Classic British speaker brand KEF has been making speakers for 60 years and shows no signs of slowing up. The latest model from the Kent-based company is the new Coda W, an all-in-one speaker with modern enhancements, designed to bring turntables to life and provide the untethered freedom of wireless streaming. Inspired by KEF’s original Coda series, the new Coda W blends KEF’s signature sound with usability.
“Our goal has always been to deliver the most authentic sound possible – the kind that forges an emotional connection,” says Grace Lo, president and head of global marketing at KEF. “We designed the Coda W for those of us who love the ritual of vinyl – the magic of dropping a needle on a record, that moment of anticipation. With Coda W, you can get completely immersed in the depth of your records, appreciating the richness and nuance in every note, then switch to streaming a new track seamlessly. It’s about rediscovering your favorite songs like never before.”
Signature KEF Acoustic Technology
At the heart of the Coda W speaker is a 5.25-inch, 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array. The result of decades of research, the driver works as a point source because the tweeter is positioned directly in the center of the woofer, recreating sound from a single source point. This ensures uniform dispersion throughout the room, creating a more natural and immersive sound.
Coda W has a combined output of 200W. Both the woofer and tweeter have their own dedicated amplifiers. To refine performance further, KEF’s Music Integrity Engine — a proprietary suite of DSP algorithms — has been specially tuned for Coda W speakers, enhancing overall performance.
For wireless streaming, the Coda W speakers support Bluetooth 5.4 and Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive audio codec for high-quality and low-latency audio. The aptX Lossless codec supports CD-quality resolution up to 16-bit/44.1 kHz, enabling the speakers to reproduce sound with clarity and dynamic range without wires.
Made for Vinyl Enthusiasts
The Coda W also embraces classic analog sound. The speakers are turntable-ready and include an integrated phono pre-amplifier that connects directly to almost any turntable without the need for additional gadgets. For turntables that already have a built-in phono preamp, Coda W also supports RCA (LINE) input.
The Coda W speakers are engineered for integration into any lifestyle, offering both wireless streaming and wired connectivity. Users can stream music wirelessly from a phone, tablet or laptop. The Bluetooth connectivity supports a convenient pairing process.
As well as its wireless abilities, the Coda W also have an HDMI ARC input for connecting the speakers to a TV easily, making it simple to set up a 2.1 home theater system. The Coda W also have a USB Type-C port input, making the speakers suitable for connecting to a computer and can handle any digital audio streams up to 24-bit/192kHz. There is also an array of additional inputs, including RCA and optical, that can handle other audio sources such as CD players, Blu-ray players and game consoles.
For those who like a deeper bass, the Coda W have a dedicated subwoofer output for easy connection to a compatible subwoofer. This means the speakers can be turned into an enhanced home theater setup for making movies sound more exciting with an extended low-frequency response. KEF also sells an optional KW1 wireless subwoofer adapter kit for adding more bass without cable clutter.
Simple Controls
The Coda W has a top panel of control buttons for quick access to essential functions and source switching. The KEF Connect app lets users control the speakers using their smartphone. The app provides access to select EQ presets to sculpt the tone of the speakers. The app can also manage speaker settings and update firmware.
Designed for both good looks and acoustic performance, the Coda W active speakers are available in five finishes: Vintage Burgundy, Nickel Grey, Moss Green, Midnight Blue and Dark Titanium. Each finish is selected to blend into a wide range of interiors.
A three-meter interspeaker cable to connect the two cabinets is included as standard. For greater flexibility, Coda W is also compatible with KEF’s optional 8-meter C-Link interspeaker cable, allowing for customized speaker placement in any room. Additionally, Coda W can be paired with the optional SQ1 floor stands for an elevated position at the optimal listening height.
Pricing and Availability:
The KEF Coda W active speakers are available from the KEF website tomorrow and are priced at $999 / £799 / €899 per pair.
Tech Specs:
- Drivers: 5.25-inch, 12th Generation Uni-Q array.
- DSP: Music Integrity Engine.
- Phono stage: Yes.
- Bluetooth: Version 5.4
- Audio codecs: aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, AAC, SBC.
- Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI ARC, optical, RCA (Line), subwoofer output.
- System power: Woofer 70W Class D, Tweeter 30W Class D.
- Max. SPL: 102dB.
- Optional 8m C-Link interspeaker cable.
- The SQ1 Floor Stands are available as a separate accessory.
- Finishes: Vintage Burgundy, Nickel Grey, Moss Green, Midnight Blue, and Dark Titanium.
