KEF LS60 Wireless Speaker Review

High-Fidelity Sound in a Sleek Package

Published November 15, 2023 at 9:00 AM
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The KEF LS60 Wireless System represents a pinnacle of audio engineering, celebrating KEF's 60 years of acoustic innovation. This all-in-one speaker system combines cutting-edge technology with a sleek, slim tower design, offering audiophiles a compelling package of high-fidelity sound and modern aesthetics. The LS60 Wireless aims to deliver audiophile-grade performance while catering to the demands of contemporary home audio setups. At the heart of the LS60 Wireless is KEF's latest 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, specially designed for its slim profile. This system supports high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/384kHz, ensuring exceptional sound quality across various sources. With its built-in streaming capabilities, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and support for popular services like Spotify and Tidal, the LS60 Wireless bridges the gap between traditional hi-fi systems and modern streaming convenience. The inclusion of wired connections, such as HDMI eARC, further enhances its versatility, making it a comprehensive solution for discerning audio enthusiasts.

KEF LS60 Wireless: Verdict

Pros

  • Exceptional sound quality and clarity
  • Sleek, modern design with slim profile
  • Versatile connectivity options
  • Powerful built-in amplification
  • High-resolution audio support

Cons

  • Premium price point
  • Wired connection needed for highest resolution
  • May require subwoofer for deepest bass

The KEF LS60 Wireless System represents a pinnacle in modern audio engineering, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with elegant design. These speakers deliver an impressive audio experience that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles, thanks to their exceptional clarity, wide soundstage, and powerful performance across all frequencies.

One of the standout features of the LS60 Wireless is its slim, tower design that belies the robust sound it produces. The integration of KEF’s 12th generation Uni-Q driver array and Uni-Core technology results in a speaker system that can fill large rooms with rich, detailed audio while maintaining a surprisingly small footprint. This makes the LS60 an attractive option for those who want high-end sound without compromising on aesthetics.

Connectivity is another strong suit of the LS60 Wireless. With support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and various wired connections including HDMI eARC, these speakers offer flexibility in how users can stream and play their music. The ability to stream high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/384kHz is particularly noteworthy, allowing listeners to experience their music in exceptional detail.

While the LS60 Wireless system excels in many areas, it’s important to note that it comes with a premium price tag that may put it out of reach for some consumers. Additionally, to achieve the highest resolution audio playback, a wired connection is required, which may be a minor inconvenience for some users. Lastly, while the bass performance is impressive for the speaker size, those seeking the deepest low-end frequencies may want to consider adding a subwoofer to the setup.

Overall, the KEF LS60 Wireless System stands out as a remarkable achievement in audio technology. It offers a compelling combination of stunning design, versatile functionality, and outstanding sound quality that positions it as a top contender in the high-end wireless speaker market. For those who can justify the investment, the LS60 Wireless delivers an audio experience that is truly exceptional.

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KEF LS60 Wireless: Differences Between Color Variants

Pros

  • Available in five distinct color options
  • Carbon Black finish offers a sleek, modern look
  • Color variants cater to diverse interior design preferences

Cons

  • Limited edition colors may have restricted availability

The KEF LS60 Wireless System showcases versatility in its aesthetic appeal, offering five distinct color options to suit various interior design preferences. Alongside the newly introduced Carbon Black finish, which provides a sleek and modern look, the system is available in Titanium Grey, Mineral White, Royal Blue, and a limited edition British Racing Green. Each color variant maintains the same high-quality audio performance and slim tower design, allowing users to choose a finish that best complements their living space without compromising on sound quality.

KEF LS60 Wireless: Compared To Other Speakers

Pros

  • Superior sound quality and clarity
  • Slim, elegant design
  • Versatile connectivity options
  • Powerful built-in amplification

Cons

  • Higher price point than some competitors
  • No easy path to multichannel integration

The KEF LS60 Wireless System stands out in the high-end audio market with its exceptional performance and sleek design. Compared to competitors like the Devialet Phantom I and Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation, the LS60 offers superior stereo imaging and a more immersive soundstage. Its slim tower design provides deeper bass extension than many bookshelf-style wireless speakers, such as the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo, while maintaining a smaller footprint.

