Ls50 wireless II vs separates with passive speakers

@varchard yes, you can control through the app. I did the initial setup and fiddling with the app, set the volume (almost max) on the master speaker and then control the volume from whatever device I’m using. Works great.

I also own some of the LS50W (not the IIs). Super happy with them. They sounds excellent and have quite a bit more bass then the passive versions due to the design. Pretty flexible in placement given you can tailor the DSP settings in the app. You can use the app to wirelessly stream music but as they are DLNA devices I use JRiver. Other software likely can discover them as well and think the IIs do this a bit better. Super flexible with digital input and subwoofer outputs. For my 2 cents the finest active speaker in that price range. I know the IIs step things up and likely have a pair of those in my future. FWIW the older  LS50Ws  can be found right around $900-1200.

LS50 Meta with SHD Power ($1499) is a good choice IMO.

SHD Power has amp, network streaming + Dirac Live.

Also if you decide to active later it has digital AES outputs so you can run Dirac Live with your active speakers.

LS50 Meta + Dirac Live should be better than the LS50 Wireless II since not only will it have superior DSP correction but also target curve can be personally tailored.

@alcoholbob - I was looking at adding the NAD C638 as a streamer/dac/preamp which also has Dirac Live and for $99 the full Dirac system. I think Dirac in a large kitchen is a must. 

I bought a pair of the new LS50W Mk2's a couple of months ago. I wanted to simplify my system and I like the idea that they were going to be "Roon Ready" albeit "Coming Soon." Kef released the speakers in September 2020 and 7 months later they are still promising "Coming Soon." The Kefs have a nice sound for casual listening and are great for TV. I gave up on them as I missed the qualities of my previous Linear Tube Audio separates. I also felt that KEF had baited folks with the "Coming Soon" marketing.

I am back with Linear Tube Audio and Spatial Audio and am very pleased...at great cost :-)

For a kitchen I can recommend KEF LSX's. They are a great value and you can stream to them.