KEF LSX II LT Review: Big Hi-Fi Sound, Smaller Price Tag – The Definitive UK Guide

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Let’s be honest. Most of us want brilliant, room-filling sound. We want to hear every detail in our favourite songs and feel the rumble of a movie explosion. But we also live in the real world. A world of flats that aren’t the size of a concert hall, living rooms that have to be, well, lived in, and a deep-seated dislike for a spaghetti monster of wires snaking behind the TV.

For years, getting proper hi-fi sound meant buying a stack of separate boxes: an amplifier, a streamer, a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), and a pair of speakers. It was expensive, complicated, and took up a lot of space.

But what if you could get that same goosebump-inducing quality from just two small, stylish speakers you could place on a bookshelf, a desk, or beside your telly?

That’s the promise of the KEF LSX II LT.

KEF is a British audio legend, famous for making some of the best speakers in the world. Their LSX II wireless speakers won pretty much every award going, praised for packing phenomenal sound into a tiny package. The only catch? They were a bit pricey.

Now, KEF has released this ‘LT’ version. It’s a few hundred quid cheaper but promises to keep the heart and soul of the original. The question is, what have they cut out to lower the price? And more importantly, have they compromised the magic?

This is our definitive review. We’re going to find out if the KEF LSX II LT is the perfect, no-fuss hi-fi system for modern British homes.

What Exactly Are the KEF LSX II LT Speakers?

Before we dive into how they sound, let’s get our heads around what these little boxes actually are. Because they’re a lot more than just a simple pair of speakers.

Not Your Dad’s Hi-Fi

These are active, all-in-one speakers. Let’s break that down.

• Active Speakers: In a traditional hi-fi setup, you have ‘passive’ speakers, which are just wooden boxes with drivers (the cone-shaped bits that make the sound). They can’t do anything on their own. You need to connect them to a big, heavy amplifier with thick speaker cables to make them work. Active speakers, like the LSX II LT, have the amplifiers built right inside them. Each speaker has its own power, perfectly matched to the drivers. This is more efficient and often leads to a cleaner, more controlled sound.
• All-in-One System: The LSX II LT isn’t just an active speaker; it’s a complete entertainment system. Inside, it also has a high-quality music streamer and a DAC. This means you don’t need any other boxes. You can stream music directly from the internet using Wi-Fi, from your phone using Bluetooth, or connect them straight to your TV or computer. It’s a full hi-fi system, shrunk down into two compact speakers.

The “LT” Difference: A Smart Diet

So, if the original LSX II was the full-fat, all-the-trimmings version, the LSX II LT is the lighter, leaner model. KEF has been very clever about where they’ve trimmed the cost. They’ve kept the most important bits – the brain and the sound – and shaved off a few features that many people might not miss.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s different between the full-fat LSX II (around £1,199) and the LSX II LT (around £899):

• The Finish: The original LSX II comes wrapped in a lovely, premium fabric made by a Danish designer. The LT model has a smooth, clean matte finish instead. It still looks very smart, just a bit more minimalist.
• Analogue Input: The original has a 3.5mm ‘aux’ input, like a headphone jack. This is handy if you want to plug in something old-school like a record player (though you’d still need a separate phono stage). The LT model gets rid of this.
• High-End Streaming Features: The original is ‘Roon Ready’ and can decode MQA files. These are quite niche features loved by serious audiophiles. Roon is a fancy music library software that costs a subscription, and MQA is a specific way of folding high-resolution audio files. The LT can’t do these, but for most people streaming from Spotify or Apple Music, it makes absolutely no difference.
• Inter-Speaker Connection: The original LSX II allows you to connect the two speakers wirelessly if you don’t mind a slight drop in audio quality. The LT speakers must be connected to each other with the included 3-metre USB-C cable. Honestly, this is a more reliable way to do it anyway and ensures you’re always getting the best possible sound quality.

Crucially, what KEF hasn’t changed is the stuff that really matters: the legendary Uni-Q driver, the clever digital processing, and the powerful amplifiers. You’re getting the same sonic DNA for less money.

