KEF LS LUXE review: just how sophisticated can a wireless hi-fi speaker get?

As a specialist in wireless hi-fi speakers, KEF has established itself as a leading brand with its LS series, every model of which ranks among the best all-in-one systems on the market. The British manufacturer is now taking another step forward with the KEF LS LUXE, the most ambitious wireless bookshelf speaker the brand has ever developed. This new model introduces a completely reimagined approach, combining a sculptural design by Ross Lovegrove, a latest-generation 6.5 inch Uni-Q driver, MAT and VECO technologies, comprehensive connectivity including HDMI eARC, and a wide range of network features. With 380 watts per speaker, the KEF LS LUXE aims to rival hi-fi systems composed of separate components while retaining the elegance and ease of use of an all-in-one solution. But does this evolution really justify its price tag when compared to the excellent, already highly acclaimed KEF LS50 Wireless II?

Presentation

A new chapter for the LS range

Launched in 2016 with the first KEF LS50 Wireless speakers, the LS series has profoundly transformed the connected hi-fi market. While most all-in-one systems prioritize ease of use above all else, KEF demonstrates that it is possible to integrate powerful amplification, a network player, and cutting-edge acoustic technologies into a single speaker—without compromising musical performance and with an innovative design.

The series was then expanded with the KEF LSX, a more compact model designed for small spaces, followed by the LS50 Wireless II, which marked a new milestone thanks to the 12th-generation Uni-Q driver with MAT technology, a modernized network platform, and HDMI eARC support. These various models quickly established themselves as some of the best on the market.

With the LS LUXE, KEF is opening a new chapter in this collection. The British manufacturer is taking an even more ambitious approach with a 6.5 inch Uni-Q driver, the new VECO technology that controls the cone’s movement in real time, an evolution of the Music Integrity Engine, and a sculptural cabinet designed by Ross Lovegrove. Everything seems to be geared even more toward the very high end, both aesthetically and musically.

Design by Ross Lovegrove

The design of the KEF LS LUXE builds on KEF’s work to reduce diffraction while taking this philosophy much further. While the LS50 Wireless II already featured a curved front panel to minimize reflections around the Uni-Q driver, its sides and rear panel had a more conventional silhouette. The LS LUXE models abandon this architecture in favor of a fully sculptural cabinet, imagined by industrial designer Ross Lovegrove.

The designs are particularly organic, with smooth, continuous curves devoid of sharp edges, making the KEF LS LUXE resemble a contemporary sculpture more than a traditional hi-fi speaker. Although slightly larger than the LS50 Wireless II, their soft silhouette minimizes their visual presence and allows them to blend naturally into even the most modern interiors. When placed on a piece of furniture, they rest on an elegant rubber base that provides effective decoupling while giving the impression that the speakers are levitating slightly. For an even more seamless integration, KEF also offers the dedicated KEF S-LUXE stands, which perfectly match the three available finishes and are designed to highlight both their aesthetics and their acoustic performance.

This organic design contributes as much to the visual identity as it does to acoustic performance by limiting diffraction around the drivers, reducing the formation of standing waves inside the enclosure, and enhancing its structural rigidity. Crafted from a particularly dense composite material, the chassis requires fewer internal reinforcements, which maximizes the available enclosure volume while effectively controlling unwanted vibrations. As always with KEF, the build quality is impeccable. Everything is extremely precise, with no visible seams or joints, while the black, sand (beige/titanium), and white finishes feature an elegant satin coating that highlights the system’s decidedly high-end character. The driver is color-matched to each speaker for an exemplary finish. It’s a shame, however, that no covers are included for users seeking a more discreet look.

Acoustic design with VECO technology

The KEF LS LUXE speakers build on the fundamentals that made the LS series a success, starting with the renowned Uni-Q coaxial driver. However, this driver has evolved significantly, and now has a diameter of 6.5″, compared to 5″ on the LS50 Wireless II. This increase in the driver’s surface area allows it to move more air, delivering tighter bass and reducing mechanical stress during demanding listening sessions. Combined with a larger enclosure volume, it enables an extended frequency response down to 35 Hz at ±6 dB.

