What are /r/KEF's favorite Products & Services?

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Ooh thanks!

So technically I need the two other things? I only got the subwoofer and don’t have other components

KEF HTB2SE-W Wireless Subwoofer (Gloss Black) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002QB1D5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_F2N78BXVVQK86GJC9CCA

Thanks so much!!

Yes they do have power saver standby mode that’s default i think 20 mins but u can set to 20/30/60. Best way to hook them up to a computer is via a high quality converter with USB input to Optical/coax out. Checkout the Topping D10s it’s excellent for this, and USB bus powered.

https://www.amazon.com/Topping-ES9038Q2M-OPA2134-Amplifier-Decoder/dp/B08F54TT79/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TCT41L0VO83G&keywords=topping+d10s&qid=1669370968&sprefix=topping+d10%2Caps%2C451&sr=8-3

I'm using a HDMI extractor with my Macbook Pro M1, setting the output to HDMI, and the extractor output via optical cable to the LS50W2 and zero lags. The other option is using the 3.5 mm connection.

https://www.amazon.com/J-Tech-Digital-Extractor-Passthrough-JTD18G-H5CH/dp/B074HHSJVN/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2218OJMR4INZY&keywords=hdmi+audio+extractor&qid=1668572972&sprefix=Hdmi+audio+%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1&smid=A2IX3RNQE846HA

Have the LS50WII's connected to a MacMini via a CalDigit hub that has optical connection. My primary sources are Plexamp and Qubuz clients. While I cannot control the volume with the Mac, the client software has volume controls. There is no lag with this setup. There are several hubs out there that have optical out.

CalDigit: https://www.amazon.com/CalDigit-TS3-Plus-Thunderbolt-Dock/dp/B07CZPV8DF

Yes, its 5V 2A so will power most USB devices.
If youre using stands you can also buy a handlebar phone mount to hold the streamer on the stands to tidy up the setup

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rotatable-Adjustable-Detachable-Universal-Compatible/dp/B081P2Z2JY/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1AQT8Y4H3L18R&keywords=handle+bar+phone&qid=1664973955&sprefix=handle+bar+phone%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-4

I use mine as pc desktop and they are fantastic. I pair the LS50WII’s with an SVS sb pro 1000 and use Dirac live on the pc - amazing results.

I use any old USB port on the pc or hub to connect to a digital audio bridge, just a little black box, that can then send digital coaxial or toslink optical to the KEF. I personally use the digital coax to achieve the speakers’ maximum resolution, but optical certainly works, too.

I have and have used the topping d10s and the duok u2 with outstanding results.

Would you recommend USB-C to HDMI (for the eArc input), or a USB-C to toslink adapter? I was looking at the Topping D10s, what are the advantages to that over something like this? I'm new to the audio world and not very educated yet!

Emotiva BasX A4, and bi-amp the R3's. $549 USD on the emotiva website. Then this RCA cord to connect the pre-amp to the A4. Total outlay, $575 plus tax for a great bi-amped system. You'll also need another set of speaker wires, but if you're willing to cut the wire yourself, this 12 gauge oxygen-free copper wire seems alright for $38. And there's 50 feet on the spool, so if your speakers are less than 12 feet from your amp, you'll be fine to cut 4 wires. Just make sure, if you're bi-amping, that the wires are the SAME length when going to the same speakers.

I've been very pleased with the sound. Less impressed by the smartphone app and the firmware.

Not convinced that they're great as pure WiFi speakers. I recommend you definitely use the supplied network cable to link both speakers to each other. Also recommend you connect them to your network via cable as well if at all possible and doesn't mess up the room aesthetics.

Ah.. You want to use them as desktop monitors? My comment about using the network cable left / right linkup stands. You will want to either connect the speakers to your PC via Cat 5/6 cable or optical. So you'll need to buy a cheap-ish converter from a company like (e.g.) Douk. Something like this:

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HN3VSF8/

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Another cool way to convert USB to optical is to buy a Topping D10s DAC and use it as a converter, bypassing its DAC functionality. Gives you a nice sample rate display!

