2022 was a busy year for KEF. They introduced several new speakers including the updated Blade and Reference speakers, LS60, LSXII, and a new THX Ultra Certified Architectural speaker and subwoofer. To start 2023, they have announced the successor to their current R-series line, the new KEF R Meta Series.
Seven Models
The KEF R Meta series consists of 7 models:
- R11 Meta floorstanding speakers (largest)
- R7 Meta floorstanding speakers (medium)
- R5 Meta floorstanding speakers (smallest)
- R3 Meta bookshelf speakers
- R6 Meta LCR speakers
- R2 Meta LCR speakers
- R8 Meta height speakers
The R11, R7, and R5 are floorstanding speaker models.
The R6 and R2 models are designed to serve as either the Left, Center, or Right Channel (LCR) speakers and can be shelf-placed or wall mounted. This provides flexibility for both music and home theater setups.
The R3 is a bookshelf speaker (great for compact audio systems or satellite speakers in a home theater setup).
The R8 is a compact vertically firing speaker that can be wall mounted or placed on top of another R series floorstanding speaker to support height channels for immersive surround sound formats such as Dolby Atmos.
Common Features
To provide optimal sound quality, all of the models in the R Meta series incorporate the following KEF Technologies.
Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT): This removes 99% of high-frequency distortion for pure, natural sound.
12th generation Uni-Q and Shadow Flare Surface: Improves acoustic accuracy.
Refined Tweeter Gap Damper: This minimizes unwanted resonances for improved detail.
Flexible Decoupling Chassis: This prevents unwanted vibrations for improved clarity.
Improved Crossover Design: A improved crossover and additional fine-tuning strengthen’s audio signal path resulting in pristine, clean sound.
Microfibre Grilles: More than just being decorative, the provided grills provide a balance between driver protection, sonic performance, and aesthetics
Impedance: All speakers in the R Meta series have a 4-ohm (3.2-ohm minimum) impedance.
Finishes: All R Meta Series speakers are available with Black Gloss, White Gloss, and Walnut finishes.
Tip: Special Edition Titanium Gloss is also available for the R7 Meta and Indigo Gloss is available for the R3 Meta. Also, a Floor Stand specifically for R3 Meta is available as a separate purchase.
From Grace Lo, KEF President & Head of Global Marketing: “The demand for high-fidelity sound at home is ever increasing, whether listening to music or watching films as part of a home cinema set up and audiophiles expect the very best quality of sound. At KEF, we are committed to allowing listeners to experience the content exactly as the producer intended it to be heard, the launch of the new R Series with MAT has enhanced the listening experience more than ever before…“
Specifications Compared
| Speaker Model | R11 Meta | R7 Meta | R5 Meta |
| Design (Floorstanding 3-way Bass Reflex) | X | X | X |
| Drivers (Uni-Q) | HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminum cone LF: 4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminum cone | HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminum cone LF: 2 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminum cone | HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminum cone LF: 2 x 130 mm (5.25 in.) hybrid aluminum cone |
| Crossover Points | 330Hz, 2.5kHz | 400Hz, 3.4kHz | 400Hz, 2.7kHz |
| Frequency Response (+ or – 3dB) | 46 Hz – 28 kHz | 48 Hz – 28 kHz | 52 Hz – 28 kHz |
| Harmonic Distortion (90dB, 1m) | <1% 33 Hz and above <0.5% 80 Hz – 20 kHz | <1% 76 Hz and above <0.5% 110 Hz – 20 kHz | <1% 75 Hz and above <0.5% 110 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Maximum Output (SPL) | 113 dB | 111 dB | 110 dB |
| Amplifier Power Requirements | 15 to 300 watts | 15 to 250 watts | 15 to 200 watts |
| Sensitivity (2.83v/1m) | 90dB | 88dB | 87dB |
| Weight | 36.5 kg (80.5 lbs) | 29.3 kg (64.6 lbs) | 24.5 kg (54.0 lbs) |
| Dimensions (HWD) with speaker terminals and plinth | 1296 x 311 x 384 mm (51.0 x 12.2 x 15.1 in.) | 1109 x 311 x 384 mm (43.7 x 12.2 x 15.1 in.) | 1072 x 272 x 344 mm (42.2 x 10.7 x 13.5 in.) |
| Price (USD Each) | $3,250 | $2,500 | $2,000 |
| Speaker Model | R3 Meta | R6 Meta | R2 Meta | R8 Meta |
| Design | 3-way/Closed Box | 3-way/Closed Box | 3-way Closed Box | Two-way Closed Box |
| Drivers (Uni-Q) | HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminum cone LF: 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminum cone | HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminum cone LF: 2 x 165 mm (6.5in.) hybrid aluminum cone | HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminum cone LF: 2 x 130 mm (5.25 in.) hybrid aluminum cone | HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT MF/ LF: 130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminum cone |
| Crossover Points | 420 Hz, 2.3 kHz | 500 Hz, 2.4 kHz | 560 Hz, 2.5 kHz | 2.6 kHz |
| Frequency Response (+ or – 3dB) | 58 Hz – 28kHz | 65 Hz – 28 kHz | 67 Hz – 28 kHz | 97 Hz – 17.5 kHz |
| Harmonic Distortion (90dB, 1m) | <1% 73 Hz and above <0.5% 90 Hz – 20 kHz | <1% 65 Hz and above <0.5% 93 Hz – 20 kHz | <1% 84 Hz and above <0.5% 95 Hz – 20 kHz | <1% 220 Hz and above <0.5% 320 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Maximum Output (SPL) | 110 dB | 111 dB | 110 dB | 106 dB |
| Amplifier Power Requirements | 15 – 180W | 15 – 250 W | 5 – 200W | 25 – 150W |
| Sensitivity (2.83v/1m) | 87 dB | 88 dB | 87 dB | 85 dB |
| Weight | 12.4 kg (27.3 lbs) | 17.8 kg (39.2 lbs) | 15.4 kg (34.0 lbs | 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (HWD) with speaker terminals | 422 x 200 x 336 mm (16.6 x 7.9 x 13.2 in) | 200 x 625 x 339 mm (7.9 x 24.6 x 13.3 in.) | 175 x 550 x 309 mm (6.9 x 21.7 x 12.2 in.) | 174 x 175 x 259 mm (6.9 x 6.9 x 10.2 in.) |
| Price (USD) | $2,200 USD Pair | $2,000 USD Each | $1,400 USD Each | $1,600 USD Pair |
KEF Speakers can be purchased through authorized dealers.
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