News

Streamlined version of wireless speakers

KEF has opted to mark the occasion of its 55th anniversary with the release of a new, completely active digital and wireless lifestyle audio system in the shape of the LS50 Wireless. Utilising a 24-bit/192kHz digital signal path, allied to a dedicated DAC for each channel, the loudspeaker boasts wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The LS50 previously won a recommended badge when it was reviewed back in HFC 384 and the Wireless version boasts the same Uni-Q driver technology, which sees the 25mm tweeter placed in the centre of that distinctive 130mm rose-gold coloured bass/midrange cone. The built-in amplifier claims power output of 230Wper channel in a bi-amp, dual mono configuration, while an advanced time-correcting DSP crossover has been designed to maximise time alignment between the frequencies.

Loudspeaker maker KEF has unveiled its redesigned R Series that employs trickle-down design and tech developments usually found on the Kent-based company’s flagship Reference Series. With 1,043 individual changes to the revamped series, highlights include the latest generation of the company’s Uni-Q driver array – now in its 12th iteration – featuring Shadow Flare trimring design for more transparent sound, smaller bass drivers with greater excursion and a sophisticated internal bracing system, all aimed at bringing higher levels of performance to the series. Focusing on the stereo models, all are three-way ported designs and the £1,300 R3 standmount has a 165mm bass driver partnered to a Uni-Q array with 125mm midrange and 25mm aluminium dome tweeter with sensitivity of 87dB at 8ohm. All three floorstanders use the same Uni-Q array, but the £2,000 R5 has 2x 130mm bass drivers to the same electrical specification, while the £2,600 R7 has2x 165mm and the £4,000 R11 employs 4x 165mm bass drivers and claim 88dB and 90dB into 8ohm respectively.

KEF and Lotus team up... again

KEF has become the latest company to releasea desktop Bluetooth loudspeaker in the shape of the new Muo. However, it takes its design cues from the manufacturer’s iconic £140,000 Muon loudspeakers – flip the Muo onto its end and the holes in its grille reflect the curves of the impressive floorstander. Both were produced in collaboration with award-winning designer Ross Lovegrove and it’s claimed that the small Bluetooth speaker features a miniature version of the Uni-Q driver that’s used in the Muon, Bladeand Reference speakers. Connectivity to computers and mobile devices comes via aptX Bluetooth and there’s also NFC ‘Tap-to-pair’ for hookup to most Android phones.

Originally introducedin 1991, KEF has announced theeighth generation of its Q Series loudspeakers, which now forms the entry-level range from the Kent-based company. With this considerable pedigree in mind, the companyhasn’t set out to reinvent the wheel with the latest revamp but instead to integrate some of the technologies and design experience developed for some of the maker's more sophisticated models and see them utilised at a new price point. The new technology is most apparent in the drivers. Like the rest of the KEF range, the Q Series uses a Uni-Q driver for upper and midrange frequency duties and mounts the tweeter in the throat of the mid/bass unit.

Keith Monks has unveiled two new record cleaning machines, one of which is its smallest ever – the discOvery microLight (above). Designed to remove mould release oils, grime and dust from vinyl, they can clean both sides of the record in around three minutes using the company’s specialist fluid before fully drying with a medical-grade suction pump that’s imported from Germany. Best of all, the entire process is carried out in near silence. The £1,995 discOvery One Redux (pictured above) brings together the best of previous Keith Monks cleaners in a compact, low-profile cabinet (bottom pic), while the £1,795 discOvery microLight offers the same functionality in a smaller chassis with a specially designed panel into which personalised images can be attached.