KEF LSX or not LSX?

[caioferrari]

Hi,

Today, I have a pair of Revel M105 speakers powered by a Marantz AVR N1504 and a KEF Kube 12b. My living room is pretty small 2,5m x 2 m with a side opening), and I’m looking for a smaller rack and planning to mount my TV on the wall.

The first problem is that my Marantz AVR is quite deep, and I’d need to replace it with a smaller one. I’m considering either a Marantz M1 or a WiiM Amp (I’m still checking the Marantz measurements to decide) for a more compact solution. Where I live (Brazil), the Marantz M1 costs about $1,300, while the WiiM Amp is around $770.

Besides that, I’m also considering the KEF LSX II for $1,500. It seems like the perfect solution for a minimalist setup, but it breaks my heart to think about replacing my Revels, which I find perfect. Based on the specs, the LSX II looks great, but I’m worried about a few things:

• Not liking its sound

• Being limited by its internal amp

• Having a useless speaker if the amp fails
What do you guys think?

 

[kma100]

"Having a useless speaker if the amp fails" -- in the event the amp fails, it should be replaceable.

 

[kyuu]

There have been quite a few reports about the electronics in the KEF LSX speakers failing. There's even a lengthy thread here documenting people's attempts to fix it. If there is a failure out of warranty, you're basically SOL unless you're able and willing to open up the speaker and start replacing components on the PCB yourself or can send it to a shop to fix it for you.

I would say definitely keep the Revels you already have, which are excellent speakers, and do something with the separate amp. You say you're currently using a Marantz AVR and are considering replacing it with a Wiim Amp. You're doing a strictly stereo setup right? No multichannel? If so, then I would go that route. The Wiim Amp should work great.

 

[caioferrari]

"Having a useless speaker if the amp fails" -- in the event the amp fails, it should be replaceable.

You're right. But, when you do live in Brazil where no audio brands has its own offices, you know that when your gear fails you're screwed.
The prices I wrote are for products imported by our own. When we look for official imports, a Marantz M1 costs about U$3000 so a repair price is based on that price.

 

[caioferrari]

There have been quite a few reports about the electronics in the KEF LSX speakers failing. There's even a lengthy thread here documenting people's attempts to fix it. If there is a failure out of warranty, you're basically SOL unless you're able and willing to open up the speaker and start replacing components on the PCB yourself or can send it to a shop to fix it for you.

I would say definitely keep the Revels you already have, which are excellent speakers, and do something with the separate amp. You say you're currently using a Marantz AVR and are considering replacing it with a Wiim Amp. You're doing a strictly stereo setup right? No multichannel? If so, then I would go that route. The Wiim Amp should work great.

Yes! I definitely don't wanna multichannel. I was looking for Wiim Pro amp. Too bad it doesn't have AirPlay.

 

[kma100]

You're right. But, when you do live in Brazil where no audio brands has its own offices, you know that when your gear fails you're screwed.
The prices I wrote are for products imported by our own. When we look for official imports, a Marantz M1 costs about U$3000 so a repair price is based on that price.

Ah good point. Location is a big deal...and some suppliers are better than others!

 

[Ellebob]

I have the LSX II at home and we also install them at work. We haven't had any failures but definitely some quirks. Like in my system one speaker , the one without the connections sometimes doesn't work. To me it i hardwired, that should never be a problem. Othertimes we have gotten calls from customers that it is not working through the app. So far unplugging the speakers from power and plugging them back in has solved these problems. I'm not in sales but I would have trouble recommending these to people because they are finicky and not rock solid in reliability. Again, we have had no issues with any that have been defective and none had to be replaced.

As far as sound goes I haven't heard any Revels in a while but I like them. We don't carry Revel where I work. I would bet the Revels sound better. I do think there are a number of speakers that sound better than the LSX II but aesthetics and reducing clutter play a role, like they do in my home,

I don't know if cost is less expensive in your country but Sonos Amp and Bluesound Power Node would also be considerations. I think the WiiM Amp is a great deal here but ore expensive where you are.

 

[caioferrari]

I have the LSX II at home and we also install them at work. We haven't had any failures but definitely some quirks. Like in my system one speaker , the one without the connections sometimes doesn't work. To me it i hardwired, that should never be a problem. Othertimes we have gotten calls from customers that it is not working through the app. So far unplugging the speakers from power and plugging them back in has solved these problems. I'm not in sales but I would have trouble recommending these to people because they are finicky and not rock solid in reliability. Again, we have had no issues with any that have been defective and none had to be replaced.

As far as sound goes I haven't heard any Revels in a while but I like them. We don't carry Revel where I work. I would bet the Revels sound better. I do think there are a number of speakers that sound better than the LSX II but aesthetics and reducing clutter play a role, like they do in my home,

I don't know if cost is less expensive in your country but Sonos Amp and Bluesound Power Node would also be considerations. I think the WiiM Amp is a great deal here but ore expensive where you are.

I really appreciate your thoughts. Since there is no official KEF dealer here, in case of any issues, I won’t have warranty support or reasonably priced service. I’ll stick with my Revels that I know for sure sound great and try a smaller amp. I’m looking for a Marantz M1 that has a price close to the MSRP in the USA. But first, I need to check its measurements.

 

[Mal]

Since there is no official KEF dealer here, in case of any issues, I won’t have warranty support or reasonably priced service...

Are you sure about this? There is an official distributor listed on the KEF site for Brazil (OK it's in Paraguay... but isn't that good enough?...) https://international.kef.com/pages/worldwide-contact