By: Dipin Sehdev
KEF has done it again — but this time, with a nostalgic twist. The legendary British audio manufacturer has unveiled the Coda W, a compact wireless active speaker system that merges 1970s design cues with the brand’s latest acoustic technologies. At $999 / £799 / AU$1,450, the Coda W aims to democratize hi-fi performance in a way that honors KEF’s roots while serving today’s digital-first listener.
The big question: can the Coda W live up to KEF’s near-perfect track record in wireless audio?
After all, this is the brand behind the LS60 Wireless (96% CE Critic Score), LS50 Wireless II (94% CE Critic Score), LSX II (94% CE Critic Score), and LSX II LT (93% CE Critic Score) — each considered a benchmark in its respective category. That’s a lot to live up to.
Retro Aesthetic, Modern Execution
At first glance, the KEF Coda W looks nothing like its LS siblings. Instead of sleek, minimalist cabinets, the Coda W takes direct inspiration from KEF’s original Coda loudspeakers of the 1970s, which helped establish the company as a household name in affordable hi-fi.
The result is an old-school bookshelf design available in five finishes — Vintage Burgundy, Nickel Grey, Moss Green, Midnight Blue, and Dark Titanium — that nod to KEF’s heritage while keeping things stylishly understated for modern interiors.
Despite the retro looks, the Coda W is a thoroughly modern wireless speaker system. Each enclosure houses its own amplification, digital processing, and connectivity hardware, ensuring the convenience and performance KEF’s active lineup is known for.
Power and Precision
Inside each speaker is KEF’s latest 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array, the same core acoustic technology used across the company’s flagship models. Uni-Q places the tweeter in the acoustic center of the mid-bass cone, creating a single-point source for better imaging and dispersion. The result is a more natural, three-dimensional soundstage — a hallmark of KEF design.
Each speaker features dedicated Class D amplification:
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70 watts to the mid-bass driver
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30 watts to the tweeter
That’s 100 watts per speaker, or 200 watts total, ensuring impressive output for a bookshelf-sized system. KEF’s proprietary Music Integrity Engine (MIE) DSP further refines performance, optimizing phase, timing, and crossover alignment for cohesive, distortion-free playback at any volume.
For those familiar with KEF’s wireless lineup, this spec sheet positions the Coda W slightly below the LSX II in terms of outright power and DSP sophistication but well above most budget competitors in build and sonic refinement.
Seamless Connectivity: Wired or Wireless
KEF’s active speaker systems have always prioritized flexibility, and the Coda W continues that legacy.
On the digital side, the primary speaker features:
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HDMI ARC for TV integration
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Optical digital input
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USB-C for direct computer connection
For analog sources, you get both RCA line inputs and — for the first time in any KEF wireless model — a built-in phono preamplifier compatible with moving magnet (MM) cartridges. This makes the Coda W plug-and-play ready for turntables without needing an external phono stage — a major win for vinyl enthusiasts.
Additionally, there’s a dedicated subwoofer output, compatible with KEF’s KW1 wireless subwoofer adapter kit, offering a clean expansion path for more bass-heavy setups.
Wireless Streaming and Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless
KEF’s inclusion of Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless is particularly notable. While the Coda W doesn’t feature Wi-Fi streaming like the LS series (which use the KEF Connect app with multiroom support), aptX Lossless allows CD-quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) streaming over Bluetooth — a first for KEF.
That makes the Coda W a convenient, high-performance solution for casual listening or spaces where Wi-Fi streaming isn’t essential. For high-resolution playback, the USB-C input supports higher bitrates, offering better fidelity for computer-based or local source listening.
This approach mirrors KEF’s ongoing strategy: make wireless hi-fi accessible without sacrificing acoustic integrity.
Versatility Across Setups
One of the Coda W’s greatest strengths lies in its versatility. Whether it’s your desktop audio setup, vinyl system, or living room TV, these speakers adapt seamlessly.
Thanks to HDMI ARC, you can integrate them into a home theater setup and control volume directly with your TV remote. The USB-C connection makes them ideal for desktop use, while the phono stage opens the door to vinyl playback with zero hassle.
KEF even includes a 3-meter interspeaker cable (with an optional 8-meter upgrade) to help with flexible placement — and if you prefer a cleaner look, the speakers pair neatly with KEF’s SQ1 floor stands.
