KEF LS50 Wireless II Review: Your Amplifier Just Became Optional

Explore how the KEF LS50 Wireless II redefines wireless speakers with unmatched sound and tech innovation.

The Return of a Legend: KEF LS50 Wireless II

Hey there, audio lovers! Ready to dive into the latest marvel from KEF? The KEF LS50 Wireless II wireless speakers isn’t just another set of speakers — it’s a proud heir to the legendary LS50 series. And believe me, this isn’t just hype; the original LS50 Wireless wireless speakers, launched in 2016, was already a game-changer.

Imagine this: KEF took their iconic passive LS50 bookshelf speakers and transformed them into active, wireless beauties. These speakers packed a built-in amplifier and streaming capabilities, making it a complete package. Back then, it was a bold move, and it paid off with rave five-star reviews. A brilliant start to a new chapter!

That said, the originals weren’t flawless. The companion app had glitches, and the two speakers needed a cable to connect, which was a bit of a bummer for a “wireless” setup. Fast forward to the LS50 Wireless II — no more cable hassles and an entirely revamped, slick app to boot.

Innovation Meets Design: What’s New Inside?

Let’s talk tech — and trust me, it's fascinating. LS50 Wireless II doesn’t just fix past issues; it leaps forward in performance while keeping the beloved Uni-Q driver design intact. The secret sauce? KEF’s cutting-edge Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT).

What’s MAT, you ask? Picture a tiny labyrinth-like plastic element sitting behind the tweeter dome. This clever design traps and absorbs the stray sound waves coming off the back of the high-frequency driver. Those wayward echoes can muddy the sound, but MAT acts like an acoustic black hole, soaking up a whopping 99% of unwanted noise.

This tech isn’t just theory; it’s a collaboration with the Acoustic Metamaterials Group, experts in smart materials and acoustics. MAT has already been featured in KEF’s premium passive speakers like the LS50 Meta and LS60 Wireless, and now it’s found a home in the Wireless II, though not in the smaller LSX II models.

Specs That Impress

The 12th generation Uni-Q driver doesn’t just feature MAT but boasts a redesigned motor system fine-tuned with KEF’s own digital signal processing wizardry. The tweeter gets powered by a 100W Class A/B amplifier, while the mid/bass driver cranks out 280W of pure muscle.

Back in 2018, KEF’s LSX wireless speakers introduced wireless links replacing cables between speakers, streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz files. The LS50 Wireless II builds on this, boosting wireless performance to 24-bit/96kHz, slightly downsampling ultra-high-res files. But connect the speakers via the supplied Ethernet cable, and you get native 24-bit/192kHz playback.

The LS50 Wireless II also supports DSD256 and MQA decoding, opening doors to pristine high-res audio files and Tidal Masters streaming.

Speaking of streaming, KEF Connect — the new app — plugs you directly into services like Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, and Spotify, plus internet radio and UPnP servers. I got to use the early version at first, and while it lacked some features like music server search, the full-fledged app is stable, intuitive, and a welcome upgrade over the often glitchy LS50 Wireless Stream app.

Another cool bonus? The LS50 Wireless II supports AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Bluetooth, and Roon Ready — so you can stream your favorite tunes without fuss. KEF swapped out the USB Type-B port for HDMI eARC, making it a cinch to hook up directly to your TV. Plus, it offers coaxial (24-bit/192kHz), optical (24-bit/96kHz), and 3.5mm inputs, alongside a subwoofer output, rounding out its connectivity nicely.

Design That Stays True but Evolves

On the outside, the Wireless II doesn’t stray far from the classic LS50 Wireless look — which is a good thing. The main visual cue to tell them apart? The bottom features threaded inserts at each corner to mount onto KEF’s new S2 floorstanding speakers.

Otherwise, you’ve got the same stunning Uni-Q driver array, wrapped in classy finishes such as Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White, and the Crimson Red Special Edition. The curved front baffle remains a head-turner.

While many have tried to replicate this style and concept since the original arrived, none have matched its blend of form and function quite like the Wireless II.

Sound That Speaks Volumes

I remember reviewing the original LS50 Wireless and being wowed by its “clean and precise” sound with a “well-defined” soundstage. The Wireless II takes all that and elevates it.

MAT technology is especially noticeable in the sparkling highs – clean, crisp, and free of distortion. But the magic extends across the frequency spectrum: mids are clearer, bass lines tighten up, and the overall sound feels more open and refined.

Listening to Adrienne Lenker’s Symbol album through the Wireless II, the separation between her vocals and the strings becomes strikingly evident. Where the original felt a bit cramped, the new speakers create breathing room without sacrificing cohesiveness. The Uni-Q driver design, with the tweeter nestled inside the mid/bass cone, ensures everything feels taut and integrated.

Switching to Peter Broderick’s Moment album, the piano notes ring out with remarkable clarity, capturing every subtle nuance. The Wireless II’s improved attack and agility breathe fresh life into melodic basslines and razor-sharp rap verses alike.

Final Thoughts

The advances in sound quality aren’t just thanks to KEF’s engineers but also reflect how far speaker technology has evolved in recent years. The original 2016 LS50 Wireless proved that high-quality stereo systems could be compact and all-in-one without compromise. The LS50 Wireless II refines this formula to near perfection.

Sure, expectations were sky-high, but KEF delivered on every front. If you’re after a wireless speaker system that sounds as good as high-end separates and is packed with modern streaming tech, look no further — the LS50 Wireless II is a rare gem.

Ratings:

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

KEF raised the bar with LS50 Wireless II by enhancing clarity and delivering a more open, detailed soundstage.

FAQ

• What is Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and why does it matter?
  MAT uses a specially designed labyrinth structure behind the tweeter to absorb unwanted sound waves, reducing distortion and producing cleaner sound.
• Can I connect the LS50 Wireless II without any cables?
  Yes! The speakers support fully wireless operation via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. However, for the absolute highest resolution playback, you can connect the left and right speakers with the included Ethernet cable.
• Which streaming services are supported?
  The speakers support popular services like Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify, internet radio, and UPnP servers through the KEF Connect app.
• Is the LS50 Wireless II suitable for TV audio?
  Absolutely. It features HDMI eARC for easy TV connection, along with coaxial, optical, and analog inputs.
• What makes these speakers better than other wireless options?
  Thanks to KEF’s Uni-Q driver, MAT technology, powerful amplification, and broad connectivity, the LS50 Wireless II offers unmatched clarity, detail, and versatility in its class.

Ready to bring this icon into your space? Shop your favorite KEF LS50 Wireless II album cover poster at our store — celebrate the music, the design, and the sound that moves you.