KEF LSX experience / review
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- This is my experience on the KEF LSX. I compared it to the Totem Kin play, triangle sensa sn03a and KEF LS50w which I will do a video in the future.
Overall a very fun speaker and I enjoyed it. Great highs, clear mids and have decent bass. Has a big soundstage for it's size.
Thank you to Centre Hifi : www.centrehifi...
Manufacturer Website : www.kef.com/
First one is the Live version of Skylar Grey performing Stand by me. Just listen to the first 15 seconds after the vocal kicks in and then 15 seconds to the official one and you will see the difference.
The Official one feels like the LSX (Processed) while the Live one feels like other speakers I compared to.(Normal)
My cell phone autofocus keeps on hunting so I figure I will use my DSLR for now. Sorry if it was a bit shaky.
• Skylar Grey - Stand By...
• Skylar Grey - Stand By...
Just a note that I do not get paid to mention about Centre Hifi or if you buy from them. But would be nice if you let them know you visited their store due to this video.
First youtube clip below is the Live version of Skylar Grey performing Stand by me. Just listen to the first 15 seconds after the vocal kicks in and then 15 seconds to the official one and you will see the difference.
The Official one feels like the LSX (Processed) while the Live one feels like other speakers I compared to.(Normal)
My cell phone autofocus keeps on hunting so I figure I will use my DSLR for now. Sorry if it was a bit shaky.
ruclips.net/video/GvufXNkVijQ/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/T2bcUxUOUQg/видео.html&start_radio=1
Your now going to be able to put out a lot of incredible content using the stores resources! Heck, its cheap advertising for them! Glad the room changed your perspective! With the volume levels you listen at, it's very important to have a treated room! Imagine going back, I beat you can't!😎🤗
Thomas did you listen to the Yamaha AS2100 . It was at end of this video,?
@@vicg5323 it was the as1100 I think. I heard it with the kef r11. Sounded ok. We did feel it was slightly underpower for such a big speaker and big space but overall we thought it was pleasant.
Thomas & Stereo big room and big speakers ....not a good match for that amp but with a small room and smaller 8 ohm speakers and a Sacd source it is my reference. I do look forward to seeing your final setup so that I can upgrade.
REMAINDER: "If you will have time,ELAC FS 249 review or sound demo, please" ! THANK'S !!!
Dude. You simply nailed it for a good review. I'm your fan now. This is how reviews should project like rather than reading out the spec sheet and the branding propaganda the manufacturer rolled out :-) Cheers Bro
Having heard both KEF actives. It's a case of you pay for, what you get. Yes, the LS50W are sonically better, as one should expect when considering that they are twice the price and larger. I seriously can't think of a modern small form active speaker, with similar features, that come close to these as an overall package.
My wife and son, would have these (or the LS50W) in their rooms in a heartbeat and make me get rid of the other systems that I have dotted around the house. They heard them and love them, enough said, full stop. Family harmony is paramount.
Haha, family harmony is number one. I think the KEF LSX main advantage is it's size. Sure, there are better sounding similar speakers out there but I can't think of any for the size.
"It's whatever sounds good to me. That's what counts!"
..... that right there is why I find myself returning again and again to your channel.
You are a rare item in the audio world, a reviewer that helps us to see past all of the cliches and hype and leads us to what really matters.
Your videos have helped me to be a better listener and to understand exactly what it is that I want my audio gear to do.
You are performing a very valued service for all of us.
Thanks Dennis, appreciate the kind words. Although I do have the priviledge to listen and own many gear from different price range, I am very down to earth in real life.
Stepped up your production game! Good job bro!
Thanks for your great contribution to the hifi loving community via all your informative videos Thomas.
Great review as usually. I have the Kef LSX and use them as my Pc speaker for a smaller room. They sound great and for the size and price I think finding better active speaker would be difficult.
For me the Kef LSX speakers have been a ‘gateway drug’ and now I am considering the Kef LS50W or one of the other great speakers you have recommend for the living room.
As others have pointed out : Kef LSX for smaller to medium sizes rooms is ideal and something like the Kef LS50W for the living room. (Especially for the price and features)
Yeah, I can imagine they work great in a smaller room. My room is 11x16x7 (maybe 8) and I felt it was ok. Perhaps my room is treated so it works well with any speaker I try in it now, either big or small.
Same situation - LSX was my gateway drug ultimately to the LS50W. Moved the LSX into the study then tried pair of passive LS50s in the living room powered with a Denon AVR. For two channel stereo didn't like that nearly as much as the LSX so replaced the passives with the actives and been very happy since then.
@@mfgillia7606 That sounds interesting. I have difficulty deciding. I have a Denon AVR-4200W Atmos Home Cinema with KEF 3005 7.1 with 2 fronts, 2 back and 2 upwards for Atmos. I want to replace the two front KEF's for the LS50 Wireless or the LSX. Then I can enjoy great HiFi and integrated these in better front sound in my home cinema. But I might be better off with the LS50 non-wireless... as I am not sure if this will work out. The wireless versions have no speaker in; only a aux-in. So will this work in a Home cinema setup? (without delays etc) Anyone has experience with this? + Also did you find LS50w better than the LS50?
