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  1. Home
  2. Powered Stereo Speakers
  3. Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs KEF LS50 Wireless II

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs KEF LS50 Wireless II Comparison

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Sony Signature Series SA-Z1

Powered Bookshelf | 51-100k Hz

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
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KEF LS50 Wireless II

Powered Bookshelf | 45-28k Hz

KEF LS50 Wireless II
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Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 Sony Signature Serie...
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KEF LS50 Wireless II KEF LS50 Wireless II
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Sony Signature Serie...
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KEF LS50 Wireless II
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Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs KEF LS50 Wireless II Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Signature Series SA-Z1 and LS50 Wireless II, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Sony and KEF. 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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and KEF LS50 Wireless II first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Key SpecsSony Signature Series SA-Z1KEF LS50 Wireless II
BrandSony
Japan · founded 1946
KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961
Design2-way2-way
Built-in amplifier212-watt RMS380-watt RMS (760-watt peak)
Uni-Q driver—12th Generation Uni-Q
Tweeter0.75, 0.5 (2)" Hard-Dome1" Hard-Dome
Woofer2 x 4"5.25"
Frequency response51-100k Hz45-28k Hz
Max depth / sample rate32-bit / 768 HzYes / 384 kHz
BluetoothNoBuilt-in
App control—Yes
Weight10.49kg / 23.1lbs20.10kg / 44.2lbs
Dimensions (H x W x D)8.25" x 7.875" x 12.875"
209.5 x 200.0 x 327.0mm
10.9375" x 7.875" x 12.6875"
277.8 x 200.0 x 322.3mm

The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both Signature Series SA-Z1 and LS50 Wireless II are 2-way speakers.

Woofer - 4 inchWoofer - 4 inch
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
Tweeter - 1 inchWoofer - 5.25 inch
KEF LS50 Wireless II

TweeterWoofer

Drivers drawn to scale and directly comparable. Cabinet outlines are indicative: full dimensions are not published for both. Hover a driver for its size.

Driver Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 KEF LS50 Wireless II
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 0.75, 0.5 (2)-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 2 x 4-inch 1 x 5.25-inch

Signature Series SA-Z1 features a 0.75, 0.5 (2)" Titanium Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Woofer. On the other hand, the LS50 Wireless II features a 1" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer.

Frequency Response

Signature Series SA-Z1 has a frequency range of 51-100k Hz whereas LS50 Wireless II has a frequency range of 45-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the LS50 Wireless II can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Signature Series SA-Z1's min frequency of 51Hz.

The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Signature Series SA-Z1
LS50 Wireless II
Min
Average
Median

Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.

Physical Specs

The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Sony Signature Series SA-Z1's and KEF LS50 Wireless II's external dimensions. 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) whereas KEF LS50 Wireless II has external dimensions of 277.8 x 200.0 x 322.3mm (10.9375 x 7.875 x 12.6875inch).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and KEF LS50 Wireless II in scale.

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs KEF LS50 Wireless II Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and KEF LS50 Wireless II 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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 is approximately 654.0cm2 / 101.4inch2 and base area of the KEF LS50 Wireless II is approximately 644.6cm2 / 99.9inch2. The Signature Series SA-Z1 requires 1% more surface area than the LS50 Wireless II which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

Here is another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs KEF LS50 Wireless II Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and KEF LS50 Wireless II on a Media Console
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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 weighs 10.49kg / 23.1lbs and the KEF LS50 Wireless II weighs 20.10kg / 44.2lbs. This makes the LS50 Wireless II 92% heavier than the Signature Series SA-Z1.

Here is a comparison of how Signature Series SA-Z1 and LS50 Wireless II's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
KEF LS50 Wireless II
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Signature Series SA-Z1:
  • 2 Desktop monitor speakers
  • 2 AC power cords
  • Digital sync cable
  • Walkman cable
  • USB-C to USB-B cable
  • Remote control
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • Instruction Manual

What's in the Box of KEF LS50 Wireless II?

