KEF Launches Reference Series
Australian KEF distributor, Advance Audio today launched the new KEF Reference range via an exclusive media event held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney.
On hand to show the new range was George Perkins, R&D Development Engineer for KEF, and Jessica Chua, Director of Sales & Marketing at KEF (APAC).
Perkins, together with Jack Oclee-Brown, Head of Acoustics at KEF, designed and developed the original Concept Blade speaker back in 2009. The carbon-fibre Concept set a new benchmark in loudspeaker design for the combination of elegant aesthetics and stunning acoustics. He was also an integral part in commercialising the Concept Blade into the Blade and Blade 2 and now has achieved a new milestone in his career with the design of this new Reference Series.
THE REFERENCE: the standard by which others are judged, and to which they aspire. 
The Reference series comprises an entire lineup from standmount speakers (Reference 1), two floor-standing speakers (Reference 3, Reference 5), a center channel (Reference 4c) and subwoofer (Reference 8b). While combined offering a perfect solution to a home theatre system, Reference 1, 3 and 5 are just as capable for the discerning audiophile in a 2-channel stereo system.
Each model of the KEF Reference Series is available in a range of different finishes, including Deep Piano Black, Satin American Walnet, and Gloss Rosewood. Reference 3 and 5 are also available in Blue Ice White and Copper Black Aluminium.
KEF REFERENCE 1
Reference 1 pairs KEF’s latest 125mm (5”) MF/HF Uni-Q driver array with the a new 165mm (6.5”) alloy cone bass driver to “create a compellingly realistic sound stage out of all proportion to its size”, according to KEF. Mounted on shelves or stands, Uni-Q’s inherently wide, even dispersion also makes it perfect as a rear channel speaker in a home theatre system.
Frequency Response: 45Hz - 35kHz
Power Handling: 50 - 200w
Dimensions: 440 x 205 x 430mm
RRP $15,799
KEF REFERENCE 3
Reference 3 uses two 165mm (6.5”) bass drivers that are positioned perfectly above and below KEF’s latest 125mm (5”) MF/HF Uni-Q driver array in a D'Appolito configuration. According to KEF, “Reference 3 boasts outstanding fidelity across the midrange and treble with seamless transitions.”
Frequency Response: 43Hz - 35kHz
Power Handling: 50 - 300w
Dimensions: 1202 x 349 x 470 mm
RRP $23,999
KEF REFERENCE 5
KEF's premium offering, Reference 5 is a tall three-way floor standing loudspeaker that aligns four powerful, extremely linear 165mm (6.5”) bass drivers.
With lows reproduced with consummate agility and control, The Reference 5 loudspeakers fluidly integrate with the Uni-Q output to create an all-enveloping sound field of spine-tingling accuracy and depth. For music or film, it reveals qualities you’d never notice while gripping your emotions with the full power of the performance.
Reference 5 also features the new 25mm (1”) vented Aluminum dome tweeter at the acoustic centre.
Frequency Response: 40Hz - 35kHz
Power Handling: 50 - 400w
Dimensions: 1397 x 349 x 470 mm
RRP $28,999
KEF REFERENCE 4c
To complete a surround sound system, the Reference 4c Centre Channel, according to KEF “reproduces every last detail exactly as the director or the artist intended - spatially precise, stunningly clear and with a dynamic range that takes rapid transitions in its stride.”
Reference 4c utilises the 125mm (5”) MF/HF Uni-Q driver array between four 165mm (6.5”) bass drivers, the Reference 4c is an ideal companion for movie fanatics looking for total immersion.
Frequency Response: 48Hz - 35kHz
Power Handling: 50 - 400w
Dimensions: 205 x 1090 x 470mm
Pricing TBA.
KEF REFERENCE 8b
The compansion subwoofer to a KEF Reference Series surround sound system, Reference 8b enables you to experience the full impact of dramatic on-screen effects, bass definition and control. Reference 8b is designed back-to-back in the heavily braced, acoustically inert cabinet.
Reference 8b boasts two 500w Class D amplifiers, each driving a 228mm (9”) long-throw and an ultra-low distortion driver so you can get the best performance possible.
Dimensions: 398 x 365 x 429 mm
Pricing TBA.
Stay tuned to StereoNET for our full coverage of the Australian launch event.
KEF is distributed in Australia by Advance Audio.
Marc Rushton
StereoNET’s Founder and Publisher, born in UK and raised on British Hi-Fi before moving to Australia where he worked as an Engineer in both the audio and mechanical fields.
Posted in:Hi-Fi Home Theatre
Tags: kef reference series advance audio
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