LSX
Owner’s Manual EN
This manual explains setup, preparation and operation of the LSX Music System
2
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
3
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)
4
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!
6
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
7
• 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.
8
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
9
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
11
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