KEF LSX II LT Review – Affordable Wireless Speakers with Premium Sound

Experience premium sound and smart streaming in KEF LSX II LT’s affordable wireless speakers, delivering quality without compromise.

A Wireless Audio Marvel at a Wallet-Friendly Price

If you’ve ever dreamed of a wireless speaker system that masterfully balances sound quality, design, and convenience—without emptying your wallet—then the KEF LSX II LT might just be your new best friend. The original KEF LSX II earned the prestigious “Product of the Year 2023” award from What Hi-Fi? for a reason. Priced around $1400, these compact marvels brought exceptional sound and seamless streaming options to music lovers who wanted it all without fussing over amps, DACs, or multiple devices.

But then KEF dropped a curveball: the LSX II LT, priced at $999, offering much of the magic of its big brother with strategic tweaks to deliver a more accessible entry point. It’s like getting the VIP concert experience, but with a ticket for the front row at a fraction of the cost.

Design and Build: Familiar Elegance with a Streamlined Twist

At first glance, the LSX II LT looks nearly indistinguishable from the LSX II sibling. The signature Tangerine Waveguide and the glossy Uni-Q driver array still catch your eye, keeping that sleek, tech-savvy aesthetic intact without looking over-the-top.

What’s missing? The fabric finish that adds a cozy texture to the original LSX II has been swapped out in the LT for a smooth, matte shell available in just three colors: sage green (our test pair), white stone, and graphite gray. While fewer choices might seem like a limitation, these finishes maintain a chic, versatile vibe that fits nicely on a desk or a dedicated listening space.

Handling these speakers is a delight—solid and reliable, with a textured rear panel that adds a touch of sophistication even if it’s rarely seen. The matte finish resists smudges and scratches, affirming that LSX II LT is built to last and look great doing it.

Inside, the 11th generation Uni-Q driver array remains the tech heart of the system. This 11.5-cm mid/bass driver with a 19mm aluminum tweeter nested in the center delivers a sonic experience that outperforms traditional speaker layouts. The result? A more consistent sound dispersion, better integration of frequencies, and smoother timing. The only trade-off here is the absence of KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which tames unwanted tweeter reflections—an understandable cut given the LT’s price point.

The LSX II LT remains a fully active speaker setup. Each driver has its own dedicated Class D amplifier, pumping out a robust 200 watts total: 30 watts for the tweeter and 70 for the mid/bass in each channel. That’s a serious wattage punch for compact wireless speakers.

Specs at a Glance

• Drivers: Uni-Q array (19mm aluminum tweeter; 11.5cm aluminum mid/bass)
• Power output: 100W per channel (30W tweeter, 70W mid/bass)
• Streaming tech: Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, UPnP, Bluetooth 5.0
• Supported services: Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer
• Max resolution: 24-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD128
• Inputs: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, Ethernet
• Output: Subwoofer out
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 24 x 15.5 x 18 cm
• Weight: 6.8 kg total

Streamlined Functionality: What’s Kept and What’s Lost?

So, what did KEF trim to hit the $999 mark? For starters, the trusty analog AUX input is gone. That might be a bummer if you like plugging in older devices like some laptops or portable players directly. However, the USB-C port steps up as a modern savior, compatible with most newer gadgets, so the impact is softened.

The rear panel feels a bit more minimalist but holds the essentials: HDMI ARC for TV hookups, optical input for high-quality connections, and a subwoofer output for those craving deeper bass extension.

Here’s an interesting twist: unlike the LSX II that needs both speakers plugged in, the LT only requires one power cable hooked up to the primary speaker. The second satellite speaker gets juice through a 3-meter USB-C cable from the first, simplifying your setup and reducing cable clutter. To handle this, KEF equipped the main speaker with a beefed-up power supply.

The catch? The wireless magic between the two speakers has been sacrificed. They now must stay physically connected, a step back from the more flexible wireless pairing on the original LSX II.

On the streaming front, KEF leaves almost no stone unturned. The platform supports Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and Bluetooth 5.0, plus all your favorite services via the KEF Connect app—everything from Amazon Music to Qobuz, Spotify, and Tidal. High-res streaming from a NAS also works like a charm. A minor downer: the LT doesn’t carry the Roon Ready certification of its pricier sibling, but for most users, this won’t be a deal breaker.

The app itself is a breeze once you get the hang of it, combining streaming, source selection, volume, and EQ all in one neat package. Speaking of EQ, one of the coolest features is the ability to tailor the sound based on your room’s setup—distance from walls, room size, or desk placement. It’s like having a mini sound engineer in your pocket, and fiddling with these settings can genuinely transform the listening experience.

Sound Performance: Punchy, Precise, and Full of Character

The burning question: does the cheaper LSX II LT hold its own sonically against the award-winning LSX II? We were skeptical too. It’s easy to imagine a budget model playing lighter or thinner. But after hours of listening, we can say the LT holds its ground impressively.

With the same drivers, similar cabinet sizes, and electronics, it’s no huge surprise that the LT delivers close to identical sound quality. Cue Muse’s “Madness” on Tidal, and the LT reveals a density, clarity, and bass depth that defy expectations from such a compact streaming setup.

The speakers offer punch and energy without sounding jittery or stressed. Picture a ballet ballerina executing the perfect plié—light, controlled, and expressive. The LT does just that in audio: tight, immediate, and elastic sound that balances emotional nuance with rock-solid control.

High frequencies rarely waver, and the bass, rich and surprisingly hefty for these small boxes, never gets loose or muddy. In Run The Jewels’ “The Ground Below”, a song packed with low-end punch, lesser speakers might sound boomy, but the LSX II LT channels that energy into tight, precise rhythms.

But don’t mistake accuracy for sterility. Complex textures, like those in Hans Zimmer’s “Discombobulate”, come alive with vivid detail—from the cheeky cymbal plucks to chaotic strings. Every sonic layer is there, lush and textured.

This character consistency remained even when switching sources. Hooking the LSX II LT to a MacBook Pro via USB-C for a 24-bit FLAC of Nick Cave’s “Galleon Ship” sounded just as crisp as playing a CD version of Alicia Keys’ “The Diary Of Alicia Keys” through an optical connection.

Final Verdict: A Smart, Sound Investment

If you’re not too fussed about losing a couple of inputs and some wireless flexibility, but crave the solid, stunning sound of the LSX II, the LSX II LT is a stellar value. By simplifying without sacrificing sonic quality, KEF has struck gold with this version.

Ratings:

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

"The LSX II LT soars with 'instant,' 'springy,' and 'controlled' sound, blending emotional expression with flawless balance."

FAQ

• What are the main differences between the LSX II and LSX II LT?
  The LT drops wireless speaker-to-speaker connection, the AUX input, some color options, and fabric covering to reduce price, but maintains core sound quality and streaming features.
• Can the LSX II LT work wirelessly between speakers?
  No, the speakers need to be physically connected via USB-C for power and signal.
• Which streaming protocols does the LSX II LT support?
  It supports Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, UPnP, Bluetooth 5.0, and offers access to services like Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Deezer.
• Is the LSX II LT suitable for small rooms or desktop setups?
  Absolutely! Its compact size, versatility, and EQ options make it ideal for various spaces, including desks and smaller listening rooms.
• Does the LSX II LT have Roon Ready certification?
  No, unlike the LSX II, the LT does not have Roon Ready certification.

Looking to bring some of this audio magic into your home? Shop your favorite KEF album cover poster at our store to complement your new sound system with stylish wall art: Architeg Prints Store.