KEF introduces new generation of R Series loudspeakers
A bespoke 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array with MAT is found in all seven models, and boasts a refined tweeter gap damper to tame resonances for improved detail, a flexible Decoupling Chassis developed with the aim of preventing unwanted vibrations for better clarity and bass drivers made of hybrid aluminium.
The R Series comprises three floorstanding speakers – the R11 Meta, R7 Meta and R5 Meta – plus the R3 Meta bookshelf. There are also two centre speakers - the R6 Meta and R2 Meta, while the R8 Meta surround speaker provides immersive Dolby Atmos sound and can be either wall-mounted or placed on top of and hooked up to another speaker in the R Series.
Each model comes in a choice of three finishes: Black Gloss, White Gloss, and Walnut. Two models also have their own signature finish options: a Titanium Gloss Special Edition for the R7 Meta and an Indigo Gloss Special Edition for the R3 Meta.
The three-way, bass reflex R3 Meta standmount costs £1,900 per pair and partners a 25mm vented aluminium dome tweeter with a 125mm aluminium cone midrange and 165mm hybrid aluminium cone bass driver. Quoted sensitivity is 87dB (4ohm) and matching S3 stands are available for £650.
The R5 Meta is the entry-level floorstander, which pairs up the same tweeter and midrange driver as the standmount with two 130mm hybrid aluminium cone bass drivers. It has a quoted sensitivity of 87dB (4ohm) and costs £3,000. The £4,000 R7 Meta increases the bass drivers to 165mm, resulting in 88dB sensitivity (4ohm) and the top-of-the-range R11 Meta has four of the 165mm bass drivers. Its sensitivity is quoted as being 90dB (4ohm) and it costs £5,500.
Finally for those that are interested in Dolby Atmos, the R8 Metas can be placed on top of your speakers to bounce the sound off the ceiling. A two-way closed-box design, they include a 25mm vented aluminium dome tweeter and 130mm aluminium cone mid/bass driver. With 85dB sensitivity, they cost £1,400 a pair..
Available to buy now, you can find out more about the KEF R series here .
Inside this month's issue:
Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 turntable, Advance Paris sub-£500 X-i50 BT integrated amp, DALI's stunning Rubikore standmount loudspeakers, Triangle Capella wireless active speakers, EAT's Fortissimo turntable with F-Note tonearm, our headphone Group Test and much, much more... |