KEF LSX vs. KEF LS50 Wireless Active Speakers - Which Do You Prefer?

Click between the two for quick comparisons:
A - 00:15
B - 2:38

While I was in Singapore, I bumped into KEF’s David Chan at The Adelphi – the mall to visit for all things HiFi.

I was planning to do a comparison between the KEF LS50 Wireless and the new LSX in the upcoming weeks.

Fortunately, David was able to help me out with a direct comparison right in the store! Since we didn’t have to deal with speaker cables, amplifiers, and DACs…it worked out perfectly.

[PhukJoeBiden]

A is much more subdued, because if you're standing much closer and they're set apart wider and not angled in - the tweeters are going right past your shoulders.
B is brighter and direct because now you're standing a couple feet back than when you did 'A' (plus they're closer together), so you're directly in the tweeter's path... When A/B ing speakers like this, use a tripod or set the camera on something and leave it there, then arrange the speakers so that both sets align the same to your mic'd position. You're going to get MUCH different results with the phase as well (which is what the microphones are picking up - your differences in phase between the two different listening positions). You can't really prove anything with a couple of microphones and a square, box shaped room (with glass directly behind the rear ported speakers!).

[KiratSingh]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the LSX cost half of LS50W. Given that, the LSX are a solid go! Pair them with a sub and you have a wonderful setup. KEF is really taking the game to next level with the LS series. Amazing stuff.

[DigitalPhilosophers]

Blind testing I liked B more. I was 100% sure that must be the LS50W 😂 Consequence: I bought the LSX in green🤩

[zdysyllhso]

I dunno but i enjoyed listening on lsx. So smooth not as piercing as A

[axlcrush]

B is brighter, sharper. A has a more calm sound, doing the vocals more justice.

[benjaminzhou]

The second one is significantly different than the first one, the vocal is more stable, and much more powerful and larger image.

[jjw]

They both sound exactly like my speakers! So weird!

[creceine]

I never put my ears before an LSX or LS50 before but I guessed it right this time, no bluffing. The diference is obvious and begins from the first bit. B has all the features of a smaller driver, thin metalical glossy, while A has more warmth, broader although might appear a little bit dull.

[vietnameseloempia]

At first listen without knowing, I preferred B, much to my surprise that turned out to be the lsx!

[davidtriune]

if you like bright and vibrant, go with B. if you like warm and realistic, go with A

[richardrodriguez]

A setup sounds better to me. I can hear the limitations of the size of speaker with B. A just sounds more effortless and open. Especially on the high notes. Although for the price ....

[Wyd]

I preferred the more relaxed A. Though for the price and in my space the LSX is a no brainer.

[무손실]

The tests are very good. I thought A was better, but I was right. The recording condition is also good. good good.

[xaviedie]

A : Win. (more neutral (more balanced), defined and less aggressive)
B : Very good! but limited by its size with dominant voice (forward/less balanced)
(Kef Lsx : more than half the capacity of Kef Ls50W..
especially for its size and her price. Exceptional speakers)

(My opinion on the video)

[zeroone]

LS50 0:12 0:44 0:57
LSX 2:35 3:07 3:20

[bowantoia]

More warmth? From A
Preferred A.
Like to hear them in the flesh though.

[brijnich]

I'm debating whether or not to get the standard LS50 as I just think wireless technology moves so quickly and whether the tech in the current wireless version will be out of date in a couple of years. Also less to go wrong with the units.

[mikekelly]

I was surprised but I preferred B. To me the vocals sounded more natural and open while there also seemed to be more space and better decay. Although it’s tough to tell from a YouTube video. Don’t know if both pairs were equally broken in?

[ramont]

I prefer B over A. I really did not expect this outcome

[douglaslafarlette]

Vocals are more forward in the lsx, but piano sounds better and more balanced on ls50