan, however I hope you joined that masterclass in hip hop John. He's a phenomenal artist.

[@flohmann]

Very curious how these compare to the LS50W2 + kc62 combo.

[@ferchizzle]

A dual KC62 combo would be appropriate.

[@sergioalvarado8779]

Interesting question. I would like that Review too.

[@shiraz1736]

Hmm I,d hate to think what you,d go through to get something repaired or serviced in them. Wish they did a passive option so I could drive them with everything I already have.

[@emreturkeli]

can't wait for the part 2!! and hoping that there will be comparisons with Ls50 Wireless 2s + KC62 and with the LS50 Metas + KC62 with price relevant amplification.

[@mndlessdrwer]

If you want apples to apples and you're considering the LS50 meta, which would require an amplifier stage anyway, then the R5 would be a bit closer in terms of a tower that doesn't strictly need a subwoofer.

[@popeyepanther4519]

Is there a part 2? I can't find it

[@conduit242]

Exceptional British design ❤

[@simonkwan3074]

Actually, quite an international effort, with UK doing the brilliant acoustic engineering and the industrial design primarily done by KEF's team in Hong Kong working in collaboration w/ Michael Young :-)

[@TheLWebb100]

A glossy black color in these would be fire!!

[@piotrhermaniuk5998]

Great video! Now the only question everybody will ask is: How do they compare with Buchardt a700? Pretty much the same price range, completely different approach to build

[@yowandbm]

Yes, I'd like to see that video comparison, as well as review alone of the A700

[@dushk0]

I'd guess in both sound and form factor (practicality - it's not a generic fugly box with a backwards design concept that you have to protect and pamper as a bonus, easier to move) it would be KEF.

[@justinsabourin4769]

I think the a700 is definitely the closest competitor to these. I’m sure both of them sound amazing.

[@Justwantahover]

I like the woofer arrangement for that "point source" bass sound. I build speakers, and I have a different approach to bass source treatment. I also built up my own coaxial drivers. In my speakers I have the coaxial on the top of my floorstanding box but the coaxial driver is not quite in the box. There is a gap between the speaker hole and the driver that is mounted with longer screws with spacers. And the speaker hole is actually bass vent treated with a 2" deep tube behind the speaker hole. Without that, the speaker simply won't acoustically work (obviously). And (this bass treated speaker hole for the coaxial) also acts as a bass vent for a 10" woofer on the bottom panel, facing straight down onto the floor (with 1" high stubbs under the box for the sound to escape). The bass sound from the back of the woofer (inside the box) escapes around the coaxial driver for "point source" bass sound. And the source of the bass fired onto the floor has a vague source sound. And it sounds good low to the floor with that omni bass sound (along with the coaxial bass and the woofer bass around the coaxial driver). And there is always some residual med sound coming from the woofer (like with all conventional speaker woofers). And it escapes around the semi open coaxial driver bass vent and there is a very slight out of phase delay. But vastly most med is from the coaxial so the phase shift is very subtle and seems to add to the already spacial sound of the semi open coaxial. It sounds good and makes the room sound much bigger). I also have another smaller floor stander speaker made that is a very similar design in every way except that it's a full range driver instead of the home hacked coaxial. They sound great but the big speakers (with the coaxials) crank and have that big sound.

[@rogernadal5606]

Best reviewer of the world :-)

[@shreyasdharur7748]

Methodology > Instant results Not many reviewers make that tradeoff but John does and that makes him stand out as a super credible source!

[@lazarosnikolaidis256]

You really worth it to be one of the very few on the planet to review this beautiful speaker. Can' t wait for part II. One minor complaint: where's the review for Pro-Ject RS2T? Many thanks for your nice videos. Greetings.

[@gertverboomen]

It would be interesting to see a comparison with the new Dynaudio Focus active wireless speakers launched at the Munich High End show.

[@renevanrijckevorsel6361]

nice review. As an audio lover who loves allot of brands i always enjoy your reviews. Greeting from Eersel, Netherlands.

[@buffal0bilious]

In terms of use case and price, the Buchardt A700 feels like a natural competitor to these. I like how slim these are though, but the Buchardt's wood veneers look great.

[@sanchfam01]

This is the comparison that I am hoping for!

[@yowandbm]

Aaah yeah I would die for A to Be comparison by John!!!

[@agharwal]

Same. Haven't come across many reviews/comparisons of A700.

[@hanneskluytenaar6908]

I was so lucky to have the possibility to listen to them already. I was really impressed by the over all package of them. It is a fully hifi system in a very nice package. And most important, they sound really nice. Unfortunately not really my budget. But should I win the lottery. These would be my choice.

[@chawonytube]

Awesome content as always.

[@amtprodu]

I was about to say "man that's a beautiful print on the wall!!!", but then it changed, then it had a moving picture on it......and I remembered you got a cool flat panel TV!! I need to re-watch that episode!

[@wkapteijn]

Legend! Yes i can wait, i cannot afford it sny way so reviews like your are a nice guilty pleasure. Enjoy!

[@JogieGlenMait16]

Rarely do I love something that I'd actually want to own one. I've been following KEF since the Darko Podcast on their smallest sub and I am continually impressed with their new technology.

[@GazMoore]

Can you please always start with an album recommendation

[@sergioalvarado8779]

Hi John. Great review as usual. One day I will get one of those, hopefully. Now, it`s out of my budget. Greetings from Costa Rica.

[@edwardphilipmarianafzger9800]

Hi i am also an Audiofreak since the begin of the eighties you are an amazing reviewer ! and yes I can wait four five weeks or even more I always learned that let the set play at least about 150 hours before making a judgment at all.

