KEF LS50 Wireless II – Active wireless stereo speaker system (Mineral White) | HDMI | Airplay 2 | Bluetooth | Spotify | Tidal
WHAT HI-FI? AWARDS 2021 – ‘PRODUCT OF THE YEAR’
“These sequels are among the most thrilling speaker systems we’ve heard.” – October 2021, What Hi-Fi?
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REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGYLS50 Wireless II is more than a high-performance loudspeaker; it’s the perfect all-in-one speaker system. Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) eliminates 99% of unwanted noise from the rear of driver, resulting in a purer, more natural sound. Breath-takingly natural sound, wherever you sit or place your speakers, thanks to KEF’s 12th generation Uni-Q Technology. | MULTIPLE CONNECTIONSTake advantage of our large range of connection options to fit any need: Link up with Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer plus internet radio via the KEF Connect App Connect wirelessly and App free via AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Bluetooth Opt for wired connections for your TV, turntable, CD player and games console via HDMI, analogue, optical or coaxial input . | SLEEK SPEAKER DESIGNThe LS50 Wireless II speaker is a modern design which is available in three matte finishes (carbon black, titanium grey, and mineral white) as well as a Crimson Red Special Edition. The low-diffraction, curved baffle is precision modelled around the Uni-Q driver, while eye-catching heat sinks and colour-matched ports are located on the well-equipped rear. The top-mounted control panel is designed to be stylish and functional. | MATCHING STANDSThe matching S2 Floor Stands come in four distinctive finishes to complement and match the LS50 Wireless II range. The stands are the ideal height for driver positioning, and their steel plates and fillable aluminium tube structure provide the perfect platform. The integrated cable management system allows you to hide cables within the stands to create a clean look. |
The Ultimate Wireless Hi-Fi Speaker System
What’s in the box
- 2 x LS50 Wireless II Speakers
- 1 x Remote Control
- 1 x Interspeaker Cable
- 2 x Power Cords
- 1 x Quick Start Guide
Available in 4 finishes:
- Carbon Black
- Titanium Grey
- Mineral White
- Crimson Red (Special Edition)
Multiroom Streaming
Built-in Roon Ready Technology
When using LS50 Wireless II with Airplay 2, Chromecast or Roon you can stream to multiple speakers around your home at the same time. By using multiple LS50 Wireless II speakers, you can have a simple, high-performance multiroom system.
Apple Airplay2 and Google Chromecast also allow for multiroom steaming.
| Drive Units: | 12th Gen 5.25″ Uni-Q with MAT – LF: 130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminium cone HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome |
| System power (Per Speaker): | LF 280W class D, HF 100W class A/B, Max. SPL:108dB |
| Frequency Range(-6dB) 85dB/1M: | 40 Hz – 47 kHz *Depends on EQ settings |
| Frequency Response(±3dB) 85dB: | 45 Hz – 28 kHz *Depends on EQ settings |
| Source Resolution: | Network up to 384kHz/24bit/ Optical up to 96kHz/24bit/ Coaxial up to 192kHz/24bit/ HDMI up to 192kHz/24bit |
| Supported Format (All Inputs): | MP3, M4A, AAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, WMA, LPCM and Ogg Vorbis |
| Supported Format (Network): | MQA DSF: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 DFF: DSD64 |
| Dimensions (HWD Per Speaker): | 305 x 200 x 311 mm (12 x 7.9 x 12.2 in.) |
| Power Input: | 100 – 240VAC 50/60Hz |
| Power Consumption: | 200W (operating power)/ <2.0W (standby power) |
| Wi-Fi Network Standard Freq: | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac IPv4, IPv6 / Dual-band 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz |
| Inputs: | HDMI eARC/ TOSLINK Optical/ Digital Coaxial/ Analog 3.5mm Auxiliary/ USB Type A (service)/ RJ45 Ethernet (network)/ RJ45 Ethernet (interspeaker) |
| Output: | RCA Subwoofer output |
KEF S2 Bespoke Floor Stands
The KEF S2 Floor Stand is a bespoke KEF stand design that perfectly fits the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers. The top plate is designed to allow secure fixing points for LS50 Wireless II, dampening base plates and a hollow central column that can be loaded with inert filler for a truly uncoloured sound and an integrated cable management system allows you to hide cables within the stands to create a clean look. The S2 Floor Stands come in four distinctive finishes, to complement perfectly LS50 Wireless II.
