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KEF has unveiled its LS50 Wireless II speaker, which comes with advanced Digital Signal Processing – KEF’s Music Integrity Engine and a claimed 380W of amplification. A new 100W class A/B amplifier powers the tweeter and a 280W Class D amplifier powers the mid/bass driver. The KEF Connect app means that you can tailor the sound to your chosen environment and the left and right speakers are connected wirelessly, with 24-bit/96kHz resolution. Alternatively, users can connect with the supplied interspeaker cable for 24-bit/192kHz resolution.

The KEF Connect app allows for streaming of Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, internet radio stations and podcasts. And you can stream directly from the native app with Spotify Connect. The LS50 Wireless II also supports streaming music files up to 24-bit/384kHz, as well as MQA decoding and up to DSD256. AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast connects compatible Apple or Android devices, while Bluetooth adds to the options. There are also wired connections for TV, turntable, CD and games console, via HDMI, analogue, optical and coaxial inputs.

The LS50 Wireless II is an active speaker using the latest generation of KEF’s patented Uni-Q technology with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and a reworked motor system reducing distortion.

Developed jointly with the Acoustic Metamaterials Group, KEF says it has: “harnessed MAT by creating a synthetic material that has the capacity to absorb all unwanted sound radiating from the rear of the driver, reducing distortion and enabling the prevention of audio distraction. MAT defines state-of-the-art absorption.”

MAT is a complex maze-like structure, where each of the channels absorbs a range of specific frequencies. When combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, which KEF says absorbs 99 percent of unwanted sound as opposed to other traditional approaches, which it claims have only allowed around 60 percent absorption.

Designed in conjunction with the LS50 Wireless II is the S2 Floor Stand, which features a top plate created to allow secure fixing points for the cabinet, dampening base plates and a hollow central column that can be loaded with inert filler for uncoloured sound.

The LS50 and bespoke S2 Floor Stands are available in a choice of Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White and a Crimson Red Special Edition, and are priced at £2,250 and £400 respectively. You can find out more about the new speaker here.