ReviewFinder Bookshelf Speakers

KEF LS50 Wireless II

TLDR: The KEF LS50 Wireless II is a high-end bookshelf speaker system with exceptional sound quality, a wide range of connectivity options, and a sleek modern design, making it ideal for audiophiles, music enthusiasts, home theaters, and professional studios.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
KEF LS50 Wireless II rank #103 out of 118.
Go to rankings
7.8
Good

The product receives good reviews on average (consumer score 7.8). This is below the median speakers consumer score of 9.1.

About consumer score

Price:
The lowest price we found for KEF LS50 Wireless II is $2499.99, available here. This is above the median speakers price of $263.
  • Lowest price: $24.13
  • Median price: $263
  • Highest price: $3498
  • KEF LS50 Wireless II price: $2499.99
Shop now
Expand
ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The KEF LS50 Wireless II is a high-end bookshelf speaker system with exceptional sound quality, a wide range of connectivity options, and a sleek modern design, making it ideal for audiophiles, music enthusiasts, home theaters, and professional studios.

The KEF LS50 Wireless II is a high-end bookshelf speaker system that delivers exceptional sound quality with clear and detailed highs, midranges, and vocals. It has a frequency range of 40 Hz to 47 kHz, making it suitable for music and TV sound in smaller living rooms or dens. The speakers offer a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, TosLink, coaxial S/PDIF, analog 3.5mm audio, subwoofer output jack, USB Type-A port for service, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 wireless connectivity.

The LS50 Wireless II is ideal for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who want to experience high-quality sound performance with exceptional power handling. It is also suitable for home theater setups and professional studios that require accurate and detailed sound reproduction. The sleek and modern design of the speakers makes them furniture-friendly and a great addition to any modern contemporary décor.

Sound quality

The KEF LS50 Wireless II is a top-of-the-line speaker system that delivers exceptional sound quality with clear highs, detailed midranges, and a wide soundstage, making it ideal for audiophiles who demand the highest level of sound quality.

The KEF LS50 Wireless II is a high-end speaker system that delivers exceptional sound quality with clear and detailed highs, midranges, and vocals. The speakers create a wide soundstage with good stereo presentation, allowing listeners to pick up subtle instrumental cues and details in the music.

The bass performance is clean and reasonably dynamic, but an external subwoofer may be needed for deeper bass response. The Uni-Q driver, Music Integrity Engine, and high-quality amplifiers contribute to the exceptional sound quality of the LS50 Wireless II. These speakers are particularly good for instrumental music, but they can deliver pristine audio quality for any genre of music.

Overall, the KEF LS50 Wireless II is considered one of the best hi-fi speaker systems available and is ideal for audiophiles who demand the highest level of sound quality.

How clear is the sound quality of KEF LS50 Wireless II?

According to various sources in ReviewFinder's database, the KEF LS50 Wireless II provides incredibly clear and detailed sound quality. One source, Bass Head Speakers, describes the sound performance as "articulate and accurate," with "crystal clear highs, detailed midranges and realistic vocals." Another source, HifiReport, notes that the MAT technology in the speaker helps to offset mutual interference between frequency bands, resulting in a "pure and natural" sound. Overall, the KEF LS50 Wireless II is praised for its transparency, clarity, and ability to reveal details in music that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Based on 18 quotes from 11 sources [show quotes and sources]

How is the bass performance of the KEF LS50 Wireless II?

According to Sound and Vision and Bass Head Speakers, the LS50 Wireless II produces usable, clean, and reasonably dynamic bass to about 45Hz or so—adequate for most musical genres and for most listeners. The LS50 Wireless II also has a level of bass impact that some floorstanders would kill for but wields it with a speed and articulation that is addictive, according to sound-advice.online. However, Bass Head Speakers notes that these speakers do not really have deep low-end bass due to the lack of a subwoofer, so an external subwoofer such as the KEF Kube 8b may be needed for much deeper bass response.
Based on 8 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the KEF LS50 Wireless II perform in terms of overall sound quality?

According to experts at Stereonet.com, Bass Head Speakers, Sound and Vision, TheProductAnalyst, TechHive, WIRED, and What Hi-Fi, the KEF LS50 Wireless II delivers exceptional and accurate sound performance with distinct and clear highs, detailed midranges, and realistic vocals. The speakers also create an incredibly wide soundstage with very good stereo presentation, allowing listeners to pick up subtle instrumental cues and details in the music that may not be noticeable with other hi-fi systems. The LS50 Wireless II is praised for its timbral honesty, spatial precision, and dynamic capability, and is considered one of the best hi-fi speaker systems available.
Based on 15 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is there a noticeable difference in sound quality when playing different genres of music on the KEF LS50 Wireless II?

