KEF LS60 the way forwards?

[mgv8]

https://www.hifipig.com/kef-ls60-wireless-floorsta...

The KEF LS60 keeps things so simple and clear with very few cables or needing to match the amp with speakers. Is this the way things are going, or is the ability to have to swap everything out if the technology changes too much of a limiting factor?

[adsk]

As an wireless active speaker owner (Burchardt A500) I'm a convert. No worries about finding the best match of components, having to swap out component to influence the sound etc - this, however, is one of the major joys for many audio fans and an upgrade path that is not offered by an all in one system.

Yes, long-term servicing/upgrades/repairability is an issue when you've spent £3.5k in my case (£6k for the KEF). For a company with a 60yr track record, I guess consumers will be more confident.

I took a calculated gamble with a start up. After nearly 2 years of ownership, I'm happy and they are still around and seem to be thriving.

There are other manufacturers doing various wireless systems e.g. B&O, Cabasse, Dali, System Audio, but the design, heritage and name recognition of KEF may well be the game changer that these (mainly) more niche players in the UK market have not been.

[NDA]

I have the tiny babies of these in the LSX. I've stopped using them for the moment, but they are great sounding - the KEF drive unit arrangement produces stunning imagery.

[Baron Greenback]

Can't wait to hear the reviews. I may be upgrading my system soon and moving house but don't know what size the room will be. The current room and walls not setup for such a speaker but I love the design and tech of the LS60 but £6k would be tad too much for me.

[OutInTheShed]

mgv8 said:

https://www.hifipig.com/kef-ls60-wireless-floorsta...

The KEF LS60 keeps things so simple and clear with very few cables or needing to match the amp with speakers. Is this the way things are going, or is the ability to have to swap everything out if the technology changes too much of a limiting factor?

Conceptually, there's 3 things here perhaps?
Wireless distribution to two speakers.
Active speakers i.e. some amps n the speaker boxes
Some nice drive units.

I've been thinking about dual digital wireless to DACs, active crossovers and whatever drivers

It seems totally possible to upgrade (or replace when broken) the electronics around existing woofer tweeter and cabinet, or maybe vice versa.

£6k is a lot to me, we could go to quite a few memorable live music events and still have change for a gramophone.

[mgv8]

I, too, have the LSX in my office and really enjoy them. The app is a little flaky, but the sound is good and easy on the ear for all-day listening. Streaming apps really make this work.
£3000 for speakers, £1000 for DAC and £2000 for 1400w of amps is not so bad?
Could you add a centre and surrounds (sub)?

[rodericb]

They look like they'd have some power draw - how long do the batteries last?

[mgv8]

rodericb said:

They look like they'd have some power draw - how long do the batteries last?

What batteries? Each speaker is mains powered.

[Baron Greenback]

Dont mind this channel, he is reviewing in two parts.

[NDA]

Have read the few reviews on these and I like what I'm reading. I might buy a pair when they launch....

I really liked the imagery from the little LSX's, but they didn't move enough air for me, so reverted back to my Ruark speakers and mono block Musical Fidelity amps. It sounds good, but I miss what the little KEF's delivered in some respects.

I have emailed my hifi dealer.

[Baron Greenback]

What colour, shame they didn't do a wood vineer but still make it a modern look? White will stand out too much while the grey is OKish (hate undercoat grey in cars not too sure on speakers) and the blue is growing on me but will stand out too much.

[JimbobVFR]

I wonder how these would compare to a pair of LS50W coupled with stereo subs. The main driver on the smaller speakers is actually a bit bigger than on these floor standers which are probably narrower than you think.

[VEX]

Lots of things like this being shown at the Munich High End HiFi Show last week.

Two of my personal favourites were Totem Accoustic Kin Play ranges and thier new tower. Teathered Primary/seconday arrangement with just speaker cable between them. Streaming and BT in allong with analogue and a dam good Phono Stage.

And System Audio's WiSA range, completely wireless, room correction and using an open standard so yku can mix and match your system. B&O, LG, Dali Auido even Klipsch (in the USA) are adopters.

[Deranged Rover]

I was at Munich and completely forgot to go and listen to these!

[NDA]

Deranged Rover said:

I was at Munich and completely forgot to go and listen to these!

I am being quoted August/September delivery.... there seems to be quite a demand.

[minimalist]

Baron Greenback said:

Don't mind this channel, he is reviewing in two parts.

I stopped watching him a while back. He gets too frustrated when his audience doesn't engage with him on his terms. Many of his videos include a little lecture about not asking him for his opinions on X or for him to review Y. He removed the comment section on YouTube as he couldn't handle people commenting what they wanted, regardless of the rules he set them. He even wrote a little article about it on his website.

I initially liked his videos and we have similar taste in music so shame I fine him so hard to watch.

[stevoknevo]

minimalist said:

Baron Greenback said:

Don't mind this channel, he is reviewing in two parts.

I stopped watching him a while back. He gets too frustrated when his audience doesn't engage with him on his terms. Many of his videos include a little lecture about not asking him for his opinions on X or for him to review Y. He removed the comment section on YouTube as he couldn't handle people commenting what they wanted, regardless of the rules he set them. He even wrote a little article about it on his website.

I initially liked his videos and we have similar taste in music so shame I fine him so hard to watch.

I actually really like him because of that, can see why it upsets some people though - it must be a right PITA to have people constantly asking how does this compare to XYZ (no not XTZ, I do have one of their power amps though...) when he's always been explicit in stating he can't compare things against something he's never heard...and still the questions come. But his biggest gripe seems to mostly be about people with entrenched know-it-all viewpoints or just there for an argument (as happens in any hobby specific fora or groups) And he has someone managing YT comments now I believe?
I really enjoy his podcasts, just finished listening to a lengthy one with Srajan Ebaen of Six Moons which was very interesting, but he's had loads of really interesting guests on (and he's opened my ears to a lot of music I'd never heard of or thought I'd be interested in!)

I'm sure these KEF's are fantastic sounding but I'm really not a fan of how they look - the tiny drivers look strange, I don't like the plinths, and the blue ones are horrible. Oh well, six grand, that I don't have, to spend on something else...

[Bonefish Blues]

Did anyone take the plunge and buy a pair?

[NDA]

Bonefish Blues said:

Did anyone take the plunge and buy a pair?

I did.

They're very good.

[Bonefish Blues]

Ooh, as good as the reviews reckon? More info gratefully received as I look to narrow down options, thanks