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I think there might be at least one!
I'm looking at simplifying my hifi set up. Just keep the turntable and small phono amp. Maybe get a compact CD player in the future. Plus streaming through Airplay and Spotify. Maybe try and connect the NAS as well. Maybe "simplify" isn't the right word!"
Any comments on how the KEF perform generally and in a largish room - 5m by 8m? Not trying to deafen anyone but good range of volume from background to "proper" listening, when the family are all out...
Alternative is a Marantz streaming amp, plus traditional speakers (and 13A mains cable speaker wire of course).
Cheers
Yup..got them.
Fantastic speakers. My room is smaller than yours, but they'd manage fine.
I was also running a sub with them (Qacoustic one) from the sub out on the back of the speaker. I've been playing around and actually disconnected it/changed teh speaker settings back, and they still sound incredible, with punchy bass twhen needed.
Well worth it.
DrP
Thanks DrP.
Any issues with the wifi dropping out?
Nope... solid connection.
I'm running my speakers linked with the cat5 cable, just 'cos I can, and wanted to minimise any potential issues. To me, a cable 'feels better' than a wireless connection! If I couldn't do that, I'd have NO hesitation over linking them wirelessly.
Just be aware EACH speaker needs power...
The only issue i've ever had was with spotify..but that was SPOTIFY, not the speaker.
Sometimes it (spotify app) would get confused as i've amazon echos etc..
I'd just restart the app, and it'd find the KEF again.
Another great thing is that via the KEF app, you can switch the master speaker to be wither L or R.
Some reviews say you need TWO apps..KEF stream or something? I've only ever used the KEF control app (it's basically a fancy remote, and you can adjust the EQ etc) and then spotify.
DrP
Despite me singing the virtues of the Raspberry Pi with HAT DAC into amp and then speakers in another thread, I am also taken a bit by the LSX.
Mine would only be for a desk system and although I do like sound quality and ergonomics of use, £1000 is just a bit too steep for the intended use.
No doubt about it, Kef have got the functionality nailed with sub control and a multitude of options for a one (two) box solution.
I was a bit put off from some of the reviews though. A lot say they are great but some decidedly average - suppose a listen is in order before spending £1k on speakers !
For the OP, maybe also look at the LS50 speakers with a home amp - assuming you have a good one already. They seem to fill a larger room better and are on relative offer so could save a few hundred quid.
I figure with your interest in the kef you have already watched the vid below but just in case here it is again
John darko’s review of the kef here
£1000 is just a bit too steep for the intended use.
I got mine for (IIRC) £700 from ebay... they often pop up around that mark.. They were basically brand new, but just needed UK plugs! (so of course, budget for an additional £2-3,000 for medium quality mains cables. Each. LOLZ)
I'm in West Sussex, if you wanted a listen. I don't know if audio places would have them in stock? maybe...
The LS50 wireless II is another DREAMY pair of speakers... I'm not in a position to splash out on those just yet, and TBH, the volume/sound from the LSX is PERFECT for me and my needs..
DrP
Good points all. I have seen the Darko video but will watch again now.
I am still tempted by a one box and speakers.
Either eBay or post xmas sales I reckon.
And Drp - I used to be in West Sussex 'til last year, thanks for the offer though.
I am still tempted by a one box and speakers
This was my reasoning...
The only thing I listen to are:
TV
Spotify
Something via bluetooth perhaps.
Yeah, I could get a nice amp to deal with each input, and a nice pair of speakers... But I like the clutter free simplicity of these speakers.
I had (actually, still have in a cupboard) some Q Acoustic BT3 speakers. They're brill value and sound, but the KEF are something else.
DrP
Kent Engineering Foundry have come a long way since I visited them as a 6th former. Pride of place at the time was a PDP11 that logged the data from a pulse through a speaker in a large room. Clever hack to avoid needing to build an anechoic chamber - they just cut processing the signal off before any echos could get back to the mikes.
Kent Engineering Foundry
DrP is embarraseed I didn't know that's what KEF stood for!
DrP
5m x 8m is a lot of room to drive, you say you don't want to play loud but I'd say that smaller speakers will be less suited. And especially so if your preference is for genres where bass is important. If you're preparing to spend over £1k, I'd say it'd be worth visiting a dealer to see what your choices are. But used speakers are often a good buy - especially larger floorstanders where, like furniture, the difficulty in shipping means bargains can sometimes be had.
Looks like I'm going to have to try something out in real shop!
Also reading reports that the KAF LSX doesn't play nice with a mesh network which is what I have to get wifi round the whole house.