@@EdPOD Your receiver has a full set of pre-outs so it will work for you just like it does for me. Just connect the left & right front pre-outs on the receiver to the Aux inputs on the LS50 wireless - aux is effectively analog speaker inputs. Will also work for the LSX but then you'll need a two into one RCA cable as the LSX aux doesn't have separate left & right inputs.
Common issues / trade-offs myself and others report having with this setup are the usual usability issues with the LS50Ws (e.g., KEF apps don't work consistently, remote is subpar, can't tell which input is on unless use the app, assuming its working, or physically get up and go look on the display), very slight buzzing sound from LS50Ws when in home theater mode and having to turn on /off the speakers separately from Denon AVR although I get around this by programming my Logitech remote to turn both on/off together.
Value to sound quality wise, this combination is probably very difficult to beat despite the issues noted above. When you want to listen to just 2 channel stereo you can put the Denon in direct / pure mode or alternatively turn it off entirely and just use the LS50Ws by themselves. If I had to do it over again I might go with more separates adding an integrated amp between the Denon and LS50s (or alternatively KEF floor standers) for the front left and right channels but no doubt I would then be spending much more money.
I’ve got a lot of reverb in my bathroom...😂
Thanks Thomas. Enjoyed this and your LS50W review. Alex is spot on below, we can all read the spec, it`s an informed opinion we`re after and I also like the way you constantly remind us of individual taste.
Thank you Thomas for the great review. I really like the way you explain how the LSX speakers sound. Very easy to understand.
This is spot on... it all comes done to what the user likes... everyone has different taste. At the same time we all cant spend 20k to 100k for a sound system. I wish... but for what its worth its all within your ability to afford what you like to enjoy.
That fabric looks nice new but, I think the choice of using fabric is regrettable for longer-term use. Those will have to be vacuumed off occasionally. I may still get a pair of these but, I really wish they had not put fabric on there. Any room floaters (cat fuzz anyone?) will end up on those speakers. I want to give these another go but, honestly? The LS50s I had orginally were way too bright in the treble.
I agree with what you said in the video as i have heard both in store. For a small to medium room listening, lsx is a better fit. One may need to turn up the volume of ls50w (big speakers) a lot more to hear at its best, at which point is a little overbearing for small to medium room. I chose lsx for my room which is 11ftx11ft. I encourage everyone to have a listen at both first before making the purchase.
Actually I have both and ls50ws sound more revealing to my ears at low volumes when compared to lsx.
I love all your videos Thomas and i watched them all. It alsk proves different people have differe t ears. I feel lsx is lacking the high frequencies or rolled off treble. Violins don't sound very rralistic due to the lack of high frequencg energy. But man, the sound is put together so nicely! They would be the perfect speakers for me if the treble is less rolled off.
For a moment I thought you were going to treat us with a karaoke session 😎
Please, Thomas! Review the Edifier Airpulse A300. People who heard these speakers say that they sound like if they cost from 2 to 5 times more then they actually are! Can you confirm or deny this claim?
Looks interesting, Hopefully one day I can get one to try.
Great food analogy BTW.
great review i bought LSX and its fabulous.
really good and down to earth video . you're spot on with the "does it sound good to me? do i like it?"
i like these videos much better than the ones where you seem to be suggesting different types of interconnect cables and speaker wires will make any real world audible difference in the sound..
would you recommend this to me if I listen to classical music? I‘m looking for a big soundstage but I‘ve found a good deal on these..
so im now deciding between q150 and these
For classical music, don't you want the sense of scale? If yes, these probably will sound 'small' for you.
@@ThomasAndStereo
you could say I want to be immersed as much as possible.
thx for the answer
I've been waiting for many years to find good quality speakers for my desk. I think getting two LSX would fit perfectly on my desk. Should get them delivered by tomorrow... Thank Thomas for your review, almost bought the LS50W until I saw their size in the store. But they were just too big to put on my desk!
Let us know what you think about the LSX.
how did you find the lsx bro?
Audiophiles do what they do because intetentional or not, they are catching a wave to connect them to the universe. This is why there is progress and effort towards perfection. Never achieved, but always sought. Go Thomas! Thank you for the work you've done and the passion you have shared.
Thanks! Good to hear from you.
If those who want a pair wireless active bookshelf speaker without paying heaps try Edifier S2000Pro cheap and sounds really good for the price about US$375.
I was told the Fluance is pretty good to at $299 too. Never tried it but the I trust the person who told me.
Mutha effin soya sauce - best analogy !
Thanks for giving your opinion on this, many revierwers just read the spec sheets, this is what a review is meant to be ✌️
Smart hooking up with a retailer!😉🤓🤗😬
Thanks a lot for the review!
Would you mind telling what type/brand of corner traps, absorbing panels and diffusers have you used to treat your room?
Yes that would make an interesting video.
My panels are these
www.avshop.ca/recording-acoustic-treatment/primacoustic-london-10-studio-kit-grey?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5J_mBRDVARIsAGqGLZA4uTCAuAjB9ROSe1R5Usp5zQ9WenAGwVnOZavV5w45XUE9PTHFEQIaAq7rEALw_wcB
The diffusers are vicoustics
Bass trap is something I got from a studio thanks to someone I know when they were renovating the place.
If you are in Montreal, I can connect you with that person if you are looking for panels.
I have been watching your video since the very beginning and I think you are the best speaker reviewer on RUclips. Thanks for all your high quality videos!