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| Colour | Black | White | Titanium | Crimson Red |
| Integrated Cable Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dampening Base Plates | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Secure fixing points for LS50 models | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sold as a pair | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dimensions: | 20 x 31.1 x 30.5 cm; 20.1 Kilograms |
| Model: | KF-SP4025BA |
| Batteries Included: | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included) |
| Manufacture: | KEF |
Unfortunately speaker and stans proved to be too big for job required. As a result had to go back however over a month later and this has not happened due to courier that Amazon aranged to do the pick up
I’m blown away by these. Sound is amazing, no idea why anyone has complained about lack of bass but maybe I’ll find out when I get a subwoofer.
Even songs I don’t particularly like on albums I listen to because I can hear so much more depth to them.
Stunning speakers, easy connectivity. Would have liked hard copy of manual, instead had to go online and download.
Sound is exceptional. Volume adjustment via bt is a bit laggy. Other reviews have mention lack of depth on the bass. Certainly I think a sub would add more bass depth, but it does depend on the bass output on the recording played. Just a matter of personal taste. For pure sound quality I have never heard better. All in all I am delighted with my purchase.
Well worth every penny. Takes music to another dimension. I listen to all genres of music, and is a great all-rounder. Excellent sound especially when listening to trance.
This review is more about the previous LS50 Wireless 1. First the moan: I bought these about 18 month ago and about 6 months later KEF introduced mark II, gutted. Reviews say the sound quality of the latest model is better than the previous in which case it must be very good but in both models a sub woofer is required. A fairly cheap one, mines a Yamaha, will boost the bass a notch to enhance the sound. The markII has Airplay 2 capacity which mine doesn’t but you get an Airport base station second hand as Apple have ceased making them which will sort you out if you’re in the Appleverse. The base stations are getting rarer and the larger flat 2nd Gen type is the one to buy as it’s Airplay 2 ready the older type isn’t. The App from KEF for my model is rubbish and not sure it’s much better for the new model. If you haven’t got 2.5k for mark II for a lot less you can buy the mark I still. Look out for them they are a bargain, they have Bluetooth and most other features, except Airplay2 dammit;they are virtually future proof except for that one thing. If you have a newer version base station it may work with Apples new Dolby Atmos sound but you’ll have the check on that.
Purchased these speakers a month ago after moving house and having to downsize from floorstanders. An added benefit is that these don’t need an amp or source – everything I need to stream music is included in the speakers. The sound is really fantastic, with more than enough bass for me. I had issues in the first week with the speakers repeatedly not being found on my network by the app…….but I eventually realised this didn’t affect them streaming from Spotify or tidal, so it seems this was the app not talking to the speakers (or the network) correctly rather than a fault with the streaming. This fault rarely happens now and I imagine it will be corrected in a future app update. All in all – wonderful speakers – very happy.
Having already got the KEF LSX for my gaming room I decided to get the LS50WII for lounge to replace my mid range sound bar seeing as they have eARC HDMI.
I also have my KEF Kube 8b sub connected to them which is totally not needed for music playback but delivers even better low end kick for movies.
Didn’t think they could sound much better than the LSX but they do and works flawlessly with all my streaming services and own files via plex server.
Never even used remote!
Only slight negative is they can take a while for TV to initialisie the speakers so can be no sound for 30s once you turn TV on. The HDMI implementation could be better.
Sound wise, nothing to touch them at this price for music.
