KEF - LS50 WIRELESS II Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) - White

I upgraded from my LSX II’s to these and my lord, I couldn’t be happier. The sound these produce is unlike anything I’ve really heard. I’ve had studio monitors, passive setups, etc, and never heard holographic imaging like these produce. I’m 3 days in and my brain still isn’t fully rewired to process all the detail. It’s truly unreal. I’ve got these paired with a KC62 and quite frankly, if this isn’t end game, I’d really like to hear what is (for a small-ish room anyway). All the complaints about connectivity and all that are exaggerated. Sure you’re gonna get a few hiccups but they’re WELL worth it if what you’re seeking is class leading imaging and holographic sound.

Incredible sound, amazing look, I love it. For music is the best choice

(This review is for the average joe, which is what I am...audiophiles will not gain anything useful here. however, thank you for all of your hard work, because it helped me purchase these). I originally purchased the Devialet 98db Phantom 2s. They sound wonderful and look pretty cool and are a bit smaller than the LS50s. However...they totally stink in terms of staying connected via bluetooth and often will lose connection between left and right...so I had consistent pausing, loss of channel and connection issues. One day I spent over two hours (unsuccessfully) attempting to connect them...they just wouldn't budge. I was well pass the return/refund point, but I took them back and was able to finesse the manager into taking them back as defective. However, a day later I realized I was missing wireless hifi sound. There was no way I could continue with my JBLs or my BOSE... there was simply no comparison. I momentarily wished I'd never heard the hifi sound in my home, because I then wouldn't know what I was missing. 24 hours later I purchased the LS50s. I unpacked them, downloaded the KEF Connect app, plugged them in and they were connected before I even knew how to control them. Turns out it is remarkably easy to work them...I mean absolutely simple and a complete 180 difference form the devialet connection experience. I've never had to reconnect them, as with the devialets it was a near daily suffering. The stereo field with the LS50s is spectacular. If you get them, turn them up...loud...that's where hifi really shines. The sound comes at you from the air... with meh speakers, you are constantly aware that the music is originating from a speaker...with these, it comes at you from everywhere (in front of you), every instrument is distinguishable as well as where the mixdown/production wanted it to be. There's no muffled bass, there's no cacophony of tinny/screechy/shaky high end...the mid range vocals aren't out in front of everything else...It's delightful. Acoustic, jazz and classical are stunning experiences...electronic/synth music is wonderful. hifi doesn't really shine with "rock-type" offerings. Its often kind of muddy to begin with. If it is all you listen to, you can probably go a less expensive route and have a wonderful experience. However, if vocal choral, electronic, brass/reed/acoustic/strings/percussion are your jam... go buy them. Just do it, its worth it to not have to deal with wires. You'll need to be dealing with hi res files, so consider a hi res streaming service like Qobuz, which you can access directly from the Wifi network through the app meaning you are streaming FLAC files and getting an enormous sound experience. I love them. I am so glad I made a fuss and returned the Phantom 2s. And not for nothing, The LS50s look pretty cool, too and look like actual speakers.

I’ve gone through 2 pairs of these LS50 Wireless II speakers due to technical connectivity issues. Thanks to BestBuy membership I’ve been taken care of, however, the overall quality of these are concerning. Sound: Great sound for the size. Actually, great sound period. If you like Jazz, vocals (skewed to male vocals), and acoustic music, these are great. I also enjoyed them with Dance and pop tracks. Hip-Hip and Rap requires a sub. Very open. Airy to an extent, but still focused. Make vocals like Gregory Porter are the sweet spot for me. I love how jazz tracks play on these, and am fond of the way they reproduce the string slaps on a standing double bass. They are lively and fun, lending to great versatility. I play as much dance on these as I do Jazz. I even enjoyed Pink Floyd and acoustic guitar. Sound was significantly upgraded by the addition of a KC62. Once the sub is added, these really open up. Tech: These have been a connectivity and tech nightmare. I’ve had quality issues with 2 pairs, forcing replacements. HDMI connectivity issues ruined the experience for me. AirPlay 2 works great, even streaming Deezer via the native app was fine. Overall: I’d recommend these for sound and airplay. I would not recommend for HDMI connectivity for playback of TV and Movie audio. If they are audio only for you, stick to built in sources via the KEF app or Airplay 2. Avoid for HDMI. In the end the issues plagued these so much that I got rid of my pair. I’m going to install the LS60s hoping the newer internals fix the connectivity problems. The sound of the LS50 Wireless II was so good it convinced me to upgrade to the LS60 and give Kef another chance.

Wonderful sound, easy to set up, easy to use with Airplay through Siri verbal commands through iPhone or HomePod.