Kef LSX User Manual

LSX

Owner’s Manual EN

This manual explains setup, preparation and operation of the LSX Music System

Contents

Section 1 – Introduction Pg 4

About This Manual Accessories Features (5)

Section 2 – First Time Setup Pg 6

Opening the Box Unpacking the Product Remote Control (7)

Section 3 – Controls and Connections Pg 8

Master Speaker Slave Speaker (9) Uni-Q Driver (9)

Section 4 – Audio Specifications Pg 10

Amplifiers Music Integrity Engine (DSP) Ways to Connect Introduction

Section 5 – KEF Control App Pg 11

KEF Control app Cable Mode (12) Inverse L/R Speaker (12)

Standby Mode (12) Volume Settings (13) Volume Control Sensitivity (13) Volume Limitation (13) Speaker Information (13) Send Logs & Information (13)

Section 6 – KEF Stream App Pg 14

KEF Stream app Media Servers

Section 7 – Wi-Fi Pg 15

Wi-Fi Introduction Router Requirements

Section 8 – Bluetooth Pg 16

Connection and Operation

Section 9 – TOSLINK & Optical Pg 17

Connection and Operation Connecting USB device to LSX

Section 10 – AUX Inputs & Analog Pg 17

Required cable Phono-stage connection

Section 11 – Digital Signal Processor Pg 18

Music Integrity Engine™ BASIC Sound Settings (19) EXPERT Sound Settings (19) External Subwoofer Operation and Control (20)

Section 12 – TIDAL Pg 21

Connection and Operation

Section 13 – Spotify Connect Pg 21

Connection and Operation

Section 14 – Roon Pg 22

Connection and Operation

Section 15 – Apple Airplay2 Pg 23

Connection and Operation

Section 16 – Subwoofer Operation Pg 23

Subwoofer Connection KEF Control App BASIC mode

Section 17 – Updating the Firmware Pg 24

KEF Control and Stream App

Section 18 – Care & Cleaning Pg 27

Modern Lifestyle White MYS Edition Olive Green Red & Blue Contemporary Classic Audiophile Black versions

Section 19 – Troubleshooting Guide Pg 28

Troubleshooting Tips for Common Issues

Appendices Pg 31

A. Digital Music Resolution B. Home Automation driver downloads C. IR Remote Codes (32) D. System Block Diagram (33) E. System Specifications (34)

1– Introduction

• Illustrations of English language menu screens, options,

accessories and instructions are used

• This manual is specific to features available in the United

States and Canada

o Options and features in other regions may vary

• Due to product improvements, specifications and

appearance are subject to change without notice

Icons and their meanings

Indicates use precautions and feature limitations

Indicates tips and hints to help get the most out of your product

The following items are included with your LSX Wireless Music System:

Remote Control (1)

Cat6 Ethernet Cable (1)

Cloverleaf AC power cable (2)

About This Manual

Accessories

Features

Your new LSX Wireless Music System has been designed to give you the ultimate audio experience in a simple to setup and operate package.

CONNECTIONS & DEVICES

LSX can be connected to a wide variety of devices, including devices and applications for wireless streaming such as NAS (Networked Attached Storage) servers, TIDAL™, Spotify Connect™, televisions and Digital Optical audio devices, Bluetooth™ devices and standard line-level audio devices such as turntables, CD players and cassette decks.

TRUE STEREO WIRELESS PLAYBACK

Using KEF’s proprietary on-board network Wi-Fi, the Left and Right channels deliver True Stereo without an interspeaker connection, allowing you to set up your speakers in almost any position without cable limitations. (page 12)

ALL THE MUSIC IN THE WORLD

TIDAL and Spotify Connect allow you to access virtually all the music in the world simply and easily. (page 21)

CUSTOMIZED SOUND

Via the DSP (Digital Sound Processor) on-board the LSX, you can tailor the sound of your units to your taste or to correct audio problems within your listening area. (page 18)

MULTI-ROOM CONTROL

With Apply Airplay2™ and Roon™ you can control multiple devices throughout your home. (page 22,23).

MULTIPLE WIRELESS CONNECTIONS

LSX can be connected to your home network wirelessly or via the on-board Ethernet connection.

