It’s been quite a year for KEF thanks to new product launches and the opening of KEF Gallery showrooms around the world. Who could have imagined when BBC engineer Raymond Cooke founded KEF in Maidstone, Kent, that the UK brand would flourish and still be going strong with a global speaker business 60 years later?
Today KEF is launching the latest generation of its Q Series loudspeakers featuring Metamaterial Absorption Technology with an elevated listening experience. This new lineup came out of the award-winning Q Series and brings hi-fi sound to more people than ever before. The new speakers also combine a sleek and modern design with the latest technology.
The new lineup is made up of eight speakers, each designed to suit the needs of those who want better audio at home, whether that is a traditional stereo system or a multi-channel home theater for an immersive listening experience.
Central to the new Q Series is the integration of Metamaterial Absorption Technology, an innovation that incorporates the 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array. MAT consists of a highly complex, maze-like structure where each of the intricate channels absorbs a specific frequency. KEF says that, when combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound and eliminating distortion for a more natural sound.
The 12th generation Uni-Q driver array with redesigned MAT is found in all eight models that make up the Q Series and delivers more detail. KEF claims that MAT is the result of decades of accumulated in-house knowledge and the application of simulation and analysis tools.
The Uni-Q driver array has been redesigned to maximize the performance improvements that MAT provides. Improvements come from innovations like a conical waveguide that couples the tweeter dome to the metamaterial absorber based on its depth. A re-engineered tweeter gap damper has two rings of strategically placed porous material to reduce resonances and imperfections for more detail and clarity.
For improved detail and clarity, specific models within the Q Series range have been upgraded from a 2.5-way to a 3-way speaker design, these include the Q11 Meta, Q7 Meta, Q Concerto Meta and Q6 Meta. The updated configuration separates the frequency ranges, with the Uni-Q driver handling the high and midrange frequencies, and a newly designed bass driver dedicated to the management of the low frequencies for deep and clean bass.
The eight models in the Q Series include a couple of three-way floor-standing models, the Q11 Meta and Q7 Meta. The Q series also includes a selection of bookshelf speakers including the three-way Q Concerto Meta, the first three-way bookshelf speaker in the Q Series and revival of the classic KEF Concerto 1969, with the same concept of making hi-fi sound more accessible to more people. The range also includes two compact Q3 Meta and Q1 Meta models.
The first on-wall speaker in the Q Series range—the high-performance Q4 Meta—can be used as a left, center, right speaker or as a surround for a wider soundscape without taking up more floor space. The Q6 Meta can also be used in an LCR configuration, featuring the same Uni-Q driver as the main speakers, providing tonal match and a soundstage. The Q8 Meta can be placed on another main speaker for Dolby Atmos height to bounce sound off the ceiling.
Whether installed in a living room or a cozy corner, KEF claims the diversity of form factors and capabilities within the Q Series enables anyone to design a custom sound set-up to suit available space and listening preferences, whether that be music, movies or gaming. For those who want to dial up the bass, the Q Series can be paired with KEF subwoofers for extra low-level grunt.
The Q Series speakers have a contemporary minimalist design with a satin finish. Available in Satin Black, Satin White and Walnut finishes, carefully selected color driver units are designed to blend into any interior.
Dedicated grilles are included with the speakers, providing the option to protect the drivers if needed. The color-matched grilles have magnetic fixing for a secure and fit, keeping the look clean and seamless.
Pricing & Availability: KEF hasn’t published pricing yet but information should be available soon.