According to Bass Head Speakers, the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers are particularly good for instrumental music, where you can hear the spaciousness and separation in the audio and pick up subtle instrumental cues that would not have been noticeable in any other Hi-Fi system. However, these speakers are also capable of delivering pristine audio quality with crystal clear highs, detailed midranges and realistic vocals for any genre of music. Whether you're listening to jazz, classical, rock or pop, you can expect to hear a level of detail and clarity that can help you pick up on nuances in the music you may not have noticed before.
Based on 7 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What specific features or technologies in the KEF LS50 Wireless II contribute to its sound quality?

The KEF LS50 Wireless II has several features and technologies that contribute to its exceptional sound quality. One of the key features is the Uni-Q driver, which is positioned in the space where the dustcap of a conventional woofer would be. This configuration promotes smooth, controlled directivity and even off-axis response, which helps to mitigate the impact of room interactions. The LS50 Wireless II also has a frequency range of 40 Hz to 47 kHz and can provide a source resolution of up to 384kHz/24bit, which is higher than what most Hi-Fi audio systems can offer. Additionally, the LS50 Wireless II comes with KEF’s Music Integrity Engine with its own digital signal processing optimized for the Uni-Q driver, allowing these speakers to have very fast frequency response with virtually no distortion. Finally, each speaker comes with a 280W amplifier for the midrange frequencies and 100W for the tweeter, which allows you to hear the highs and mids with pristine clarity.
Based on 10 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Frequency response

The KEF LS50 Wireless II delivers articulate and accurate sound performance with distinct highs and well-tempered bass, making it a great choice for those who prioritize high-quality sound in their audio setup.

The KEF LS50 Wireless II has a frequency range of 40 Hz to 47 kHz, making it suitable for music and TV sound in smaller living rooms or dens. The speakers do not have deep low-end bass without an external subwoofer, but the tight articulation of the low-frequency driver and well-tempered rear port's air pumping can make the bass response seem palpable.

The highs are distinct and clear with smooth treble ranges, making vocals sound lifelike and natural. Overall, the KEF LS50 Wireless II delivers articulate and accurate sound performance, making it a great choice for those who prioritize high-quality sound in their audio setup.

What is the frequency range of KEF LS50 Wireless II?

The KEF LS50 Wireless II has a frequency range of 40 Hz to 47 kHz, according to Bass Head Speakers and Popular Science.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the KEF LS50 Wireless II handle low frequencies?

According to Bass Head Speakers, the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers do not really have deep low-end bass due to the lack of a subwoofer, but you can easily use an external subwoofer such as the KEF Kube 8b to get much deeper bass response. TechHive notes that with a frequency response of 45Hz to 47kHz +/- 3dB (that’s before you add a sub!), they’re all you’d crave for music and TV sound in a smaller living room or den, where the tight articulation of the low-frequency driver and well-tempered rear port’s air pumping can make the bass response seem quite palpable. In a larger room, you’ll be happier with a connected subwoofer adding another octave of low-frequency depth.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the KEF LS50 Wireless II handle high frequencies?

According to Bass Head Speakers, the highs are distinct and clear with really smooth treble ranges; we did not hear any hint of harshness at higher volume levels. The KEF LS50 Wireless II delivers some of the most articulate and accurate sound performance we have ever heard from a set of Hi-Fi speakers. Vocals sounded very lifelike and surprisingly natural and spacious.
Based on 9 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Design

The KEF LS50 Wireless II speaker has a sleek and modern design, is made from durable materials, and comes in four color options, making it a great option for those who want a high-quality speaker that looks great in their home and provides excellent sound quality.

The KEF LS50 Wireless II speaker has a sleek and modern design that is furniture-friendly and comes in four color options: Carbon Black, Mineral White, Titanium Grey, and Crimson Red. The speakers are made from piled MDF with reinforced resin material, which provides added durability and a sleek modern look.

The front of the cabinet is made from hard resin, and the speakers feature a modern classic finish that blends in nicely with modern contemporary décor. The entire cabinet feels well-polished and very sturdy, and the speakers are quite heavy which indicates that they are made from quality materials.

The LS50 Wireless II looks stylish and understated, but the striking design and color options may divide opinion. The size of the speakers is furniture-friendly, making it easy to accommodate a pair in most living rooms. The LS50 Wireless II is a great option for those who want a high-quality speaker that looks great in their home and provides excellent sound quality.

What is the size and shape of the KEF LS50 Wireless II speaker, and how does it fit into a typical home decor?

