KEF LS50 Wireless II: Where Wireless Convenience Meets Audiophile Fidelity

The original KEF LS50 Wireless burst onto the scene and redefined the concept of wireless hi-fi. It offered audiophile-grade sound quality in a convenient, all-in-one package, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers and complex wiring. Now, KEF has raised the bar once again with the LS50 Wireless II, a meticulously engineered successor that builds upon its predecessor’s strengths while incorporating significant technological advancements. After extensive listening and testing, we delve into the intricacies of the LS50 Wireless II to determine if it truly lives up to the hype and cements its place as a leader in the premium wireless speaker market.

Design and Build Quality: Familiar Elegance, Refined Details

At first glance, the LS50 Wireless II retains the iconic aesthetic of the original LS50. The distinctive curved baffle, the centrally mounted Uni-Q driver array, and the overall minimalist design language are instantly recognizable. However, upon closer inspection, subtle refinements become apparent. The cabinet construction feels even more solid and inert, contributing to a sense of premium quality. The available finishes – Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White, and the special edition Crimson Red – are all executed flawlessly, offering options to suit various tastes and interior styles.

The rear panel has undergone a significant redesign, streamlining the connections and improving usability. The heatsink is more integrated, and the overall layout feels cleaner and more organized. The inclusion of a dedicated subwoofer output is a welcome addition for those seeking to extend the low-frequency response. The touch-sensitive controls on the top of the primary speaker remain, offering basic playback and volume adjustments.

The build quality is exceptional, as expected from KEF. The speakers feel substantial and well-engineered, with no noticeable vibrations or resonances during playback. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the precisely machined driver surrounds to the seamless integration of the various components. These are speakers that not only sound fantastic but also look and feel like a premium product.

Under the Hood: A Symphony of Innovation

The LS50 Wireless II is not merely an incremental update; it’s a significant leap forward in terms of technology. KEF has incorporated several key innovations that contribute to its enhanced performance:

Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT): This groundbreaking technology is arguably the most significant upgrade. Located behind the Uni-Q driver, MAT is a complex maze-like structure designed to absorb 99% of the unwanted sound radiating from the rear of the tweeter. This dramatically reduces distortion and allows for a cleaner, more natural high-frequency response. The impact of MAT is immediately noticeable, contributing to a greater sense of clarity and detail retrieval.
12th Generation Uni-Q Driver Array: The heart of the LS50 Wireless II remains KEF’s signature Uni-Q driver array, now in its 12th iteration. This innovative design places the tweeter at the acoustic center of the midrange cone, creating a single point source for sound. This results in exceptional off-axis performance, wider dispersion, and more precise imaging. The new iteration features further refinements to the driver materials and geometry, leading to improved clarity and reduced distortion across the frequency spectrum.
Music Integrity Engine (MIE): This proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) engine is responsible for optimizing the performance of the drivers and ensuring seamless integration. MIE incorporates various algorithms, including phase correction, time alignment, and intelligent bass extension, to deliver a cohesive and balanced sonic presentation. The MIE is constantly working behind the scenes to ensure the best possible sound quality regardless of the input source or listening level.

Enhanced Amplification: The LS50 Wireless II boasts a total of 280W of amplification per speaker, a significant increase over the original. A 100W Class AB amplifier drives the tweeter, while a 180W Class D amplifier powers the midrange/bass driver. This bi-amplified design provides ample power and headroom, allowing the speakers to deliver dynamic and impactful sound even at higher volumes.
Comprehensive Connectivity: The LS50 Wireless II offers a wide range of connectivity options, catering to various sources and preferences. These include:
Wireless Streaming: Built-in Wi-Fi supports streaming via AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Qobuz. This allows for seamless integration with popular streaming services and multi-room audio setups. The KEF Connect app provides a user-friendly interface for managing streaming services and controlling playback.
Bluetooth 4.2: For convenient wireless playback from smartphones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Wired Digital Inputs: An optical TOSLINK input and a coaxial S/PDIF input allow for connecting digital sources such as CD players and TVs.
Analog Input: A 3.5mm auxiliary input provides connectivity for analog sources.
USB Type-B Input: Allows the LS50 Wireless II to function as a high-quality USB DAC when connected to a computer. It supports PCM audio up to 384kHz/24-bit and DSD up to DSD256.
Subwoofer Output: A dedicated RCA subwoofer output allows for seamless integration with a powered subwoofer to extend the low-frequency response.
Ethernet Port: A wired Ethernet connection provides a more stable and reliable network connection compared to Wi-Fi, especially for streaming high-resolution audio.

Setting Up and User Experience: Effortless Integration

Setting up the LS50 Wireless II is remarkably straightforward. The KEF Connect app guides you through the process, which involves connecting the speakers to your Wi-Fi network and configuring your preferred streaming services. The app is intuitive and well-designed, making it easy to navigate the various settings and features.

