KEF has just unveiled a new version of its KEF LSX II wireless bookshelf speakers. The new KEF LSX II LT (LT = Light or Lite) model has the same musical abilities as its counterparts, but comes at a more affordable price under €1000. To achieve this, the English manufacturer had to make a few compromises.
A “light” version of the KEF LSX II LT bookshelf speakers
With the 4.5” midbass Uni-Q drivers and 0.75” tweeters, the KEF LSX II LT speakers have the same audio specifications and power as their predecessors, the KEF LSX II. The most compromises have been made regarding the connectors, which only features digital inputs. The RJ45 connector, used to connect the speakers together, has been replaced by a USB-C cable, capable of both sending the audio signal and powering the secondary speaker. This means that only one power cable is needed for this new version.
The “reset” button (now the same as the pairing button) and analog auxiliary input have been removed from the KEF LSX II LT speakers. However, they still have the HDMI ARC, optical Toslink and USB-C inputs, as well as the Ethernet RJ45 port. They are not compatible with the MQA audio format, aptX Bluetooth or Roon. Lastly, the fabric covering of the chassis has been replaced by an ABS finish.
They have won several awards from the press, including Les Numériques, which described them as having “a user experience that’s now even closer to flawless”. The KEF LSX II LT wireless speakers inherit the qualities of their predecessors, for a more reasonable price.
Nevertheless, the KEF LSX II LT bookshelf speakers retain all wireless features, with support for Spotify (via Spotify Connect), Tidal, Amazon Music, Deezer and Qobuz. The KEF Connect app for iOS and Android centralizes all the user’s music libraries in one place. These are superb active speakers that have gone on a “diet” to become more affordable, at €999.
| KEF LSX II | KEF LSX II LT | |
| Frequency range | 49Hz to 47kHz | |
| Frequency response | 54Hz to 28kHz | |
| Maximum output level | 102 dB | |
| Midbass driver power | 70W | |
| Tweeter power | 30W | |
| HDMI ARC | ✅ | ✅ |
| Optical Toslink | ✅ | ✅ |
| 3.5mm analog auxiliary | ✅ | ❌ |
| USB Type C (DAC mode) | ✅ | ✅ |
| RJ45 Ethernet | ✅ | ✅ |
| RJ45 speaker connection | ✅ | ❌ |
| USB-C speaker connection | ❌ | ✅ |
KEF LSX II and KEF LSX II LT brackets and stands
The KEF LSX II and KEF LSX II LT speakers can be mounted on dedicated stands. Three models are available, including the KEF B1 wall mount. The KEF S1 stand can also be integrated into a living room or home theater. Finally, the KEF P1 table stand can be used on a desk. The LSX line-up is a comprehensive range that meets the needs of most applications.
The KEF LSX II LT speakers will be available from January 25 on Son-Vidéo.com. A review by Valentin will be published on the blog the same day.