I would love to hear your opinion on ascend acoustic speakers. As an audiophile you need to audition these speakers. I think they sound amazing. Really wondering what you think??
Thanks Mike and appreciate you sticking for long.
We don't get Ascend here but I took a look at the site and I can understand why you regard them highly, Good components like SEAS drivers and RAAL True Ribbon tweeter, infact, they are not expensive at all. I would guess they sound good and they might be undercharging.
@@ThomasAndStereo People have also compared them to the Focal 936 ;). I really wish one day you will get to hear them.
Thanks for the review. Would you suggest LS50W or LSX as desktop speakers? I am also looking at Dynaudio Xeo 10, Neumann KH 80 DSP and Acoustic Energy AE1. Thanks.
Finally got these to work. One of the Apps with this speaker in its support list doesn’t work. Found the correct App. Hey do sound pretty good. I have these in my plans for rough mix studio monitors.
And to stream, and play external hard wired sources. But I just came across a link showing the LSXII with an HDMI connection. Release date?
Oh, found the video I'm looking for. I wonder what you think of LSX against the Klipsch the Fives?
I promise this will not be a stream of opinions as nauseum but wanted to add a final not to say that I moved the speakers on S1 stand into my study that is not being used (work in progress) with lots of clutter on the floor but it is very damped which you can tell just walking into it. It is also half the size of my living room (which is not large) so playing at about 70 on the KEF app is plenty. I have no equipment there so only Airplay and KEF Streaming protocol. However I have always so far used the Ethernet to connect the speakers. I have realised that for these speakers wireless means wireless. Streaming using the KEF protocol using Roon is very special and for me the small damped room is an icing on the cake. I tried numerous connectivity options including with an Audioquest Cinnamon. I would say that these speakers come into their own using KEF’s streaming which is still not gapless for me. However I have now changed my mind about their use case and don’t expect more than they can offer. I got them at £749 instead of £999 open box from Peter Tyson with their own five year warranty. They were in as new condition including the strips around the cables definitely never been used. Got the stands £40 off cos white seems to be less fashionable but work great for me as my background is white and silver Atacama hifi rack. Think I will now risk atabites after which the stands won’t be returnable! I am on a tight budget being registered disabled since 2004. I think the LSXes will be keepers as they deliver a lot for size and convenience and my Macs pick them up an AirPlay after firmware updates so no need for cabling there.
I have these in white, hooked into my mac mini through AUX BUT, through a dragon fly usb. In a few days im hooking up a kube 10 :)
Heck yeah building my 12by15 also almost perfect square can't wait till it's done !
For me the biggest difference was the bass trap. Good luck.
Great review! Thanks for posting.
Just bought these and suing as my computer speakers via AUX. Could you please advise if a DAC can improve the sound a lot?
Great video Thomas! When they say "the chef recommends no soy sauce" then I respond "Well the chef aint eating it!"
Haha, well said.
Its also very expensive.
Would you recommend LSX or the original LS50wireless ?
Awesome, love your metaphors!
Dear Thomas, thank you for this review. Telling us about your taste makes it easier to understand how you perceive sound. I am very curious to see and listen to your upcoming Totem Kin Play review. If possible please mention your thoughts on how they sound compared to the LS50W. Best regards from Munich
Thanks, originally I was going to compare the LS50w to the kinplay in the Kinplay review video but it's too long that video so I will probably make a separate video on it.
Thomas & Stereo Please!!! 🎶😍🎶
Thomas & Stereo Thomas & Stereo I wonder if two speakers really can sound the same if one is aktive and one is passive. Their power and signal path is different, so is their inside an back construction. I visited the Munich HighEnd show and asked Vince Bruzzese. He said the signal travels with the speed of light from the master to the slave so there is no perceivable delay. But isn‘t the crossover different? I missed the chance to ask him further questions. Lucy Lentini said the second patch of the KinPlays will be able to switch of the light that indicates the chosen input. Thats inportant to me while watching movies.
Well I think the crossover might be placed differently in the chain when comparing active and passive. The totem kinplay, I assume you heard it at the show, what do you think?
Thomas & Stereo Yes, I had the chance to listen to them. Unfortunately I only had the chance to stream Spotify via Bluetooth and my iPhone does not support aptx-HD. I wish that were possible but Apple...
To judge their sound (at least to my liking) I have to listen to them at home in my living room, where I am used to the sound properties of the room.
Next friday I will have a better listen to them in a store called MySound. He is the only one in Munich who sells Totem speakers. Btw he said the Tribe Towers are his bestsellers.
For me the comparison to the LS50W and furthermore the upcoming Kanto TUK will be very interesting. The latter are Aktive/Passive too and they come with an AMT and USB-DAC next to aptx-HD and an phono preamp for only 799. I will definitely have a listen to them too. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Best regards from Munich
Have the lsx since a few days and I'm absolutely loving it!
Great to hear!
Your comparison of the live song vs the other made me smile, such an amazing comparison!
Awesome video, great explanation by examples :)
Spendor Classic line would be next great audition.
i would second that, i just got a used spendor, the Spendor SA1 from 2009. its quite amazing, especially nearfield.
now finally i hear a difference from my metal tweeters. and that sealed cabinets does wonders to the sound :)
the new classic lineup only has sealed in first and last speaker, so its not easy to get, but once you go sealed you never go back.