In crowded networking environments, such as an apartment building or office space, using the Ethernet cable

may provide a more stable network connection for streaming.

“Sit Anywhere” TECHNOLOGY

KEF’s patented Uni-Q speaker allows you to sit virtually anywhere and hear your music or other audio program clearly, just as the artists who created it intended.

HIGH RESOLUTION STREAMING

Listen to high-resolution music and audio files at 96kHz/24-bit resolution in Cable Mode. (page 12)

Home Automation Integration

LSX is compatible with standard home automation software platforms. (Appen. 3 pg 31)

CONTROL & STREAM APPS

Install KEF’s Control and Stream apps on your Apple™ or

Android™ device to access all LS family streaming, control and DSP features.

Here’s what you can do with your new LSX Wireless Music System!

2 – First Time Setup

OPENING THE BOX AND REMOVING THE SPEAKERS

After unsealing the packing material, carefully lift your speakers out of the box.

Lift the speakers from the side only! Lifting or

handling the speakers from the front may cause

damage to the Uni-Q drivers.

DOWNLOAD THE APPS

Download the KEF Control and Stream apps to your mobile or handheld device.

In order to setup your LSX for standard operation, you

must connect them to the KEF Control App via a wireless network connection.

CONNECTING TO POWER

Remove the (2) cloverleaf AC power cables from the Accessories box and connect both speakers to power.

DISTANCE BETWEEN SPEAKERS

• For the best stereo soundstage place the speakers between

3 and 8 feet (1-3m) apart

• Wireless Mode: Up to 15 feet (3m)

• Cable Mode: Up to 24 feet (8m).

INDICATOR

While waiting to on-board, the Master speaker indicator will slowly alternate

between amber and white.

While LSX is connecting to your network the Master Speaker

indicator will turn amber and pulse on and off.

OPEN KEF CONTROL APP

Master speaker indicator slowly flashing between amber and white.

• The HELLO! screen will appear – please select KEF LSX

• If connecting LSX for the first time, please select NEXT

• If LSX has previously been connected to your network,

please select CONNECT TO EXISTING.

• From your device’s Wi-Fi setup page please select LSX

For first time setup it may take as long as 5 minutes for your network to find and connect to the LSX.

iOS devices require that you leave the KEF Control App by

pressing the HOME button and entering the SETTINGS page. Once you have selected the LSX from this page, please return to the KEF Control app.

• Choose your Wi-Fi network. Be sure to connect device

and LSX to the same network

• Enter your network password and press NEXT

• You may rename your speaker. This is helpful for users

with more than one networked KEF product

Opening the Box & Unpacking the Speakers

• The LSX will now reboot. The app will indicate when the

speakers have rebooted and when they have connected to your network.

• Once connection is successfully completed, the app will

advance to the next screen. Press LET’S START.

INDICATOR

The indicator on the Master speaker will now be lit solid white, indicating your speakers are in Wi-Fi mode.

On-Screen Instructions

The KEF Control App will now guide you through a short tutorial on app operation.

To play music press OPEN KEF STREAM.

If there are any available firmware updates for your LSX

the app will prompt you to update your system.

In order to keep your LSX running with the latest firmware, please be sure to update your speakers when prompted. For instructions on updating your firmware please see page 24.

YOU ARE NOW READY TO LISTEN!

Once you have successfully connected your LSX to your local network and the KEF Control and Stream apps, you are now able to set sound profiles for your various listening sources. Please see page 19 for further information.

REMOTE CONTROL

The included Remote Control performs the following functions:

• Power On/Off

• Input Select

• Volume +/-

• Mute

• Pause/Play

• Skip Track

When using streaming services such as Spotify Connect or

Tidal, or devices such as CD players, the Pause/Play and Skip Track functions will not be operable from the LSX

remote.

The Remote Control range is approximately 30° on either side of the Master speaker indicator. With fresh batteries the Remote Control range is approximately 20 feet (6m).

The battery is a standard lithium disk battery catalog number CR2032. To avoid damage to the remote, please replace with the same type and number.

Using A Universal Remote Control

KEF remote codes have been published to the major Universal Remote Control manufacturers.

Please see Appendix C for a list of remote codes.

3 – Controls & Connections

• BT PAIRING Press when pairing LSX to a Bluetooth device.

