An important element of loudspeaker
design is the ability to produce sound
which is as close as possible to the original
source. Distortion is the main factor
that impacts upon the quality of the
sound reproduced.
A
distortion level of below 2% for a
loudspeaker is considered to be excellent.
The KEF 3000 series performs within a
0.3-0.8% band, considerably better than
this benchmark. See the distortion chart
3
left, which shows the measurements
of the KEF 3000 series (green line)
against its predecessor, the award winning
KHT2005.2 series (red line).
‘Sit anywhere’ Uni-Q Technology
KEF's patented Uni-Q driver configuration
uses aerospace technology to mount the
tweeter in the acoustic centre of the
bass/midrange cone. This allows both to act
as a single focused source that disperses
the sound image evenly throughout the
room, so you experience the same 3D
sound wherever you sit.
The all-new Uni-Q driver array of the 3000
series has been comprehensively engineered
for even cleaner response. The midrange
cone now produces smoother sound
thanks to radial reinforcing ribs for more
‘piston-like’ behaviour
1
,
and its rubber
surround has been re-profiled to deliver
superior bass extension.
The images on the left show scans from
KEF’s Laser Doppler Vibrometer
2
illustrating
how speaker cones deform in normal
operation. The difference is plain to see,
the KEF 3000 series suffers less break-up
and hence produces cleaner sound.
Typical loudspeaker
cone
KEF home theatre
3000 series cone
Grilles
The grilles on the centre and satellite
speakers are held in position by magnets,
giving a high quality, tactile feel, and because
it’s a closed loop magnet system, they won’t
interfere with your TV or any other nearby
electronic equipment.
Very KEF - a typically ingenious touch.
Satellite and Centre Technology
1
A piston-like motion of a speaker cone, with less deformation and break-up produces cleaner, less distorted sound.
2
The KEF Laser Doppler Vibrometer is a scanning laser device that measures the precise diffraction of light from a moving device (in this
case the midrange speaker cone). Using this technique very small vibrations, normally invisible to the naked eye, can be recorded,
amplified and then viewed on a computer. (Measurement taken at 1500Hz).
3
Distortion measured at 90dB.
Stands
The standard elliptical shelf
stands, supplied with each
satellite and centre speaker,
double up as unobtrusive wall
brackets, and allow your
satellites to be stably
oriented in any direction.
The elegantly simple
optional matt finished floor
stands (right) complement
the satellite speakers in both
form and function.
Finishes
When you're
buying audiophile quality
sound, you want your system to look the
part. The 3000 series comes in a choice of
High Gloss Black or High Gloss Silver
finishes; whichever you choose, you'll find
that the surface reflections echo the
distinctively smooth contours of the
enclosures.
If you think the look makes a statement,
wait till you hear the sound.
Sealed Suspension Technology
KEF’s unique new Sealed Suspension
Technology – SST
TM
(patent applied
for) dramatically improves sound
quality at higher volumes as it
effectively seals the gap between
the moving mid-range cone and tweeter
(see diagram above).
“Improving upon the already near perfect
design wasn’t easy. We had to make a
rubber seal that was light enough to move
with a speaker without affecting the sound,
it’s a genuine innovation.”
KEF Research Engineer, Jack Oclee-Brown.
K1271_3000 series brochure 10/1/11 11:56 Page 17