The touch controls on the top of the primary speaker are responsive and provide basic control over playback and volume. However, the KEF Connect app is the primary interface for managing the speakers and accessing their full range of features. The app allows you to switch between different input sources, adjust the volume, create multi-room groups, and customize the EQ settings.

The user experience is generally excellent. The speakers connect quickly to the network, and streaming is seamless and reliable. The KEF Connect app is regularly updated with new features and improvements, demonstrating KEF’s commitment to ongoing support.

Sound Quality: A Revelation in Wireless Audio

The most crucial aspect of any speaker is its sound quality, and the LS50 Wireless II delivers a truly exceptional sonic performance. The improvements over the original LS50 Wireless are immediately apparent, particularly in terms of clarity, detail retrieval, and soundstage imaging.

Clarity and Detail: The integration of Metamaterial Absorption Technology has a profound impact on the clarity and detail of the high frequencies. The treble is remarkably clean and transparent, with a level of nuance and airiness that is rarely heard in wireless speakers. Subtle details in recordings, such as the decay of cymbals or the breathiness of a vocalist, are rendered with stunning precision.
Soundstage and Imaging: The Uni-Q driver array continues to excel in creating a wide and immersive soundstage. Instruments are precisely placed within the soundstage, with excellent separation and a palpable sense of depth. The imaging is remarkably accurate, allowing you to pinpoint the location of individual instruments and vocals with ease. The soundstage extends well beyond the physical boundaries of the speakers, creating a truly holographic listening experience.
Bass Performance: For a standmount speaker of its size, the LS50 Wireless II delivers surprisingly deep and impactful bass. The bass is tight, controlled, and well-defined, with a satisfying sense of weight and authority. The intelligent bass extension algorithms in the Music Integrity Engine contribute to a balanced and integrated low-frequency response. While it can hold its own in most listening scenarios, the addition of a subwoofer via the dedicated output can further enhance the low-end performance for those who crave more visceral bass.
Midrange Accuracy: The midrange is smooth, natural, and incredibly detailed. Vocals are rendered with exceptional clarity and realism, conveying the emotion and nuances of the performance with captivating intimacy. Instruments in the midrange, such as guitars and pianos, sound incredibly lifelike and accurate.
Dynamics and Transient Response: The LS50 Wireless II exhibits impressive dynamic range, effortlessly handling both subtle shifts in volume and explosive crescendos. The transient response is quick and precise, contributing to the overall sense of clarity and immediacy. Percussion instruments have a satisfying snap and impact, and the leading edges of notes are rendered with accuracy.
Overall Sonic Character: The LS50 Wireless II presents a neutral and balanced sonic signature, allowing the true character of the music to shine through. It’s a speaker that is equally adept at handling a wide range of musical genres, from delicate acoustic pieces to complex orchestral works and high-energy electronic music. It’s a revealing speaker that will expose flaws in poorly recorded material, but it will also reward you with stunning clarity and detail when playing high-quality recordings.

Comparison with the Competition:

The wireless speaker market is becoming increasingly competitive, with numerous options available at various price points. However, the KEF LS50 Wireless II stands out as a leader in its class. Compared to other premium wireless speakers, the LS50 Wireless II offers a superior level of sonic performance, particularly in terms of clarity, detail retrieval, and soundstage imaging.

While some competitors may offer more aggressive bass or a more colored sonic signature, the LS50 Wireless II prioritizes accuracy and transparency. Its neutral and balanced presentation makes it a more versatile option for critical listening. The integration of Metamaterial Absorption Technology gives it a distinct advantage in terms of high-frequency performance, resulting in a cleaner and more refined sound.

Conclusion: The Pinnacle of Wireless Hi-Fi

The KEF LS50 Wireless II is a triumph of engineering and design. It represents a significant evolution of the wireless hi-fi concept, offering audiophile-grade sound quality in a convenient and stylish package. The integration of innovative technologies like Metamaterial Absorption Technology and the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array results in a level of sonic performance that is truly exceptional for a wireless speaker.

The LS50 Wireless II is more than just a pair of speakers; it’s a complete audio system that eliminates the need for separate amplifiers, DACs, and complex wiring. Its comprehensive connectivity options cater to a wide range of sources, and the KEF Connect app provides a user-friendly interface for managing playback and settings.

While the price point may be a barrier for some, the LS50 Wireless II represents a significant investment in high-quality audio. For those who prioritize sound quality and convenience, the KEF LS50 Wireless II is undoubtedly one of the best wireless speaker systems available today. It sets a new benchmark for wireless hi-fi and solidifies KEF’s position as a leader in the audio industry. If you’re seeking a wireless audio solution that delivers uncompromising sound quality and a seamless user experience, the KEF LS50 Wireless II deserves your serious consideration. It’s a testament to how far wireless audio technology has come and a glimpse into the future of hi-fi.