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Full Disclosure: I belong to the Objectivist hard engineering camp when it comes to audio equipment and don't subscribe to any superstitions about inferiority of Optical In for most modern equipment.

I used these to mount them to the walls. Not stands, but might be another option for your room:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KFSP82C/?th=1

Monoprice Low Profile 22 lb. Capacity Speaker Wall Mount Brackets (Pair) Black

I have the LSX but I use König & Meyer 26772 Table monitor stand

They are like $80/pair but are SUPER heavy and incredibly robust. They adjust vertically.

I use foam blocks on top of them to support the speakers.

I love them. Product will last several lifetimes.

https://www.amazon.com/Stands-Monitor-Table-Small-26772-000-56/dp/B07CQM8DXR

I'm pretty sure the manual says the HDMI is only for arc, which pcs don't support. I didn't bother testing this but I'm curious if that worked for you.

If that doesn't work and you want to send a digital signal to the ls50 Wireless 2s, you can use the digital coaxial input.

I have a desktop so added this card for coax output: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005R5NJCY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_3G0611ZFNX3PN93NHR1W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

If you can't use a pcie card, you could get a USB to coax hub like this:

https://www.inline-info.com/en/products/adapter-converter/audio-converter/9307/inline-usb-hd-audio-adapter-24-bit-192khz-to-digital-coax/toslink/i2s-converter

I use these Kantos: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K4XHRYM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You'll need to drill holes in the base plates to match the mounting holes, but it's easy if you're comfortable with that sort of thing.

I did not notice you are using the iPhone’s internal DAC.

Does the AX100 have digital inputs? I think it does.

Do you have a Pc or something lease you can use to stream and connect to your amp through a digital connection?

You are really missing out by not using an external DAC. That is the first thing I would try because that is what would give you the biggest benefit in terms of audio quality. You really don’t have to go overboard, as there are so many great sounding (and measuring) DACs for 100 or so.

You already have a great system and there is no doubt your source and DAC (iPhone internal) is massively pulling you back. I don’t know what your budget is but a streamer like the Bluesound node is 599usd and it is great. The DAC can be improved or at least you can try to improve on it because it works great as a streamer, sending data digitally to external DAC.

Also, you can get something like this mini pc for 109usd!! Limited-time deal: KAMRUI 4GB RAM 64GB ROM-Ιntel Celeron J3455 - 2.5 inches - 4 GB RAM https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B1XGNKV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_dl_JKHTJYWE8SXVG67YQZAK

And add a Schiit Modi 2 or something in 100-130usd to get your feet in the water… you will be amazed.

Standard 12ga copper will work fine. I use Amazon basics. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0758CSSDN/. This would be fine too https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=2817

I put banana plugs on the ends to keep it neat

This is one of my nightmares with my young children. I assumed I might be able to get some small mechanical hand on a wire like this: https://www.amazon.com/Grabber-flexible-Four-claw-magnetic-01-Picker/dp/B07BT3X4FV

Along with a small camera and a light, and then do a surgical removal of the item.

I bought a 1mii Bluetooth adapter for the pc. It has BT 5.0 aptx hd/low latency. Sound quality is quite good and it works like a sound card and controls volume from the pc. [Upgraded] 1Mii Long Range USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC Mac Laptop PS5/PS4, Dual Connection Audio Dongle with aptX Low Latency & HD for Headphones, No Driver Installation (Audio Only) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BPV4686/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_5WV193JGRAJSBZ331QDN

What about this amp? I was looking at getting this.

2 Channel Stereo Audio Amplifier Receiver Mini Hi-Fi Class D Integrated Amp 2.0CH for Home Speakers 100W x 2 with Bass and Treble Control TPA3116(with Power Supply) - Fosi Audio TB10A https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076P2VS9H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_IW98FbNCK821A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

The manual doesn't say and I don't have a sub myself. I can tell you that you'll need a cable like this to hook the sub up. https://www.amazon.com/Yeworth-3-5mm-Audio-Cable-Plated/dp/B01CAH151I/