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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 coloration and finished in
a choice of hand-matched hardwood veneers.
More than ever before, these are very special
speakers indeed.
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