KEF LS50 Wireless II Active Standmount Speakers

The multi-award winning KEF LS50 Wireless speaker system set the bar high for high-performance wireless speakers, and in the same spirit of invention and innovation that created the original, the LS50 Wireless II is much more than just a new generation. The result of three years intensive research and development, the new KEF LS50 Wireless II is a fully active wireless stereo speaker system that delivers pristine, KEF signature sound coupled with great usability and high-performance wireless capability.

The KEF LS50 Wireless II Active Standmount Speakers have been built on a whole new acoustic platform, the LS50 Meta passive loudspeakers, while the brand-new wireless platform has been engineered from the ground up. Active electronics, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), wireless streaming platform and the new KEF Connect app all combine to set a new benchmark of class-leading acoustic and user experience.

When it comes to physical technology, KEF LS50 Wireless II takes its lead from KEF’s LS50 Meta passive loudspeakers. A truly revolutionary tool in the KEF acoustic armoury, Metamaterial Absorption Technology1 (MAT) is a highly complex maze-like structure, where each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency. When combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound that comes from the rear of the tweeter, eliminating the resulting distortion and providing a purer, more natural sound. The LS50 Wireless II Wireless Speaker System Metamaterial Absorption Technology1 is a joint development with Acoustic Metamaterials Group.

KEF’s Uni-Q point source configuration delivers a more detailed, accurate and integrated three-dimensional sound image, which is dispersed so evenly throughout the room that the ‘sweet spot’ is wherever you are in the room. Using simulation and analysis tools, our engineers have developed the 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT driver array, to reduce high-frequency distortion in the mid-frequency driver. The result is reduced coloration, less distortion and a sound that is more transparent and life-like than previously possible. The other frequencies are equally well served, with crystal clear midrange and room-filling, deep and articulate bass.

The performance of the KEF LS50 Wireless II is aided by KEF’s bespoke Music Integrity Engine, a cutting-edge collection of bespoke Digital Signal Processing algorithms optimised for the new Uni-Q with MAT driver array, enabling it to deliver a perfectly timed performance, for better imaging and a tighter, unsmeared sound.

LS50 Wireless II also has plenty of power on tap. Each tweeter benefits from being driven by a new 100W class A/B amplifier that delivers a smooth, incredibly detailed treble performance. Dedicated 280W class D amplifiers power the mid/bass drivers, for room-filling, controlled sound. The diligent amplifier development has all been undertaken in-house by KEF, in order to completely control the quality of power on offer. The end result of this tireless effort is sensationally dynamic sound, with the music’s subtle ebb and flow delivered in all its glory

Technical Specifications

Model: LS50 Wireless II
Drive units: Uni-Q Driver Array: LF: 130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminium cone
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with Metamaterial Absorption Technology
Frequency range: (-6dB) measured at 85dB/1m 40Hz – 47kHz *Depends on EQ settings
Frequency response: (±3dB) measured at 85dB/1m 45Hz – 28kHz *Depends on EQ settings
Amplifier output power (per speaker): LF: 280W, HF: 100W
Amplifier class (per speaker): LF: Class D, HF: Class AB
Max SPL measured at 1m: 108 dB
Wireless streaming features: AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, ROON Ready, UPnP Compatible, Bluetooth 4.2 Streaming services Spotify via Spotify Connect, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, QQ Music via QPlay, Internet Radio, Podcast *Depends on services availability in different countries
Source resolution: Network up to 384kHz/24bit, Optical up to 96kHz/24bit, Coaxial up to 192kHz/24bit, HDMI up to 192kHz/24bit *Depends on source resolution
Interspeaker connection: Wireless: all sources resampled to 96kHz/24bit PCM
Wired: all sources resampled to 192kHz/24bit PCM
Supported format (all inputs): MP3, M4A, AAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, WMA, LPCM and Ogg Vorbis
Supported format (network): MQA: MQA Core Decoder DSF: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 DFF: DSD64
Dimensions (HWD per speaker): 305 x 200 x 311 mm
Weight (per set): 20.1kg
Power input: 100 – 240VAC 50/60Hz
Power consumption: 200W (operating power), 2.0W (standby power)
Inputs: HDMI eARC TOSLINK Optical Digital Coaxial Analog 3.5mm Auxiliary USB Type A (service) RJ45 Ethernet (network) RJ45 Ethernet (interspeaker) USB Type A (service) RJ45 Ethernet (interspeaker)
Output: 2x RCA Subwoofer output
Wi-Fi network standard: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac IPv4, IPv6
Wi-Fi network frequency band: Dual-band 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz