KEF LS50 Wireless II is an active wireless speaker, the second generation of LS50 Wireless active monitors. The speakers have become more powerful, with significantly expanded streaming capabilities, including support for AirPlay 2 and Chromecast. They now also feature wireless connection between each other, as was previously available in KEF LSX. The model provides improved sound quality, exceptionally reliable connectivity, expanded control options, and a wide range of sound customization possibilities.
"Wireless All-in-One"
The KEF LS50 Wireless II model is a top-notch wireless self-contained Hi-Fi audio system with streaming capabilities (supporting 24-bit/384kHz files, MQA, DSD256), AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and more. It also has the option for wired connections to a TV, gaming console, or vinyl player.
The built-in 100-watt Class AB amplifier powers the tweeter, while the Class D amplifier with 280 watts drives the midrange-woofer. The integrated proprietary sound processor, named Music Integrity Engine, allows you to get the most out of the combination of the coaxial driver and the absorbing MAT disc. With the KEF LS50 Wireless II, you will experience the most accurate and immersive sound. The revolutionary Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) eliminates distortion for a cleaner and more natural sound, while the 12th generation Uni-Q driver with MAT driver array ensures less coloration, reduced distortion, and a more transparent and natural sound than ever before, evenly distributed throughout the room.
The LS50 Wireless II speakers, like the passive KEF LS50 Meta, feature an updated 12th generation Uni-Q driver with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). The Uni-Q driver has been developed based on the Uni-Q used in KEF's R Series speakers, with modifications to accommodate the system's design.
KEF's MAT technology utilizes a special labyrinthine structure, with each segment absorbing sound in a specific frequency range and acting as an "acoustic black hole," collectively absorbing 99% of unwanted sound energy, whereas traditional absorbers like polyester fiber only provide 60% absorption capability.
A completely wireless or wired connection between the speakers
Two speakers can be connected to each other either wirelessly or using a cable.
For easier setup in wireless mode, both LS50 Wireless II speakers are pre-paired at the factory. The wireless transmission is completely independent of your Wi-Fi signal. When connected wirelessly, the sound is converted to 96 kHz / 24 bit.
The speakers can also be connected with a cable using a CAT-6 cable connected to the corresponding ports on the rear panel. In this case, the wired mode should be enabled in the settings menu of the KEF Connect app. In this mode, all audio signals are re-sampled to 192 kHz / 24 bit.
Streaming - AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, ROON
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers support AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, ROON (firmware update required), UPnP, and Bluetooth 4.2 for streaming purposes.
Support for digital formats in the streaming scenario includes PCM 24/384 and DSD256, as well as MQA decoding.
The speakers are Roon Ready certified and can be controlled using the KEF Connect app, which integrates all major music streaming services such as Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, internet radio, and also supports Spotify Connect, MQA, and Roon.
Simple multi-room
When using the KEF LS50 Wireless II with Airplay 2, Chromecast, or Roon, you can stream audio to multiple speakers throughout your home simultaneously. By using multiple LS50 Wireless II speakers, you can create a simple, high-performance multi-room system.
Connect anything
With your LS50 Wireless II, you can not only connect wireless audio sources but also connect almost any source using a wired connection, whether it's a CD player, turntable, your laptop, or a television.
Connect up to 2 subwoofers
If you need more bass, you can connect one or two subwoofers to the speakers. Each speaker (main or auxiliary) has a subwoofer output (RCA Phono).
Design - attention to every detail
The elements of the acoustic system serve not only acoustic purposes, but also great attention is paid to the appearance of the line. The curved baffle with low diffraction level is precisely modeled around the Uni-Q driver, and attractive radiators and color-matching ports are located on the rear panel. The top control panel is not only functional, but also very stylish.
Specifications:
- number of channels: 2
- HF driver: 25 mm aluminum dome
- MF/LF driver: 130 mm ring diffuser made of aluminum-magnesium alloy
- frequency range: 45-28000 (+/- 3 dB) standard bass tuning
- amplifier power: 280 W MF/LF (Class D) and 100 W HF (Class AB)
- maximum audio resolution: Network up to 384 kHz / 24 bit, Optical up to 96 kHz / 24 bit, Coaxial up to 192 kHz / 24 bit, HDMI up to 192 kHz / 24 bit
- wireless connections: Bluetooth 4.2 AptX, WiFi 2.4/5 GHz
- technologies: AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, ROON support, UPnP compatibility
- streaming services: Spotify via Spotify Connect, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, QQ Music via QPlay, Internet Radio, Podcast
- supported formats (all inputs): MP3, M4A, AAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, WMA, LPCM, and Ogg Vorbis
- supported formats (network): MQA, DSF: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DFF: DSD64
- inputs: HDMI eARC, optical digital, coaxial, analog 3.5 mm, USB type A (service), RJ45 Ethernet (network), RJ45 Ethernet (between speakers)
- output: adjustable for subwoofer
- dimensions: 305x200x311 mm
- weight: 10/10.2 kg (left/right)
Package contents:
- speakers
- power cable
- cable between speakers
- documentation