With the LS LUXE, KEF presents a wireless hi-fi system that aims to be a streaming active speaker, a design object, and a symbol of luxury all in one. This sculptural new product was developed in collaboration with Ross Lovegrove.
KEF is taking its wireless speakers to a new level of design and price. With the LS LUXE, the British premium audio manufacturer is introducing a wireless hi-fi system that is explicitly intended not only as a pair of speakers but also as a sculptural object for the living room. The LS LUXE was developed in collaboration with renowned designer Ross Lovegrove, with whom KEF has previously worked on iconic products such as the Muon, Mu, and Muo.
As a result, the LS LUXE is aimed not only at traditional hi-fi enthusiasts, but also at a target audience that wants to seamlessly blend technology, home aesthetics, and audiophile standards. KEF itself describes it as the most ambitious project in the company’s 65-year history.
KEF LS LUXE: A Design Statement Featuring Uni-Q and MAT
From a technical standpoint, the LS LUXE features a 16.5-centimeter 12th-generation Uni-Q driver at its core. As is typical for KEF, the tweeter is positioned at the acoustic center of the mid-bass driver. This coaxial design is intended to ensure particularly even sound distribution and a large sweet spot.
Added to this is KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology, or MAT for short. It is located behind the tweeter and is designed to absorb unwanted rearward sound. KEF describes this as functioning like an “acoustic black hole” that absorbs 99 percent of the tweeter’s unwanted rearward sound. The goal is to reduce distortion, minimize sound coloration, and achieve a more natural soundstage.
The enclosure, too, departs from the classic speaker cabinet shape. KEF describes it as a rounded, low-diffraction design featuring robust materials, a flexible decoupled enclosure, and an advanced bulk-molding compound. This design is intended to deliver greater clarity and deeper bass. According to KEF, the LS LUXE thus outperforms even the LS50 Wireless II.
VECO: Sensors for more controlled bass
The LS LUXE marks a technical first for Velocity Control Technology, or VECO for short. According to KEF, this technology was previously used in the XIO soundbar, but is now being employed in a speaker for the first time. The closed-loop system uses a speed sensor that monitors the movement of the Uni-Q driver in real time. The data is transmitted to a specially developed amplifier designed to correct irregularities in the driver’s movement.
The goal is more precise bass reproduction with reduced distortion. This is particularly exciting in the context of a compact, design-oriented enclosure: While traditional speakers rely on large volume and mechanical reserves, KEF is seeking to gain additional control here through sensors, amplifiers, and DSP.
Music Integrity Engine and powerful power amplifiers
Software also plays a key role. The Music Integrity Engine uses specially tuned DSP algorithms to maintain precision, sound balance, and dynamics even when the amplifiers are under heavy load.
For each speaker, KEF combines a 100-watt Class AB amplifier with a 280-watt Class D amplifier. This provides a total of 380 watts of amplifier power per speaker. In a stereo system, the LS LUXE thus delivers 760 watts of amplifier power.
Streaming, HDMI eARC, and multiple inputs
The KEF LS LUXE uses the W2 wireless platform. It supports streaming services such as Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Deezer, as well as playback via Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, QPlay, AirPlay, and Google Cast. KEF also highlights Hi-Res playback up to 24-bit/384 kHz and multi-room audio.
Connections are also available for traditional audio sources, including HDMI-eARC, analog, optical, and coaxial inputs. This means the LS LUXE can be used not only as a streaming system but also connected to a TV, CD player, or game console. Each speaker also has its own subwoofer output.
Important for Roon users: According to KEF, Roon Ready is planned but won’t be available until 2027.
KEF Connect app with Normal and Expert modes
The LS LUXE is set up and customized using the KEF Connect app. It offers a “Normal” mode with step-by-step instructions and an “Expert” mode for more detailed EQ settings. It also features a built-in advanced room EQ DSP designed to adapt the speaker to the room. Special presets are available for KEF subwoofers.
The system can be controlled via an app or using the included C3 remote control. The remote features an aluminum top plate, backlit buttons, and a programmable favorites button.
Colors, Accessories, and Price
The KEF LS LUXE is available in three finishes: Dusk Titanium, Eclipse Black, and Mineral White. KEF also offers optional S-LUXE stands with integrated cable management, the K-Stream connection cable for high-resolution audio transmission over distances of up to eight meters, and the KW1 wireless subwoofer adapter set.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the speaker system is 4,000 euros. The LS LUXE is available at KEF authorized dealers and through the German KEF website.
Technical Specifications for the KEF LS LUXE
| Feature | KEF LS LUXE |
|---|---|
| Concept | Wireless Hi-Fi/Streaming Active Speaker System |
| Design | Ross Lovegrove |
| Driver | 16.5-cm 12th-generation Uni-Q |
| Technology | MAT, VECO, Music Integrity Engine |
| Amplifier power | 100 W Class AB + 280 W Class D per speaker |
| Streaming platform | KEF W2 Wireless |
| HiRes Support | Up to 24-bit/384 kHz PCM, DSD |
| Streaming services | Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, and others |
| Minutes | Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, QPlay, AirPlay, Google Cast |
| Roon | Roon Ready starting in 2027 |
| Connections | HDMI-eARC, analog, optical, coaxial |
| Subwoofer | Dedicated subwoofer output per speaker |
| App | KEF Connect with Normal and Expert Modes |
| Room Correction | Advanced Room EQ DSP |
| Colors | Dusk Titanium, Eclipse Black, Mineral White |
| Accessories | S-LUXE Stands, K-Stream Cables, KW1 Subwoofer Adapter |
| Price | 4,000 euros (MSRP) |
