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The continuing evolution of KEF’s legendary Reference Series has
always been based on the concept of benchmark precision.
Every time a new generation of models is developed to
incorporate more sophisticated technologies, we build
prototypes that are as close to perfection as possible.
These then become the ‘Reference’ to which every
single production version must conform, each set
assembled by a skilled craftsman who matches their
performance to a tolerance of just 0.5dB.
As the latest incarnation of this approach,
the Reference Series is a quantum leap forward in
audiophile quality sound. In fact, its performance envelope
extends well beyond the range of human hearing.
This is not as futile as it may at first sound - whereas conventional
CDs carry no audio information beyond 20kHz, extended
bandwidth formats such as SACD and DVD Audio contain signals
up to 40kHz and more. Consider the analogy that even though
no-one drives at 200 mph, cars that are engineered to do so are
inherently better performers at lower speeds.
That’s why all new Reference series models come with a
state of the art 19mm (
3
/
4
”) titanium dome Hypertweeter
TM
for massively extended HF performance. Mounted in low
diffraction, chrome-plated steel enclosures time aligned
with the main array,they deliver flat response to 55kHz and
useful energy up to 80kHz. What you hear is a sweeter,
more natural sound.
Radical new Uni-Q driver arrays - the ultimate refinement
of KEF’s trademark technology - where the tweeter is
mounted at the acoustic centre of the midrange cone -
provide an immaculate single point source, the Holy Grail
of loudspeaker design. With the midrange cone and
surround integrated into a single Uni-Form moulding,
there are no discontinuities to distort the HF energy from
the 25mm (1”) elliptical profile titanium dome tweeter.
With only midrange frequencies to handle, movement of the
Uni-Q cone is so modest that virtually no distortion is caused
by intermodulation with the tweeter. Like the bass drivers,
an open chassis design - minimises acoustic reflection
behind the cone.
The result is an even more spacious, better defined
sound stage over a very large area, with exceptional
off-axis response and none of the ‘sweet spot’
limitations of conventional speakers.
Bass extension is equally stunning, thanks to ultra-low
distortion motor systems and high tech reinforced
diaphragms. And with each bass driver radiating directly from its
own separate internal enclosure to avoid the distorting effects of
vertical standing waves that tall cabinets usually suffer from,
you experience noticeably clearer, more open bass.
As you would expect from a handmade KEF product,
build quality is as outstanding as the specification of each
individual component. Carefully graded and soldered by hand,
KEF’s own oxygen-free copper cable ensures the best possible
signal transmission, with terminals machined from solid
brass and plated in gold. High order crossovers with
advanced air-cored inductors and polypropylene capacitors
ensure faultlessly smooth integration.
For optimum performance in real rooms, all models
accommodate tri-wiring and are fitted with a boundary
control device to adjust bass response according to speaker
positioning and the acoustics of the listening area.
Magnetic shielding ensures trouble-free positioning in
home theatre applications.
Engineered from laminated birch ply using KEF’s own
internal bracing system, the new curved section cabinets
are elegantly profiled to minimise colouration and finished
in a choice of hand-matched hardwood veneers.
More than ever before, these are very special
speakers indeed.