[@kubjohal]

Wonder if he'll make use of the sub outs and integrate a KC62 ....

[@shovelhead56]

Thank You so much for the album recommendation. Had never heard Giant Sand. Love that album!! Such a unique style and sound.

[@Thighwatts]

your review process and production quality are top-notch! I enjoy your videos more than I should even when I'm not in the market for new loud speakers.

[@aeromaniac13]

Take your time! Thanks for the heads up, as I've been so eager to learn more, but I'd rather wait for a thorough, detailed experience and explanation rather than a description of the sound. I don't want words, I want connection!! Haha thanks for another great video.

[@IELTSfaster]

Oh, such a tease in not giving us just a crumb on how they sound. I guess I'll have to wait. A comparison that would be really interesting and I think relevant for potential buyers, would be the Buchardt Audio A700. They both seem to fill a similar space in the market and are similarly priced. It would also be good to hear a proper opinion on the A700 as there is very little currently on the internet. Looking forward to hearing your views on how the LS60 sound.

[@JayDpwnz]

I really like buchardt products since the WISA connectivity standard has more compatibility for home theatre and you can mix match products from different brands.

[@peterpetrov4654]

@Darko thank you so much for doing what you do! I have the same question I am so divided now I was about to buy the A700 but now these babies appeared ^^ let us know what u think

[@Naps56]

As an owner of B&W 802 srs2 Matrix speakers, a B&W Nautilus, and 2 Jaguar XKs , I am convinced that while "Designed in UK" is a great label, "Made in UK" is not. Craftsmanship and QC of the latter is now way behind Made in Japan, Taiwan or China...or even Vietnam.

[@simonkwan3074]

The LS60W are made in China, in the same facility that produce the entire range of KEF speakers other than Reference, Blade, and Muon.

[@carefortops8976]

Indeed a great album, thank you for sharing Giant Sand

[@boostaholic7116]

Looking forward to seeing the next installment! You are the best reviewer out there I guess that's why Kef shipped these 2 weeks before the actual launch. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@sd1667]

On a whim I tried the Giant Sand - Tucson based on your recommendation. Totally hooked. In fact listening to it as I write this. Thanks. Tidal-Roon-LuminU1mini-AudioResearchLS27-ParasoundA21-DynaudioS40-VelodyneDD12+. As usual loved the ls60 review. Waiting for the sound part of it. Hope you compare it with ls50meta+KC62.

[@sparkplug964]

Just brought a pair of LS50 speakers, and they are astonishing good sounding Speaker.

[@varunu4176]

Compare the LS60 to the LS50 wireless 2 with a KC62 sub.

[@Kawwyke]

Even if it is a dumb comparison, please let us know your thoughts on LS60W vs LS50W2 + kc62

[@andrewrae50]

Darko is simply the best!

[@flyriviera]

Sure souds magnificent... but 6600€ is a bit expensive for me... (and I don't need 1400W (btw: are RMS?))

[@latexrope1358]

Audiophile type music? Surely what one is aiming for is a system which will reproduce as wide a range of music with the greatest fidelity possible? Or did you mean music recorded to be easiest to sound good for your system?

[@rotaks1]

This was a great episode. I would like to put in a plug for your podcast episode about these speakers. That podcast is incredible. Thanks!

[@Tanner_o]

Having DSP this speakers would be perfect using room correction like Dirac Live

[@Ainftcommunity]

Great video! Thanks!

[@mndlessdrwer]

I had a chance to hear a set of these recently at my local Audio Advice showroom and I couldn't help but say "these are remarkable" after listening to them. Are they truly worth their close-enough-as-makes-no-difference $7000 price tag? Possibly not. But are they a truly stunning bit of industrial design and speaker packaging that makes a sound that is competitive with systems of similar price points? Absolutely. The sound is good, but the pre-production units I heard still needed some software updates to finalize the crossover points for their DSPs to better blend the midbass transition. I do think that, once KEF finalizes their tuning and/or provides user controls for their active crossover networks, these things will be a truly special standalone option for people who may not want to bother running a separate receiver or sound processor and amplifier. They are a unique proposition because they are both aesthetically beautiful, compact, and they offer an atmospheric quality to their sound without losing the directionality that you need for good staging. They are also remarkably compact for the amount of sound they produce. It almost beggars belief that they're able to produce such room-filling sound with how narrow the enclosure is and how good and impactful their mids are given how small the mid-woofer is on the Uni-Q driver. They're really something special that you have to hear to believe. Having said that, if you were to be selective about your purchases, it is totally possible to make a better sounding stereo setup than the LS60 for the same price, or possibly less. These are just a very good total solution for stereo listening.

[@bjwal6]

ATC SCM19A is the first comparison that sprung to my mind, purely based on well known active speaker at similar price

[@yowandbm]

This one vs Buchardt A700! Same price, but I think Buchardt would mop the floor with these LS60s, it goes down to 17Hz they say. Can't wait for your review of A700, although I know you're not reviewing floorstanders but I still hope you will pick that one up from Mads.

[@havardstle3788]

Darko puts googly eyes on his plants so he knows where he stands with them!🤣 (#Snl Christopher Walken/ indor gardening) btw exiting speakers, exitied about the sound review.

[@mihirchitnis905]

Where is the part 2 of the review for this speakers ? It has been over a month plus kef have also announced the new Kef LSX II.

[@michaellittle2995]

Looking forward to the second part of the review but the Giant Sand recommendation was fantastic, I discover so many new artists watching this channel.

[@jfarley]

Have you ever done a video or released a playlist of your favourite electronic music? I enjoy the music that accompanies your videos and would love to hear more. Thanks and love your work.