Unveiling the KEF LS60 Wireless: A Coaxial Sonic Marvel
Introduction: A Quest for Sonic Excellence
Delving into the world of high-quality audio, I encountered the Genelec 8351B, an auditory revelation that left a lasting impression. Its ability to convey the essence of music with unparalleled precision was a testament to its heritage from professional recording studios. This encounter piqued my curiosity when the KEF LS60 Wireless, a speaker closely aligned with the Genelec’s attributes, emerged on the scene.
Technical data
| KEF LS60 Wireless | |
|---|---|
| concept | Fully active streaming floorstanding speaker with many source options. Supports AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Roon Ready, UPnP, Bluetooth 4.2. |
| Furnishing: | 1 x 12th gen Uni-Q driver, 4 x 13.5 cm basses, 700 watts of amplifier power per cabinet; Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, QQ Music, Internet Radio, Podcast |
| Particularities: | Extensive streaming app with DSP features |
| Inputs/Outputs: | HDMI ARC, Coax, Toslink, AUX, Sub-Out, Wireless or Wired Network, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (H x W x D): | 109.0 × 21.9 × 39.4 cm |
| Weight: | 31.2 kilos |
Refined Craftsmanship: Coaxial Drivers Elevated
Both Genelec and KEF have devoted years to perfecting coaxial driver technology. KEF, in particular, has a storied history in coaxial driver development, demonstrated by the refinement of their Uni-Q driver over 12 generations since its inception in 1988. This ceaseless pursuit of excellence highlights the boundless potential for optimization in this domain.
The Coaxial Advantage: Pursuit of the Point Source Ideal
Coaxial drivers distinguish themselves by their aspiration to emulate the theoretical ideal of a point source. Departing from conventional multi-way designs, where distinct drivers handle various frequency ranges, coaxial drivers strive to unite all drivers into a single point source. This results in a symmetrical sound dispersion that replicates on-axis frequency response for early reflections, preserving consistent directivity and enhancing the listening experience.
Constant Directivity: Sound Power Measurement and Its Significance
The hallmark of excellent constant directivity lies in the measurement of sound power, a frequency response averaged across all solid angles. The KEF LS60 Wireless embodies this attribute, exemplified by its Uni-Q driver’s exceptional constant directivity. This property isn’t confined to the mid/high range alone; KEF’s innovation “Single Apparent Source” extends this characteristic into the bass region, fostering a seamless sonic blend.
Engineering Excellence: KEF’s Innovations
Crafting the LS60 Wireless required meticulous engineering and innovation. KEF’s expertise is showcased through innovations like “Uni-Core Force Cancelling” and “Meta,” enhancing high-frequency performance. The former counters unwanted cabinet vibrations through opposing bass drivers, ensuring remarkable stability. The “Meta” technology enriches tweeter performance by mitigating unwanted reflections through a labyrinthine structure.
The LS60 Wireless: A Culmination of Expertise
The LS60 Wireless represents the culmination of KEF’s technological achievements, incorporating decades of expertise. Through active operation and dedicated amplifiers for bass, mid-range, and tweeter, it combines technical prowess with pristine sound reproduction. Digital crossovers at 330 Hz and 2,800 Hz ensure seamless integration, capable of handling high-resolution digital data.
Realizing the Potential: Practical Experience
In real-world usage, the LS60 Wireless proved its mettle. Placing the speakers in my listening room initiated a sense of anticipation. The setup process, guided by a user-friendly app, paved the way for an enriching listening encounter. The speakers, whether accompanied by subwoofers or not, exhibited remarkable stability and depth. The LS60 Wireless delivered an immersive soundstage, enveloping the listener with tonal richness.
Comparative Analysis: LS60 Wireless vs. Genelec 8351B
Comparing the LS60 Wireless with the Genelec 8351B accentuated their distinct sonic characteristics. The Genelec excelled in conveying intricate details with a sense of intimacy, while the KEF provided a more expansive and encompassing musical presentation. Tonally, the LS60 Wireless exuded a captivating warmth, with customizable EQ settings enhancing its versatility. Its prowess in rendering bass was evident, notably in the reproduction of acoustic bass tones, instilling a palpable sense of live performance.
Evaluating Sonic Performance: A Comprehensive Sound Test
The true essence of any audio equipment lies in its ability to recreate music with fidelity and accuracy. To gauge the sonic capabilities of the KEF LS60 Wireless, a thorough sound test was conducted, revealing its strengths across various aspects of audio reproduction.
Setting the Stage: Preparing for the Sound Test
Before delving into the sound test, meticulous setup was essential. The LS60 Wireless speakers were strategically placed in the listening room to optimize sound dispersion while minimizing room-induced influences. This involved positioning the speakers to maintain a high ratio of direct to reflected sound, diminishing unwanted acoustic effects.