Design and Build: Small, Stylish, and Seriously Smart

One of the biggest selling points of the LSX range has always been its looks. These aren’t boring black boxes you want to hide. They’re designed to be seen.

A Pop of Colour for Your Living Room

The LSX II LT was designed with help from a British industrial designer named Michael Young. The look is clean, modern, and a bit playful. They come in three rather lovely colours:

• Graphite Grey: A classic, sophisticated dark grey that will fit in anywhere.
• Stone White: A brilliant, clean white that looks fantastic in modern, minimalist rooms. Perfect for a desktop setup next to an iMac.
• Sage Green: A trendy, calming green that adds a subtle splash of colour without shouting about it.

The smooth matte finish feels great and doesn’t pick up fingerprints easily. Around the front, the iconic Uni-Q driver provides a stunning visual centrepiece, with a colour-matched ring that catches the light. They look and feel like premium products.

Built to Last

For their size, they feel reassuringly solid. They’re compact enough to fit on the most crowded of desks or on either side of a TV in a small flat, but they have enough weight to feel stable.

On the back of the ‘primary’ (master) speaker, you’ll find all the connections neatly laid out: a power socket, HDMI ARC, USB-C, an optical input, and a subwoofer output. There’s also a button for Bluetooth pairing. The ‘secondary’ (slave) speaker is much simpler, with just a power socket and a USB-C port to connect it to the primary.

KEF also sells matching accessories if you want to perfect your setup. The P1 desk pads are great for angling the speakers up towards your ears, and the S1 floor stands are ideal if you want to position them in your living room like a traditional pair of hi-fi speakers.

Getting Started: From Box to Bliss in Minutes

One of the best things about an all-in-one system like this is how easy it is to set up. You don’t need a degree in sound engineering. If you can set up a new smartphone, you can set up these speakers.

Unboxing and Setup

Inside the box, you get the two speakers, two power cords, and the 3-metre USB-C cable to link them together. The process is simple:

1. Place your speakers: Decide where you want them. On your desk? Beside the TV? On a bookshelf?
2. Connect them: Plug the USB-C cable into the back of both speakers.
3. Power them up: Plug both speakers into the wall.
4. Download the app: Grab your phone and download the free KEF Connect app.

That’s it for the physical stuff. The rest is done on your phone.

The KEF Connect App: Your Mission Control

The KEF Connect app is the brain of the operation. Once you open it, it will automatically find your new speakers and guide you through connecting them to your home Wi-Fi network. It only takes a couple of minutes.

Once connected, the app is your remote control and settings hub. You can:

• Switch between sources (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, TV, etc.).
• Browse and play music from services like Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music directly within the app.
• Adjust the volume.
• Most importantly, tune the sound to your room. This is a brilliant feature. You can tell the app if the speakers are on stands or a desk, how far they are from the wall, and whether your room is big or small. The app then uses clever digital signal processing (DSP) to tweak the sound to be perfect for your specific situation. This makes a huge difference and is something usually found on much more expensive systems.

The app is straightforward and works well, making the whole experience feel slick and modern.

Features and Connectivity: Your Music, Your Way

This is where the LSX II LT really shines. For a small system, it’s packed with ways to play your sound.

The Power of the W2 Platform

The speakers are built on KEF’s ‘W2’ wireless platform. This is the same operating system found in KEF’s top-of-the-range speakers that cost thousands of pounds, like the LS60 Wireless. It means the LSX II LT is incredibly versatile.

You can stream music using pretty much any method you can think of:

• Spotify Connect & Tidal Connect: If you use these services, you can stream music directly from their native apps. The music goes straight from the internet to the speakers, not through your phone, which gives you better quality and means your music doesn’t stop if you get a phone call.
• Apple AirPlay 2: Perfect for anyone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You can stream any audio from your device to the speakers with a simple tap. It also lets you group the KEFs with other AirPlay 2 speakers for multi-room audio.
• Google Chromecast: The same idea, but for Android users. You can ‘cast’ audio from hundreds of different apps to the speakers.
• Bluetooth 5.0: The quick and easy option. You can pair any phone, tablet, or laptop and play sound in seconds. It’s perfect for when a friend comes over and wants to play a song.
• UPnP: If you have music files stored on a home network drive (a NAS), the KEFs can find and play them. They can handle very high-resolution files, up to 24-bit/384kHz, which is far higher quality than a CD.

