KEF LS60 Wireless System review exploring premium sound quality and sleek design

Description

Introducing the KEF LS60 Wireless System

Having spent quality time with the KEF LS60 Wireless System (Mineral White), I can confidently say this is a speaker system that merges stunning design with audiophile-grade performance. The concept of an all-in-one speaker system is incredibly appealing, and KEF delivers a solution that’s as sleek as it is functional. Whether it’s streaming music, connecting to a turntable, or enhancing your TV audio, this product is designed for versatility. While it’s not without its quirks, it does offer a lot for those looking to elevate their home audio experience.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things that struck me about the LS60 Wireless System was the iconic slim design. It’s both modern and elegant, blending seamlessly into my living space without dominating the room. Created by Michael Young and the KEF design team, it’s clear a lot of thought went into making the system aesthetically pleasing. Despite its minimal footprint, the speakers stand tall at 42.9 inches, making a bold statement without being intrusive.

The Mineral White finish adds a touch of sophistication, though I’d imagine the other color options are equally striking. At 139 pounds, the system feels robust and well-built, but moving it around isn’t exactly effortless. The included remote control and intuitive app interface make operating the system straightforward, even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.

Performance and Sound Quality

Here’s where the LS60 Wireless truly shines. With a combined 1400 Watts of power, the sound output is nothing short of breathtaking. Each speaker is equipped with dedicated amplifiers for high, medium, and low frequencies, ensuring a balanced and immersive audio experience. I tested it with a range of genres—from classical to bass-heavy electronic tracks—and the clarity was phenomenal.

The Uni-Core technology and 6.5-inch woofers deliver deep, punchy bass without muddying the mids or highs. Meanwhile, the 25.4-millimeter tweeters ensure crisp treble that doesn’t feel harsh, even at higher volumes. Whether I was streaming a live concert or watching an action-packed movie, the soundstage was expansive, and the audio detail was impressive.

Connectivity and Streaming Options

The connectivity features on this system are extensive. It supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and even Spotify Connect. I found myself using the KEF Connect app most of the time, which made streaming from services like Amazon Music and Tidal incredibly simple. The app interface is clean and intuitive, though it did take a few minutes to figure out all the settings.

For those who still love physical media, the system offers HDMI eARC, optical inputs, and even connections for turntables or CD players. I tried pairing it with my vintage vinyl player, and the results were spectacular. The ability to stream PCM files up to 24bit/384kHz and support for MQA decoding ensures high-resolution audio playback, which audiophiles will undoubtedly appreciate.

Key Benefits

• Stunning design: Slim profile and beautiful Mineral White finish.
• Powerful sound: A staggering 1400 Watts of power with precise audio tuning.
• Extensive connectivity: Supports everything from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to HDMI eARC.
• High-resolution audio: Streams up to 24bit/384kHz with MQA decoding.
• User-friendly controls: Comes with an app, a remote, and physical buttons.

Areas for Improvement

That said, no product is perfect, and the KEF LS60 Wireless is no exception. While I was thoroughly impressed overall, there are a few flaws worth mentioning:

• Price point: This system is undeniably a significant investment, which might deter casual users.
• Weight: At 139 pounds, moving or repositioning the speakers can be challenging.
• Learning curve: The KEF Connect app, while functional, could offer better onboarding for first-time users.
• Limited Bluetooth range: The 10-meter range is decent but feels restrictive in larger spaces.

Competing Products

Comparing the LS60 Wireless to its competitors highlights its strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Sonos Arc offers excellent multiroom capabilities and a slightly more affordable price point but lacks the sheer power and high-res audio support of the KEF system. Similarly, the Bose 700 soundbar is sleek and user-friendly but doesn’t come close to matching the 1400 Watts of the LS60.

Where the KEF system excels is audio fidelity and design innovation. The ability to pair with subwoofers and its support for DSD streaming are features that set it apart from others in its class. However, for those seeking a simpler plug-and-play setup, competing brands might be more appealing.

Smart Spending

From a value proposition standpoint, the LS60 Wireless is a premium product that delivers premium results. While the initial cost is steep, the combination of features, design, and performance makes it worth every penny for serious audio enthusiasts. If you’re someone who appreciates high-fidelity sound and doesn’t mind paying for top-tier quality, this system won’t disappoint. However, casual users might find more cost-effective alternatives that meet their needs without breaking the bank.

The LS60 Wireless System isn’t just a speaker—it’s an investment in superior sound and elegant design.

Additional information