The cabinet also plays a role in this evolution. Larger in size, but above all much stiffer, it features innovative mechanical driver decoupling to prevent the transmission of vibrations. This design further reduces unwanted coloration and improves the clarity of subtle details.

This 12th-generation Uni-Q driver continues to ensure perfect temporal coherence across the frequency ranges by placing a 1″ titanium dome tweeter exactly at the acoustic center of the midbass driver. This configuration promotes a wide soundstage as well as remarkably uniform sound distribution throughout the room. Behind the tweeter is the now-famous MAT structure, capable of absorbing up to 99% of rear sound waves to eliminate much of the internal distortion responsible for coloration in the high frequencies.

The real innovation, however, comes from VECO (Velocity Control Technology). First introduced on the KEF XIO soundbar, this innovation makes its debut here in one of the brand’s hi-fi speakers, continuously measuring the actual movement of the cone using a built-in velocity sensor. The data is immediately compared to the original signal and then corrected in real time via an ultra-fast feedback loop. This continuous control significantly reduces distortion and compression while improving the accuracy, speed, and linearity of the bass response, even at high volume.

A total power of 760 W

Like the LS50 Wireless II, each KEF LS LUXE speaker features active bi-amplification totaling 380 watts per speaker, with a 100 watt class A/B module dedicated to the tweeter and 280 watts of class D power for the midbass driver. While the power output remains the same on paper, the electronics have undergone significant upgrades. KEF is introducing a new generation of its Music Integrity Engine, optimized specifically for the 6.5″ driver and VECO technology. This suite of DSP algorithms manages active crossovers, phase, impulse response, and dynamic control with remarkable precision.

This perfect synergy between the DSP, the amplifiers, and the drivers is one of the main advantages of a high-end active speaker. Each component is developed in tandem, eliminating the compromises typically imposed by passive filters and allowing the LS LUXE speakers to fully unleash the potential of their acoustic architecture. As a result, the tweeter is better isolated from frequencies it does not reproduce than in a passive speaker. This enhances its dynamic performance. Similarly, the midbass driver is more effectively attenuated above its crossover frequency and does not encroach on the tweeter’s range. Finally, the wiring from the amplifiers to the drivers is extremely short, which preserves the quality of the amplified signal.

Many streaming options

The KEF W2 platform has now reached a remarkable level of maturity. It supports all major streaming services, including Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, and Deezer. The native integration of Qobuz Connect is a real plus, allowing you to enjoy tracks from the platform directly through the French service’s native app.

With the KEF Connect app, you can also listen to Internet radio stations or find your favorite podcasts. Once connected to the local network, the KEF LS Luxe speakers support Hi-Res Audio playback up to 24-bit/384 kHz, as well as DSD files. Roon compatibility is also included. The user experience is particularly smooth. Navigation is fast, source changes are nearly instantaneous, and the platform’s overall stability inspires great confidence in everyday use.

In addition, support for AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast ensures a seamless connection with a smartphone, computer, or tablet, while also enabling multi-room playback so you can enjoy music throughout your home. Finally, a Bluetooth 5.4 controller is also included to establish a direct connection to a smartphone without going through the local network, although HD codecs are still missing.

Wide range of connectors

Like the LS50 Wireless II, the LS LUXE aims to become the sole audio system in the living room. To achieve this, it features the same extensive range of connectivity options, allowing you to centralize all your audio sources. The HDMI eARC input makes it easy to connect to a TV, with support for volume control via the TV’s remote control thanks to the CEC protocol. The use of eARC technology rather than ARC allows for a higher data rate, maximizing audio reproduction up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

Note from the expert
Although equipped with an HDMI eARC input, the KEF LS Luxe speaker does not feature DSP modes to widen the soundstage for movies and is only compatible with PCM audio streams. You must therefore configure your TV to convert all Dolby or DTS audio streams to PCM; otherwise, no sound will be output.  

