In this review, we will be comparing LSX II and Sony Signature Series SA-Z1, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from KEF and Sony. 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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KEF LSX II and Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both LSX II and Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF LSX II |
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75, 0.5 (2)-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
2 x 4-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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 features a 0.75, 0.5 (2)" Titanium Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Woofer .
Frequency Response
LSX II has a frequency range of 54-28k Hz whereas Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 has a frequency range of 51-100k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 51Hz, the Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 can go slightly deeper then the LSX II's min frequency of 54Hz.
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
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
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.
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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1's external dimensions. KEF LSX II has external dimensions of 240 × 155 × 180 mm ( 9.5 × 6.1 × 7.1 inch) whereas Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 has external dimensions of 209.5 x 200.0 x 327.0mm ( 8.25 x 7.875 x 12.875inch) .
KEF LSX II is 45mm narrower and 147mm less deeper than Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 but it is also 30.5mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of KEF LSX II and Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 in scale.
Comparison image of KEF LSX II and Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 Size and External Dimensions
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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 is approximately 654.0cm2 / 101.4inch2. The LSX II requires 57% less surface area than the Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of KEF LSX II and Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 on a Media Console
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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1?
Here are the items that come with the Sony Signature Series SA-Z1:
2 Desktop monitor speakers2 AC power cordsDigital sync cableWalkman cableUSB-C to USB-B cableRemote control2 AAA batteriesInstruction Manual