Short answer: the KEF LSX II LT for better sound quality, the Audioengine A5+ Classic for the lower price. The KEF LSX II LT ranks #20 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $600. The Audioengine A5+ Classic ranks #33 at $399, $201 cheaper.
What the KEF LSX II LT gets right: Coaxial (Uni-Q-style) driver keeps the tweeter centered in the midrange, giving wide and consistent dispersion both horizontally and vertically (about ±60° each) - a wide sweet spot for multiple seats or positions. The catch: Small drivers mean it’s SPL-limited: bass compression kicks in around 88-92dB/1m per speaker, and multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 96dB - not intended for loud or large-room duty.
What the Audioengine A5+ Classic offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat response outside of the upper bass. Watch for: A valley in the upper bass (200-400Hz) recesses that range, and a distortion peak shows up around 800-900Hz even at 86dB SPL.
Buy the KEF LSX II LT if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks near the bottom of the 42 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF LSX II LT | Audioengine A5+ Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $600.00 | $399 |
| Ranked | #20 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 6.1"W x 7.1"D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) | 10.9"H x 7.2"W x 9.7"D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth | - |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer | - |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter | 5" Kevlar woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| Weight | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg (left/powered), 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg (right) |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | No |
| Output Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- KRK Classic 5 vs Klipsch The Fives
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs Klipsch The Fives
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Dayton Audio M4
- Edifier S1000W vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
The Two Speakers In Full
KEF LSX II LT: $600.00 Amazon
Pros: Coaxial (Uni-Q-style) driver keeps the tweeter centered in the midrange, giving wide and consistent dispersion both horizontally and vertically (about ±60° each) - a wide sweet spot for multiple seats or positions. The KEF Connect app provides genuinely useful DSP control: desk/wall boundary compensation, adjustable bass contour (standard/less/extra), treble trim, and subwoofer integration, letting you tune the sound to wherever it’s placed. Distortion at a moderate 86dB looks good for the speaker’s compact size. Tonal profile stays consistent from 0° to 30° off-axis, so side-seat listeners hear essentially the same balance as someone centered. Extensive connectivity for its size: HDMI, USB, optical, sub output, plus Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Clearly outperformed the reviewer’s soundbars, including ones bundled with their own subwoofers, as a TV audio replacement.
Cons: Small drivers mean it’s SPL-limited: bass compression kicks in around 88-92dB/1m per speaker, and multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 96dB - not intended for loud or large-room duty. F3 of 55Hz and F10 of 46Hz mean it loses much of its bass by around 50Hz; a subwoofer (controllable through the same app) is needed for real low end. Diffraction dips appear around 4-5kHz and again near 8kHz, likely tied to the tweeter housing or surround, giving a mild reduction in treble attack and sibilance. A possible port or enclosure resonance shows up around 800Hz in the rear-radiation measurements, though the reviewer wasn’t certain of the exact cause or whether it’s audible. No analog input on this LT variant, so a turntable can’t be connected directly - only the pricier standard LSX II model includes one.
Full KEF LSX II LT review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 6.1"W x 7.1"D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Output Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- KEF LSX II LT vs Presonus Eris E5
- KEF LSX II LT vs KRK Classic 5
- KEF LSX II LT vs JBL 705P
- KEF LSX II LT vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
- KEF LSX II LT vs Edifier MR4
- KEF LSX II LT vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- KEF LSX II LT vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- KEF LSX II LT vs Edifier R1280DB
- See all 25 comparisons
Audioengine A5+ Classic: $399
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat response outside of the upper bass. Internal Class AB amplification (50W RMS, 75W peak) with a linear power supply drives a 5” Kevlar woofer and 0.75” tweeter.
Cons: A valley in the upper bass (200-400Hz) recesses that range, and a distortion peak shows up around 800-900Hz even at 86dB SPL. Off-axis response doesn’t track the on-axis curve well through the crossover, suggesting the waveguide isn’t fully optimized. Resonances appear at 900Hz and 4.4kHz.
Full Audioengine A5+ Classic review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9"H x 7.2"W x 9.7"D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" Kevlar woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg (left/powered), 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg (right) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Klipsch The Fives
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- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
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