Have been on the lookout for an all in one digital/streaming/amplification/speaker system for a while now.
The main use if for "quickie" music listening and "better" TV sound.
What I have today:
For stereo
Chromecast-Audio --> Marantz PM7001 (preamp mode) --> Outlaw Audio M2200 mono blocks --> KEF R300
Recently Schitt Modi2 DAC went kaput
For TV
TV optical out --> Outlaw Audio OSB-1 Soundbar
Optionally both TV sound can play on the main stereo system (via TV analog line out); use this to play music from HDD (not great, but there)
Just read up written reviews and watched DARKO short film about KEF LSX. Sounds very promising for the average user looking for convenience factor.
My intent (if I decide to get them) is to connect these to the network for music streaming (direct), music streaming (indirect via Chromecast-Audio), TV out to OPT in.
KEF's own song and dance is here: https://m.int.kef.com/products/lsx
DARKO review is here: https://darko.audio/2018/10/a-short-film-about-the-kef-lsx/
What interests me are the following:
1. KEF sound (have the R300; and I am happy with it's performance)
2. Two plus two amplification (70W class-D LF, 30W class-D for HF; should be enough for my 12x12 living room)
3. Useful inputs/sources (BT, 2.4/5.0GHz Wi-Fi, TOSLINK, 3.5mm, Ethernet, USB power out)
4. Form factor (can sit on desk/table or stands); 9.5" x 6" x 7"
5. Design (yummy colors)
Where do I have the doubts:
1. DAC capabilities (most of my music is down to earth 16/44.1 and some 24/96)
2. Sound stage (specifically when doubling up as TV speakers)
3. Class-D amplification (I am used to Class AB)
If anyone has similar products, active speakers (with or without wireless) used in a similar setup please chime in.
This will be my first serious foray into active speakers.
Cheers,
Raghu
The main use if for "quickie" music listening and "better" TV sound.
What I have today:
For stereo
Chromecast-Audio --> Marantz PM7001 (preamp mode) --> Outlaw Audio M2200 mono blocks --> KEF R300
Recently Schitt Modi2 DAC went kaput
For TV
TV optical out --> Outlaw Audio OSB-1 Soundbar
Optionally both TV sound can play on the main stereo system (via TV analog line out); use this to play music from HDD (not great, but there)
Just read up written reviews and watched DARKO short film about KEF LSX. Sounds very promising for the average user looking for convenience factor.
My intent (if I decide to get them) is to connect these to the network for music streaming (direct), music streaming (indirect via Chromecast-Audio), TV out to OPT in.
KEF's own song and dance is here: https://m.int.kef.com/products/lsx
DARKO review is here: https://darko.audio/2018/10/a-short-film-about-the-kef-lsx/
What interests me are the following:
1. KEF sound (have the R300; and I am happy with it's performance)
2. Two plus two amplification (70W class-D LF, 30W class-D for HF; should be enough for my 12x12 living room)
3. Useful inputs/sources (BT, 2.4/5.0GHz Wi-Fi, TOSLINK, 3.5mm, Ethernet, USB power out)
4. Form factor (can sit on desk/table or stands); 9.5" x 6" x 7"
5. Design (yummy colors)
Where do I have the doubts:
1. DAC capabilities (most of my music is down to earth 16/44.1 and some 24/96)
2. Sound stage (specifically when doubling up as TV speakers)
3. Class-D amplification (I am used to Class AB)
If anyone has similar products, active speakers (with or without wireless) used in a similar setup please chime in.
This will be my first serious foray into active speakers.
Cheers,
Raghu