According to SoundStage Simplifi, the KEF LS50 Wireless II has outer dimensions of 12"H × 7.9"W × 12.2"D and weighs 22.2 pounds for the primary speaker and 20 pounds for the secondary speaker. The design of the LS50 Wireless II is sleek and modern, and it comes in a variety of color options to help it fit into different home decors, as mentioned by Sound Advice Online. Additionally, the size of the speakers is furniture-friendly, making it easy to accommodate a pair in most living rooms, as noted by LB Tech Reviews. However, the striking design of the speakers may divide opinions, as mentioned by Sound Advice Online.
Based on 13 quotes from 11 sources [show quotes and sources]

What materials are used in the construction of KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers, and how do they contribute to the overall design?

According to Bass Head Speakers, the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers are made from piled MDF with reinforced resin material, which provides added durability and a sleek modern look. The front of the cabinet is made from hard resin, and the speakers feature a modern classic finish that blends in nicely with modern contemporary décor. The entire cabinet feels well-polished and very sturdy, and the speakers are quite heavy which indicates that they are made from quality materials. The cabinets of the speakers seem very inert and well made and give an impression of good quality. The orange drivers and orange bass reflex ports on the back nicely contrast with the black matt of the enclosure.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What color options are available for the KEF LS50 Wireless II speaker, and how do they affect its visual appeal?

The KEF LS50 Wireless II is available in four color options: Carbon Black, Mineral White, Titanium Grey, and Crimson Red. According to SoundStage Simplifi, the Carbon Black and Mineral White models have copper-colored midrange-woofer cones and tweeter waveguides, while the Crimson Red model has a dark gray cone and waveguide. The Titanium Grey finish features red cones and waveguides. The enclosures have matte finishes, which some may find more pleasing to the eye and touch than the glossy finishes of the LS50 Wireless. The AVForums review notes that each of the four colors has an exclusive matching stand, which can make the entire speaker more stable. Reviewers have noted that the LS50 Wireless II looks stylish and understated, but the striking design and color options may divide opinion.
Based on 8 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The KEF LS50 Wireless II bookshelf speakers offer a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, making them ideal for those who want a high-quality audio experience without the need for a soundbar.

The KEF LS50 Wireless II bookshelf speakers have a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, TosLink, coaxial S/PDIF, analog 3.5mm audio, subwoofer output jack, USB Type-A port for service, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 wireless connectivity. They can be connected to a TV or computer, and have two subwoofers RCA signal outputs for use with KEF KUBE series or KF92 subwoofers. The speakers are ideal for those who want a high-quality audio experience without the need for a soundbar, and for those who want to stream music wirelessly from their smartphone, tablet, or computer.

What types of inputs and outputs are available on the KEF LS50 Wireless II bookshelf speakers?

The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers have a variety of inputs and outputs including an HDMI eARC port, TosLink input, coaxial S/PDIF input, 1/8? stereo analog input, subwoofer output jack, and USB Type-A port for service. It also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 wireless connectivity, and has an Ethernet port for connecting to a router. Additionally, it has two subwoofers RCA signal outputs (one for each of the left and right speakers), which can be used with the KEF KUBE series or KF92 subwoofers.
Based on 10 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the KEF LS50 Wireless II speaker have RCA inputs and outputs?

Yes, the KEF LS50 Wireless II has two subwoofers RCA signal outputs (one for each of the left and right speakers), which can be used with the KEF KUBE series or KF92 subwoofers, according to HifiReport.
Based on 8 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the Bluetooth connectivity options available for KEF LS50 Wireless II?

The KEF LS50 Wireless II supports Bluetooth 4.2 for direct music streaming. You can stream music wirelessly with Bluetooth and connect your smartphone, tablet or computer easily.
Based on 10 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

Can the KEF LS50 Wireless II speaker be connected to a TV or computer?

Yes, the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers can be connected to a TV or computer. They have a variety of inputs including HDMI ARC, digital coaxial, Wi-Fi, analog 3.5mm audio, and support Bluetooth 4.2 for direct music streaming. According to LB Tech Reviews, you can connect the KEF LS50 Wireless II to your TV, which means that you do not need a soundbar, and you would not want one either, because the sound quality from the KEF LS50 Wireless II goes beyond anything found on soundbars.
Based on 11 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Power handling

The KEF LS50 Wireless II has a maximum power handling capacity of 380 watts, delivering detailed sound performance that stays true to the original recording, making it ideal for audiophiles, music enthusiasts, home theater setups, and professional studios.

The KEF LS50 Wireless II has a maximum power handling capacity of 380 watts, with 100 watts allocated to the tweeter and 280 to the mid-bass. This high power handling allows the speakers to deliver extremely detailed sound performance that stays true to the original recording, allowing you to hear music exactly as the artists intended it to be heard.

The separate amplifiers for each speaker ensure effortless power and exceptional control and cohesion from the Uni-Q drivers. However, it's important to note that other factors like room acoustics and placement can also impact the overall sound quality and performance.

The KEF LS50 Wireless II is ideal for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who want to experience high-quality sound performance with exceptional power handling. It is also suitable for home theater setups and professional studios that require accurate and detailed sound reproduction.

