MacDirectory Magazine

Essentials for Graphic Designers

MacDirectory magazine is the premiere creative lifestyle magazine for Apple enthusiasts featuring interviews, in-depth tech reviews, Apple news, insights, latest Apple patents, apps, market analysis, entertainment and more.

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of batteries. While an optional wire is included to connect the slave and master speakers, even that isn't necessary. Beyond just the setup and connections, the LSX is truly designed to live in a wireless world. It has connections for an optical input, an auxiliary 3.5mm input, a USB connection, optional subwoofer, and even a wired Ethernet connection, but the expectation is that the LSX are used sans wires. Through a wireless connection, the LSX support 48kHz/24bit audio resolution—or what you get from the highest fidelity master tracks on Tidal. Simply put, it's amazing audio fidelity for a small, (relatively) affordable package that has only two power cords. Technically, the LSX system supports sampling rates up to 192Hz/24bit, but only when the slave and master are using a wired connection. KEF has gone out of their way to make sure that these really function wirelessly without any effort—covering all their wireless bases. The LSX support streaming from most major sources, including Apple's AirPlay 2. This makes the LSX a monster component in any multi-room audio setup, or simply an amazing pair of stereo speakers that can be activated from your iPhone, iPad, or the slightest mention of "Siri." Similarly, the LSX are Roon ready, and can be a part of any multi-room setup by using the Roon software to connect a plethora of different speakers across ecosystems. Also integrated is Spotify Connect, Tidal streaming from the KEF app on your phone, and Bluetooth streaming. One of the best parts about the LSX is how seamlessly and easily the system switches inputs. They have a great standby mode that actually works, so clicking play in one of the many supported wireless apps will power up the speakers and start playing your music. Jump over to another wireless app, select a diŸerent song to play, and the LSX will recognize the new signal and switch accordingly (even changing the indicator light to an on-brand green when connected to Spotify Connect). I easily jumped around from my Roon server, to AirPlay, to Spotify Connect, and back to my computer. The updated version of KEF's Uni-Q driver featured in the LSX continues to impress. KEF places the tweeter at the center of the midrange and bass cone, creating a single point of origin for your music. This eliminates interference and adds clarity to the listening experience. The result is amazing stereo imaging and a beautifully wide soundstage that defies the physical dimensions of the speakers. When used at my desk, placed about three feet apart, the LSX created a whole studio inside my off ice. Instruments seemed to originate from behind my monitor and spread beyond the reaches of the speakers. It was truly impressive and seemed like a little bit of black magic. The LSX supports an external

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