Powered speakers all the way. If you asked me the same question 7-8 years ago I would have said no way but now the technology has matured and keeps maturing that is hard not to see the elephant in the room. IMHO powered speakers are the future in the hifi world. The Philosophy of placing the amp and the speaker together in one unit is not only about convenience (less cables, les equipment around etc) but more importantly about the idea of having the perfect voicing amp for THAT very speaker. The amplifier is designed and developed around the speaker to give out the sound the company has envisioned for that particular speaker. To someone like myself this is liberating cause I won’t have to waste time, energy and money looking for that perfect amp marriage. Now I do understand that trying around is something many people enjoy and I respect that but I don’t.
It would be very difficult and expensive to build a class D amp that matches the quality of a good class A/B set up. I feel it’s the opposite with active speakers. Manufacturers are using DSP to make up for the shortcomings in the speaker and the amp so they can get away with cheaper components. Most consumers aren’t audiophiles so they will buy for the convenience.
I have many LS50 and a the wireless as well. I also have the Kef Egg and LSX version 1. The active speakers are more convenient. I would prefer an intermediate, active but without a DAC. I can see how the Egg are outdated now, although sound magnificent for the size. The same will happen with my wireless LS50 and the LSX. Each has a newer version, but still they are very functional. Once in a while there will appear a better Bluetooth connection, a faster and more stable Wi-Fi connection, probably new standards for USB and HDMI connectors and just for that reason passive are better, because those will never be outdated. The problem with passive is the price, because at the end you pay more for cables, amps and a DAC. However if you want to update, you only need to update the DAC
@@audioarkitekts one month out of town. I have a lot of catch up to do. I have to watch your latest gems and work a lot for the channel. Seeing you thrive make me so proud and thankful. You are a role model Mike. 😍😍😍🙌🙌🙌💎💎💎
It sounds like this review is based on streaming music to the speakers. It would be nice to know if changing the source input to analog provides any discernable quality difference. The quality will be affected by the D/A converter in the speaker and the streaming source. How does the sound change if you plug the speakers into a laptop with the USB-C or via an external D/A converter and the analog input jack?
Good review. I'm looking to replace my $180 soundbar in our home office.I don't have the room or desire for a big separates system. I have a newer LG OLED flat screen with ArcHdmi. So supposedly I can use the volume on the TV to drive the speaker volume in that home theater setup. Then I want to get one of these new streaming services to listen to music in the office also. I think this setup with the Kef sub would be a good setup. The room is only 12 x 15 feet. I thought about the Kef ls50 Wireless but I don't have the room for those either. Its a tight room.
Great speakers. We use them for our TV listening in a small room. Just don't expect them to work with the HDMI input for your Sony TV. Even their tech support admits they have an issue there.
Just about to purchase the speakers.....I have a Sony tv.....this is a potential deal-breaker not mentioned by anyone else. any other views before I go back to the shop later in the week ????
In response to your question regarding passive or active speakers it depends on what I am using it for. For my entertainment I use passive speakers with receiver and amplifier. For my PC I will use active speakers like the KEF you are reviewing.
Would be good if you could review Edifier 3000 pro to compare as they are very similar. The Edifiers are surprising good, and really get by well without a sub, which saves even more space. Throw in a streamer like the Wiim mini Pro and you've got a low cost high res compact system with tons of sound and substantial LFE, no sub required.
I've always used studio monitors, so im used to having other equipment on my desk. But now that I'm 46, with 3 kids and waifu... I want it simple. Im moving houses and for my next desk I want A macbook, two 27" monitors and the speakers. I'm in no mood for dacs, amps, bluetooth receivers, senders, cables, controlers, more cables... Thats why Im looking at these or the Adam audio D3V.
I have these speakers with a Kef Kube 8b subwoofer. Perfect match! I love the simplicity of the all-in-one small size. I can even take these with me in my motorhome when I travel!
What do you recommend as far as connecting these to use on pc for playing games and daily use? I saw the USB C and HDMI im just curious since the price today isnt cheap and i already have a high end PC. Im no audio expert but i want a quality daily driver to match my setup.
biggest takeaway...being bi amped and tuned in software, there are no dodgy crossovers hidden away in the cabinets, with electrolyic caps that may go bad over a period of time. The ownly downsides.If a board goes down on the amp or dsp circuit , It takes out the whole thing ,rather than say an amp or dac in a conventional system.
