This 2021, let’s check out our dedicated KEF LS50 Wireless II review and find out if this is truly the best all-in-one solution for your streaming pleasure.
Throughout several years, both audiophiles and casual listeners alike know that in order to achieve the best quality sound possible you will need separates and other add-ons. Especially with the former. Audiophiles can be a little bit of a snob when it comes to wireless speakers or “all-in-one” solutions.
Honestly, I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. After all, when you’re spending so much money on such a high-end product, you expect it to provide you with the best user experience possible. Ultimately, there’s nothing wrong with valuing and seeking the best sound production they can have the pleasure of listening to.
We all have our passions and this one happens to be theirs.
Admittedly, it can be a difficult and daunting task for our fellow audiophiles to find the best loudspeakers for them. Especially when their ears are more trained to detect any nuances and distortions would be unappealing to their ears. So any compromises like wireless options can raise a few brows.
Then comes the KEF LS50 Wireless II.
A revolutionary wire-free sound system that will change your mind about everything you know. Obviously, this is a bit of an exaggeration but read on if you’d like to find out just how good these loudspeakers are.
See Where The KEF LS50 Wireless II Ranks In Our List Of The Best Bookshelf Speakers 2021.
Overview
Everyone’s minds (both audiophiles and casual listeners alike) were already blown away when the first LS50 Wireless was released way back in 2016. At the time, it received peak popularity, multiple high praises, positive reviews, and everyone thought this was as good as it can get.
But KEF pushed its limits and was able to come out with the latest iteration of its LS50 lineup, the LS50 Wireless II. While most companies only do a few upgrades here and there when releasing a second version of an already successful product, KEF managed to do a huge improvement leap.
As if it needed so many improvements in the first place! Now we get an even better version of an already acclaimed pair of bookshelf speakers.
If you’re unfamiliar with the KEF brand, they’re a UK-based company that prides themselves in producing the most excellent loudspeakers in the market since the 1960s. They’re one of the most sought after high-end brands for people who like premium choices for their sound systems.
With their revolutionary technologies, namely their Uni-Q technology and the newly added Metamaterial Absorption Technology, they were able to spearhead their way to the top with such outstanding products.
Sporting the same aesthetic as the original, there’s more to the LS50 Wireless II than what meets the eye.
The Original LS50 Wireless Vs. The LS50 Wireless II
While the original LS50 Wireless was already good on its own, it was far from perfect.
Despite all the success it achieved, KEF was determined to address all the flaws we nitpicked on the original version and came out with an even better model: The LS50 Wireless II.
Unlike the original passive version, the LS50 Wireless II is now untethered, putting it under the category of active loudspeakers. Meaning, it no longer needs a stereo amp to power itself up. Instead, this particular model comes in self-powered.
All you need to do is mount the loudspeakers onto a wall and voila! You can now start your listening sessions without any external amps required.
Aside from the easy setup, the LS50 Wireless II also has now better app support. Which we were all glad KEF improved upon on!
Introducing The Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT)
At the heart of the LS50 Wireless II is the newly added technology that KEF came up with, the Metamaterial Absorption Technology, or MAT for short.
This particular feature in the new version really makes you think the the engineers in KEF really took their time to make sure that the LS50 Wireless II will have significant improvements in terms of sound quality and will outperform the original.
According to KEF, MAT is a highly complex maze-like structure that was built into the LS50 Wireless II so it can absorb 99% of unwanted sounds from the rear of the driver. This also allows the speaker to eliminate all possible distortion resulting from those unwanted sounds in order to give you a more natural and purer sound.
These types of maze-like structures are very complicated to design. It took KEF two years of research with the Acoustic Metamaterials Group for the company to develop such an intricate feature.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 23 x 16 x 15 inches (LxWxH)
- Item Weight: 51.9 pounds
- Amplification Type: Active
- Manufacturer / Brand: KEF
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Airplay, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac dual-band 2.4/5GHzz), HDMI (eARC), optical and coaxial digital, analog-stereo mini-jack, RJ45 Ethernet, RCA subwoofer output, USB type-B (service-only), RJ45 wired inter-speaker port, IEC AC-power, TOSLINK, Digital Coaxial, Analog 3.5mm Auxiliary, and RJ45.
- Drivers: 5.25-inch aluminum-cone woofers and a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter in Uni-Q (coaxial) arrangement.