Plugging In: More Than Just Wireless

While wireless is the main focus, the wired connections are just as important.

• HDMI ARC: This is the killer feature for most people. ARC stands for Audio Return Channel. It’s a special type of HDMI port found on virtually all modern TVs. You connect a single HDMI cable from your TV to the primary speaker, and that’s it. The TV sends all its audio—from Freeview, Sky, Netflix, your PlayStation—to the KEFs. Even better, you can then control the speakers’ volume using your normal TV remote. It’s a seamless, genius solution that makes a soundbar seem old-fashioned.
• USB-C: This is a fantastic addition for anyone wanting a high-end desktop audio setup. You can plug a laptop or PC directly into the speakers and get a pure, high-resolution digital audio signal. It turns your desk into a mini recording studio.
• Optical: A reliable digital input that’s great for older TVs that don’t have HDMI ARC, or for connecting things like a games console or a CD player.
• Subwoofer Output: On the back, there’s a single RCA output labelled ‘SUB’. If you feel the need for more bass, you can easily connect a separate subwoofer. KEF’s own KC62 is a perfect (if pricey) match, but any powered sub will work.

Sound Quality: The KEF Magic Trick

Okay, we’ve covered the looks, features, and setup. Now for the most important part: how do they actually sound?

In a word: astonishing. For their size, the LSX II LT produces a sound that is incredibly clear, detailed, and immersive. It’s a proper hi-fi experience, not just background noise. The secret to this is KEF’s signature technology.

The Heart of the Matter: The Uni-Q Driver

For decades, KEF’s engineers have been perfecting something they call the Uni-Q driver. It’s their magic ingredient.

• Simplified Explanation: Look closely at most speakers, and you’ll see two separate drivers: a small one at the top called a tweeter (for high-pitched treble sounds like cymbals) and a larger one below it called a mid/bass driver (for voices and lower notes). The sound comes from two different places. With Uni-Q, the tweeter sits right in the acoustic centre of the mid/bass cone. Think of it like a bullseye.
• Detailed Explanation: This single-point-source design means all frequencies, from the lowest to the highest, radiate from the exact same spot. The benefit is twofold. First, it eliminates the audio ‘interference’ you can get when sound waves from two separate drivers cross over. The result is a stunningly pure and natural sound, especially with voices. Second, it creates a massive listening ‘sweet spot’. With many speakers, you have to sit in one specific chair to hear them at their best. With the LSX II LT, the sound is balanced and clear almost anywhere in the room.

The speakers use the 11th generation of this Uni-Q driver, combined with KEF’s ‘Music Integrity Engine’ – a clever bit of DSP that makes sure the drivers are all working in perfect harmony. Each speaker is bi-amped, meaning the tweeter gets its own 30-watt amplifier and the mid/bass driver gets a separate 70-watt amplifier, providing a total of 200 watts of system power.

Listening Test: How Do They Actually Sound?

We tested the LSX II LT with a bit of everything, from quiet acoustic tracks on Tidal to blockbuster movies on Netflix and a bit of gaming on a PS5.

• Clarity and Detail: This is where they first blow you away. Vocals sound incredibly lifelike and present, as if the singer is in the room with you. On a track like Adele’s “Someone Like You,” you can hear the subtle textures in her voice and the echo of the piano in the recording hall. It’s a level of insight you just don’t get from a typical Bluetooth speaker or soundbar.
• Bass Performance: Let’s be realistic – these are small speakers. They aren’t going to shake your foundations like a massive subwoofer. But the bass they produce is seriously impressive. It’s tight, punchy, and surprisingly deep. On a bass-heavy track, the notes are clean and controlled, not a boomy, muddy mess. For 90% of music and TV watching in a normal-sized room, the bass is more than enough. If you’re a bass-head or have a very large room, the option to add a sub is always there.
• The Soundstage: This is the Uni-Q magic at work. When you close your eyes, the speakers completely disappear. The sound isn’t “coming from” two little boxes; it creates a wide, deep, three-dimensional stage of sound in front of you. You can pinpoint exactly where each instrument is placed in a recording. It’s this immersive quality that truly elevates them into the world of proper hi-fi.
• For TV and Movies: Using the HDMI ARC connection, they are a massive upgrade over any TV’s built-in speakers and most soundbars. The clarity of the Uni-Q driver means dialogue is crystal clear, even in chaotic action scenes. You’ll no longer be reaching for the remote to turn it up for speech and then quickly down for explosions. They provide real stereo separation that a single soundbar just can’t match, making movie soundtracks feel far more expansive and engaging.

