In this review, we will be comparing LSX II and HD3, 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 HD3 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 HD3 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 30-watt RMS( 60-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2.75" Kevlar/Glass-Aramid Composite Woofer
- 65-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 48 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
- Weight:1.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 231.8" x 4.25" x 7.25"( 231.8 x 108.0 x 177.8mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KEF LSX II and Audioengine HD3 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 HD3 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF LSX II |
Audioengine HD3 |
|
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 HD3 features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 2.75" Kevlar/Glass-Aramid Composite Woofer .
Frequency Response
LSX II has a frequency range of 54-28k Hz whereas HD3 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 HD3'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 HD3 has a front firing ports. Audioengine HD3'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 HD3's external dimensions. KEF LSX II has external dimensions of 240 × 155 × 180 mm ( 9.5 × 6.1 × 7.1 inch) whereas Audioengine HD3 has external dimensions of 231.8 x 108.0 x 177.8mm ( 9.125 x 4.25 x 7.25inch) .
KEF LSX II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 47mm wider, 8.2mm taller and 2.2mm deeper than Audioengine HD3.
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 HD3 is approximately 192.0cm2 / 29.8inch2. The LSX II requires 45% more surface area than the HD3 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The KEF LSX II weighs 3.60kg / 7.9lbs and the Audioengine HD3 weighs 1.55kg / 3.4lbs. This makes the LSX II 132% heavier than the HD3.
Here is a comparison of how LSX II and HD3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of KEF LSX II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of LSX II:
2 Wireless powered speakersTwo 6.5-feet AC power cords10-feet Cat-6 interconnect speaker cableRemote control2 AAA batteries Quick Start Guide Important Safety Information Warranty Information Maintenance Guide
What's in the Box of Audioengine HD3?
Here are the items that come with the HD3:
Powered speakerPassive speaker2 Grilles (pre-installed)AC power supply (attached 6-feet DC cord)6-feet AC power cordBluetooth antenna5-feet microUSB-to-USB cable6.5-feet Speaker cable (banana connectors on each end)5-feet Stereo minijack cable2 Microfiber speaker bagsMIcrofiber cable bagQuickstart GuideProduct Line Brochure
 Woofer Size |
4.5 inches
vs
2.75 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
54 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
Apple iOS, Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
 USB Port |
USB-C (connects to your computer)
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
 Digital Input |
Optical
vs
No
|
Connect digital inputs directly |
 HDMI Input |
ARC
vs
No
|
Connect HDMI sources directly |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
231mm
vs
240mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
192cm2
vs
279cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
1299USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 RCA Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via RCA input |
 Headphone Output |
3.5mm
vs
No
|
Connect your headphone |
| General |
KEF LSX II |
Audioengine HD3 |
| Brand |
KEF |
Audioengine |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
| Frequency Response |
54-28k Hz |
65-22k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
30-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
60-watt RMS |
| Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
24-bit |
| Max Sample Rate |
384 kHz |
48 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
2.75" |
| Woofer Composition |
Magnesium/Aluminium alloy |
Kevlar/Glass-Aramid Composite |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
0.75" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
240.0mm (9.4") |
231.8mm (9.1") |
| Width |
155.0mm (6.1") |
108.0mm (4.3") |
| Depth |
180.0mm (7.1") |
177.8mm (7") |
| Weight |
3.60kg (7.9lbs) |
1.55kg (3.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Carbon Black, Mineral White, Cobalt Blue, Lava Red, and Soundwave |
Black, Walnut, White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Aux Inputs |
3.5mm |
3.5mm, RCA |
| USB Port |
USB-C (connects to your computer) |
microUSB |
| Phone Input |
No |
No |
| Subwoofer Output |
Wired |
Wired |
| Digital Input |
Optical |
No |
| HDMI Input |
ARC |
No |
| Headphone Jack |
No |
3.5mm |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |