KEF LSX II LT review
With only small compromises but at a significantly lower price, KEF presents the “LT” version of the LSX II mini active speakers. And they are still supposed to sound just as good.
We know them, don’t we? That might be your first reaction to the latest models from the English speaker manufacturer KEF. The LSX II LT reviewed here is, as the name suggests, a modified version of the LSX II. This is an upgraded version of the LSX, which in turn can be seen as a mini version of the LS50 Wireless.
Build & Design
From the front, not much has changed over three generations of LSX. The developers were likely satisfied from the start with the independent and elegant design, as well as the sound of the “Uni-Q” coaxial driver, which is synonymous with the brand. The sound remains the same from the LSX II to the new LSX II LT. The big surprise: the new speakers cost around 1,000 euros – 400 euros less than the LSX II. Naturally, this lower price means cuts were made elsewhere, and 7Review investigates and explains where exactly KEF has made savings.
But let’s start at the beginning: even in its original version, KEF’s mini model LSX impressed us. At the time, you could describe it as a smaller version of the LS50 Wireless, but it held its own without needing a direct comparison. In 2022, it was followed by the LSX II, which addressed our previous criticisms—such as a slightly complicated app control and the lack of a USB input.
We had considered the LSX to be excellent desktop speakers due to their compact size. USB, in the latest C-standard since LSX II, and HDMI make them nearly essential for this purpose, allowing connection to a TV. For everything else, the built-in streaming or Bluetooth should suffice, as the LT version lacks the analog 3.5mm jack input found in the LSX II.
This is the first cost-cutting measure in the LT version to achieve the lower price. This likely affects primarily vinyl listeners, as the new KEF speakers only offer digital inputs. CD players often have digital outputs, but vinyl enthusiasts will need a Phono preamp and an analog-to-digital converter. However, the speakers are not aimed at analog purists, as the master speaker transmits its signal digitally to the slave speaker. This means that even in LSX II or other KEF active speakers, the analog signal is first digitized.
Otherwise, the connections remain unchanged. In addition to the previously mentioned ports, there is an optical connection and a subwoofer output.
The licensing issue
On the digital side, KEF has also made some cuts—although the “W2 platform” and the associated KEF-Connect app are identical to other current KEF active speakers. In short, the LSX II LT can stream music from services like Amazon Music, Qobuz, or Internet radio via the app, and also access local servers. Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay, Chromecast, and Bluetooth are still supported, providing a broad range of streaming sources.
However, something is missing from this list, which other KEF speakers have: Roon integration. To work with the music management software, the device must be licensed by Roon—now part of Harman, owned by Samsung. This licensing involves costs, and so this is a point where KEF has saved money.
The same applies to the MQA audio format, which is also missing from the KEF LSX II LT and is licensed by MQA, now part of Lenbrook. But these are the only digital savings, with other licenses remaining intact. For fans of MQA or Roon, this might be a dealbreaker, but for most others, it’s not a significant issue. The DAC in the speakers can still process PCM files up to 24-bit/384 kHz and supports DSD.
Everything else in the app remains unchanged, including the need to create an account to use it. In addition to streaming services, KEF Connect offers built-in sound settings, led by a profile-managed equalizer. Designed for beginners, it can be used in “normal” mode—defining placement based on wall and corner distances—or in “pro” mode, where you can adjust treble in decibels. KEF provides presets for desktop placement.
This is one of the strengths of the LSX II LT: thanks to its compact size, it can fit well in smaller setups. The coaxial driver, consisting of a 115mm woofer and a centrally mounted tweeter, sounds great even up close, and the USB connection should not cause any issues with computers. However, it would be ideal to have a control option directly on the speakers, as you always need the remote or the app to adjust settings. In this use case, the computer handles music playback but does not provide access to the sound settings.
Power supply
Another change from LSX II to LT is the connection between the speakers, which now goes hand in hand with the power supply. This is achieved by the second USB-C port on the master speaker.
It is now mandatory to connect the two speakers via this port. The previous models and the larger KEF active speakers were wireless, but they could also be connected by cable, which is now the only option for the LSX II LT. However, KEF has cleverly solved this issue. Instead of using the RJ45 connection, common for LAN cables, they now use USB. This standard, familiar from phones and computers, transmits both data and power, meaning the secondary speaker no longer requires a separate power cable. KEF also offers an optional “C-Link” cable that is eight meters long for those who find the supplied three-meter cable too short.