My gen 1s started emitting a whining noise in one side after 4 months. Lately they have started to go into “error mode”. My normal gear has not such problems. Also, and I might be mistaken, I think electrolytic caps are normally in amps , not speakers. Will not buy a KEFactive speaker again personally
I just discovered you and am now a subscriber! I like the approach you take; it is “balanced” ;^) and informative. One question: are you aware of any other active speaker that has a wireless connection option between the primary and secondary units? Thanks!
Thanks for the support Tom. There are a few out there the only thing is each would need independent power which involves a power cable. Going the wired route would be more available and probably less expensive. Kef seems to be leading the pack in that department.
@@audioarkitekts thanks for the quick reply Mike. The best place for these in my house would be on either side of a set of French doors so I can’t conveniently run a wire between the two. So the wireless connection is a real selling point. In addition to everything else it has to offer.
Hi there, I wanna use the LSX as to soundbar. my question is if I can use the Kef 90 degree rotated laying then on the long side. Because I don’t have that much space under my TV. Thanx
I want all in one. Integrated amps are the future. Plus less shit to buy and worry about and cause clutter. I couldn't care less about passive speakers.
Right now i prefer to have passive speakers with an amp. Currently i am searching for a new pair of speakers combined with a good amp that matches very well. But it is not easy to find. This small speakers (i think they look pretty) would be perfect for a desktop setup or near field listening for hobby music production, for example. The good thing about active speakers is, that the amp is build in and probably is well adapted to the drivers and the crossover (o sorry, do active speakers have a crossover, especially this one ?) of the speaker, as far as i know. It is the "modern way" of hifi. It is compact, practical and you can save some money. For me it would be interesting for a small second setup. But for real music listening, they won´t be truly suitable for every hifi enthusiast. But mayby i am wrong. KEF speakers in this category are very famous and have got many fans around the world. OK, so i have to admit that i am probably wrong. IoI
@@audioarkitektsI have lumina II and kef lsx 1 and really kef sounds very very well. I'm thinking to sell lumina II and amplifier....whith kef LSX i don't need more 🤷
I also have the LSX 1’s and purchased the 2’s. I definitely think it’s an upgrade. The volume is louder and the base response is much more balanced and sounds amazing. I have the REL T5X subwoofer and it’s a perfect pairing for me. KEF did some great things with the DSP!
@@ghosttechtips6944 I have a small/medium room with low ceiling. So the LSX II is plenty loud for me at 60% volume. Depending on how large your room is, you may want to go with the LS50 wireless II.
I know it's not the same to compare HomePod 2 (stereo pair) vs LSX II due to the price difference but what sounds better without a subwoofer? Both LSX II and HomePod 2 are about the same size and offer wireless sound. I am torn and not sure which to get (dismissing price). Can anyone help?
As desk speakers these are absolutely stunning, but their not the most room filling sound if im behing honest, and bass falls off considerably once you get further than 3 feet away of them. I recommend these if your looking to use them as a desk speaker setup, but other than that would not recommend them.
As a dinosaur audiophile EE from long, long, long ago, I know well the potential advantages of self-powered speaker systems, IF executed well. However, being a freedom-loving sort of grunting old fart, I personally like the freedom to chose my own speaker/amplifier couplings, for better or worse, and as such, the free ability to change such couplings for a possible performance betterment. Kind of like enjoying the hunt! These KEF units strike me though, as a damned good desktop option or stereo pair for a university dorm usage! 😉👍🍺
Soundstage isnt great imo. I can clearly hear where the sound is coming from especially when i play rock songs. They sound a bit thin for my ears. Maybe i should upgrade to the ls50w2
I find the video so dark and the lighting doesn’t really show off what the colour of the speakers actually look like. I wanted to see the lsx 2 blue in a real life setup.
These tiny speakers produce massive sound with great bass. I had Audioengine 5+ for years and these are light years ahead.... unbelievable speaker
Then why are people saying these need a sub... their bass suck... etc???
Powered speakers all the way.
If you asked me the same question 7-8 years ago I would have said no way but now the technology has matured and keeps maturing that is hard not to see the elephant in the room. IMHO powered speakers are the future in the hifi world.
The Philosophy of placing the amp and the speaker together in one unit is not only about convenience (less cables, les equipment around etc) but more importantly about the idea of having the perfect voicing amp for THAT very speaker. The amplifier is designed and developed around the speaker to give out the sound the company has envisioned for that particular speaker. To someone like myself this is liberating cause I won’t have to waste time, energy and money looking for that perfect amp marriage. Now I do understand that trying around is something many people enjoy and I respect that but I don’t.
It would be very difficult and expensive to build a class D amp that matches the quality of a good class A/B set up. I feel it’s the opposite with active speakers. Manufacturers are using DSP to make up for the shortcomings in the speaker and the amp so they can get away with cheaper components. Most consumers aren’t audiophiles so they will buy for the convenience.