Optical, coaxial, and analog mini-jack inputs allow you to connect a CD player, a pre-amplified turntable, or even a game console. Each speaker also features its own subwoofer output, allowing for both 2.1 and 2.2 configurations to deliver even deeper bass. Users looking to minimize cabling can opt for the KEF KW1 wireless module to connect a compatible subwoofer without a cable. Finally, communication between the two speakers can be established either via a wired or wireless connection. The first option uses an RJ45 Ethernet cable (3-meter cable included; 8-meter cable optional) to get the most out of 24-bit/192 kHz PCM streams, while the second option allows for much greater flexibility in speaker placement with transmission up to 24-bit/96 kHz.

Control and management

The first generations of the LS series required two separate apps—one for settings and the other for streaming services. Through a series of updates, KEF Connect has become one of the most sophisticated apps on the market, combining all control, playback, and configuration functions. Its modern, responsive, and intuitive interface provides quick access to major streaming platforms, Internet radio, files shared on the local network, and all system settings. Navigation is smooth, source switching is instantaneous, and the whole experience inspires real confidence in everyday use.

This app is the primary tool for controlling the speakers, as KEF made the questionable decision to remove the controls from the speaker itself in order to preserve the clean silhouette of the cabinet. While users who prefer physical controls may regret this change, the app is so comprehensive and intuitive that it quickly becomes the most natural way to control the speakers. Beyond managing sources and streaming services, KEF Connect allows you to precisely adjust the acoustic behavior of the LS LUXE speakers using the DSP Room EQ. Users can adjust a number of parameters, including bass and treble levels, balance, the subwoofer output crossover frequency (from 40 to 250 Hz), and its volume. To simplify setup, several profiles automatically adjust the sound reproduction based on the speakers’ placement in the room, while presets designed for KEF’s main subwoofers ensure optimal integration in just a few seconds.

The KEF LS LUXE speakers also come with a new infrared remote control, which is of higher quality than the one included with the LS50 Wireless II. Although it retains a plastic design, its larger size ensures a better grip, while its wider and more spaced-out buttons offer a quieter and more pleasant user experience. It allows you to adjust the volume, change tracks, play or pause, select the source, or put the speakers on standby. While it doesn’t quite match the build quality of an aluminum remote, it is now much more in line with the high-end positioning of the LS LUXE. Its range is also excellent, allowing you to control the speakers without having to aim precisely at the infrared receiver.

Setting up the speakers

Once each speaker is plugged into a power outlet, simply launch the KEF Connect app on a smartphone or tablet. If an Ethernet connection is used, the LS LUXE speakers are detected immediately. When using Wi-Fi, the app provides step-by-step instructions to help the user connect the speakers to the home network and, if necessary, update the firmware.

Upon installation, the DSP Room EQ’s guided setup mode walks the user through a few simple questions regarding speaker placement and their distance from the walls. In just a few seconds, the system automatically adjusts its sound output to achieve optimal balance. For the most discerning users, there’s also an Expert mode that allows for precise adjustments to the equalization settings. The app also lets you customize many aspects of the speakers’ operation, such as setting a specific volume level for each source, adjusting their sensitivity, or specifying which source will be automatically selected when the speakers are turned on.

Listening impressions

The KEF LS LUXE speakers represent a significant leap forward compared to the LS50 Wireless II. While you immediately recognize the British manufacturer’s signature sound—characterized by neutrality, transparency, and remarkable consistency across the frequency range—everything here seems to gain in scale, presence, and finesse. The larger diameter of the Uni-Q driver delivers an immediately noticeable sense of ease. Whereas the LS50 Wireless II would sometimes hint at the physical limitations of its driver during the most demanding tracks, the KEF LS LUXE speakers seem to consistently operate within their comfort zone. They reproduce dynamic shifts with disconcerting ease, without ever giving the impression of being strained.