Specs Summary: KEF Coda W
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 5.25-inch 12th-gen Uni-Q array |
| Amplification | 70W (woofer) + 30W (tweeter) per speaker |
| Total System Power | 200W |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, Optical, USB-C, RCA, Phono (MM), Sub Out |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless |
| DSP | KEF Music Integrity Engine |
| Finishes | Vintage Burgundy, Nickel Grey, Moss Green, Midnight Blue, Dark Titanium |
| Dimensions | Compact bookshelf form factor |
| Price | $999 / £799 / AU$1,450 |
| Availability | Available now through KEF.com and authorized retailers |
How It Stacks Up Against KEF’s Wireless Legends
KEF’s LS lineup set an almost impossible standard in the world of active speakers. Here’s how the Coda W compares to its acclaimed siblings:
| Model | Price (USD) | CE Critic Score | Power Output | Connectivity | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS60 Wireless | $7,000 | 96% | 700W per speaker | HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Roon | Flagship audiophile design, full-range system |
| LS50 Wireless II | $3,000 | 94% | 380W per speaker | HDMI ARC, Wi-Fi, Roon | Studio-grade performance |
| LSX II | $1,500 | 94% | 200W per pair | HDMI ARC, Wi-Fi, Roon | Compact, app-based streaming |
| LSX II LT | $1,000 | 93% | 200W per pair | HDMI ARC, Ethernet, Roon | Affordable wireless option |
| Coda W | $999 | TBD | 200W per pair | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.4 | Phono input, retro design |
The Coda W clearly sits alongside the LSX II LT as an entry-level wireless solution, but it trades Wi-Fi streaming for Bluetooth convenience and analog versatility. The addition of a phono stage gives it a unique appeal — especially for vinyl lovers and those wanting a simple, all-in-one hi-fi system without needing extra gear.
Design and Build Quality
True to KEF form, the Coda W’s construction quality is superb. Each cabinet feels dense and acoustically inert, with precise tolerances and a beautifully finished baffle that highlights the Uni-Q driver. The color options are tasteful — especially Vintage Burgundy and Moss Green, which channel the 1970s design inspiration without feeling retro gimmicky.
The controls are cleanly integrated on the top panel, giving access to input selection and volume, while the KEF Connect mobile app can handle firmware updates and limited EQ tuning.
Visually and tactilely, it feels like a modern reimagining of a vintage hi-fi staple — something KEF fans and design-conscious buyers alike will appreciate.
Listening Impressions and Expectations
While we haven’t yet published CE Critic’s official score for the Coda W, early impressions from KEF’s demo sessions suggest that it delivers on the brand’s promise of natural tonality and effortless imaging.
The 12th-generation Uni-Q driver has long been praised for its ability to blend detail and coherence, and KEF’s tuning for the Coda W leans toward warmth and balance — ideal for everyday listening rather than clinical precision.
If the LSX II is the more analytical performer, the Coda W seems positioned as the “musical everyday hi-fi” — something you can connect to anything and enjoy immediately, whether that’s streaming over Bluetooth or spinning records.
Given KEF’s history of delivering exceptional sound even in its entry-level models, expectations are understandably high. The LS60 Wireless and LS50 Wireless II remain reference products in their categories, and the LSX II series earned near-universal acclaim. The Coda W steps into that lineage with confidence, but also with a clear focus on simplicity, affordability, and tactile enjoyment.
Verdict: A Nostalgic Yet Modern Step Forward
The KEF Coda W isn’t trying to dethrone the LS series — it’s expanding the family. By reintroducing the Coda name, KEF is acknowledging its past while embracing the realities of how people listen today: a mix of streaming, vinyl, and TV audio.
Its built-in phono preamp, HDMI ARC, and Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless make it one of the most versatile bookshelf systems under $1,000, period. Combine that with KEF’s proven driver technology and DSP tuning, and you’ve got a system that could easily outperform pricier competitors — and perhaps even challenge KEF’s own LSX II LT in some scenarios.
If the Coda W earns anything close to the 90%+ CE Critic Scores of its predecessors, it may well become the new king of affordable hi-fi — and a gateway for the next generation of KEF fans.
