I'm using a pair of Kef LSX II for my desktop and I think they're fantastic, but they do sound like small speakers, but the clarity and soundstage nearfield is pretty fantastic. I don't do any critical listening. It's while I work and when I take a break from work. I'm using them with over Wifi/Qobuz. I haven't had a desktop speaker in a long time so nothing to compare it with; but I don't miss listening with my Grado rs1x headphones. I have a smaller desktop so they fit well. I don't think I could get anything much bigger.
+ Clear sound
+ Cohesive soundstage with clear stereo separation. I suspect its the coaxial driver setup that does well nearfield
+ App is pretty cool; it's easy to setup, but also you can tweak the sound from the app
+ Added a sub pretty easily and integrated through the app; but I can listen to these without a sub; most of my listening is pop/vocals.
+ Looks really nice and unique; and feels premium (heavy)
+ It sounds "impressive" at low volumes - it's balanced.
- Lacks the effortless midrange and bass from larger speakers at higher volumes
- I would get occasional drop outs in the sound; I didn't realize when you connect the L and R it automatically pairs them with the cable. It doesn't
You have to set it in the app. after that zero drop outs.
- they do sound like small speakers (narrower soundstage, and the bass isn't as "effortless". You can tell its constraint. Adding the subwoofer helps.
- Remote is plasticy and cheap feeling, but it has the basic controls including fwd, pause, and rwd which is real nice which controls qobuz
- Hiss when there's nothing playing or when it turns off.
- I wish Qobuz just did "connect" so I wouldn't have to use Kef connect app; but it is nice to have it all in one place, Qobuz, sound settings, etc.. I use Bluesound upstairs so I have to switch between multiple apps to play; but alteast my favorites/playlists do come through all of the individual apps.
- Accessories are super expensive, but they seem really well built
- I still have to use 3 wires: Power cord for each speaker and a cable to connect that L and R. but on my small desk it better than streamer+amp+speaker and the all their associated cables so I really don't mind the 3.
I would consider these lifestyle speakers and if you consider it is a streamer, DAC, amp, speaker all built into one small unit, I think its pretty impressive for desktop nearfield setup.
I purchased mine used and at these prices I couldn't put together a separate system that sounds this good for my desktop - perfect! (for now
).
