In this review, we will be comparing LSX II and A1-MR, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from KEF and Audioengine. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF LSX II and Audioengine A1-MR first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
KEF LSX II Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 200-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 4.5" Magnesium/Aluminium alloy Woofer
- 54-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 384 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 4.2 Bluetooth
- App Control Feature
- Weight:3.60kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 240.0" x 6.1" x 7.1"( 240 × 155 × 180 mm )
Audioengine A1-MR Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 30-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2.75" Aramid Fiber Woofer
- 65-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 16-bit Max Depth / 48 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
- App Control Feature
- Weight:1.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 158.8" x 4.1875" x 7.125"( 158.8 x 106.4 x 181.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KEF LSX II and Audioengine A1-MR compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both LSX II and A1-MR are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF LSX II |
Audioengine A1-MR |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 2.75-inch
|
LSX II features a 0.75" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Magnesium/Aluminium alloy Woofer . On the other hand, the A1-MR features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 2.75" Aramid Fiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
LSX II has a frequency range of 54-28k Hz whereas A1-MR has a frequency range of 65-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 54Hz, the LSX II can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A1-MR's min frequency of 65Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
LSX II has a rear firing port whereas A1-MR has a front firing ports. Audioengine A1-MR's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to KEF LSX II with its rear-firing port.
KEF LSX II Port
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare KEF LSX II's and Audioengine A1-MR's external dimensions. KEF LSX II has external dimensions of 240 × 155 × 180 mm ( 9.5 × 6.1 × 7.1 inch) whereas Audioengine A1-MR has external dimensions of 158.8 x 106.4 x 181.0mm ( 6.25 x 4.1875 x 7.125inch) .
Audioengine A1-MR is 48.6mm narrower and 81.2mm shorter than KEF LSX II but it is also 1mm deeper.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the KEF LSX II is approximately 279.0cm2 / 43.2inch2 and base area of the Audioengine A1-MR is approximately 192.6cm2 / 29.9inch2. The LSX II requires 45% more surface area than the A1-MR which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.