The best product i’ve bought!… does everything i need. Sound quality is amazing! crystal clear. It can take a kef sub, but in my opinion it doesn’t need it. unless you like teeth rattling bass. However the speakers are only as good as the music source. i was using spotify but now use Tidal (which was recommended by a friend). Many of the tracks are master copies, so no compressed sound. It’s more expensive, but you get what you pay for and when you’re spending this much on speakers seem pointless using inferior quality source material..in my opinion.. and makes a huge different i suggest trying two songs from different platforms, it’s like night and day… i’m over the moon with the product!…got it connect to my wifi. The support is second to none also. I had a couple of connectivity challenges when i first setup, and the support team were fantastic, they were knowledgable and patient. i can’t fault the product or the company. And the best thing over all, is the amps built in, so if I want to move them to another room (or house) I can…they are soooo good, and look very stylish. I also recommend a good set of speaker stands, helps with the sound distribution and bass. You won’t regret buying them.
My first feeling was dissapointnent in the bass. It is there of course, but there is no weight at all. I think the spec says 45hz +-3db, but it did not feel solid or defined. The rest of the range was very, very crisp and clear. I did not find the treble harsh as some have.
I tried moving speakers around and tweaking the dsp as far as possible through the app, but the difference to the bass was marginal. I know you cannot expect too much bass from small speakers, but considering there hype I expected a lot better.
Music with no great bass such as accepella or guitar vocals sounded much better.
I must say I don’t consider myself a bass head, but maybe I am…
I wired up my studio subwoofer (yamaha hs8s), and it made all the difference. After a week of varied listening on qobuz, I have decided to keep them. Apart from the weak bass they are beautiful sounding and have opened sonic doors into many performances I have loved for years.
I know have to find a decent sub that will do them justice.
That balanced sound may not appeal to bass-heads, and the vast array of inputs may be lost on those who are simply looking for a Bluetooth speaker for background music. However, for analytical listening, boosting your TV’s weak built-in speakers, or blasting your favourite vinyls on your turntable, the LS50 Wireless II are a dream. I’m using these in conjunction with a 260 Q Acoustics 3060 subwoofer and it’s not even turned up past 30%.
Aside from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can also choose from a number of wired configurations. These include an HDMI eARC socket for your TV, an Ethernet port, coaxial and optical inputs, a subwoofer output, and 3.5mm AUX inputs. I connected my 2020 MacBook Pro using an Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt external DAC using the 3.5mm AUX connection.
Whatever audio source you’re using, you can opt to connect the speakers via the supplied cable, which gives you 24-bit/192kHz resolution audio, as opposed to the 24-bit/96kHz afforded by the wireless setup. I chose to use the supplied ethernet cable option to make the most of the high resolution audio.
The LS50 Wireless II sound incredibly well balanced, displaying great stereo separation and a wide enough soundstage to truly fill any room with detailed, clarified audio.
For:
– You’re looking for uncompromised, audiophile sound
With support for Hi-Res Audio, customizable EQ settings, and a gorgeous, expansive sound, the KEF LS50 Wireless II are a fantastic choice for any audiophile.
– You use lots of audio sources
If you like to switch between your TV, laptop, smartphone, turntable, and CD player regularly, these speakers make connectivity easy.
– You hate cables
Wireless speakers sometimes get a bad rap in terms of audio fidelity, but the KEF LS50 Wireless II make no compromises when it comes to wireless sound.
Against:
– You’re on a strict budget
There’s no getting away from the fact that the KEF LS50 Wireless II are pricey — throw in the dedicated stands (400), and they’ll be making a fair dent in your wallet.
– You prefer very bassy sound
These speakers are well balanced — so if you like to go overboard with your bass frequencies, then they probably aren’t for you. I’m using the LS50’s in conjunction with a Q Acoustics 3060s under desk subwoofer just to give some extra oomph.
– You’re looking for smart features
There’s no onboard voice assistant here, and you won’t be able to control your smart home devices with these speakers
In summary, the LS50 Wireless II’s are the best wireless speaker option you can buy today, even if you connect them by the old skool wired option, as I do!
Update after a year of use
Now brought matching kef stands and kef 10b subwoofer. Sold CD player and gave away all CDs. Streaming only now. Also use a Ethernet cable from router to speaker, dramatic improvement in sound compared to wi fi. Also use earc to Tv, no need for a sound bar or AV system