With the Coda W, KEF honors its 1970s model, which has been refined over more than thirty years, while making its connected technology even more accessible.
A pioneer in the connected hi-fi speaker market since the launch of the LS50 Wireless (test VU#10 FR), which later became the LS50 Wireless II (2 499 €) with the addition of the Meta chassis, KEF has since expanded its range. First upwards with the LS60 Wireless floorstanding speaker (5 499 €), then downwards with the more compact LSX, which also became the LSX II (1 249 €). More recently, this model was simplified to bring the LSX II LT version below the one thousand mark (999 €).
Since the end of the last year, a new pair of mid-sized speakers, the LS50 Wireless II and LSX II, are entering the fray, but at an even more affordable price of 899 €. Available in five colors—red, gray, green, blue, or black—the Coda W retains the principles of the other connected models, but without Wi-Fi and based solely on the latest generation Bluetooth 5.4 aptX Adaptive and Lossless module.
However, the wired connections available on the primary speaker remain extensive. Not only are there digital connections with HDMI eArc for connecting to a home theater system, an optical jack, and a USB-C port, but there are also analog connections with an RCA input and an RCA phono input for connecting a turntable (with unspecified input impedance, which should only affect MM cartridges).
As you might expect, the speaker technology remains the patented Uni-Q coaxial design. In this case, it is the 12th generation with a 25 mm (1’’) aluminum dome for the central tweeter and a 130 mm (5.25″) magnesium-aluminum alloy cone for the mid-bass. This speaker offers a response range of 41 Hz to 20 kHz and can be supplemented by a subwoofer thanks to its RCA Sub output.
A DSP based on the proprietary Music Integrity Engine patent allows for optimal frequency tuning, combined with dual 100 W amplification per speaker, divided between 30 W for the tweeter and 70 W for the midrange and bass frequencies. As with the other models, touch controls are available on the top of the master speaker, although the simplest option is to use a smartphone or tablet. A remote control is also included with the package.
Although described as “wireless” as is always the case with connected models, these speakers still need to be plugged into the mains via the primary speaker, then connected to the secondary speaker using a C-Link cable. A 3 m version is included with the pack, while the 8 m version is sold as an optional extra for 59 €. And if you don’t want to place the Coda W on a shelf or piece of furniture, dedicated SQ1 stands are also available, priced at 299 € per pair.
We’ll tell you more as soon as we’ve had a chance to listen to the products in one of our listening rooms!
27/01/2025