What is the maximum power handling capacity of the KEF LS50 Wireless II?

The KEF LS50 Wireless II has 380 watts of power, with 100 watts allocated to the tweeter and 280 to the mid-bass. Therefore, it can handle up to 380 watts of power.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the power handling of KEF LS50 Wireless II affect its overall sound quality and performance?

The power handling of KEF LS50 Wireless II is quite high, with each speaker containing its own separate amplifiers (100 watts class-A/B for the tweeter and 280 watts class-D for the mid-woofer). According to Bass Head Speakers, this allows the speakers to deliver extremely detailed sound performance that stays true to the original recording, allowing you to hear music exactly as the artists intended it to be heard. The speaker is effortlessly powerful, but the control and cohesion from those Uni-Q drivers is sensational. However, it's worth noting that the power handling alone doesn't determine the sound quality and performance of the speakers, as other factors like room acoustics and placement can also impact the overall sound.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 28 expert reviews of KEF LS50 Wireless II. Out of the 28 reviews, 6 are video reviews. We value video reviews of products a bit more and rank them a bit higher.

Expert reviews [22]

92
Total expert reviews: 22
  • with a score: 11
  • without a score: 11
Highest score by What Hi-Fi
100
Average score based on 22 reviews
92
Lowest score by WIRED
80

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

Best Alternatives

3 best bookshelf speakers in the same price range as KEF LS50 Wireless II

Scroll to see all options. Click on the speakers for more details.
Kef LS50 SVS Ultra Bookshelf Dali Spektor 2
Reviews
In comparison:
Kef LS50 rank #1 out of 182. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.3
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
SVS Ultra Bookshelf rank #19 out of 182. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.2
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Dali Spektor 2 rank #17 out of 182. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.8
Amazing
Price
The Kef LS50 bookshelf speakers are highly recommended for their exceptional sound quality, versatile frequency response, unique design, and range of connectivity options, making them suitable for a range of music genres and listening environments.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
The Dali Spektor 2 bookshelf speakers offer clear and detailed sound quality, good bass performance, and a sleek design, making them a versatile and affordable choice for music listening or home theater use.
More product details More product details More product details
Bookshelf Speakers above are offered because they are in the same price range as KEF LS50 Wireless II. To browse more budget and premium bookshelf speakers go to our speakers ranking .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all bookshelf speakers.

Rank Change Price Speakers
hifioasis.com
What Hi-Fi
The Master Switch
Rolling Stone
Gear Patrol
T3
Wirecutter
Pitchfork
ZD Net
SoundGuys
1
- $1539
Kef LS50
The Kef LS50 bookshelf speakers are highly recommended for their exceptional sound quality, versatile frequency response, unique design, and range of connectivity options, making them suitable for a range of music genres and listening environments.
-
1
3
-
2
7
-
-
4
-
2
- $359
Q Acoustics 3020i
The Q Acoustics 3020i bookshelf speakers offer excellent sound quality, versatility, and a modern design, making them a great option for audiophiles who prioritize accuracy and transparency in their sound system.
5
-
4
-
9
-
2
7
-
-
3
- $700
Elac Uni-Fi 2.0
1
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
- Check price
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition bookshelf speaker delivers excellent sound performance across the frequency range, with punchy and dynamic bass, a wide frequency response, and a purposeful design, making it a great choice for music and home theater use.
-
-
9
-
7
5
-
-
5
-
Show all rows
KEF LS50 Wireless II ranks #8 out of 14 in this month's ranking:
Superior High-End Bookshelf Speakers for Audiophiles
23 Jan 2024 (2 months ago)
Read article
Incredible, premium wireless bookshelf speakers
1 Mar 2024 (1 month ago)
Read article

Highest recommended bookshelf speakers this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. bookshelf speakers below are at the top of our ranking this April.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the speakers for more details.
Kef LS50 Q Acoustics 3020i Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2
Reviews
In comparison:
Kef LS50 rank #1 out of 182. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.3
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Q Acoustics 3020i rank #2 out of 182. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.8
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 rank #3 out of 182. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.1
Great
Reviews
We don't yet have enough review information for Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2
Price
The Kef LS50 bookshelf speakers are highly recommended for their exceptional sound quality, versatile frequency response, unique design, and range of connectivity options, making them suitable for a range of music genres and listening environments. The Q Acoustics 3020i bookshelf speakers offer excellent sound quality, versatility, and a modern design, making them a great option for audiophiles who prioritize accuracy and transparency in their sound system.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
The Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition bookshelf speaker delivers excellent sound performance across the frequency range, with punchy and dynamic bass, a wide frequency response, and a purposeful design, making it a great choice for music and home theater use.
More product details More product details More product details More product details
ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.