@@sudd3660 I would care less about port noise and problem, can easily solve with some kitchen paper rolls, in a well treated room the port most probably help bass to be more powerful than without port, I'm eyeing on Classic 3/1 :P, here's the link ruclips.net/video/_Qaw4X-xI9c/видео.html, looks great and seem to be safe bet to me?
How about LSX compared to Vanatoo t0 for desktop using ?
Love the room update Thomas. Thanks for another great video..
Thank you for Review, just purchased these for my desktop setup, can I please ask which Subwoofer would you recomend to add for Kef LSX ? My room is 13m2. Appreciate your answer
Thanks
Thanks, I don't have a lot of experience with subs that I think are price appropriate for these speakers. I would say sealed subs are more for music.
Thank you Thomas! Appreciate your answer, I purchased rel t7 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
@@Protiling I also have the LSX and now Im looking for a sub. How is the Rel t7? is it overkill for the LSX? Im afraid of buying a sub thats too big for these small speakers. (they arriving this satuday) Thank you!!
Room is looking great with the treatments. Nice and tidy in there now as well. Any chance for a review on the Totem Sky Tower?
Thanks!
I have the Sky bookshelf, might review that one instead.
If you don’t need build in DAC or streaming. The new Tannoy Gold 5 Active Monitors sound better to my ears, more detailed and extended at the top, at half the price.
Do these sound better than Bose revolve plus? Please help me decide!
Sorry, never heard Bose Revolve.
@@ThomasAndStereo its this one. ruclips.net/video/nBYIcVkgels/видео.html
Spdif or direct streaming. Avoid 3.5mm
Without sound test there is no full review for me - even if we consider that the real audio can differ.
I usually put it in the last 2 mins with all my new videos.
Hi Thomas, what's a better set up to listen to kef lsx through your phone via dragonfly cobalt to kef lsx via aux cable or purchase m11 pro connect to kef via aux.
If the kef has its own DAC do I need an external DAC? I listen with RUclips music premiem! Thanks
I would say try using the internal DAC first. Even if you use an external DAC, the improvement might be very small unless you go with an expensive DAC. I remember reading everything goes thru its DSP, I am not too sure but you might want to email and ask them. I no longer have this unit so I can't really test it.
Wow what a great review!I took the time to listen to both "stand by me" versions (I was only familiar with the Ben e. king version) and totally understood what you were talking about! nothing better than a good example (perhaps only a great example-as was the case here). thank you!
Always a fan of your videos. Well said how “you like to listen to it” I am running S400’s with a CXA-81, some say not matched well. I simply do not agree. I think they help the S400’s sound better at low listening.
In your opinion, how do these speakers compare to KEFs Q series (if you are familiar with them)? I have the Q100s, if I buy the LSX shouldnt I expect them to outperform my current speakers on every level given their price tag? From some reviews and sound demos ive heard it seems like they might not.
Not really, in the sense that you want stronger bass or soundstage to really feel the difference. So for you to really level up, LS50w or Tower speakers.
There aren’t a whole lot of speakers that have a front port to lend them to desktop listening.Many speakers are not voiced for near field.But what can you expect at this price point?The Audioengine A2+!is great (I oneness then) and I read that Edifierr and Swan at 400 are a good bet.But you can’t expect these speakers to equal the size difference with the LS50 which might be to big for many desks.And you can’t expect LS50 to equal say a Harbeth PS3R with a $1K amp or perhaps a $2-3K amplifued monitor like the $2K Focal 6 or a PMC Fact 6 both of which I hear deliver the goods.But this looks like a size,performance utilitarian winner for many folks
yes, the size is what makes this speaker special. I have other active that sounds better but at way bigger size.
Is what the LSX are better than a samsung HW-Q80 for use on my TV ? Do I need a subwoofer with LSX ?
Thanks
I never heard the samsung. Sorry.
Thanks for the video Thomas. Really cool of them to let you borrow them. These are really interesting speakers. And hey. I agree with you on what good sound is. Does it make you smile? Then it's good sound. That's it. Your room is looking great too BTW. Amazing!
Thanks, I think the room is the biggest upgrade I have done. ANYTHING sounds great now in my room! Yeah, I really appreciate that store for lending me a pair.
@@ThomasAndStereo Yea I've got to try something in my room. I'm very limited in space, and what I can do though. Where did you get the bass traps? Are they expensive?
I really haven't looked into it enough, but some of the prices I've seen are a bit crazy sometimes. I need to find something that works. That doesn't cost a fortune. Even if I have to DIY. I guess I just have to do more research on it. I need something though, maybe even room correction, because I have the dreaded square room. And it's small. So it effects my bass.
Bass trap are expensive but I think it is the biggest improvement in my room happened after I put the bass trap in, I say just built your own, does not cost much and I am sure there are tons of tutorial out there. Only thing is to pay attention to the material you are going to put inside as it has to be efficient against low frequency. Bass is the most difficult part to deal with. Also, if you built your bass trap to be too asorbing, then your room will be too dead. My basstrap actually reflects high frequency in the front.
@@ThomasAndStereo Do you have a website link to the one's you have?
I don''t because it was kind of a DIY bass trap built by a studio. The studio upgraded their basstrap and this was leftover. Someone I knew did the upgrade for that studio and took these home. I luck out I know him and he sold it to me at a crazy low price.