On Lorde’s Royals, the bass line was very deep while remaining exceptionally clear. Each note was reproduced with great density and depth, without the slightest hint of muddiness. The introduction of VECO technology seemed to be paying off in full here. The bass hit with remarkable precision and cut off instantly, without spilling over into the midrange. This perfect control was also evident on James Blake’s Limit To Your Love, a true benchmark track for evaluating sub-bass. The KEF LS LUXE impressed with its ability to reproduce these very low frequencies with astonishing authority for a bookshelf speaker. Dynamic range was perfectly preserved, while the sound pressure level remained impressive—to the point where adding a subwoofer was far from essential for music playback.

The new 6.5″ Uni-Q driver, combined with the larger cabinet and the latest advancements in the Music Integrity Engine, marks a true breakthrough in spatial imaging. The speakers seem to literally fade into the background, giving way to a soundstage of remarkable breadth, where each performer moves within a perfectly defined space. Compared to the LS50 Wireless II, already highly regarded in this regard, the KEF LS LUXE offers an even broader and more open soundstage, with a sense of clarity that further enhances the realism of the listening experience. With Yulunga (Spirit Dance) by Dead Can Dance, the percussion seemed to come from perfectly distinct sound planes, while Lisa Gerrard’s voice was present at the center of the stage. The image had great depth, creating a truly holographic soundstage where each instrument occupied a perfectly defined position. Even when moving out of the speakers’ axis, the spatial coherence remained virtually intact, once again demonstrating the full potential of the Uni-Q coaxial driver.

The KEF LS LUXE speakers are likely the smoothest and warmest models ever developed by the British manufacturer. Without compromising the transparency and precision for which the brand is renowned, they deliver a more full-bodied sound, driven by a remarkably rich midrange. Vocals gain in density, texture, and presence. On Dead Can Dance’s The Host of Seraphim, Lisa Gerrard’s voice soared with an almost mystical intensity. Every breath, every inflection, and the slightest variation in tone were reproduced with incredible delicacy. It truly felt as though we could read the singer’s lips. The LS LUXE strikes a particularly appealing balance between definition and musicality, offering a highly smooth listening experience that naturally invites you to extend your listening sessions for hours on end, without the slightest auditory fatigue.

KEF LS LUXE vs. B&W Formation Duo

Long regarded as the gold standard for high-end active speakers, the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo remain excellent contenders. Their decoupled carbon-dome tweeter delivers an extremely precise and detailed sound reproduction, with an even wider soundstage. However, their sound signature is more pronounced in the high frequencies, placing greater emphasis on micro-details and the analytical aspects of recordings.

The KEF LS LUXE take a markedly different approach. Their sound reproduction feels more balanced and natural, with a richer midrange, more lifelike vocals, and significantly deeper bass. More modern, they also have the edge in terms of functionality, with a significantly more comprehensive streaming platform (Qobuz Connect, HDMI eARC, advanced Room EQ, AirPlay, Google Cast…) and an app that is now much more polished.

Who is the KEF LS LUXE designed for?

The KEF LS LUXE speakers are designed primarily for discerning music lovers who want to enjoy the performance of a true high-end hi-fi system without the need for multiple electronic components and cables. Thanks to the perfectly balanced integration of the driver, the DSP, and the various amplifier modules, they deliver exemplary sonic coherence that is difficult to achieve with a system composed of separate components at a comparable price point.

The KEF LS LUXE speakers are a truly plug-and-play solution: simply plug them into a power outlet, connect them to your network, and then adjust their sound to match the room’s acoustics using the DSP Room EQ to enjoy a hi-fi system of remarkable precision. Their deep, perfectly controlled bass eliminates the need for a subwoofer in the vast majority of rooms, while their comprehensive connectivity makes them just as suitable for use with a TV, CD player, or pre-amplified turntable as they are with major online music services. For anyone looking for a system that’s elegant, easy to use, and capable of rivaling a traditional hi-fi system, the KEF LS LUXE stands out today as one of the most sophisticated options on the market.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions