The British audio company, KEF, based in Maidstone, England, was originally established in 1961 as โKent Engineering & Foundry,โ by founder Raymond Cooke. But unlike most of its staid audio speaker competition, which still belabors principles pioneered in the 1950s and 1960s, KEF continues to push the innovation envelope.
Two of its latest product offerings exemplify its innovative thinking. Its latest KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers ($2,499), improves on the original model LS50 introduced in 2016 by adding the latest wave of new KEF Connect app-driven entertainment, offering such leading-edge streaming services as Tidal Masters, which offers hi-res files in the MQA format, plus compatibility with Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify, Apple Music via AirPlay 2, plus Google Chromecast, Bluetooth, and Roon Ready support.
These active speakers feature built-in amplifiers with 100 watts powering the tweeters and 280 watts dedicated to the mid-bass driver. Eliminating the need for a separate power amplifier does soften the blow of the expense somewhat, although if you want to mount these speakers on stands, you will have to spend an additional $449 to support their 20-kg (44 pounds) weight per set.
Not satisfied with merely reinventing wireless speakers, KEF has also just launched what may be an equally disruptive subwoofer that packs ultra-low bass tones in a 10x10x10 cube (246 x 256 x 248 mm) with 2 x 500-watt amplifier power built-in. The KEF KC62, which retails for $1,499, weighs 14kg (31 pounds) and promises to make your movies and music an immersive experience.
The dimunitive KEF KC62 subwoofer promises gobs of bass in a relatively tiny 10-inch cube.