While systems like the Buchardt A500 offer more customization options through DSP, the LS60 provides a more streamlined user experience with its out-of-the-box wireless compatibility and high-resolution audio support. The LS60’s combination of KEF’s latest acoustic innovations, including the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array and Metamaterial Absorption Technology, sets it apart in terms of sound quality. However, its premium price point and lack of easy multichannel integration may be considerations for some buyers when comparing to more affordable or expandable systems.

Devialet Phantom I
Dark Chrome Gold
The Devialet Phantom I offers a unique spherical design and powerful bass, but the KEF LS60 Wireless provides a more traditional aesthetic with comparable sound quality. The LS60 excels in stereo imaging and room-filling sound, while the Phantom I may be preferred for its striking appearance and mono/stereo flexibility.
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo
Formation Audio Formation Bass Formation Wedge Silver
The B&W Formation Duo shares the LS60's wireless stereo speaker concept but with a more traditional bookshelf design. The LS60 Wireless offers a slimmer profile and potentially deeper bass due to its tower design. Both systems deliver high-end audio, but the KEF may edge out in terms of modern aesthetics and room integration.
Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation
Black
Naim's Mu-so 2nd Generation is a single-unit system, contrasting with the LS60's stereo pair setup. While the Mu-so offers excellent sound in a compact form, the LS60 Wireless provides superior stereo separation and a more immersive soundstage. The KEF system also offers greater power output and deeper bass extension.

KEF LS60 Wireless: Design and Build Quality

Pros

  • Sleek, slim tower design with modern aesthetic
  • Compact footprint despite powerful performance
  • High-quality aluminum construction
  • Available in multiple attractive color options

Cons

  • Heavy base may make repositioning challenging
  • Slim profile might limit internal volume

The KEF LS60 Wireless System showcases a striking blend of form and function, embodying a sleek, slim tower design that belies its powerful audio capabilities. Standing at just over 40 inches tall with a width of merely 5 inches, these speakers make a bold visual statement while maintaining a surprisingly small footprint. The modern, monolithic aesthetic is further enhanced by the system’s Carbon Black finish, which exudes sophistication and allows the speakers to seamlessly integrate into various interior design schemes.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the LS60 Wireless features a high-quality aluminum construction that not only contributes to its premium feel but also plays a crucial role in its acoustic performance. The speakers’ cabinets are engineered to minimize vibrations and resonances, ensuring a clean and precise sound output. A notable design element is the incorporation of a heavy alloy base, which provides stability to the narrow tower and anchors it firmly to the floor, though this added weight may present some challenges when repositioning the speakers.

KEF has thoughtfully designed the LS60 Wireless to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences, offering the system in multiple color options including Titanium Grey, Mineral White, and Royal Blue, in addition to the elegant Carbon Black. This variety allows users to choose a finish that best complements their living space. While the slim profile of the LS60 Wireless is undoubtedly one of its most appealing design features, it’s worth noting that this compact form factor may impose some limitations on the internal volume, potentially affecting the lower frequency response. However, KEF has implemented innovative technologies to mitigate such constraints, ensuring that the audio performance remains impressive despite the speaker’s slender build.

KEF LS60 Wireless: Sound Performance

Pros

  • Exceptional clarity and detail across all frequencies
  • Wide and immersive soundstage
  • Powerful bass response from slim design
  • Precise stereo imaging and instrument separation
  • High-resolution audio support up to 24-bit/384kHz

Cons

  • May require subwoofer for deepest bass in large rooms
  • Wired connection needed for highest resolution playback

The KEF LS60 Wireless System delivers an audio experience that truly showcases the pinnacle of modern speaker technology. At the heart of its impressive sound is the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, which provides a level of clarity and detail that is nothing short of remarkable. Listeners will appreciate the precise stereo imaging and instrument separation, creating an immersive soundstage that extends well beyond the physical boundaries of the speakers.