Here are the items that come with the LS50 Wireless II:
  • 2 Wireless powered speakers
  • Two 6.5' AC power cords
  • 10' Cat-6 interconnect speaker cable
  • Remote control
  • 2 \"AAA\" batteries
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Important Safety Information
  • Warranty Information


Reasons to choose Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 over KEF LS50 Wireless II

Number of Woofers 2 vs 1 More woofers
High Frequency Response 100k Hz vs 28k Hz Generates higher frequency
Height 209mm vs 277mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
RCA Connection Yes vs No Connection via RCA input
XLR Connection Yes vs No Connection via XLR input

Reasons to choose KEF LS50 Wireless II over Sony Signature Series SA-Z1

Woofer Size 5.25 inches vs 4 inches Larger woofer
Low Frequency Response 45 Hz vs 51 Hz Generates deeper bass
App-Based Control Apple iOS, Android vs None Control the speaker via an app
Base Surface Area 644cm2 vs 654cm2 Takes less floor space
Price per pair* 2999USD vs 8000USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Ethernet Connection Yes vs No High quality streaming over Ethernet
USB Port Service only vs No USB port adds flexibility
HDMI Input eARC vs No Connect HDMI sources directly
Subwoofer Output mono-RCA vs No Pair your speakers with external subwoofer

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs KEF LS50 Wireless II Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 KEF LS50 Wireless II
Brand Sony KEF
Speaker Type Powered Stereo Speakers Powered Stereo Speakers
Frequency Response 51-100k Hz 45-28k Hz
Amplifier
Watts RMS (Continuous) 212-watt RMS 380-watt RMS
Watts Peak (Max) n/a 760-watt RMS
Max Bit Depth 32-bit Yes
Max Sample Rate 768 Hz 384 kHz
Drivers
Woofer Quantity 2 1
Woofer Size 4" 5.25"
Woofer Composition
Tweeter Size 0.75, 0.5 (2)" 1"
Tweeter Type Hard-Dome Hard-Dome
Aimable Tweeter No No
Midrange Driver No No
Firing Direction n/a rear
Physical Specs
Height 209.5mm (8.2") 277.8mm (10.9")
Width 200.0mm (7.9") 200.0mm (7.9")
Depth 327.0mm (12.9") 322.3mm (12.7")
Weight 10.49kg (23.1lbs) 20.10kg (44.2lbs)
Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
Mounting Bracket No
Moisture Resistancy No No
Connections
Aux Inputs 3.5mm, RCA, XLR 3.5mm
USB Port USB-B Service only
Phone Input No No
Subwoofer Output No mono-RCA
Digital Input Optical, Walkman 1
HDMI Input No eARC
Headphone Jack No No
Ethernet Port No Yes
Other
Parts Warranty 2 Years 3 Year w/ registration
Labor Warranty 2 Years 3 Year w/ registration

Verdict

These sit in different price classes - Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 costs roughly 2.7x what KEF LS50 Wireless II does. Expect it to lead on paper; the question is whether the gap is audible enough in your room to be worth it.

AreaBetterWhy
BassBKEF LS50 Wireless II digs deeper - 45Hz against 51Hz. A subwoofer would even that out.
Built-in powerBKEF LS50 Wireless II has the bigger amplifier (380W vs 212W RMS).
ConnectionsBKEF LS50 Wireless II adds Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, streaming and HDMI.
SizedependsSony Signature Series SA-Z1 is easier to place; KEF LS50 Wireless II is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides.
ExpandabilityBKEF LS50 Wireless II: a sub output.
PriceBKEF LS50 Wireless II is cheaper - $2,999 against $8,000, about 63% less; arguably a different class.

A Sony Signature Series SA-Z1  B KEF LS50 Wireless II
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.

Which should you choose?

KEF LS50 Wireless II is the easier recommendation: it leads on most of the measured areas and costs less. Take Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 if its size, looks or fit in your room suit you better. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 51Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. Think about the whole system, not just the speakers: the roughly $5,001 saved by taking the cheaper pair would buy a subwoofer or a better amplifier, and either usually does more for the sound than the difference between these two.

And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.


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