"Speaker Systems Threaten Budget Hi-Fi Separates, But Let's Not Write Them Off Just Yet"

 The reviewing crew over at What Hi-Fi? recently got their hands on the KEF LSX II LT stereo speaker system, and it's been quite the experience in our testing rooms. If you're familiar with KEF's existing LSX II and can decode the world of acronyms, you might guess that this new addition is the "lite" version of the current system – essentially, the same sound but with fewer features and different finishes. It's a compact setup, bundling together streaming platforms, amplification, and speakers neatly into two boxes.

Now, this isn't a groundbreaking idea. All-in-one speaker systems have been around for about eight years, providing a space-saving and convenient alternative to traditional hi-fi setups with separate components connected by cables. However, the LSX II LT is among the recent wave of very affordable models aiming to deliver proper 'hi-fi' stereo sound in a package that won't break the bank – think as low as £700/$900 for models like the Triangle AIO Twin and £900/$1000 for the KEF LSX II LT, and it goes up from there.

This trend has got me thinking about the entry-level hi-fi separates market. Why bother with four boxes and a tangle of cables when you can achieve similar results with just two? Well, there are reasons, which we'll dive into shortly, but for many folks, these reasons might not be obvious or significant enough.

Let me clarify; I'm not knocking speaker systems. I'm a big fan. They strike a fantastic balance between sound maturity and convenience, bringing hi-fi to people who might not consider a separate system with components cluttering their living space. However, for those open to both options, traditional hi-fi separates still have their charm.

Now, if you're thinking, "Separates sound better!" – you're right, to some extent. Comparing the KEF LSX II LT to a similarly priced budget separates system isn't straightforward. The KEF, with its active, digital nature, excels in punch, power, and deep bass. On the other hand, the separates may respond with greater subtlety and insight. In purely sonic terms, the author leans towards the separates for prolonged satisfaction, but the quality difference isn't vast.

The fact that a system like the LSX II LT can hold its own against traditional separates is quite remarkable and shows how much these systems have evolved in recent years. Budget separates, however, seem to be progressing at a slower pace. Many current award-winning entry-level speakers, turntables, and amplifiers have been reigning champions for a while, not because there's a lack of new contenders, but because new and improved ones aren't as common these days.

This lack of new competition and slow progress might be part of the issue. Are budget electronics losing popularity, or are manufacturers not investing enough effort in this segment? There are also practical hurdles like space requirements, plug sockets, and the traditional aesthetics of separates that might not align with the more lifestyle-oriented, compact, and glossy systems that seem to be the trend. Sexy, budget hi-fi separates are a rarity.

A sweet spot that could appeal to sound quality-conscious consumers might be the streaming amplifier paired with stereo speakers setup. That sounds good to me. Yet, a part of me hopes that traditional budget separates find a new lease of life and renewed relevance.

Speaking from experience, the long-term sonic satisfaction that a system provides is crucial in owning and enjoying hi-fi and music. While streaming systems offer practicality and a cohesive presentation, there's something about them that becomes less interesting over time, whether it's dynamic expression, space between instruments, or simply the lack of engagement. System matching and setup, the hands-on aspects of hi-fi, become less relevant.

A separates setup, I believe, is more likely to encourage gradual upgrades, allowing you to extract more from your system over time. Upgrading a separates system can be incremental, rewarding, and less intimidating than replacing the entire setup at once. Building a separates system requires effort, but the pleasure of listening to it can help you decide whether the hi-fi hobby and its inherent upgrade path are worth pursuing.

The allure of streaming stereo speaker systems is undeniable, catering to both casual listeners and those closer to the 'audiophile' spectrum. They are accessible, domesticated, and the best ones sound pretty darn good. However, I hope they coexist with separates rather than overshadow them. For that to happen, a resurgence in budget components might be the key.

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