KEF LSX II LT Review: Premium Sound at a More Accessible Price

Experience the striking balance of KEF LSX II LT’s premium sound and smart design without breaking the bank.

A Compact Wireless Speaker That Packs a Punch

When KEF LSX II unveiled the LSX II, it was a game-changer—a versatile, exquisitely crafted wireless speaker system that delivered sound so refined, it felt like magic in a box. But then the price tag of around $1,400 made many audio enthusiasts hesitate. For that much, you’re getting a self-contained streaming powerhouse, no need for extra amps, DACs, or sources. Or so we thought.

Enter the KEF LSX II LT, a clever spin on the original that trims down a few features but keeps the core magic intact, all while dropping the price to a much more approachable $999. A bold move that raises the question: can it really offer the same sonic excellence without the wireless speaker-to-speaker connection, auxiliary input, or wide palette of finishes? Spoiler: it can.

Design and Build: Compact Elegance With a Leaner Profile

At first glance, the LSX II LT looks almost indistinguishable from its more expensive sibling. It sports the same compact size and that signature KEF “Tangerine” waveguide with the brilliant Uni-Q driver array front and center, making the faceplate clean and inviting rather than cluttered.

However, the LT version skips the luxurious fabric grille options. Instead of five finishes, KEF offers just three: Sage Green (our pick), Stone White, and Graphite Grey. Despite this simplification, the speakers still exude a subtle elegance—whether perched on stands in a dedicated listening room or sitting neatly on a desk.

The build quality is sturdy and reassuring. Moving them around to test different placements—be it stands or a desk—the cabinets feel solid and dependable. The ribbed rear panel adds a tactile charm, even if it’s mostly out of sight. The sleek finish resists scratches and wear well, though fingerprints can be a minor annoyance. Overall, the LSX II LT looks and feels like a premium compact audio companion fit for almost any space.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Driver Array: Uni-Q 11th Gen (19mm aluminum tweeter, 11.5cm magnesium-aluminum mid/bass driver)
• Power Output: 100 watts per channel
• Streaming Support: AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, UPnP, Bluetooth 5.0
• Streaming Services: Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer
• Max Resolution: 24-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD128
• Inputs: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, Ethernet
• Output: RCA subwoofer output
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 24 x 15.5 x 18 cm
• Weight: 6.8 kg (total)
• Finish Options: Graphite Grey, Stone White, Sage Green

What stands out is the continued use of KEF’s famed Uni-Q 11th generation array, where the tweeter sits perfectly centered within the mid/bass driver. This design offers superior sound dispersion and timing coherence compared to traditional separated driver layouts. While the LSX II LT loses out on the advanced MAT metamaterial sound absorption found in the premium model, it’s a sensible trade-off for the lower price.

Each speaker is powered actively with dedicated Class D amplifiers—30 watts driving the tweeter, 70 watts for the woofer per channel, delivering a robust total of 200 watts.

Connectivity and Features: Streamlined But Still Well-Equipped

So, what did KEF trim to hit that friendlier price point? The LSX II LT drops the 3.5mm analog AUX input, which could complicate connections to some older players or laptops lacking a digital output. Thankfully, the USB-C port covers most modern devices.

The back panel is more restrained but still packs the essentials: HDMI ARC for your TV, an optical input, Ethernet, and a subwoofer output remain. Unlike the original LSX II, where each speaker plugs into power separately, the LT powers only one (the master), sending both audio and power to the second speaker via a 3-meter USB-C C-Link cable. This means wireless speaker-to-speaker communication is gone, replaced by a reliable wired link.

Streaming tech stays top-notch with KEF’s W2 platform, supporting AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Bluetooth 5.0, and major services like Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect accessible via the KEF Connect app. However, note the LT version isn’t Roon Ready, unlike its pricier sibling.

The KEF Connect app is straightforward—while it might take a moment to find some settings, once you get the hang of it, controlling playback, selecting sources, tweaking volume, and dialing in EQ feels intuitive. It’s not the flashiest app on the block, but it’s a reliable hub rather than a hurdle.

One of the highlights is the app-based EQ with DSP settings tailored to speaker placement and room characteristics. Adjustments for room size, distance to walls or desk edges make a noticeable impact on sound quality. A quick tweak here can elevate the whole listening experience—don’t skip this step.

Sound Performance: A Tightrope Walk of Power and Precision

The burning question for many: does LSX II LT match the award-winning sound of its “big brother”? Given the shared drivers, housing, and internal electronics, you’d expect close parity, but the unified power supply and lack of wireless speaker link raised some doubts.

Thankfully, those worries melt away quickly. The LSX II LT delivers the same confident, balanced sound we fell for in the LSX II. Whether bumping Muse’s Madness on Tidal or spinning other favorites, these speakers punch well above their size.

Bass is tight and deep without flabbiness or muddiness, mids crisp, and highs clear without harshness. The system feels alive, energetic, and responsive—like a ballerina’s calf muscle flexing through a perfect plié—both controlled and expressive.

Take The Ground Below by Run The Jewels: the bass hits hard and rich, yet stays elastic and precise, never overwhelming. The speakers handle complex textures with ease. Hans Zimmer’s Discombobulate reveals a stunning palette of sounds from shimmering cymbals to quirky bowed strings, delivered with the right balance of emotion and clarity.

This sonic character holds steady across connection types—USB-C from a MacBook Pro, streaming 24-bit FLACs, or optical from an Arcam CD5 player. The LSX II LT proves itself versatile and unflappable in the face of different sources.

Final Verdict: The LT Is A True All-In-One Winner

If you can live without the aux input, wireless speaker link, and Roon certification, but crave the same powerful and mesmerizing sound, KEF LSX II LT is a no-brainer. It’s the perfect all-in-one system, streamlined for value without sacrificing the sound quality that made KEF a household name.

Ratings:

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

"LSX II LT feels tight, instantly responsive, and controlled—like the calf muscle of a ballerina performing a perfect plié."

FAQ

• What is the main difference between LSX II and LSX II LT?
  The LT model removes the wireless connection between speakers, analog AUX input, and reduces finish options to lower the price, but keeps the core sound hardware intact.
• Can the LSX II LT connect wirelessly to each other?
  No, the speakers are physically connected via a USB-C cable for power and audio between them.
• Does the LSX II LT support high-resolution audio?
  Yes, it supports up to 24-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128 playback.
• Which streaming services are supported?
  Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, plus AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and Bluetooth 5.0.
• Is the KEF Connect app difficult to use?
  The app is fairly straightforward, offering playback controls and EQ settings, though some exploration may be needed initially.

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