Is there an innovation downside in high-end audio proper now? We now have coated a couple of hundred new product introductions to date this yr and while there may be definitely no scarcity of issues to jot down about — producers appear to be extending the lifetime of current merchandise with new finishes throughout a number of classes. There may be nothing flawed with making current merchandise extra accessible to a wider vary of potential clients nevertheless it makes us marvel if manufacturers are struggling to maneuver sure merchandise and the answer is so as to add extra colours?
Examples in 2023 embody the Bang & Olufsen Ferrari Assortment, Marantz Cinema 40/50 AVR add Silver/Gold End Choice, Focal Sopra No2 New End, and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Headphones Get New Coat of Paint.
We aren’t being essential of the these merchandise and firms, however the variety of new colours for current merchandise appears to be growing. KEF jumped into this development with the KEF KC62 Subwoofer and the KEF LSX II Wi-fi Loudspeakers.
The most recent instance from KEF is their announcement of a new Carbon Black end possibility for its already in style LS60 Wi-fi Floorstanding audio system.
What makes this fascinating is that just some months in the past (July 2023), KEF added a 4th coloration in British Racing Inexperienced (in partnership with Lotus).
In fact, the LS60s are additionally presently out there of their preliminary 2022 launch colours of mineral white, royal blue, and titanium gray.
Tip: All of the audio system are the identical internally, with the identical speaker and have set, the one distinction is the colour choice (at the least to date).
KEF LS60 Recap
The LS60 Wi-fi consists of two thin-profile floorstanding powered audio system. There isn’t any want to attach the audio system to an extra amplifier, stereo, or dwelling theater receiver.
The first speaker consists of wi-fi and bodily supply connectivity. The audio alerts wanted for the secondary speaker are transferred from the first speaker by way of an Ethernet connection.
The LS60 Wi-fi has a complete system energy output of 1400 watts with separate amplifiers for the low-end, midrange, and treble. System frequency response is 31 Hz to 24 Hz +/- 3dB
There may be additionally a subwoofer preamp output if desired.
The LS60 is appropriate with Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast, in addition to streaming straight from Spotify Join and Tidal. The LS60 can also be Roon Prepared.
KEF’s Join app (iOS, Android) offers entry to Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, and TuneIn in addition to offering supply choice and EQ setting choices.
The LS60 system helps Hello-Res audio (PCM as much as 24bit/384kHz, DSD, and MQA).
Bodily supply connectivity for the LS60 consists of HDMI eARC, Digital Optical/Coaxial, and RCA connections which permit direct connection to appropriate TVs, CD/DVD/Blu-ray gamers, sport consoles, and extra.
The LS60 Wi-fi system can connect with a house community/web by way of built-in WiFi or Ethernet cable.
Applied sciences
KEF consists of a number of of its key speaker applied sciences to optimize sound copy within the LS60 together with:
- The KEF Music Integrity Engine makes use of sign processing algorithms to right timing errors in order that the Uni-Q drivers within the LS60 ship clear imaging and tighter sound freed from undesirable artifacts.
In The Field
- LS60 Wi-fi Speaker System
- Energy cords
- Interspeaker join cable
- Distant management
- Non-compulsory ground spikes
- Fast Begin Information, guarantee, and security data
Availability and Pricing
The KEF LS60 Wi-fi Floorstanding audio system can be found in Royal Blue, Mineral White, Titanium Gray, and Carbon Black for $6,999/pair at Crutchfield and Amazon. The Lotus Version LS60 in British racing inexperienced is priced at $7,999/pair.
Tip: When you aren’t fascinated by a floorstanding possibility, think about the KEF LS50 Wi-fi II for the same featured wi-fi speaker in a bookshelf mannequin.