KEF LSX II LT vs The World

So, they’re brilliant. But are they the right choice for you? A lot depends on your needs and budget.

The Sibling Rivalry: LSX II LT vs. LSX II

This is the big question for many potential buyers. Is it worth saving ~£300 and getting the LT? Here’s a simple comparison:

Feature	KEF LSX II LT	KEF LSX II
Price (approx.)	£899	£1,199
Sound Quality	Identical	Identical
Streaming Platform	W2 (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, etc.)	W2 (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, etc.)
Physical Inputs	HDMI ARC, USB-C, Optical	HDMI ARC, USB-C, Optical, 3.5mm Aux
High-End Features	No	Roon Ready, MQA Decoding
Finish	Smooth Matte Plastic	Kvadrat Fabric Wrap
Inter-speaker Link	Wired only (USB-C)	Wired (Ethernet) or Wireless

Who should buy the LSX II LT? Honestly, almost everyone. If your main sources are streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, and you want a simple, high-performance system to hook up to your TV and computer, the LT is the smarter buy. You get the exact same fantastic sound quality and save a significant chunk of cash.

Who should buy the full LSX II? There are three specific types of people who should spend the extra.

1. Roon users: If you use the Roon music management software, being ‘Roon Ready’ is a must-have feature.
2. Tidal Masters listeners: If you subscribe to Tidal’s highest tier and want to hear MQA files in their full glory, you need the full version.
3. Vinyl lovers: If you have a turntable and want to connect it directly (via a phono stage), you’ll need that 3.5mm analogue input.

The Competition: What Else Could You Buy?

The LSX II LT sits in a competitive market.

• Q Acoustics M20 HD (£349-£449): This is a fantastic budget alternative from another great British brand. It sounds excellent for the money but lacks the network streaming (no Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or Chromecast) and the sonic sophistication of the KEFs. It’s a great choice if your budget is tight.
• Triangle AIO Twin (£699-£799): A stylish French competitor with a similar all-in-one feature set and a lively, energetic sound. They are a strong alternative, though many find the KEF’s Uni-Q driver to be more accurate and immersive.
• Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo (£3,500): This is what you buy when you win the lottery. They represent the next level up in wireless speaker performance, but at a vastly higher price. We mention them only as a benchmark for what’s possible.

The Final Verdict: Is the KEF LSX II LT the Perfect Hi-Fi Starter Pack?

After spending a lot of time with the KEF LSX II LT, the conclusion is simple. This is a stunningly good product. KEF has played a blinder here, carefully removing features that only a minority of users will miss, while keeping the core performance that made the original so special.

The Good Bits (Pros)

The Not-So-Good Bits (Cons)

Our Final Word

The KEF LSX II LT is one of the most compelling audio products on the market today. It perfectly bridges the gap between the convenience of a simple soundbar and the performance of a proper, multi-component hi-fi system.

It delivers a genuine taste of high-end audio—that magical, immersive sound that makes you want to listen to your entire music collection all over again—without any of the traditional hassle or expense.

If you’re looking for your first step into the world of proper hi-fi, a killer audio system for your desktop, or a seriously powerful upgrade for your TV sound, the KEF LSX II LT should be at the very top of your list. It’s a triumph of smart engineering and fantastic value. Highly recommended.

Further Reading

For more expert opinions and technical specifications, check out these highly respected resources:

• What Hi-Fi? Review of KEF LSX II LT
• KEF Official LSX II LT Product Page
• The Verge Tech Reviews