This allows more flexible placement, as only the main speaker needs a power outlet instead of both.
The good thing is that you can freely choose where each speaker is placed. What seems like a reduction in features on paper actually provides situational advantages, showing that the LSX II LT is more than just a reduced version of its more expensive siblings.
Another change, viewed from two angles, is the housing of the KEF. While the look and the low height of 24 centimeters remain identical and are again designed by Michael Young, the finish is somewhat simpler. Instead of the stylish fabric covering and lacquer of the LSX II, the LT’s exterior is made of dyed plastic. It may look less elegant, but KEF notes that it is more environmentally friendly. The new housing still feels high-quality.
Sound Quality
As with previous LSX models and given the size, the somewhat limited bass response is the biggest downside of the KEF. While it does reach surprisingly low frequencies, larger speakers with bigger bass drivers naturally have an advantage here.
The slightly lower bass extension also explains the moderate distortion levels in the bass. At our measurement point of 63 Hz, the KEF delivers less volume than at other frequencies, and while the distortion appears high on paper, it is not audible in practice. The KEF doesn’t lack bass definition either, and the overall performance sounds full and rounded, never thin, hollow, or distorted.
For example, it’s impressive how precise the drum hits at the beginning of “Freibad Süd” by the United Jazz + Rock Ensemble move across the exceptionally wide soundstage, supported by audience applause. The following groove is equally well presented, with the band sounding lively, while the LSX II LT also excels in rendering subtle accents with precision.
The same applies to “R U Mine?” by the Arctic Monkeys, where the speakers create a punchy “wall of sound” and have no trouble filling rooms over 20 square meters with distortion-free volume. This holds true for quieter near-field listening at a desk as well; a few quick equalizer adjustments may be needed, but after that, the LSX II LT performs at least on par with its more expensive sibling, perhaps even better, as the lack of deep bass is less noticeable. The Uni-Q drivers shine here, sounding precise, coherent, and with realistic tonal colors.
If you don’t need bass-heavy party speakers and value aspects like sharp imaging and precision, you will enjoy the LSX II LT version—whether at your desk, with a TV, or in a listening room, as long as the lack of a wireless connection doesn’t complicate setup. Fans of Roon, MQA, or analog inputs may miss those features, but for everyone else, these small KEF speakers offer impressive sound for their price.
KEF LSX vs KEF LSX II LT
The KEF LSX II LT is a modified version of the LSX II. Here’s an overview of the differences:
- The LSX II LT offers some savings, particularly in certifications. The speaker connection is both an advantage and a disadvantage.
- Lower price, same features and sound, more eco-friendly according to KEF, and only requires one power cable.
- No AUX input, no MQA or Roon, and no wireless connection between the speakers.
As an evolution of the original LSX, the LSX II has many features, which of course reflect in the price.
- Wireless speaker connection, analog input, elegant fabric covering and lacquer finish, Roon & MQA support.
- Higher price, both speakers need to be plugged into separate power outlets.
Specs
| Product Category | Compact speakers (active with streaming) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 15.5 x 24 x 18 cm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg |
| German Distributor | KEF / GP Acoustics GmbH |
| Speaker Configuration | Coaxial driver, bass driver / wired (USB-C connection between speakers) |
| Sound Quality Rating | 9.7 / 10 (Very good) |
| Frequency Response / Step Response | 8 / 10 (Balanced / good) |
| Distortion (at 63k/3k/1kHz) | 7 / 10 (Satisfactory) |
| Sound Correction Available | Yes |
| Enclosure Finishes | Gray, White, Green |
| Included Accessories | Power and connection cables (no additional accessories) |
| Build Quality / Feel | 9 / 10 (High-quality) |
| Connections | HDMI, optical, USB-C, Sub Out |
| Bluetooth / Expandability | Yes / Yes |
| Streaming Standards | Airplay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, UPnP, Internet radio, Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz |
| Music Formats | HighRes, DSD (no MQA) |
| Setup / First Use | 8 / 10 (Simple / very simple) |
| Remote Control Quality | 6.5 / 10 (Satisfactory) |
| Device Control / Display | Not available (LED shows input status) |
| Manual Quality | 8 / 10 (Good) |
| App Quality (Features / Usability) | 8 / 10 (Good) |
| Warranty | 2 years for electronics, 5 years for drivers |
| Packaging | Compact, mostly cardboard |
| Standby Power Consumption | 7 / 10 (Very low / low) |
| Overall Rating | 8 / 10 (Good) |
Verdcit
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