I have many LS50 and a the wireless as well. I also have the Kef Egg and LSX version 1. The active speakers are more convenient.
I would prefer an intermediate, active but without a DAC. I can see how the Egg are outdated now, although sound magnificent for the size. The same will happen with my wireless LS50 and the LSX. Each has a newer version, but still they are very functional.
Once in a while there will appear a better Bluetooth connection, a faster and more stable Wi-Fi connection, probably new standards for USB and HDMI connectors and just for that reason passive are better, because those will never be outdated.
The problem with passive is the price, because at the end you pay more for cables, amps and a DAC. However if you want to update, you only need to update the DAC
Your video quality deserves 100K subs more. Tbh.👏👏👏 You sell all the products so efficiently.😍😍😍
Thank you my friend. I've missed you, where have you been?
@@audioarkitekts one month out of town. I have a lot of catch up to do. I have to watch your latest gems and work a lot for the channel. Seeing you thrive make me so proud and thankful. You are a role model Mike. 😍😍😍🙌🙌🙌💎💎💎
It sounds like this review is based on streaming music to the speakers. It would be nice to know if changing the source input to analog provides any discernable quality difference. The quality will be affected by the D/A converter in the speaker and the streaming source. How does the sound change if you plug the speakers into a laptop with the USB-C or via an external D/A converter and the analog input jack?
Good review. I'm looking to replace my $180 soundbar in our home office.I don't have the room or desire for a big separates system. I have a newer LG OLED flat screen with ArcHdmi. So supposedly I can use the volume on the TV to drive the speaker volume in that home theater setup. Then I want to get one of these new streaming services to listen to music in the office also. I think this setup with the Kef sub would be a good setup. The room is only 12 x 15 feet. I thought about the Kef ls50 Wireless but I don't have the room for those either. Its a tight room.
That would be a great setup!
Great speakers. We use them for our TV listening in a small room. Just don't expect them to work with the HDMI input for your Sony TV. Even their tech support admits they have an issue there.
Just about to purchase the speakers.....I have a Sony tv.....this is a potential deal-breaker not mentioned by anyone else. any other views before I go back to the shop later in the week ????
Use the optical input then if the HDMI won’t work
Nice video. The answer to your question. Yes! I have a pair of Q950´s and love them.
I almost traded these in for my powernode and b&w 707 s2. I've got a Kef t2 subwoofer which I would still use
In response to your question regarding passive or active speakers it depends on what I am using it for. For my entertainment I use passive speakers with receiver and amplifier. For my PC I will use active speakers like the KEF you are reviewing.
Why can't I have a fellow audiophile as a neighbor? Life just isn't fair! 🤣
Lol 😆
Would be good if you could review Edifier 3000 pro to compare as they are very similar.
The Edifiers are surprising good, and really get by well without a sub, which saves even more space.
Throw in a streamer like the Wiim mini Pro and you've got a low cost high res compact system with tons of sound and substantial LFE, no sub required.
That is a great suggestion. I will have to see if Edifier is interested.
Please dont compare kef and edifier,
@@nankurubiker1000 Audio censorship?
Nice review
I've always used studio monitors, so im used to having other equipment on my desk. But now that I'm 46, with 3 kids and waifu... I want it simple. Im moving houses and for my next desk I want A macbook, two 27" monitors and the speakers. I'm in no mood for dacs, amps, bluetooth receivers, senders, cables, controlers, more cables... Thats why Im looking at these or the Adam audio D3V.
I have these speakers with a Kef Kube 8b subwoofer. Perfect match! I love the simplicity of the all-in-one small size. I can even take these with me in my motorhome when I travel!
how'd you connect your kef kube to the speakers? through the app?
@@ablueprofilepic9876 through a subwoofer cable from the spearker.
how would you set up a wharefdale DX -2 sub with these - the sub is part of the 5.1 but i'd just use it for these speakers
What do you recommend as far as connecting these to use on pc for playing games and daily use? I saw the USB C and HDMI im just curious since the price today isnt cheap and i already have a high end PC. Im no audio expert but i want a quality daily driver to match my setup.
biggest takeaway...being bi amped and tuned in software, there are no dodgy crossovers hidden away in the cabinets, with electrolyic caps that may go bad over a period of time.
The ownly downsides.If a board goes down on the amp or dsp circuit , It takes out the whole thing ,rather than say an amp or dac in a conventional system.
