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KEF’s Entry-Level Desktop Speakers Just Got Way More Affordable

The British hi-fi maker has slashed the price of its most compact active speaker system.

White KEF speaker with a silver cone and black surround on a tiled surface.KEF
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By Tucker Bowe

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Right now, KEF is running a big sale on its best-ever Dolby Atmos soundbar, the XIO, as long as it’s bundled with a subwoofer. It’s an expensive system, granted, but it’s a solid deal for anybody interested in the brand’s high-end soundbar system.

Depending on the bundle, you can save almost a grand.

Welcome to Shop Smarter: A series dedicated to highlighting not just what’s on sale, but why it’s worth owning. Discover more here.

For those looking interested in one of KEF’s active speaker systems (which the brand is arguably best known for these days), its most entry-level system, the LSX II LT, is also discounted by several hundred bucks.

KEF’s affordable active speaker system

Minimalist workspace with a tiled desk, white computer, two white speakers, mushroom-shaped lamp, black clock, and wooden chair.
The speakers can connect to your computer via USB-C.
KEF

KEF introduced the LSX II LT in early 2024, positioning it as a more affordable version of the brand’s LSX II. The two active speaker systems were identical in most ways, including the size, power and design of the speakers (both have the same UniQ driver array).

However, KEF cut some corners to drop the price of the LSX II LT (the “LT” stands for “Lite”).

Green KEF speaker with a central driver on a black desk next to a camera and keyboard.
Both the LSX II and LSX II LT speakers are the same size and shape, and they have the same UniQ driver array.
KEF
Three KEF speakers in black, white, and green with a single central driver and rounded edges.
The LSX II LT comes in three different finishes.
KEF

Best for desktop setups

Specifically, both LT speakers need a constant wired connection (via the included USB-C cable), so you don’t have as much freedom when positioning them, as opposed to the regular LSX II speakers which can work tethered or wirelessly.

Also, the LT speakers lack an analog aux input, making them more difficult to connect to an older analog source. Basically, you can’t really use them as turntable speakers. (KEF markets the LSX II LT as being best used as powered desktop speakers.)

Black KEF speaker on a tall black stand against a dark wall with stacked books and abstract art nearby.
The LSX LT II is the most affordable active speaker system in the brand’s LS series.
KEF
Front and back views of a dark gray KEF LSX II LT speaker showing the driver and various input/output ports.
All the wired connections are located on the rear panel of the main speaker.
KEF

Aside from that, the LSX II LT and LSX II are both highly versatile speakers that support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming. They also have wired connections (including HDMI and USB-C), so you can easily use them as TV speakers or connect them to your computer.

Black ergonomic office chair with red adjustment knobs in front of a black desk with green speakers and a curved monitor.
KEF’s LSX II LT is a highly versatile system, but is marketed as being best used as a desktop speaker setup.
KEF

Save $300

KEF normally sells the LSX II for $1,500/pair and the LSX II LT for $1,000/pair. But right now, it’s discounting its more affordable active speaker system by $300. You can snag a pair for $700.

The standard LSX II is not currently on sale.

KEF offers the LSX II LT in three different finishes: sage green, graphite grey and stone white. All finishes are currently available.

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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