Have you tried connecting it or using the apps? I have, since October. I find the connectivity fine, and the apps reliable, for my needs. The apps have gone through several generations in the last three years so I assumed most of the problems would have been fixed, and the forums would have all the necessary tricks needs to get through any tricky setups - in practice, this worked out very well for me. I'd be more worried about the LSX II app! Any teething troubles? (If so, have hope... they obviously did a lot to fix the LSX I apps...)They basically fixed the useless connectivity and unreliable app of the LSX version 1 and charge 20% more for the same product now working properly.
I use "toslink in" without any problems at all on a KEF LSX 1. Although I did play with the apps before setting up, I don't think you'd need the apps to get going. Just plug the cable in and use the remote to select "toslink in". In a similar way, you can select "aux in", "bluetooth", "Spotify Connect" (via ethernet or wireless...)... KEF LSX II has more options I believe!What would you need the app for in a desktop scenario with, say, toslink in?
(Honest question, ive never used any kef nor any other active speaker app)
I went the "save money" route. If your needs are simple, you may not even need a streamer. (I find LSX i to be very good with Spotify Connect and TV optical in...)I’d recommend getting the lsx i and add a streamer to it. Like the Wiim Pro. Saves you a lot of money and you’ll gain in flexibility. You could even get a Bluesounde Node and pair it with lsx i.
However, the 1st gen had a lot of problems an motherboard failures. I really hope 2nd gen lsx and ls50w have improved reliability. I really love the esthetics of the lsx and pairing it with a good sub would make it even plausible for bigger rooms. You can build a really nice and non intrusive wireless 2.1 lsx set.
Exactly this! And if, in the future, you’d want to add multiroom, chromecast and hdmi, just get a streamer to pair with it.I went the "save money" route. If your needs are simple, you may not even need a streamer. (I find LSX i to be very good with Spotify Connect and TV optical in...)
You have me worried with the "motherboard failure" comment! (Biggest problem I had with the KEFs was registering on site - couldn't get the form working at all. They didn't get back to my email. I shall now go and get that sorted!)
No, Kef has not the best reputation for customer service afaik. People got €250 bills to repair their motherboard. Just google it, you’ll find plenty.Kefs "electronics" warranty is only for two years - some passive speaker retailers guarantee them for 7 years! Has anyone had the electronics fail after two years in kef lsx i? If so, what did you do? Are kef good with repairs?
I don't want multiroom, have no pressing need for chromecast, or for adding hdmi functionality.Exactly this! And if, in the future, you’d want to add multiroom, chromecast and hdmi, just get a streamer to pair with it.
About the failure’s; I don’t have hard proof. But there is A LOT of complains on the internet about ls50w i and lsx i. Also about failing connections. Hence the streamer advice
Anyway: back on-topic: I must say the lsx ii in my eyes has the most compelling all-in-one package. Design, connectivity and excellent sound performance. Perfect if you’d like do declutter your hifi.
I was planning on using a minidsp flex digital as input to Kef LSX plus two subs.
However I just realised subs don't often come with digital input so not sure how to make this work.
The lsx does have a 3.5mm aux input, would an RCA to aux adapter work here?
It would mean an extra ADC conversion but that probably won't make any difference.
Any suggestions on this?
The reason for using the flex was for Dirac and dual sub integration.The math is not mathing.
1) you need an aux output, not an input.
2) even if there was an aux output, you want to the output designated for the subwoofers from the MiniDSP connected to the subwoofers, not the highpassed speaker output.
Does the KEF LSX II not have a subwoofer output? it might be capable of bass mangement on its own.
The reason for using the flex was for Dirac and dual sub integration.
So I was thinking:
flex analogue 1&2 -> 3.5mm input to LSX
Flex analogue 3&4 -> two subs
Does that make sense? It's not ideal but easier than using the flex digital I think?