My gen 1s started emitting a whining noise in one side after 4 months. Lately they have started to go into “error mode”. My normal gear has not such problems. Also, and I might be mistaken, I think electrolytic caps are normally in amps , not speakers. Will not buy a KEFactive speaker again personally
I just discovered you and am now a subscriber! I like the approach you take; it is “balanced” ;^) and informative. One question: are you aware of any other active speaker that has a wireless connection option between the primary and secondary units? Thanks!
Thanks for the support Tom. There are a few out there the only thing is each would need independent power which involves a power cable. Going the wired route would be more available and probably less expensive. Kef seems to be leading the pack in that department.
@@audioarkitekts thanks for the quick reply Mike. The best place for these in my house would be on either side of a set of French doors so I can’t conveniently run a wire between the two. So the wireless connection is a real selling point. In addition to everything else it has to offer.
Hi there, I wanna use the LSX as to soundbar.
my question is if I can use the Kef 90 degree rotated laying then on the long side. Because I don’t have that much space under my TV. Thanx
I want all in one. Integrated amps are the future. Plus less shit to buy and worry about and cause clutter. I couldn't care less about passive speakers.
How You could compare these speakers and two sonos 5? What would sound better ?
I've never heard the Sonos 5's unfortunately 😕
Right now i prefer to have passive speakers with an amp. Currently i am searching for a new pair of speakers combined with a good amp that matches very well. But it is not easy to find. This small speakers (i think they look pretty) would be perfect for a desktop setup or near field listening for hobby music production, for example. The good thing about active speakers is, that the amp is build in and probably is well adapted to the drivers and the crossover (o sorry, do active speakers have a crossover, especially this one ?) of the speaker, as far as i know. It is the "modern way" of hifi. It is compact, practical and you can save some money. For me it would be interesting for a small second setup. But for real music listening, they won´t be truly suitable for every hifi enthusiast. But mayby i am wrong. KEF speakers in this category are very famous and have got many fans around the world. OK, so i have to admit that i am probably wrong. IoI
Sonus Faber Lumina II are game changers
@@audioarkitektsI have lumina II and kef lsx 1 and really kef sounds very very well. I'm thinking to sell lumina II and amplifier....whith kef LSX i don't need more 🤷
I had the LSX 1’s and now I am torn on doing LSX 2 or LS50W2 for my desk.
I also have the LSX 1’s and purchased the 2’s. I definitely think it’s an upgrade. The volume is louder and the base response is much more balanced and sounds amazing. I have the REL T5X subwoofer and it’s a perfect pairing for me. KEF did some great things with the DSP!
@@luvtechLynn awesome to hear that's the setup I was looking at.
I am also torn between getting the LSX II with a decent subwoofer like their KC62 or to get the LS50 wireless II and maybe get a sub later on.
@@ghosttechtips6944 I have a small/medium room with low ceiling. So the LSX II is plenty loud for me at 60% volume. Depending on how large your room is, you may want to go with the LS50 wireless II.
Do they sound different from the originals??
Never heard the first versions
I know it's not the same to compare HomePod 2 (stereo pair) vs LSX II due to the price difference but what sounds better without a subwoofer? Both LSX II and HomePod 2 are about the same size and offer wireless sound. I am torn and not sure which to get (dismissing price). Can anyone help?
LSX for sure!
As desk speakers these are absolutely stunning, but their not the most room filling sound if im behing honest, and bass falls off considerably once you get further than 3 feet away of them. I recommend these if your looking to use them as a desk speaker setup, but other than that would not recommend them.
What would you recommend ?
As a dinosaur audiophile EE from long, long, long ago, I know well the potential advantages of self-powered speaker systems, IF executed well. However, being a freedom-loving sort of grunting old fart, I personally like the freedom to chose my own speaker/amplifier couplings, for better or worse, and as such, the free ability to change such couplings for a possible performance betterment. Kind of like enjoying the hunt! These KEF units strike me though, as a damned good desktop option or stereo pair for a university dorm usage! 😉👍🍺
I agree 100%
UGH 🤬 -- yours ALSO had the scratches on the face due the shipping packaging... top left at @1:13 and at @1:15
Where is the volume control?
Volume control can be done via the Remote
Soundstage isnt great imo. I can clearly hear where the sound is coming from especially when i play rock songs. They sound a bit thin for my ears. Maybe i should upgrade to the ls50w2
I find the video so dark and the lighting doesn’t really show off what the colour of the speakers actually look like. I wanted to see the lsx 2 blue in a real life setup.
Powered wireless speakers are the future, I think in 8-10 years the whole passive hifi systems will be obsolete but for a very small niche.