Short answer: the KEF LSX II LT. It ranks #36 of 105 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $699.99. The Avantone Pro Active MixCube ranks #104, rated 1.7/5, at $518, $181.99 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The KEF LSX II LT is the more accurate pick. The coincident driver provides useful consistency across listening positions, and the app offers placement and subwoofer adjustments. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.81 against -3.58 for the Avantone Pro Active MixCube. The tradeoff: The 3.4dB midrange response span and treble-region dips keep it below more neutral monitors.
The case for the Avantone Pro Active MixCube: A deliberately bandwidth-limited single-driver monitor for checking midrange balance and mix translation. Watch for: It is not a full-range music speaker.
Buy the KEF LSX II LT. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $181.99 with the Avantone Pro Active MixCube does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF LSX II LT | Avantone Pro Active MixCube | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 per pair | $518 per pair |
| Ranked | #36 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #104 of 105 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) | 6.5H x 6.5W x 6.5D in |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth | Balanced XLR/TRS combo |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer | - |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter | 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker | 60W RMS Class AB |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.81 | -3.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 | 1.16 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 90Hz-17kHz |
| Enclosure | - | Powered sealed full-range monitor |
| Maximum SPL | - | 104dB at 1m |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How KEF LSX II LT compares with other leading options:
- KEF LSX II LT vs Genelec 8331A
- KEF LSX II LT vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8030C vs KEF LSX II LT
- KEF LSX II LT vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- KEF LSX II LT vs Reflector Audio Square Two
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF LSX II LT: $699.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the KEF LSX II (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5), the KEF LS50 Wireless II (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5) and the KEF LS60 (floorstanding, rated 4.8/5).
Pros: The coincident driver provides useful consistency across listening positions, and the app offers placement and subwoofer adjustments. Erin’s measurements give preference scores of 4.81 standalone and 7.03 with an ideal subwoofer, with -3dB bass around 56Hz. HDMI and USB connectivity make it convenient for a small TV or desktop system. Horizontal and vertical dispersion both reach about ±60°, giving a broad sweet spot for more than one seat. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.
Cons: The 3.4dB midrange response span and treble-region dips keep it below more neutral monitors. The existing review finds bass compression around 88-92dB/1m and rising distortion at higher levels, so the small drivers suit close listening rather than a large room. This LT version has no analog input; a turntable cannot plug straight into it.
Full KEF LSX II LT review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | 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 |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.81 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Transform Your Sound System with the KEF LSX II LT Speaker More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: KEF LSX II LT
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Best Bookshelf Speakers For TV & Gaming - 2025
- Jasper Tech: Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers for Every Budget - 2025
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Avantone Pro Active MixCube: $518 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A deliberately bandwidth-limited single-driver monitor for checking midrange balance and mix translation. The powered, sealed format, isolation pad and stand mounting make it useful as a secondary studio reference.
Cons: It is not a full-range music speaker. The measured -3dB point is around 297Hz, and scores of -3.58 standalone and 1.16 with an ideal subwoofer reflect severe bandwidth and response limitations for general listening. A subwoofer cannot restore the missing high-frequency coverage. This low general-purpose rank does not measure its usefulness for the specialist task of checking a mix.
Full Avantone Pro Active MixCube review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60W RMS Class AB |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.5H x 6.5W x 6.5D in |
| Drivers | 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver |
| Enclosure | Powered sealed full-range monitor |
| Frequency Response | 90Hz-17kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR/TRS combo |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB at 1m |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | -3.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 1.16 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Avantone Pro Active MixCube vs Donner Dyna 3
- Avantone Pro Active MixCube vs Fluid Audio FX50 V2
- Avantone Pro Active MixCube vs Edifier R1280DB
- Avantone Pro Active MixCube vs Audioengine HD4
- Avantone Pro Active MixCube vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Avantone Pro Active MixCube vs Edifier S1000W
- Avantone Pro Active MixCube vs Edifier R2000DB
- Avantone Pro Active MixCube vs KRK Classic 5
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