• M/S PAIRING Use in conjunction with the corresponding button on a slave speaker to

facilitate master/slave pairing. Can be used in the event pairing fails, or if the user decides to use a different LSX slave speaker.

• RESET Performs LSX system factory reset, including clearing of network information.

The reset button is below the arrow, the reset indicator above it. Press and hold RESET button until RESET INDICATOR flashes. Reset is complete when indicator stops flashing.

• OPTICAL TOSLINK optical audio cable input for connection to television optical

output. May also be used for audio devices with optical outputs such as CD players.

• AUX Analog audio input. Connect to audio devices such as turntables, tape decks or CD

players.

Analog signals will be converted to a digital stream by the LSX on-board

Analog-to-Digital convertor allowing KEF’s DSP to maintain the highest possible audio quality from all connected devices.

• SUB Standard RCA-type connector for external subwoofer connection.

• NETWORK Standard Ethernet connection (Cat6 or greater) for direct connection to

local network router.

• SV = 2A OUT USB-A type connector for device charging.

• TO SLAVE Interspeaker connection output to Slave speaker for CABLE MODE.

• AC Connect to AC power

The LSX slave speaker contains the slave M/S PAIRING button, the interspeaker cable connection for CABLE MODE, and the AC power cable connector.

In normal operation, the indicator on the front panel of the Slave speaker will not be lit.

4 – Audio Specifications

THE UNI-Q

LSX features the patented Uni-Q driver for crystal clear audio reproduction no matter where you are situated.

The new 4” Uni-Q driver array is the same signature KEF technology used throughout KEF’s speaker line.

Uni-Q has been in constant development since 1988. Through precise positioning of the drivers, all frequencies are produced from the same point in space.

The effect is an amazing spread of sound. Uni-Q eliminates the tiny ‘HiFi sweet spot’ that only allows one or two listeners to hear the music in its highest quality. Coupled with an extremely natural response, the beauty of the sound is enjoyed equally by everyone in the room.

Slave Speaker

AMPLIFIERS

LSX contains four amplifiers, 2 in each cabinet, in a Dual-Mono BiAmp configuration.

One 70W Class D amplifier in each cabinet powers the bass and mid-range frequencies.

One 30W Class D amplifier in each cabinet powers the highfrequencies.

Total system power is 200W (100WPC RMS)

MUSIC INTEGRITY ENGINE™ & DSP

KEF’s bespoke DSP (Digital Signal Processor), the Music Integrity Engine™ is designed specifically for the LSX driver and cabinet,

allowing LSX to reproduce audio as cleanly and purely as is expected from the LS family of products.

Each cabinet contains its own on-board DSP for precise reproduction and control of the audio output. A precise on-board clock controls the timing between the left and right channels, whether in Cable Mode or when using KEF’s proprietary on-board Wi-Fi network for complete wireless operation.

Each cabinet also contains the same audiophile-quality DAC as found in the LS50 Wireless.

Consult the section on the KEF Control and Audio Profiles for information on getting the highest quality audio output possible through use of the DSP and Music Integrity Engine. (pg 19)

WAYS TO CONNECT

LSX easily connects to your music players, storage devices and streaming platforms. For complete information on each connection method please consult the corresponding section for each.

Here is a quick list of all the ways to connect your LSX:

Wi-Fi and Ethernet

Spotify Connect

Spotify Premium required

Bluetooth

TOSLINK Optical

Analog AUX

Source Select

5 – KEF Control App

KEF CONTROL APP

The KEF Control App acts as a remote control for your LSX. The Control App also serves to maintain network communications between LSX and your local network.

• System Control (Standby, Source Select)

• Speaker sound settings and profiles

• Speaker left/right assignment setting

• Over-the-Air firmware updates

• User profiles and individual sound settings

The KEF Control app is available as a free download from either the Apple App Store or Google Play.

From time-to-time KEF releases updates to the KEF

Control and Stream Apps. These updates contain

improvements and new features. It is recommended that

you update your app as these releases become available.

Update Alert

Mute

Enter Volume Control

Settings Menu

KEF Control App

Speaker Select

Play/Pause

Switch to KEF Stream

Select User Profile

Access Speaker Sound Settings

+ 25 hidden pages