Initial Impressions: The First Notes
As the sound test commenced, the initial playback provided a glimpse of the LS60 Wireless’s performance. The focus was directed towards assessing fundamental characteristics such as tonal accuracy, soundstage width, and depth, as well as the overall coherence of the audio presentation.
Voice Playback: A Crucial Assessment
Voice playback offered insights into the LS60 Wireless’s ability to render midrange frequencies faithfully. The positioning of vocalists within the soundstage was a focal point. Questions emerged: Does the speaker accurately center the vocals? Is there any tonal coloration or nasal quality? Does the speaker exhibit a sense of depth or prominence? These aspects were swiftly appraised to determine the speaker’s fidelity in capturing human vocal nuances.
Comparative Analysis: KEF LS60 Wireless vs. Genelec 8351B
Drawing parallels between the KEF LS60 Wireless and the Genelec 8351B added depth to the evaluation. The comparison was instrumental in unveiling nuances that differentiated the two speakers. The Genelec excelled in producing an intimate “acoustic zoom,” spotlighting minute details. Meanwhile, the KEF provided a more holistic representation, enveloping the listener in a broader, cohesive musical canvas. The listeners’ preference for these distinctive characters played a crucial role, demonstrating the subjectivity of audio appreciation.
Tonal Balance: Striking the Right Chord
The tonal balance of the LS60 Wireless was closely examined. How does it handle high frequencies? Does the midrange exhibit natural warmth or any coloration? Is the bass response articulate and deep without overpowering other frequencies? These queries guided the assessment, aided by customizable EQ settings that allowed fine-tuning to cater to individual preferences.
Bass Resonance and Impulse Handling
The LS60 Wireless’s prowess in bass reproduction was brought to the forefront with tracks emphasizing deep resonances. Complex basslines and acoustic bass recordings were scrutinized. The speaker’s ability to maintain clarity and differentiation between bass notes, even in intricate passages, showcased its engineering finesse. The presence of post-oscillations, an issue influenced by room acoustics, was noted but proved less disruptive than anticipated.
Spatial Representation and Soundstage
The LS60 Wireless’s spatial reproduction was tested with tracks designed to stretch its boundaries. The soundstage’s dimensions, width, and depth were evaluated. The Genelec’s precision in depicting spatial cues was contrasted with the KEF’s inclination toward expansive presentation. Instruments and vocals were strategically placed within the soundstage to discern their positioning accuracy and three-dimensional attributes.
Level Stability and Subwoofer Integration
A critical aspect of the sound test revolved around level stability. The LS60 Wireless’s built-in limiter, though detectable in laboratory measurements, exhibited minimal impact during real-world usage, even with dynamic music passages. Subwoofer integration capabilities were acknowledged, though not mandatory for maintaining bass performance. The LS60 Wireless’s ability to deliver robust low frequencies even at high listening levels was acknowledged.
Unveiling the LS60 Wireless’s Prowess
Upon comprehensive evaluation, the KEF LS60 Wireless emerged as a standout performer. Its capacity to harmonize diverse musical genres and recording qualities was commendable. While my listening room’s inherent challenges unveiled some room-induced distortions, the LS60 Wireless exhibited versatility by handling them admirably.
A Sonic Marvel: The KEF LS60 Wireless’s Verdict
The final verdict underlines the LS60 Wireless’s prowess as an all-encompassing audio solution. Its prowess in rendering sound without straining the listener’s attention or overwhelming them demonstrated its intrinsic balance. The LS60 Wireless seamlessly combined depth, power, and finesse in a compact package, defying expectations with its slender design. This audio marvel emerged as a leader in the realm of high-performance wireless speakers, securing its place atop my wish list for the ultimate auditory journey.
Unveiling a Sonic Gem: The KEF LS60 Wireless
As my auditory exploration unfolded, the LS60 Wireless showcased its capabilities with finesse. It boasted a lack of noticeable deficits, offering a harmonious and balanced soundstage that demonstrated exceptional equilibrium. Its presentation emanated a tranquil and confident presence, creating an immersive experience without overwhelming the listener. This versatility was particularly commendable, catering to an array of musical genres and varying recording qualities.
Final Verdict: The Unsurpassed KEF LS60 Wireless
In conclusion, the KEF LS60 Wireless emerges as a peerless all-in-one solution, embodying technological excellence and musical prowess. Its design brilliance, encapsulating the evolution of the Uni-Q driver and the integration of advanced features, positions it as a pinnacle of achievement. The LS60 Wireless excels in providing a balanced, enveloping auditory journey—a feat made all the more astonishing by its slender form factor. Without question, the KEF LS60 Wireless is a beacon of innovation in the realm of sonic performance, securing its position as my top choice for an encompassing, high-performance wireless speaker.
| + | Best tonality, high naturalness |
| + | Extensive spatial representation of the music happening |
| + | Deep and stable |
| – | No calibration function |
