KEF LS50 Wireless II Review: Impressive Wireless Speaker Performance

Step into the world of KEF LS50 Wireless II, where cutting-edge technology meets stunning audio clarity and seamless wireless streaming for an all-in-one listening experience.

A Proud Successor with a Legacy to Uphold

When I first set my ears on the KEF LS50 Wireless II wireless speakers, the name alone made it clear this wasn’t just another wireless speaker system—it was a continuation of a legend. KEF has boldly carried forward the legacy of the original LS50 Wireless, a product so well-received it earned a place in the What Hi-Fi? Hall of Fame.

Back in 2016, KEF took their iconic passive LS50 speakers and transformed them into an active wireless duo complete with built-in amplification and streaming features. Those first-gen LS50 Wireless speakers wowed me with their stellar five-star reviews and earned multiple awards, but, like any trailblazer, they weren’t without quirks—occasional app glitches and the pesky cable linking the two speakers were minor flaws in an otherwise fabulous package.

Fast forward to the LS50 Wireless II, and KEF has not only untethered the speakers from that interlink cable but also rolled out a fresh, more reliable app, making control smoother than ever.

Innovative Sound Engineering with Metamaterials

The LS50 Wireless II doesn't just fix the past; it leaps ahead. At the heart of this upgrade is KEF’s innovative metamaterial absorption technology (MAT), a clever acoustic trick that grabbed my attention immediately.

Imagine a tiny maze-like disc positioned right behind the tweeter. This structure is carefully engineered to soak up 99% of unwanted sound waves emanating from the back of the tweeter’s dome, preventing distortion of the forward-moving sound. Simply put, it’s like having an acoustic black hole inside your speakers, swallowing any noise that could muddy the audio.

MAT isn’t just a fancy gimmick—it’s a first in loudspeaker tech, developed in collaboration with the Acoustic Metamaterials Group. KEF has since introduced this technology in their passive speaker lineups like the LS50 Meta and the R1 Reference Meta, but hearing it in the active Wireless II models took the audio clarity to new heights.

Features and Technology That Impress

The 12th generation Uni-Q driver array in the LS50 Wireless II is a marvel on its own, but paired with the MAT and a redesigned magnetic system, KEF’s digital signal processing algorithms really shine. The tweeter gets a dedicated 100W Class A/B amplifier, while the mid/bass driver has a powerful 280W Class D amplifier at its disposal.

KEF took a cue from its compact LSX system introduced in 2018, ditching the physical cable between speakers for a wireless link that now supports 24-bit/96 kHz streaming—doubling what was possible before. Files exceeding this resolution are downsampled, but impressively, the system supports files up to 24-bit/384 kHz and DSD256, plus MQA decoding for Tidal Masters and compatible files.

Streaming options? The new KEF Connect app is a game changer, offering seamless access to Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify, internet radio, and UPnP servers, making your music universe just a tap away.

If you prefer skipping the app, no worries. The LS50 Wireless II supports AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Bluetooth 5.0, and is even Roon Ready, making it a breeze to connect from any device.

Connectivity options include the new HDMI eARC port, perfect for TV hookups, alongside coaxial, optical, 3.5mm AUX inputs, and a dual subwoofer output. KEF clearly left no stone unturned.

Key Specifications:

• Drivers: Uni-Q array with 25mm aluminum tweeter and 13cm aluminum mid/bass driver
• Amplification: 380W total (100W Class A/B tweeter, 280W Class D mid/bass)
• Streaming: AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, UPnP, Bluetooth 5.0, Roon Ready
• Services: Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer
• Max Resolution: 24-bit/384 kHz, DSD256, MQA
• Inputs: HDMI eARC, coaxial (24-bit/192 kHz), optical (24-bit/96 kHz), 3.5mm AUX, Ethernet
• Outputs: Subwoofer (x2)
• Dimensions (H×W×D): 30.5 × 20 × 31.1 cm
• Weight: 20.1 kg

Timeless Design with Subtle Tweaks

KEF’s design wizards stuck to a winning formula here—the Wireless II look almost identical to their predecessors. If you’re a fan of the original LS50’s classy curves and the contrasting Uni-Q drivers, you’ll feel right at home.

The only giveaway to their fresh identity might be the threaded inserts on the speaker bottoms, allowing solid attachment to the new KEF S2 Floor stands. The finishes—Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White, and a striking Crimson Red limited edition—are all stunning and fit any modern living space.

Despite many similar wireless stereo systems hitting the market, none match the neat, elegant presence of the LS50 Wireless II.

Sound That Captivates and Delights

When I first listened to the original LS50 Wireless, I was enchanted by their clean, precise sound and well-defined soundstage. The LS50 Wireless II pushes these attributes even further.

The MAT technology’s impact is immediately noticeable in the crystal-clear highs, but its magic works throughout the spectrum. Mids come through sharper, and bass feels tighter and better defined. In comparison, the originals now sound a bit rough around the edges.

The soundstage opens up beautifully, revealing intricate details and allowing instruments to breathe and shine separately, avoiding any sense of clutter.

Take Adrienne Lenker’s track Symbol, for example. The Wireless II brings a captivating spatial separation between her vocals and string instruments that the original model couldn’t quite achieve. And yet, the seamless sound fusion unique to the Uni-Q driver remains intact.

Switching to Peter Broderick’s Moment, the piano’s nuanced melody unfolds with eloquent clarity, as the LS50 Wireless II clearly marks each note’s start and finish with finesse.

When I hit play on Mac Miller’s What’s The Use?, the system’s newfound energy and agility leap out. The bass groove shines with clarity, while the sharp rap verses cut through crisply—highlighting the impeccable, clinical production quality of the track.

Final Verdict: A Wireless Classic Perfected

The sound achievements of the LS50 Wireless II are a tribute not just to KEF’s engineers but to how far all-in-one wireless stereo systems have come in recent years.

Since their 2016 debut, the KEF LS50 Wireless wireless speakers proved the appeal of a compact, integrated stereo setup against traditional component systems at an accessible price point. The Wireless II takes that promise and elevates it even higher.

Launching under the weight of sky-high expectations, the LS50 Wireless II confidently lives up to its legacy—a rare successor that blends innovation, style, and performance seamlessly.

Ratings:

• Sound: 5/5
• Features: 5/5
• Build Quality: 5/5

FAQ

• What is the main innovation in the KEF LS50 Wireless II?
  The key innovation is the metamaterial absorption technology (MAT) that absorbs 99% of unwanted sound waves, greatly reducing distortion.
• Can the LS50 Wireless II connect wirelessly to TVs?
  Yes, these speakers include an HDMI eARC input, making them very TV-friendly for wireless audio setups.
• Which streaming services are supported by the KEF Connect app?
  The app supports Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify, Tidal Masters (MQA), and internet radio alongside UPnP servers.
• Are the speakers compatible with smart home systems?
  They support AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Bluetooth 5.0, and are certified Roon Ready, ensuring broad compatibility.
• What are the available finishes for the LS50 Wireless II?
  Available finishes include Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White, and a limited edition Crimson Red.

If you’re as smitten by the KEF LS50 Wireless II wireless speakers as I am, why not bring a slice of their iconic design and sonic magic into your room? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store here and complement your listening experience with stunning wall art!