Hey Thomas I really like Bluetooth a lot more now than I use to I bought a 799.00 Pioneer elite sx-n30 class AB HI-Res Reciever/ Intergrated amp And it has spotify intergration and sounds as good as my cds it's crazy !! So I had to open it up and the digital side has 73 mini compasitors and hell of built in Dac I was wondering Do you think they'll ever build a DSD Bluetooth ? just amazed by it ! I've owned a lot of audio in the last 30 years and i think Bluetooth is the future of music play back And me not a fan of DSP wish you and Sean could come hangout and hear my refurbished vintage HPM 100s I got 400 bucks in just the cross over upgrades why haven't you ever uploaded more vintage speakers the hpm 100s 4way 4 speaker 75 pounds each they 'll surprise ya ! just curious thanks again for video
Yeah, it would be nice for us to drop by and hang out. I do have local subscribers dropping by to listen actually. I am pretty easy going. I think the problem with DSD bluetooth is bandwidth. It can barely handle 48k I think right now with Aptx HD bluetooth? Perhaps one day.
Thomas & Stereo thanks Thomas you do s great job ive learnef alot from you really appreciate it
I'm a singer. I listen to opera singers live and sing with just piano accompanists so i know what real vocal sounds like. I'm amused that audiophiles find real vocal not pleasing and needs to be massaged. And that some audiophiles think it's some sort of a holy grail to reproduce real singing sound. I guess being an audiophile means not being musician.
I think so too. Musicians also are in a different spot than people who just listen. I did have chat with some musicians and I think what normal people and musicians chase after is a bit different.
In your opinion what would be the limit of speaker separation and listening distance for the LSX in your room. Often I see reviewers' experience is really about from desktop, rather than smaller TV sitting distances 6 ft or greater. Thank you.
I had them about 6 to 7 feet apart and I was sitting 6 feet away.
Almost got kicked out of a Chinese restaurant for using ketchup on my egg roll. I don’t use it on egg rolls anymore. Hot mustard:)
Hi, I really like your RUclips videos and would like to stay
current. RUclips has an "auto add" to playlist feature which gives
viewers the ability to have your videos added
the playlist of their choice automatically. This (in theory) could also
increase you views!
If you add your channel name in any or all of the following
fields it should work.
Title Contains
Description Contains
Tag
Then of course you can let us know in the future videos so
more people can utilize it! Updating older most current video comments, and
tags would be great as well.
Setting your RUclips upload template to contain this
information would make it effortless in the future!
Best Regards
Thanks for the tip and support, let me read up on how to do it.
@@ThomasAndStereo ruclips.net/video/OONJqgy1WNE/видео.html
Hello friend!
Have you tried the dynaudio xeo 10?
How dose they compare to the LSX?
No I have not.
Hi Thomas, I love your channel! Quick question, Can I place the KEF LSX sideways (laying on its side)? it would fit better on my desk. Is there any degradation to the sound by doing so? I would still make sure the tweeters are pointing towards my ears. (Near field listing, will use as computer speakers. Thank you!
I never tried that so I would not know. Sorry! Given it is a concentric driver, it probably will work better than traditional speakers even if you put it sideways. Usually, for normal speakers, it is not optimal.
Dear Thomas, may I seek your professional advice to compare KEF LSX and Klipsch "the five".
The sound quality and features you find positive about them?
Appreciate any inputs.
I have to test the FIVE, soon I will post a video on it but I have not spent a lot of time with them yet.
I got those speakers from Centre Hifi last month. They were on sale for two third of the normal retail price. I use them in a small apartment I have for work. In a word, they handle everything i throw at them with ease. No, this is not a hifi dream but for the price, the size, the fact they are a all inclusive package, their sound is way beyond my initial expectations. The apps to control them are a mess; I go around that using my pc and a Dragonfly dongle to feed them, MQA decoding solved this way too!
Nice, thanks for sharing!
Hi, I've just purchased this speaker. Should I buy a subwoofer? If yes which one for a small room. Thanks
Do you find bass missing? If you are ok with it's current bass then no need. I myself use 8 inch closed port subs for music.
Hi Thomas - excellent review - I like the soy sauce analogy. I live in a small space where I will be listening at low volumes and I hate when speakers get muddy and the mids/highs retreat at low volumes. I just bought the LS50W under the impression that it will sound better/more accurate/less muddy at low volumes and just better in general. Do you think this was a mistake? Are the LS50W only better because they go louder? If so then maybe I should get the LSX for space reasons?
No, the LSW is truely level up from the LSX. LSX feels like a tiny toy compared to the LSw which feels like a true audiophile speaker.
I just put my deposit on a pair of LSX @ Centre HiFi. They're not my type of audio store but I have no choice. They are the only certified KEF dealer in the Greater Montreal area. And now the price is $1000 CAN, you can't beat that. I did mention your channel and the manager there was clueless. I guess you deal with the 10-30 location as this is the one you show at the beginning? I could be wrong. Cheers. Good work on your videos.
Thanks for letting me know, appreciate it.
Mitch, which location did you purchase your speaker from? Centre HiFi locations have a ranking system from entry to regular all the way up to flagship. Entry location will have mostly Q series. Mid or regular location will have some LS series and the flagship locations will have R series, Blade and much better amplification.
