Kii Audio's wireless speaker system with hi-res streaming could be a potential KEF-killer

(Image credit: Kii)

German audio manufacturer Kii Audio has revealed the Seven wireless speaker system, and it could offer a more premium alternative to the likes of the five-star KEF LS50 Wireless II or LSX II speaker systems.

The Seven comprises two speakers fitted out with the latest smart streaming technologies and amplification, letting you actively stream tracks to this neat system without the need for extra boxes. Along with wi-fi, there's support for AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect baked in, while Bluetooth and Roon Ready certification complete the set. You can also link multiple Sevens together to create a multi-room system.

Streaming smarts are nothing without good sound, though, and it's here that Kii will have to work hard if it's to knock the likes of KEF and JBL off of their perches. Each speaker unit comprises two 16.5cm woofers, a 12.7cm mid-range driver and a custom wave-guided 2.5cm tweeter, all powered by 600W of amplification for what Kii promises will be a compact and cost-effective speaker solution.

Capable of delivering hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, the Seven have, according to the manufacturer, been "designed from the ground-up to deliver exceptional sound quality" for your home or studio.

Kii Seven smart speaker system on a white background — (Image credit: Kii)

Unlike many traditional smart speakers, these new units are made deliberately to reduce the impact of surrounding room acoustics. To this end, the Kii Seven has incorporated 'Active Wave Focusing' filters which force the drive units to create a more coherent wavefront emitted only towards the listener, offering what Kii promises will be detailed separation and excellent musicality.

There are digital and analogue physical connections as well, and you can connect the Kii Seven via ethernet for a more stable wireless connection. You can stream playlists and manage playback of all your tunes using the Kii Home App, which also lets users control and customise either a single or multiple speakers for up to 12 separate zones in your home.

Available in two colourways – white or dark grey – the Kii Seven wireless speaker system will be on sale from early 2024, priced at £3,495 / $3,895 for a single speaker and £6,990 / $7,790 for a stereo pair. At this premium price, the Kii Seven will also have to compete against the recently-reviewed premium JBL 4329P Studio Monitor speaker system, which impressed us with its powerful sound and streaming features at £3,499 / $4,500. Let's hope the Kii Audio can take on the established giants.

MORE:

Best hi-fi systems: CD, vinyl and streaming music systems for the home

Best speakers: budget to premium stereo speakers

Read our JBL 4329P Studio Monitor review

Read our reviews of the KEF LS50 Wireless II and the KEF LSX II speaker systems

Harry McKerrell is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. He studied law and history at university before working as a freelance journalist covering TV and gaming for numerous platforms both online and in print. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or forcing himself to go long-distance running.

1 Comment Comment from the forums

nopiano

In price terms its obvious rival to me is the KEF LS60. As it happens, I heard the LS60 and the new Kii Seven at a show yesterday - yes, that one at Ascot from a rival journal.

Both sounded excellent, I thought. The LS60 worked better in KEF’s room to my ears than the Blade 2 Meta that they also played. The Kii Seven was more open and live sounding.

The huge caveat is that in an unusual environment with unfamiliar music, it’s hard to judge, but both are thoroughly modern and connectable speakers, not really meant to have traditional Hifi separates plugged in, though probably a TV will be used by many.

As I remarked to a companion, they are like audiophile Sonos speakers!
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