KEF Reference Meta Series

  • Posted on 18 February 2022

KEF Reference Meta Series

Now with Metamaterial Absorption Technology

The Reference has continually set the benchmark for loudspeakers since its launch in 1973. The perfect reproduction of recorded sound is what The Reference has always stood for. Pioneering the use of digital technologies to achieve the highest audio accuracy, every pair of The Reference series can be matched within half a decibel to the laboratory-maintained reference standard. Exact pair matching delivers perfect stereo reproduction, so these revolutionary speakers won acclaim for the superior acoustic precision. Hence the method became the name: The Reference.

Since the first generation, The Reference has been continuously enhanced by new innovations and technological developments. In the latest evolution, The Reference incorporates our latest innovation: Metamaterial Absorption Technology1 (MAT™) and continues to be the supreme expression of KEF’s philosophy, where advanced engineering meets inspired design.

The Reference are loudspeakers for serious audiophiles who aspire to the perfect enjoyment of music and movies. Whether used in a traditional two-channel HiFi or a multi-channel home theatre, listeners will be able to experience the realistic, immersive sound with breath-taking dynamics, and levels of accuracy that reveal details never noticed before.

Features

  • Metamaterial Absorption Technology eliminates 99% of high-frequency distortion for pure, natural sound
  • Bespoke 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT driver array for exceptional acoustic accuracy
  • Enhanced crossover design fine-tuned the signal path for maximum clarity
  • Optimised cabinet design for best acoustic performance
  • Five models: Reference 1 Meta, Reference 3 Meta, Reference 5 Meta, Reference 2 Meta, Reference 4 Meta
  • Available in 5 finishes
  • With mounting inserts to secure on KEF S-RF1 Floor Stand (available as separate item)
  • The Reference Series Grille set for each model is available as separate item

Revolutionary sound absorption with MAT™

A truly revolutionary tool in the KEF acoustic armoury, Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) is a highly complex maze-like structure, where each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency.

When combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound that comes from the rear of the tweeter, eliminating the resulting distortion and providing a purer, more natural acoustic performance.

A result of joint development with the Acoustic Metamaterials Group, using MAT breaks completely new ground in loudspeaker design, and once again demonstrates KEF’s unrelenting passion for developing new technologies to improve your listening experience. Metamaterials are specially developed structures that use existing materials in such a way that they exhibit new, desirable properties that are simply not found in naturally occurring substances.

kef reference meta 5 speakers

12th Generation Uni-Q with MAT™ delivers

The 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT in The Reference is a bespoke driver array engineered to deliver pristine performance across this exceptional range of loudspeakers. It’s the result of decades of accumulated in-house knowledge and the application of cutting-edge simulation and analysis tools. The developments are many and all play a part in The Reference’s pristine performance.

As a starting point, KEF engineers re-engineered the tweeter gap damper to maximise the space at the back of the tweeter for the new metamaterial absorber. Optimising the cavity shape and strategically placing two rings of porous material effectively tame the resonances and imperfections, thus greatly improving detail and clarity.

A new ultra-low distortion midrange motor design uses a copper ring embedded into the motor gap to minimise inductance and variation of inductance with coil position. This lowers the midrange THD and reduces thermal compression, leading to improved efficiency.

The Uni-Q driver array is fully decoupled to prevent unwanted vibrations from muddying the sound. A new flexible decoupling chassis is designed to reduce vibration and remove coloration. It ensures that any vibration generated by the mid and high-frequency motor system is not transmitted to the loudspeaker cabinet.

 

kef reference 1 meta in black

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