KEF LSX II LT Unveiled
KEF just announced the KEF LSX II LT, a light (LT) version of its popular KEF LSX II wireless powered streaming bookshelf speaker that is ideal for computer, desktop or small room use. The new LSX II LT will have an MSRP of $999 per pair whereas the original LSX II is selling for $1,399 (well, some colors are discounted to $999 as of this post).
So what makes the $400 difference between these two models, and which one is a better buy for you, let analyze:
Connection between Left and Right Speakers and Placement
The new LSX II LT is not a fully-wireles system as you have to connect left and right speakers physically via a C-Link Interspeaker Cable (3m cable is included, a 8m one is sold separately) , whereas the LSX II can connect with a RJ-45 cable cable or just run wirelessly.
So placing the LSX II must be easier and more flexible than the LT version, right? Not so fast!
The LT has all the amps in the primary speaker, however the original has seperate amps in each enclosure. So the original LSX II's secondary speaker has to be connected to the power plug via a mains cable, on the other hand the secondary on the LT version doesn't have to as it gets the power and the signal from the primary speaker via the same cable. So one cable comes, another goes!
Back of the secondary speaker
Inputs
The original LSX II had a 3.5mm plug for analog inputs but the LT version doesn't have it. If you are planning to connect analog resources, the LSX II may be the more flexible option for you.
KEF LSX II LT Connections
Bluetooth
The LSX II LT Bluetooth version is V5.0 whereas the original's BT is version 4.2. The V5.0 offers 2x the Data Rate (Upto 2 Mbps vs 1Mbps), longer range, lowers power and more reliable connection.
KEF LSX II LT is an ideal desktop and computer speaker
MQA and ROON
The LSX II is Roon ready and supports MQA playback but the new LT version does't have any of these capabilities. Again if these are very critical for you, go for the original LSX II.
KEF LSX II LT in Sage Green Color
Colors
The two model are available in different colors: Sage Green, Graphite Grey, Stone White for the LT and the Carbon Black, Mineral White, Cobalt Blue, Lava Red, and Soundwave for the original version. The LSX II is available on more color finish options at the momeent but I think KEF will probably come with additional color options for the LSX II LT in the future.
Price
As mentioned before, the original LSX II MSRP is 400 USD higher than the LT. Other than the differences we listed above, the sound quality and all the other features are the almost identical between thse two models. I personally think the new LSX II LT is a good deal as most of these compromises are not critical for me (except maybe MQA). On the other hand, the original LSX II is often discounted to $999 so if you can find it at this price, gor for the original. If not, I recommend the LSX II LT version!
KEF LSX II LT Powered Bookshelf Speaker Key Specs
- 2-way Bass Reflex Design
- 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 1 x 4.5" Magnesium/Aluminium alloy Woofer
- 54-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 200-watt RMS Class D Type Integrated Amplifier
- 24-bit Max Depth / 384 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
- HDMI ARC Input
- Ethernet Port
- Wired Subwoofer Output
- Handheld Remote
- App Control Feature
- Weight:7.80 lbs / 3.60 kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 9.5" x 6.1" x 7.1" / 240 × 155 × 180 mm
- Replaced KEF LSX Compare
- Read the Review