KEF has a new pair of active wireless speakers. The LS Luxe sits above the Award-winning LS50 Wireless II, and its distinctive aesthetics are the brainchild of renowned designer Ross Lovegrove, the man behind KEF’s ultra-high-end Muon speaker, Muo Bluetooth speaker, and (rather disappointing) Mu wireless headphones.
We have already given our verdict, so check out our exclusive KEF LS Luxe review to see what we make of it.
The LS Luxe speaker system is touted as KEF’s “most ambitious creation to date”, with numerous proprietary technologies helping it “set a new definition for wireless hi-fi”. Bold claims, but then these active speakers with network streaming do offer a lot of impressive technology.
One such example is a 12th-generation 6.5-inch Uni-Q driver array supported by KEF's 'Metamaterial Absorption Technology' (MAT). Uni-Q has been at the heart of KEF’s speakers for years – this driver array puts the tweeter at the acoustic centre of the woofer, meaning more even sound dispersion, with a wider sweet spot and minimal distortion.
The MAT technology claims to absorb 99 per cent of unwanted rear sound from the tweeter for clearer highs, and, because the Uni-Q assembly is mechanically decoupled with a flexible chassis, it isolates vibrations for greater sonic integrity.
LS Luxe also has the same Velocity Control Technology (VECO) as the Award-winning XIO soundbar, making it the first speaker to feature the tech. VECO – recipient of our recent Innovation Of The Year Award – is a closed-loop system whose velocity sensor monitors the Uni-Q driver in real time, so the amplifier can instantly correct any movement inconsistencies to improve the bass and reduce distortion.
We’re not done with the acronyms quite yet. KEF’s 'Music Integrity Engine' (MIE) promises more detail, accuracy and better tonality even at lower volumes, and uses finely tuned digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms to maintain definition.
Each speaker has a 100W Class A/B and 280W Class D current-drive amplifier inside, to deliver “high output with lower distortion for pure, dynamic sound”.
KEF’s W2 wireless platform brings native support for streaming services such as Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer and more, as well as QPlay, AirPlay and Google Cast. You can also stream from a local NAS drive or music server.
KEF’s new system is capable of handling PCM files up to 24-bit/384kHz alongside DSD128. If you’re using a wireless connection between your speakers, files are downsampled to 24-bit/96kHz, whereas connecting the speakers using the included interconnect cable pushes playback up to 24-bit/192kHz.
In terms of wired connections, you get HDMI eARC, analogue, optical and coaxial inputs, letting you hook up a TV, CD player or games console. Each speaker also has a subwoofer output for beefing up the low end.
The KEF Connect app lets you fine-tune the sound to match your environment and preferences, while Advanced Room EQ DSP will analyse your surroundings and optimise the sound accordingly.
KEF is making a big deal of the Luxe’s design, describing it as “a functional work of art that captivates the senses and enriches its environment”. In fairness, it does look quite distinctive.
Its rounded, low-diffraction form, robust materials, flexible decoupling chassis and advanced bulk moulding compound should make it sound even better than the LS50 Wireless II, claims KEF, with greater clarity and deeper bass.
The KEF LS Luxe comes in three finishes: Dusk Titanium, Eclipse Black or Mineral White, and it costs £3500 / $4000 / AU$6375 per pair. You can also buy dedicated S-Luxe floor speaker stands for £800 / $800 / AU$1230 per pair.
We have reviewed the LS Luxe, and awarded it five stars across the board. Read our exclusive KEF LS Luxe review for the full picture.
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Read our exclusive KEF LS Luxe review
Check out the KEF LS50 Wireless II review
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