The ultra-slim profile and interior-design-friendly aesthetic belies the facility and authority of the efficiency. In the world of floor-standing audio system they’re tiny, however as everyone knows, it’s harmful to underestimate the little man in a combat.
In preserving with the diamond birthday theme, we kick off our listening with 1961 doo-wop sensation “Runaway,” by Del Shannon, and we’re instantly struck by the readability and breadth of the soundstage, with Max Crook’s Musitron solo stabbing by the combination.
The audio system provide unbridled enjoyable and baggage of enthusiasm. That may make them sound like a Labrador pet, however they’re extra akin to that pal whose tireless pursuit of latest and thrilling music is unavoidably infectious.
Similarly, if the Tidal Master recording of Elvis Presley’s 1961 chart topper “Are You Lonesome Tonight” doesn’t go away you misty-eyed and wanting to provide your nearest and dearest a cuddle, nicely, you’re merely not human. The LS60 Wireless’ flawless execution places you on the coronary heart of the recording, enveloping you superbly, and regardless of the less-than-demo-room-perfect speaker positioning on this reviewer’s regular dwelling area, the candy spot was huge, virtually to the purpose of nonexistence.
John Coltrane’s 1961 recording of “My Favorite Things,” additionally a Tidal Master, once more highlights the speaker’s skill to unbox a recording with utter precision. If you need to give attention to Elvin Jones’ drumming or McCoy Tyner’s piano, you may, or simply sit again, faucet your ft, and bathe within the brilliance of all of it.
Whatever we performed by them, the LS60 Wireless delivered, and we’re in awe of how nicely the slender audio system can deal with bass. Every thud, thwack, and wallop comes at you relentlessly, and regardless of the birthday-themed ’60s thread, we urge you to play hours of early ’90s drum & bass by them.
Are they actually that good? Yes, however we caveat this assertion with a few factors.
Firstly, we skilled occasional dropouts within the sign between grasp and slave speaker. The secondary speaker would glitch and drop the sign for a number of seconds, regardless of being not more than 3 meters away. We think about that is an early software program glitch, however it’s worthy of flagging.
And secondly, whereas the audio system are neighbor-botheringly loud and sound incredible when pushed, we did discover this high quality moderately diluted when used for informal, and far quieter, hear-yourself-think listening.
We additionally took challenge with quantity sensitivity utilizing the app or Spotify/Tidal Connect. The touchscreen isn’t delicate sufficient, and it’s too straightforward to go from hushed reverence to full-on rave. The quantity adjustment is considerably extra correct when you use the distant management, however given our common propensity for laziness, it’s smartphone or nothing.
Is There Any Competition?
What’s the demand for lively floor-standing audio system? There’s actually not a lot in the best way of competitors, but. Q Acoustics Q Active 400 (£2,299) is the primary, albeit quirkier different, with Dali and ATC each providing impressively reviewed however ageing options.
There’s the hefty “bookshelf” Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo for £3,999, Linn’s glorious however overpriced single £3,000 Series 3, or you possibly can revert to KEF’s personal LS50 Wireless II, which at lower than half the worth are compact and classy as hell, and provide virtually all the things most individuals might realistically ask for in an lively speaker. No, they don’t sound as spectacular because the LS60 Wireless, nor ought to they, however they continue to be an excellent, difficult-to-fault different.
Verdict
Getting to spend time away from a demo room with audio system nearly as good because the LS60 Wireless is an absolute privilege. They stand a category other than the remaining, providing complete connectivity and usefulness with a grin-inducing sound high quality. They additionally look very good, with a contemporary, pared-back aesthetic that manages to appease each the inside designer and the audiophile.
Massive floor-standing audio system sound nice, however to most, cumbersome cupboards, miles of cable, and numerous black bins simply aren’t acceptable. This is a refreshing antidote to a distinct segment downside that KEF has executed completely.
So, for now, the LS60 Wireless is well the most effective lively streaming speaker system obtainable. Nothing else even comes shut, however at $7,000 they ought to be sensible, and with very good choices from the identical model obtainable at half the worth, the query stays, do you actually need extra?
