A New Standard for Active Bookshelf Loudspeakers: MAT-Equipped KEF LS50 Wireless II Supports Major Music Services Plus DSD256, MQA and Roon, Plays with Uncanny Fidelity
Freedom, ease, flexibility, immersive performance: The KEF LS50 Wireless II powered bookshelf loudspeaker delivers on those concepts and many more, and in the process, establishes new standards for fully active speakers in an even more impressive manner than the ways set by its award-winning predecessor. The result of three years of intense research and development, the Roon-ready LS50 Wireless II plays practically everything by way of its compatibility with all major music services, streaming protocols (AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and Bluetooth included), and formats (DSD256, 24-bit/384kHz, and MQA included). Allowing for limitless placement options given its optional wireless interspeaker operation, LS50 Wireless II also touts comprehensive connectivity that invite you to hook up your TV (eARC HDMI, Toslink, coaxial), source component (auxiliary), or even add a subwoofer (output on both speakers). And there are no barriers to enjoyment. An intuitive user interface, over-the-air firmware updates, three on-boarding methods, and a dedicated KEF app handle the set-up process, controls, and settings – and invite you to tune the speakers to suit your personal tastes.
Enhanced by KEF's bespoke Music Integrity Engine – a cutting-edge collection of Digital Signal Processing algorithms – as well as a 100-watt Class A/AB amplifier for each tweeter and dedicated, in-house-devised 280-watt amplifiers for the mid/bass section, LS50 Wireless II incorporates groundbreaking Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) – a highly complex maze-like structure in which each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency. When combined, they act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing nearly all the unwanted sound that comes from the rear of the tweeter. Then factor in the inclusion of KEF's signature Uni-Q architecture with MAT driver array, a 12th-generation development with a brand-new cone-neck decoder and motor system. This point-source configuration boasts an unusually large sweet spot and offers remarkably fast, natural, transparent sonics complete with three-dimensional imaging and deep bass. Add it all up, and LS50 Wireless II delivers music playback distinguished with beguiling purity, accuracy, dynamics, detail, clarity, and presence – as well as seriously deep, articulate bass.
Visually, LS50 Wireless II pops in any setting. Created with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the flare and profile of the patented off-set flexible port arrives calculated to delay the onset of turbulence all the while flexible walls prevent ruinous resonances. Inside, Constrained Layer Damping (CLD) helps deaden internal vibrations. A meticulously inlaid top-panel LED touch panel, elegant rear-panel heatsink, and underside-mounted threaded insets that permit effortless locking to the optional S2 stands round out this visual champion.
Liable to permanently change how you experience music and movies without you needing to rearrange your room, LS Wireless II even comes with an ergonomic remote control. As well as our 100% Music Direct Satisfaction Guarantee.
"They can handle hi-res music or just Bluetooth from your phone, look fabulous whether on shelves or their dedicated stands – and of course have that 'hi-fi without all the boxes' appeal."
—EISA Award for 2021-2022, Wireless Standmount Loudspeakers
All the Music at Any Time
The new wireless platform that sits at the digital heart of the LS50 Wireless II ensures that no matter how you like to listen to music, you will be able to do so with the minimum of fuss and in fantastic sound quality. LS50 Wireless II gives you direct access to your favurite music services, including Spotify (via Spotify Connect), Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Deezer. You can even tune in to Internet Radio Stations and catch up on the latest podcasts through the KEF Connect app. AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast seamlessly connect your compatible Apple or Android device, while Bluetooth expands the options even further. There are also wired connections for your TV, turntable, CD player, and games console via the HDMI, analog, optical, and coaxial inputs. LS50 Wireless II has audiophiles covered with support for streaming music files up to 24-bit/384kHz as well as MQA decoding, DSD256, and Roon Ready.
Accurate, Immersive Sound Through Cutting-Edge Engineering
KEF's Uni-Q point source configuration delivers a detailed, accurate, and integrated three-dimensional sound image, which is dispersed so evenly throughout the room that the sweet spot is wherever you are in the room. Using simulation and analysis tools, engineers developed the 12th-generation Uni-Q with MAT driver array to reduce high-frequency distortion in the mid-frequency driver. The result is reduced coloration, minimal distortion, and a sound that is strikingly transparent and lifelike. The other frequencies are equally well served, with a crystal-clear midrange and deep, articulate bass. The performance of LS50 Wireless II is aided by KEF's bespoke Music Integrity Engine, a cutting-edge collection of bespoke Digital Signal Processing algorithms optimized for the new Uni-Q with MAT driver array, enabling it to deliver a perfectly timed performance, for fantastic imaging and tight, unsmeared sound. LS50 Wireless II also has plenty of power on tap. Each tweeter benefits from being driven by a new 100W Class A/B amplifier that delivers smooth, incredibly detailed treble performance. Dedicated 280W Class D amplifiers power the mid/bass drivers. The diligent amplifier development has all been undertaken in-house by KEF, in order to completely control the quality of power on offer.
User-Centric Design Lets You Be You
LS50 Wireless II is a breeze to set up, proves intuitive to use, and offers over-the-air firmware updates for bringing you new and improved features with the minimum of fuss. You can choose to connect the speakers with the supplied cable (24-bit/192kHz resolution) or wirelessly (with 24-bit/96kHz resolution) for a clutter-free set up. You can even select your favorite source to wake up LS50 Wireless II whenever it comes on. Plus, when using AirPlay 2, Chromecast, or Roon, you can stream to multiple speakers so you can play music all over your house. The brand-new dedicated KEF Connect app walks you through the setup and controls the system on a day-to-day basis, including intuitive sound settings, so you can tune LS50 Wireless II to your own personal tastes.
Attention to Every Detail
LS50 Wireless II fits comfortably into your living space when it comes to style. The low-diffraction, curved baffle is precision-modeled around the Uni-Q driver array, while eye-catching heat sinks and color-matched ports are located on the well-equipped rear. All the available colors are mirrored on both the drive units and the rear-facing port means LS50 Wireless II looks fantastic from any angle. On the underside, each optional KEF S2 floor stands, which also boast integrated cable management and a mass-loadable column. The stands are all color-matched to your finish of choice. For even more impact and bass extension, LS50 Wireless II features two subwoofer outputs, one on each speaker.