Despite its slim profile, the LS60 Wireless produces a surprisingly robust bass response, thanks to the innovative Uni-Core force-cancelling drivers. The low-end is tight, controlled, and integrates seamlessly with the midrange and highs. While it may not plumb the absolute depths in larger rooms without a subwoofer, the bass performance is more than satisfactory for most listening environments and musical genres.

The system’s ability to handle high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/384kHz ensures that even the most discerning audiophiles will be satisfied. Whether streaming via Wi-Fi or connected through the wired inputs, the LS60 Wireless maintains exceptional sound quality across various sources. The combination of Class AB and Class D amplification, totaling 1400 watts per pair, provides ample power to fill rooms with distortion-free, dynamic sound at any volume level.

KEF LS60 Wireless: Connectivity and Features

Pros

  • Versatile wireless connectivity options
  • High-resolution audio support up to 24-bit/384kHz
  • HDMI eARC for seamless TV integration
  • Comprehensive streaming service compatibility
  • Flexible inter-speaker connection choices

Cons

  • Wired connection required for highest resolution playback
  • Roon Ready certification pending at launch

The KEF LS60 Wireless System boasts an impressive array of connectivity options, catering to both wireless and wired preferences. With built-in Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and Bluetooth, users can effortlessly stream high-quality audio from various devices. The system supports an extensive range of streaming services, including Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, providing access to vast music libraries.

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the LS60’s high-resolution capabilities, supporting PCM files up to 24-bit/384kHz and DSD256. The system also features MQA decoding, enabling playback of MQA audio files and streams. For those who prefer wired connections, the LS60 offers HDMI eARC, optical, and coaxial inputs, along with analog RCA inputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio sources.

The LS60 Wireless provides flexibility in inter-speaker connectivity, offering both wireless and wired options. The wireless mode allows for cable-free listening up to 24-bit/96kHz, while the wired connection supports higher resolution playback up to 24-bit/192kHz. This versatility allows users to optimize their setup based on their preferences and room constraints.

KEF LS60 Wireless: Setup and User Experience

Pros

  • Quick and straightforward setup process
  • User-friendly KEF Connect app for configuration
  • Versatile connectivity options
  • Intuitive remote control included

Cons

  • Wired connection required for highest resolution playback
  • App may require occasional updates for optimal performance

Setting up the KEF LS60 Wireless System is a remarkably straightforward process, designed to get users up and running with minimal fuss. The system comes with a comprehensive quick start guide that walks users through the initial setup, from unboxing to connecting the speakers. The inclusion of a user-friendly KEF Connect app further simplifies the configuration process, allowing users to fine-tune their audio settings and manage their streaming services with ease.

The LS60 Wireless offers a variety of connectivity options to suit different user preferences. While the system excels in its wireless capabilities, supporting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and popular streaming protocols like AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, it also caters to those who prefer wired connections. The speakers can be interconnected wirelessly for cable-free listening up to 24-bit/96kHz, or via a wired connection for even higher resolution playback up to 24-bit/192kHz.

User experience is enhanced by the inclusion of a simple yet functional remote control, providing easy access to basic functions like volume adjustment and input selection. For more advanced controls and customization options, the KEF Connect app serves as a comprehensive command center. It allows users to adjust EQ settings, manage streaming services, and even fine-tune the speakers’ performance based on room acoustics. While the app generally performs well, some users may find that occasional updates are necessary to maintain optimal functionality.

KEF LS60 Wireless: Conclusion

The KEF LS60 Wireless System stands as a remarkable achievement in modern audio technology, seamlessly blending cutting-edge engineering with elegant design. Its exceptional sound quality, characterized by a wide soundstage and precise imaging, sets a new standard for all-in-one speaker systems. The slim tower design not only makes a striking visual statement but also delivers surprisingly powerful and detailed audio performance across all frequencies.

While the premium price point may give some potential buyers pause, the LS60 Wireless justifies its cost with its versatile connectivity options, high-resolution audio support, and user-friendly setup process. The system’s ability to integrate seamlessly into modern smart homes while delivering audiophile-grade sound makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a no-compromise audio solution. Despite minor limitations like the need for a wired connection to achieve the highest resolution playback, the KEF LS60 Wireless System ultimately delivers an audio experience that is truly exceptional and future-proof.

                                 

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