- Rated Power: 280 watts class-D (woofer), 100 watts class-A/B (tweeter)
- High-Res Audio: 24-bit/384kHz via a wired network, 24/192 via wireless; MQA-compatible; up to DSD256 (via network)
- Colors: Black, Grey, White, and Red.
- Extra Special Features: Supports a plethora of streaming services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, QQ Music, Internet Radio, Podcasts, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, ROON Ready, UPnP Compatible, and Bluetooth 4.2.
What We Love About The KEF LS50 Wireless II
Now let’s breakdown what makes the KEF LS50 Wireless II so good and standout in a sea of competition in the market.
The Design
I have to admit, one of the first things that caught my eye with the LS50 Wireless II is its sleek, minimalist design. Actually, the overall aesthetic is still similar to the original version. This model also sports the same rounded rectangle shape along with a curved front that shows off the drivers.
Admittedly, I find this pair of bookshelf speakers one of the most good-looking and attractive designs in the market. It’s a great improvement from the usual boxy loudspeakers we are so used to seeing. They don’t look bad, but some variety and uniqueness always go a long way for me.
Also, the LS50 Wireless II also comes in different colors to choose from! You can pick between black, white, grey, and red.
Near Perfect Performance and Sound Quality
The original LS50 Wireless was already top-tier in terms of delivering sound quality. It did the work and many people praised KEF for it. However, the LS50 Wireless II is not one to be overshadowed by its predecessors and their success.
Thanks to the introduction of MAT, you’re getting unparalleled sound quality with the LS50 Wireless II. Once you turn this speaker on, you’re instantly greeted by fuller and purer sounds that are completely distortion-free. Personally, the immersive experience on a pair of speakers this size is really quite impressive.
Additionally, this model can also play the most demanding instrumentals or tracks without any fuss. Again, the MAT helps with that a lot to prevent distortions or any disturbances in the sound quality.
An All-In-One Solution
Say goodbye to the annoying cables you have to deal with around your home setup as the LS50 Wireless II comes in completely untethered. As I have previously mentioned, this model is self-powered and does not require any external amps to draw its juice from.
If you’re someone who appreciates a clean interior, then you will definitely love this aspect with the LS50 Wireless II.
But if you’re worried about connectivity, KEF is one step ahead of you. Despite not needing any external amps or hardware, behind the right unit is a plethora of inputs you can connect the LS50 Wireless II to. These inputs include an optical input, a coaxial cable jack, a 3.5-mm mini-jack, as well as an HDMI ARC port for TV!
If you want to go completely wireless, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity is also an option.
Our Least Favorite Thing
The Price
Honestly, at this price point, it’s very difficult to find any flaws in terms of sound quality with the LS50 Wireless II. But that’s a good thing, because then you know every penny spent on this pair of bookshelf speakers are worth it.
I’m just nitpicking at this point, but the price is definitely the main downside of an otherwise impressive wire-free loudspeaker. If you have the budget to stretch, I would highly recommend adding this to your home setup.
In A Nutshell
Here’s a narrowed down list of the good and the bad with the KEF LS50 Wireless II.
Pros
- Unparalleled sound quality.
- Impressive wireless connectivity. and a well-supported KEF Connect app.
- Supports plenty of streaming services to choose from.
- An all-in-one streaming solution for your needs and wants.
- It’s an overall huge performance leap from the original LS50 Wireless.
Cons
- Sound quality slightly decreases in resolution when being played in higher volumes.
- Expensive.
Final Verdict
Overall, the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a unique all-in-one solution for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with pesky cables snaking across the living room or any part of the house the speaker is put in. While most wireless speakers struggle without making compromises, the KEF LS50 Wireless II does not.
It’s a great investment if you want superior listening sessions with a bookshelf speaker that can effortlessly take on the most demanding of tracks and other audios. The LS50 Wireless II is truly a high-performing speaker that really does it all for you.
While I understand that it’s a pricey option, I definitely think it’s worth the upgrade.
Already own a KEF LS50 Wireless II? Or still thinking about it? How was your experience or how are your thoughts on this product? Let me know on the comments section below!
Recommended reading for you:
The Best Bookshelf Speakers 2021 For Your Listening Pleasure
Best Bluetooth Speakers For The Shower 2021: Sing Along And Make Your Showers More Fun
The 10 Best Bluetooth Speakers For Camping This 2021: Which One Is The Best For You?
The Q Acoustics 2030i Review: The Best Affordable Bookshelf Speakers
Buyer’s Guide To Getting The Best Sounding Bookshelf Speakers 2021
