In this review, we will be comparing LSX and LS50, two Bookshelf speakers by KEF The main difference between these two speakers is that the KEF LSX is a Powered speaker which means that it has a built-in amplifier inside the speaker body so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp whereas the KEF LS50 is a Passive speaker so has to be matched with an amplifier to get any sound from it. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF LSX and KEF LS50 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
LSX and LS50 are members of KEF's LS series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KEF LSX and KEF LS50 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 and LS50 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF LSX |
KEF LS50 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
LSX features a 0.75" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Magnesium/Aluminium alloy Woofer . On the other hand, the LS50 features a 1" Aluminum Vented dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Magnesium/aluminum alloy Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
LSX has a frequency range of 59-28k Hz whereas LS50 has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 59Hz, the LSX can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the LS50's min frequency of 79Hz.
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
Both LSX and LS50 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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's and KEF LS50's external dimensions. KEF LSX has external dimensions of 239.7 x 155.6 x 180mm ( 9.4375 x 6.125 x 7.1inch) whereas KEF LS50 has external dimensions of 302.0 x 200.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.8 x 7.8 x 10.9inch) .
KEF LS50 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 44.4mm wider, 62.3mm taller and 98mm deeper than KEF LSX.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of KEF LSX and KEF LS50 in scale.
Comparison image of KEF LSX and KEF LS50 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 is approximately 365.7cm2 / 56.7inch2 and base area of the KEF LS50 is approximately 556.0cm2 / 86.2inch2. The LSX requires 34% less surface area than the LS50 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 and KEF LS50 on a Media Console
What's in the Box of KEF LSX?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of LSX:
2 Powered wireless audio speakerTwo 6.5-feet AC power cords10-feet Ethernet cableRemote control (CR2032 3V battery pre-installed)Maintenance GuideSpecificationsWarranty InformationImportant Safety Information
What's in the Box of KEF LS50?
Here are the items that come with the LS50:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Foam port plugs 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Warranty Registration Card