A new 2-way standmount loudspeaker from KEF is upon us: not a passive but an active model where 100 Watts of amplification lives inside each speaker cabinet to power a 5.25″ 12th Gen Uni-Q driver array. The crossover and KEF’s Music Integrity Engine distortion reduction are done in DSP. The name? Coda. Coda W.

That W says ‘wireless’, but it refers not to in-built network streaming but a Bluetooth input whose aptX Adaptive/Lossless support enables the lossless carriage of CD-quality audio…for some Android users…who are streaming in rooms free from Bluetooth signal congestion. Sorry, iPhone users: without the appropriate dongle, you’re stuck with AAC 256kbps.

No mind. The back of the primary loudspeaker features a subwoofer output and a suite of inputs, including line-level analogue, phono, HDMI ARC, TOSLINK, and 24-bit/192kHz USB-C. The latter two sockets open the door to outboard network streamers. KEF has opted for a Bluesound NODE in its press shots, but I reckon most of the Coda W’s target audience won’t be spending 50% of the speakers’ asking price on a streaming box — instead, they are advised to look at $100-ish devices from WiiM (for TOSLINK hook-ups), FiiO (for USB-C) or a Raspberry Pi (for USB-C).

The primary loudspeaker’s second USB-C socket borrows from KEF’s smaller and streaming-capable LSXII LT to send the digital signal and power to the secondary loudspeaker. A 3m C-Link cable ships in the box but an 8m version is available as an optional (US$60) extra. The primary box’s top-front edge features touch-sensitive controls for power on/off, mute, input selection and volume up/down.

Also, this: “The KEF Connect App puts complete control at your fingertips. Select EQ presets to match your taste, manage speaker settings, update firmware, and explore the latest features—all from a single, intuitive interface.”

We can only assume that the Connect App talks to the Coda W over Bluetooth — because the press release doesn’t say. Neither does it tell us the nature of the phono input – MM only or, less likely, MM/MC – or the TOSLINK input’s sample rate ceiling or how the 100wpc is divided between the mid/bass driver and the aluminium tweeter that it encircles.

That KEF’s promotional materials 1) are light on audiophile-centric specifics, 2) namecheck “room-filling sound” and 3) show the Coda W sitting on the same surface as a turntable 😲 tells us that these actives are aimed more at mainstream (Sonos-type) listeners than those who would spend a weekend at a hotel-based hi-fi show where Boz Scaggs plays on repeat.

KEF’s Coda W will sell for US$999/pair. Your choice of Vintage Burgundy, Nickel Grey, Moss Green, Midnight Blue or Dark Titanium.

Further information: KEF

UPDATE: KEF’s website-based spec sheet says 70 Watts Class D on the mid-bass, 30 Watts Class D on the tweeter and the TOSLINK tops out at 24bit/96kHz. All analogue inputs are digitised upon entry at 24bit/96kHz.