Short answer: the KEF LSX II LT for better sound quality, the Topping MA4 for the lower price. The KEF LSX II LT ranks #25 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $600. The Topping MA4 ranks #30 at $449, $151 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. Watch for: 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.
On the Topping MA4 side: Topping’s first loudspeaker, notable for deliberately skipping the DAC and DSP the company built its reputation on. The catch: On axis deviation measures 0.503dB average, on the rougher side for this catalog, and listening window smoothness sits at a moderate 0.44.
Buy the KEF LSX II LT if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Topping MA4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF LSX II LT | Topping MA4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $600.00 | 449 EUR/pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #30 of 48 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"H x 5.5"W x 11.3"D (255 x 140 x 288 mm) (10.04 x 5.51 x 11.34 in) |
| 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 | 1" soft dome tweeter with waveguide, 4" paper cone woofer |
| Weight | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg | 8.3 lbs / 3.78 kg (8.33 lbs) each |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Output Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 49.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 42.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92dB |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Power Output (Watts) | - | 75W total (50W woofer, 25W tweeter, Class D) |
| Frequency Response | - | 49Hz-20kHz +/-3dB |
| Max SPL | - | 105dB @ 1m |
| Crossover Points | - | 1.3kHz |
| Warranty | - | 1-2 years (varies by region) |
| Country | - | China |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Dayton Audio M4
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- Topping MA4 vs Edifier S1000W
- Topping MA4 vs Edifier S2000MKIII
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 Edifier MR4
- KEF LSX II LT vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
- 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 27 comparisons
Topping MA4: 449 EUR/pair Audiophonics
Pros: Topping’s first loudspeaker, notable for deliberately skipping the DAC and DSP the company built its reputation on. A single balanced XLR input feeds a fully analog crossover, which Topping argues keeps the signal path free of extra conversion stages. The bass alignment measures a low Q of 0.452, rolling off cleanly rather than peaking, and extension reaches 49.8Hz at -3dB for a compact 4 inch two way, at a genuinely low price.
Cons: On axis deviation measures 0.503dB average, on the rougher side for this catalog, and listening window smoothness sits at a moderate 0.44. No USB, Bluetooth, or digital input of any kind, an unusual limitation from a DAC company and a real constraint if you want a simple all in one desktop setup. This is Topping’s first speaker with no track record in the category, and current US retail availability is limited, most confirmed stock is through European or Indian resellers.
Full Topping MA4 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Country | China |
| Crossover Points | 1.3kHz |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 5.5"W x 11.3"D (255 x 140 x 288 mm) (10.04 x 5.51 x 11.34 in) |
| Drivers | 1" soft dome tweeter with waveguide, 4" paper cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz-20kHz +/-3dB |
| Max SPL | 105dB @ 1m |
| Power Output (Watts) | 75W total (50W woofer, 25W tweeter, Class D) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB |
| Warranty | 1-2 years (varies by region) |
| Weight | 8.3 lbs / 3.78 kg (8.33 lbs) each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons