Most civilised people who love music want their audio system to look “not terrible.”
It’s one thing to have a really nice sound coming at you, but it can be hard to make it out over the sound of your eyes screaming.
Well okay, that’s a little facetious.
But it remains, there’s merit to a pair of speakers that look good.
Enter the KEF LS LUXE: speakers that promise equal luxury for the eyes and the ears.
Not only do they look good, but they do away with the need for additional components.
Within one pair of speakers lives an entire audio family: a network streamer, digital signal processor (DSP), DAC, preamp, mono power amplifiers and of course, drivers.
The only other box you might want would be a subwoofer. However as we’ll soon see, that’s not necessarily something you’ll need.
Now, the same can be said of the LS LUXE’s predecessor: the KEF LS50 Wireless II.
Despite the generally box-like appearance, the LS50 Wireless II are very aesthetic as well.
So then, how do the KEF LS LUXE and LS50 Wireless II differ, you ask?
Connectivity between the two is nearly identical. All standard bases covered, with both notably having HDMI eARC for TV support.
Neither however, has a USB audio input. This is likely a design choice, suggesting KEF didn’t intend either of these models to be used as near-field desktop speakers. However, the KEF Connect app does offer a desktop speaker position setting for the LS LUXE—somewhat of a contradiction. To use them as such, you’d need to stream wirelessly, or convert your computer’s USB output to either optical or coax.
You might still note that there are USB connectors on both. The LS50 Wireless II has a USB-A connection, but it’s exclusively for serviceability (like software updates). The LS LUXE has a USB-C, which is a charging output presumably for mobile devices.
Both are roughly the same size. Both are best heard on stands, with a subwoofer. Both run off the same app, and have the same quality of software.
So logistics are on par. But what of performance?
One major difference is the LS LUXE sport better bass extension and dynamics compared to the LS50 Wireless II.
This is due to three factors.
First, the LUXE have a bigger, 6.5-inch driver versus the LS50W2’s 5.25-inch driver. Bigger drivers move more air, more easily.
Second, the shape and material of the LUXE’s cabinet reduces the need for internal bracing, giving it more air volume. A bigger box means a softer air spring, again, making it easier for the drivers to move further and produce louder bass tones. Increasing cabinet volume is the secret to getting more high-quality bass out of smaller speakers, and KEF have baked it directly into the LUXE’s aesthetic design.
Third and finally, the LUXE add a new technology that KEF call VECO (Velocity Control). This is a feedback system that monitors driver performance and corrects for distortion in the bass and mids.
LS LUXE also outperform the LS50 Wireless II when it comes to louder volumes.
This is also due to the three factors above. Factors that improve bass generally, also improve midrange performance when you crank it.
This makes the LUXE ideal for medium-to-large rooms (say 35 square metres or bigger), where the LS50W2 would struggle to give the same bass engagement and clarity at volume.
Tonally however, both the LS LUXE and LS50 Wireless II are quite similar.
They have KEF’s “LS family” house sound.
Treble is detailed, revealing, and nicely centred in the room in front of you, while also being smooth, never harsh or fatiguing.
Midrange is rich and has a “room filling” quality about it, with a delightfully wide soundstage.
This sound signature forgives poor recordings, while still delivering excellent ones in full detail. It brings rock and pop to life, yet exposes the textured walls of jazz clubs and concert halls.
It’s delightful.
However, it’s noticeably more delightful coming from the LUXE.
Should you choose the KEF LS LUXE or KEF LS50 Wireless II?
Taking aesthetics out of it, it depends on the size of your room and the listening volumes you prefer. Not just for music, but potentially for home cinema as well; the LS LUXE are better suited to making films feel epic and immersive.
For those who rarely (if ever) dial it up, or who have smaller rooms, the excellent and more affordable LS50 Wireless II may be enough to deliver the full experience.
For those who enjoy a bigger, more immersive sound—and who generally prefer not to compromise on sound quality—the LS LUXE are likely the more satisfying choice.
To hear what that really means, come and see us at Audio Connection in Leichhardt. We have private listening rooms. Call 02 9561 0788 or use our live chat to let us know you’re coming, and we’ll have both models set up and waiting for you.
Happy listening!
