Editors’ Choice: Best Wireless Speakers from $500 to $11,000

Ian White, eCoustics Editor in-Chief, explains why wireless loudspeakers are going to replace traditional passive systems in the next 5 years and selects some of his favorite high-end wireless speakers of 2022. The next golden age of Hi-Fi is already here.

Sponsor: Focal is currently running a 40% off sale on their Chora Loudspeakers at:

Products mentioned:

2:00 DALI KATCH G2 ($599)

5:00 Q Acoustics M20 ($599)
7:34 Triangle BOREA BR03 BT ($1,000)
10:05 KEF LSX II ($1,399)
16:35 Sonus faber Omnia ($1,999)
23:02 Dynaudio Focus 50 ($11,000)

Full reviews:

Previews:

Where to buy:

Q Acoustics M20

Triangle BOREA BR03 BT

KEF LSX II

Sonus faber Omnia

Dynaudio Focus 50

#editorschoice #wirelessspeaker #hifi

[futures]

I love the KEF 2 such amazing sound for something so compact, great design as well. Forget the stupidly priced stands there are loads of ideal cheaper stands available. The all in one solution is perfect for me - why you would want a pile of boxes and wires is beyond me.

[stephenmiller]

I have the Kef LSX Mk1 and love them. I agree that the dedicated stands are expensive. I purchased a great alternative speaker stand from Vebos ( I believe a Belgian company) . They are a much cheaper alternative and I am very pleased with them. When I purchased mine, about 18 months ago, they were about £100, but due to the world economic pressures, I believe that they are now around £150

[vitoponzio]

great job breaking down what's out there in the mid- price wise active speakers systems. thanks

[likeris]

What about Naim Mu-so2 and Devialet Phantom?

[RigVader]

Would you say the Q Acoustics is the more forgiving speaker for the desktop? I have the LSX 1 and find it nice and easy going in the mid field, but close up on a desk I find it slightly fatiguing (especially with zoom call audio quality!)

[geraldmcmullon]

I started my hi-fi journey when buying a system for my parents in 1974. I got my own system in 1978 and moved to active speakers in 1980. Clearly active speakers were the future but then very few manufacturers included active models in their collections and powered speakers were the domain of computer speakers until more recent years. The arguments given in the late 70s are echoed today and many think they have the time to find and tweak all the components in the audio chain to a better performance than designers and engineers can achieve in test rooms with expensive test equipment and experienced listing panels.

The new wireless DSP room correcting speakers can add a lot, giving better value in the all in one streaming DSP speaker than a rack of separates but this often comes with limitations that are not always obvious. Most wireless speaker systems will not scale up to surround sound and many will not work with computers or TV as they have poor latency. To be wireless and work with video and audio sources you need WiSA or the manufacture's own version of wireless connections like B&W Formation series and Dali's in house set up.

[MadViking]

Considering between Kef R11 vs Dynaudio Focus 50 for living room. There's the cheaper design option of Beosound A9 Gen 5 as well, but am not sure I want to go that route.

[robertkirk]

I think that if passive speakers go the way of the Dodo it will be because manufacturers make it happen, they said vinyl was dead and look at the comeback.

[willy]

The white version of the Q Acoustic is much cheaper here in Germany. Is there any reason for it?

[TerrapinSuite]

Thank you for this video! I am considering purchasing the KEF LSXII for my desk setup. I have had a pair of Bose Companion (metal version) for about 5 years. They have been ok but I am looking to upgrade to a higher quality speaker as I spend a lot of time at my desk and I am upgrading my computer as well. I would connect them through a Mac Studio likely with the USB-C connection and link each speaker with an ethernet cable behind my desk. Upper end of what I thought to spend, but they are available now for $999 US which seems a significant discount off their original list price. I am not a big bass person and prefer high and midrange so I hope they will great for me even without a sub. I have Kef Reference floor standing loudspeakers I purchased about 22 years ago and still love them.

[hunterm]

1st Time viewer ---- superb price point critique Ian !

Two years ago i (30 day trialed) my first desktop speakers = Peachtree M25's. They were good for Movies & Music ---- yet really failed on NFL Game broadcasts. I would like Announcers voices to half way resemble John Coltrane :))) during Football telecasts & such. How are the 3020i's with Sports & TV dialogue ? Steve Huff is GAGA about Triangle AIO Twins. Probably give both a 30 Day test in the New Year. I have followed Steve for couple years now. During my online research somebody in the Comments recommended Mission LX. Went to their website last night & they have wireless powered speakers which includes a Hub (DAC + Headphone amp). Uncertain if they offer a Trial period. But to get a DAC/AMP for my Grado headphones would be gravy ! I am rather flabbergasted at Powered speaker designers omission of this feature. Ton's more folks with headphones versus blooming phono stage.

Ever listen to the Mission's with Mid Range Woofer above the Tweeter ?
Thanks for any enlightenment you can send my way !

[davidchingching]

I've had three different sets of wireless speakers and won't be going back to them. The reason being when they fail it's a pain in the wotsit having to ship them back to wear they were purchased for repair.
I had a Naim Muso, Kef lsx and ls50w's all fail. Receiving a soiled pair of speakers back from repair really takes the gloss off the purchase. With separates should this happen you have a sour taste but not to the same degree.

[shelloiluk]

I have the KEF LSXii they are ok but not the best. Keep away from the LS50. KEF R3 are much much better

[struergymnasium]

What are people's views on B&O, e.g., the Beolab 8's?