Hi, do you need a music player like fiio m11 to stream music through Bluetooth? Or is my Samsung galaxy s9 + good enough? Thanks
From what I remember, it was from my friends iphone and my galaxy A5. It was very easy to connect and stream via bluetooth.
Great review
*subscribes*
Good review and objective compared to all the online tremendous reviews online... I bought them expecting them to replace floor standing + amps to gain space, result (you bet) was HUGE disappointment !!!!
I threw them in my room to replace my Sonos (good improvement here) and bought Kanta 2 (wow!) after for my living room.
Thanks posting your videos, I’m following your channel and get clear advices on audiophile gear!
Thanks! 👍
Tried to only listen to just 15 min's of Skylar singing Stand by me Live, but I had to listen to the entire song...more than twice.
The Official one sounds like my old Dolby pro-logic home theater amp with the hall setting on...I didn't make it through the Official version ironically Thomas. I tend to like DSP versions better.
Nice, glad you enjoyed the song too. I like her take on that song. Yeah, that hall setting, I know what you mean.
I cannot connect my two LSX AIRPLAY to the (my home) application and I cannot find the 8-digit homekit code on the speakers 🙁
You should call their tech support.
Dutch & Dutch 8c active DSP speakers will blow your mind (preamp, amp, Room correction and sub in a monitor)
So, Thomas, this is one of those proverbial "backhanded compliments" or it might seem this way and I wish I had placed it, as intended, some time ago when I first encountered your stream. I feel you are almost without parallel in terms of your honesty and integrity and your humility (which is very hard to find in this life anywhere and even more so on Social Media). I do really mean what I am saying here. This being said, I just got a pair of LSXs and they are horrendous. Really awful. So thin and utterly artificial. Beyond my belief. The good side of this is maybe this means I'm actually an Audiophile/Audiofool (the latter cos I spend more than I can afford). Okay, I fully respect your right to enjoy the sound. That's not at issue. But really I have for a couple of years at least been able to tell the difference between S/Q of Tidal, Spotify, and more recently Qobuz, but the LSXs are so unrevealing I struggle to tell the difference between alternative sources. Of course if I stuck with them this would be a huge saving as all I would sign up to is Spotify Premium and even that because my Amazon Echo Dot won't integrate with anything other than Premium and it's nice in the kitchen to ask it to play music for me. The good thing is that I had bought them open box and so only £749 and this I can get for them on eBay - and also I can return them within 30 days which I will almost certainly. But I've had a Sony HT-Zf9 sound bar and sub and also bought the rears for less new than the LSXs and I enjoyed those immediately (despite being too thin for Berlin Philharmonic and such) but I am still struggling to really enjoy the LSXs on any level in terms of a complete music experience - what I mean is I can certainly enjoy some of the mids in older recordings by Wes Montgomery and Miles but still overall the sound is just so anaesthetised and artificial it makes me really unhappy. Actually unhappy. My old hifi still with me evolved from when I was 12 (1973 onwards) when my Uncle who was a valve amp electronics aficionado put some of his old Wharfedale speakers - about 14in at least - in large cabinets with tweeters in separate boxes on top. When I came to the Scotland in 1994, I bought an Arcam Amp and CD player and headphones so as to save on Speakers. Had a party and one of the guests lent me some Tannoys for some years as he knew how keen I was. Always thought I would be a slave to the upgrade path but in 1995 bought some Ruark Talismans, an Audiolab 8000S and an Arcam CD92. Some time later when the M-DAC came out I bought one of those and then upgraded my cabling as I couldn't hear the difference until then. That kit is now 25 years old and the M-DAC recently went into Rip van Winkle land and I must get if fixed - Audiolab do this very inexpensively. But I can guarantee that in terms of honesty of reproduction and even more so in terms of enjoyment they just wipe the floor with the LSXs. BUT I must confess that in my room where the LSXs are now they do not sound at their best and need an overdamped situation such as in my study to really shine. I don't regret buying the LSXs especially with the returns policy of Peter Tyson, but I would encourage anyone considering them to have a listen first. To my ears, I would not pay £5 for them even to replace a sound bar. They are just THAT artificial - and this is from someone who did use a soundbar and sub for a couple of years. I have still not gone off KEF and possibly the LS50 wireless, but as I should have done in this case, I will listen first. It is just that with lockdown still severe on Scotland I could not get to a store and decided to risk it. I am sure that they will take them back and also they were open box and in PRISTINE condition - literally they seemed new even in the internal wrapping. So can sell on eBay even if I keep them for a while. I will also try with movies and give them some time to settle in as well. In fact if it seems like I only listen to Spotify that will save a lot of money :-) :-) Okay, despite this semi-rant, please do believe the comment that I started with - I really think you are a great guy, with intelligence and honesty to spare. Keep on keeping on.
Thanks for the feedback and I guess what I was trying to say with the DSP or reverb is that it does sound 'artificial'. (Beautify the sound) Not everyone's cup of tea. I think what I did poorly is to go let the viewers know that for it's size, there is more bass than expected but don't expect miracles. Have you log into the interface to play around with the DSP settings? Regardless, thanks for the feedback and that helps me get better at setting proper expectations.
