KEF has taken its first generation LS50 speaker and given it a complete innovation overhaul to create the LS50 Wireless II for a fully active wireless stereo speaker system with the signature KEF look and sound.
After three years of research, KEF has created the LS50 Wireless II to cater for those who use streaming services and want a minimal setup.
As an active speaker, the Wireless II incorporates 380W of amplification - a new 100W class A/B amplifier powers the tweeter and a 280W class D amplifier powers the mid/bass driver - all housed in the compact and recognisable form of its predecessor.
There’re additional new features which help elevate the LS50 Wireless II’s performance, including the latest 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT driver array which uses the recently developed Metamaterial Absorption Technology to reduce distortion and unwanted sound from the rear of the driver by up to 99-percent. This newly created synthetic material achieves this via a series of intricate channels which efficiently absorb a range of specific frequencies.
The delivery of accurate audio is aided by KEF’s Music Integrity Engine which uses a collection of bespoke Digital Signal Processing algorithms optimised for the new Uni-Q with MAT driver array. KEF’s Uni-Q point source configuration also ensures the audio is dispersed evenly throughout the space so that the ‘sweet spot’ is wherever you are in the room, and the KEF Connect app means that you can tailor the sound to the listening environment.
The left and right speakers connect wirelessly at 24bit/96kHz, though users may choose to connect them with the supplied interspeaker cable for 24bit/192kHz resolution. Don’t forget that even though the wireless connection adds to placement flexibility, access to mains power is still required.
With the KEF Connect app, the front end streaming service allows connection to Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, Internet Radio stations and podcasts. And you can stream directly from the native app with Spotify Connect. Streaming music files up to 24bit/384kHz is supported as well as support for MQA Decoding and Hi-Res DSD256 audio playback. The range of compatible wireless platforms includes AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast which seamlessly connects to compatible Apple or Android devices, and Bluetooth is included too.
For music fans with hardware sources, there’s the option for wired connections to TVs, turntables, CD players and games consoles, via the HDMI, analogue, optical and coaxial sockets.
The easy to setup LS50 Wireless II features a control panel on the top of the satin-finished cabinet and comes in four finishes, Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White as well as a Crimson Red Special Edition. These are matched by the latest S2 Floor Stand, designed to complement to the LS50 family of speakers.
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers are available from October, priced at £2,250.
Source: Press Release
Image Source: KEF