These are the KEF LSX which are active speakers. I have it connected via optical through a caldigit thunderbolt 3 dock (wish it had USB but it doesn’t).
The LSX, I think, can be very great nearfield desktop speakers. There are no other active speakers in this price range offering this kind of size and aesthetics (the kanto tuks and klipsch fives do look good but are still bigger), as far as I know. Sound is great when set up properly, but unless you have a fully treated room, you MUST utilize the DSP functionality to get the most out of them, or they will sound muddy and claustrophobic.
The app is where the problem lies. I know KEF is not a software company so I expected a slightly less than stellar app, but the lack of support/improvements shows. Although it is a simple app in practice, its execution is plagued by multiple disconnects and instabilities. Think of when you buy a cheap smart light and connect it for the first time to your home wifi…
Also, the remote is straight crap. Since the LSX lack any physical controls, you would have to use the app or the remote exclusively. The app is slow and unresponsive, while the remote is so cheap-feeling it creaks every time I press something.
It would be a compromise to go through the frustration only once, then forget about the app. However, if the LSX loses its internet connection or restarts at any point due to power outages or whatnot, it will not save its current DSP settings and will go back to its original, muddy sound. Then, you’d have to deal with the app again, if it ever decides to reconnect. Forget about connecting it through a preamp as well, because using the line-in does not bypass its DAC.
Overall, I think the LSX is not a bad speaker. However, the type of speaker it was intended to be, which is more of a lifestyle type of speaker, requires a seamless user experience. And, it does not live up to that.
So, I would only recommend it if size and aesthetics are your priority, and are willing to look past user experience.