@@ThomasAndStereo Just a quick line here - yes, you were totally upfront in your review - I was expecting too much or maybe something different, that's all. I have played around now with different settings and inputs, ways of streaming, and more. I can say some good things and also I can discern clear differences between different inputs now. I also upgraded my optical cable to an Audioquest Cinnamon which has got round the sound I was getting from a cheap cable. I think though the HDMI splitter is also only low quality - going to try directly from my TV and waiting on a decent adapter from 3.5mm. The TV is very old and so I just fear that optical out might be a bit wanting. At any rate, I did understand what you were saying in your video clip and in fact one reason I went for the LSX first is because you pointed out it was more forgiving. I got these at a really good price Open Box and can reclaim all on eBay in due course and so I think I will stick with them for now. Unfortunately the best S/Q I seem to get is native streaming with Tidal and that is not gapless as far as I can see. I'm on the bridge in terms of buying Roon. Am in trial. It's an expense for me and also it means I must keep Tidal going. I could afford it as a student but right now I'm in time out from Uni so ... Anyway, thanks for your kind interactions. So far I've not found the DSP settings in the app to make a lot of difference but I have not read the small manual (or any manual) and so am just guessing at some of the settings. Since Airplay sounds pretty decent and all my stuff (bar one computer) is Apple I'm pretty much okay for most things. I actually have been listening to some music for a change - even some CDs. I found the optical input to the LSXes not to be ideal (through the HDMI splitter) but I will try inserting my Chord Mojo in the path tomorrows and get optical out from the TV and send that through the Mojo and then to Aux in with a good cable. I'm hoping this would be good or else I will use the output of my Mac Mini into the Chord Mojo and use that for the LSXs Aux. I think that might give me a smoother sound than the optical which still sounds a bit "hard". Anyway, take care, and I am planning a trip to this Hifi store when the lockdown is lifted in Scotland to hear the LS50W. Your feeling that the amps really complement the speakers extremely well was very helpful. I can't afford tens of thousands of dollars so this might be great. By the way, I nearly studied at UT (Toronto) back in the early 80s. I got accepted to do research by a very well known professor in Optimal Control (now retired, possibly passed away, not sure) but somewhere along the line the department withdrew. Wound up going to the US but did visit Montreal once while I was working for a Paper Company in the Princeton Area. I confess all I remember was an incredible meal with the HR person and then the next night I walked along the main street with all the Gay Bars! I forget the name now. To brief, but an enjoyable visit. That was in 1991!
I guess fans of hard rock bands ( Zeppelin or even newer metal type bands would love this speaker?
Do those song require a lot of bass? If yes, then I would get a speaker with more 'punch'.
Easy to forget now that the darling phase has passed but there is a LOT of R&D that went into that speaker. Like ELAC folks are tired of hearing about them.
I owned them for a week and returned them to seller. I had owned Q Acoustics 3050 + Cambridge Audio CXA60 and the sound from LSX was much worse, it exactly sounded like from a small speaker which LSX is. Now I have CXA60 + LS50 and the sound is much better than LSX overall. It's more natural, there's not just morr bass, but also more "realistic". LSX might be good as desktop speakers, but then again, for the price they're not worth. Volume control is really a pain a doesn't react immediatelly. I'd rather have "stupid" speakers (passive or active) with chromecast audio.. for better price and sound.
Yes I hear you. Ls50+cxa60 will outperform it sonically and you belong to the group of audiophiles who don't like it. The lsw50 would be more your alley.
@@ThomasAndStereo hello :) I wouldn't call myself an audiophile, just didn't like LSX and their price was the main point to return them. And the price of LS50W is another reason I won't buy them, I'd rather get some of these hegel amps (h160/h190) or elecrocompaniet ideally with some streaming capabilities and to be integrated too to save apace and money to see if LS50 get better or buy other used bigger KEF speakers like R3 or maybe their floorstanders r5/r7. Btw I got my ls50 for 500 eur, used for 3 years in very good state - that I would call a nice price :) anyway, thanks for the review and reply too, have a nice day!
I have been searching for a quality component that introduces reverb for years now, does anyone know of any??? Thanks! 🤔🤔🤔
Great review, Thomas could you review the Kef R3 and possibly compare them with the R300, LS50/W?
It would be a while before I take any more gear in, I don't have a R300 but I probably can get a R3. In a few months maybe.
Hi, thanls for your review, i bought these speakers 6 months ago and i really like it :) I think these speakers are more to listen quietly at home as a audiophile Guy... For me these speakers lack a bit of spatialization. Sometimes when you have some friends at home, you want a sound suitable to a lounge atmosphere, i'm wondering if i should add a subwoofer to have more bass for this atmosphere wanted ? What do you think ? ( sorry i'm french my english isn't well)
Adding a sub will add depth to your soundstage and make the system sound bigger. Have you tried using the DSP software with these speakers. I do speak French too.
Thomas & Stereo Thanks, which DSP speaker ? Do you mean Kef Control App ?
Hello Thomas, thank you I was waiting for your honest opinion about the LSX. I have question, do you have experience with the KEF Egg active speaker. I ask you this because just before the LSX were released I bought the KEF Egg 🤦. The LSX are ~3x more expensive but have the same size uni-q ( although the egg doesn't have the reinforcement ribs in the cone) and the LSX have twice the power. I use the Egg with my old Bob Carver Sunfire Junior subwoofer. What are your thoughts, would the LSX be a big improvement, or is is mostly the bass that sets the LSX apart from the Egg?
