Kii Audio's wireless speaker system with hi-res streaming could be a potential KEF-killer
With Tidal Connect, Roon Ready and hi-res support

German audio manufacturer Kii Audio has revealed the Seven wireless speaker system, and it could offer a more premium alternative to the likes of the five-star KEF LS50 Wireless II or LSX II speaker systems.
The Seven comprises two speakers fitted out with the latest smart streaming technologies and amplification, letting you actively stream tracks to this neat system without the need for extra boxes. Along with wi-fi, there's support for AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect baked in, while Bluetooth and Roon Ready certification complete the set. You can also link multiple Sevens together to create a multi-room system.
Streaming smarts are nothing without good sound, though, and it's here that Kii will have to work hard if it's to knock the likes of KEF and JBL off of their perches. Each speaker unit comprises two 16.5cm woofers, a 12.7cm mid-range driver and a custom wave-guided 2.5cm tweeter, all powered by 600W of amplification for what Kii promises will be a compact and cost-effective speaker solution.
Capable of delivering hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, the Seven have, according to the manufacturer, been "designed from the ground-up to deliver exceptional sound quality" for your home or studio.
Unlike many traditional smart speakers, these new units are made deliberately to reduce the impact of surrounding room acoustics. To this end, the Kii Seven has incorporated 'Active Wave Focusing' filters which force the drive units to create a more coherent wavefront emitted only towards the listener, offering what Kii promises will be detailed separation and excellent musicality.
There are digital and analogue physical connections as well, and you can connect the Kii Seven via ethernet for a more stable wireless connection. You can stream playlists and manage playback of all your tunes using the Kii Home App, which also lets users control and customise either a single or multiple speakers for up to 12 separate zones in your home.
Available in two colourways – white or dark grey – the Kii Seven wireless speaker system will be on sale from early 2024, priced at £3,495 / $3,895 for a single speaker and £6,990 / $7,790 for a stereo pair. At this premium price, the Kii Seven will also have to compete against the recently-reviewed premium JBL 4329P Studio Monitor speaker system, which impressed us with its powerful sound and streaming features at £3,499 / $4,500. Let's hope the Kii Audio can take on the established giants.
Get the What Hi-Fi? Newsletter
The latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox.
MORE:
Best hi-fi systems: CD, vinyl and streaming music systems for the home
Best speakers: budget to premium stereo speakers
Read our JBL 4329P Studio Monitor review
Read our reviews of the KEF LS50 Wireless II and the KEF LSX II speaker systems
Harry McKerrell is a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside features, advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones, wireless earbuds and portable DACs. He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands, and major industry events including IFA, High End Munich and, of course, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs.


















-
nopiano In price terms its obvious rival to me is the KEF LS60. As it happens, I heard the LS60 and the new Kii Seven at a show yesterday - yes, that one at Ascot from a rival journal.Reply
Both sounded excellent, I thought. The LS60 worked better in KEF’s room to my ears than the Blade 2 Meta that they also played. The Kii Seven was more open and live sounding.
The huge caveat is that in an unusual environment with unfamiliar music, it’s hard to judge, but both are thoroughly modern and connectable speakers, not really meant to have traditional Hifi separates plugged in, though probably a TV will be used by many.
As I remarked to a companion, they are like audiophile Sonos speakers!