Thank you! I always enjoyed you honest no nonsense opinion without any vague 'audiophile' terms, keep up the good work!
Hey, I actually never heard a KEF Eff active speaker, I did not even know they exist. I knew the passive ones but sadly I never heard them too. If I were to guess, if you want a big jump, you have to go to KEF LS50w. Sure, the LSX should be better in theory but there is a limit to it's bass improvement due to size. If I ever get to hear the EGG, I will let you know, right now I am just guessing out of the blue so don't take my word seriously. Thanks
@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you for your reply! The LS50 would be the way to go, but for now a bit to pricey for me.
You mention that it’s not that bright which means that it’s not going to cause fatigue when listening for extended periods right?
Yes, the treble does not feel like it's overly tilted up.
Another honest, insightful review Thomas. I'd be interested to hear them against the Elac Navis with it's analogue amps. Or maybe their bigger brother is more of a comparison in price and size.
Thanks James, I think the Navis would be better compared to the LS50w as their price is closer. I heard it at the Montreal audio show and the Navis bass was quite impressive.
Thomas and Stereo, I look up price of speaka. You no mention price. I can not afford this speaka.
Check out next best thing studio latest video, that Kanto active speaker is less about 1/4 of these speakers.
Better than the Klipsh Fives?
Not better or worst.
@@ThomasAndStereo :)
@Thomas what do you about the KEF Egg for a desktop speaker? I am thinking of getting the KEF Egg and hook them up to my Macbook pro mainly for music and movies etc... Do you recommend?
See my comment above/below, I own the Egg and I really like them! Having said that I am a average audio guy and the Egg replaced some 'acceptable' 2.1 speaker system, so I lack some proper 1to1 quality comparison, but from listening (at a friend or in a shop) to bigger tower speakers and other (pricier) active systems I think they are very good price/quality wise. Just don't expect the most bass and highest volumes, it is more about clearity. As you find online a lot of good (sometimes paid and exaggerated) reviews I can confirm the quality and clear sound, I hear things I never heard before and I listen to much lower volumes now due to clearity, dynamic range, etc.
Personally I wished I bought the LSX, because I use the Egg with a subwoofer for my TV and on occasion I want a bit higher volume.
My advice for your use, close listening - only with pc, safe the money buy the Egg and maybe add a subwoofer (personal preference).
@@trilosima9952 Thank you for your response. I will mainly use it for my laptop close range listening for music and movies etc... I also like the LSX though it is pricy but i thing the LSX is more of a bookshelf speaker and could be an overkill for a desktop use! If the price was a bit lower then possibly and also would be better if they add a USP port too! The clarity is very important for vocals, musical instruments and cinematic sound! I believe and as you mentioned the Egg should achieve that in a close range listening. I was hoping KEF do an upgrade to the EGG to match the LSX power range and wireless streaming etc... cheers
I would like a pair for my working table. The joy!
They look pretty! Guess they get marks for that. Thanks for your review.
Hi Thomas, will you be reviewing Devialet Reactor 600 or 900?
No, unless they send me one.
@@ThomasAndStereo I want to buy active speakers for my bedroom, I listen to a lot of Indian music prefer something that is not too heavy on bass and looking for absolute clarity both on lower and higher volumes. Which one would you recommend
Waiting for klipsch rp600 review.thanks
Some day, I bought it and it's great. I lend it to one of my subscriber so it will be a while till I get to it.
Hello thanks for this video
Witch subwoofer will be grest to usd with the lsx thanks
I personally go with sealed port sub if my priority is music. Small enough to keep up with the speed of the LSX. Having said that, I am no expert at sub so might not be the best person to give advice.
i agree dont be bulled by audio snobs its what sounds good to you after all its you listening to the system mostly
if i want to use for desktop speaker is the LSX better than the ls50??
Sorry, I never tried it on the desk. Having said that both have dsp so I would assume you can adjust both to work ok on the desk.
@Thomas & Stereo sorry for hijacking the comments :).i would like to hear your impressions. for a 10 qm room I am currently using klipsch the fives + subwoofer. i was always wondering kef ls50 wireless or the lsx would be a better choice. since you heard to all of them, I would like to here your opinion on this. thank you! thomas
LS50 sounds more like an audiophile speaker with more refined top and balance bass. LSX, feels like a small speaker.
@@ThomasAndStereo thank you for answering. and how would you rate the ls50 to the klipsch? btw I am listening nearly only to vinyl
@@0x21co Well LS50, you are listening to 'high end' audio where things like soundstage, instrument separation, layering is good. However, not everyone cares about that. If you are enjoying THE Fives, you will be disappointed in the LS50 in the sense you will feel it lack bass and dynamics. However, from an audiophile point of view, nuance bass is more important than punchy bass. So you have to know which kind of audiophile you are.
@@ThomasAndStereo i guess for me soundstage and separation is far more important. if I need more bass, I can add a sub in any cases ;). thank you for your answer! btw I disabled the dynamic bass eq on the fives because I think it is sometimes to much
Sounds like you've been to more than a few karaoke nights with lots of reverb.
yeah, karaoke is like a national sport for asians