Welcome

Maidstone……

Christmas 2013

2014

P6

Agenda today

• Muon upgrade enhancement• Blade Two• The Reference

Muon - update

2014

P8

KEF’s ‘ultimate’ statement product

Muon• Projects where the brief is to create

‘the ultimate’ are few and far between. But that was precisely what KEF set out to achieve with the Muon

• The result combined KEF’s most sophisticated acoustic technologies with the sensual, organic forms of visionary designer Ross Lovegrove

• The unique shape of the Muon cabinet derives from the convergence of Lovegrove’s distinctive design aesthetic with the physics of sound

2014

P9

Enhancing the ‘Ultimate’

• The latest iteration of KEF’s landmark innovation, the unique Uni-Q ‘point source’ driver array

• A specifically designed and engineered aluminium trim ring

• A crossover completely redesigned to incorporate our engineers’ latest thinking in terms of seamlessly integrating the output of all of the drive units

New Uni-Q array

11th Generation Uni-Q ‘point source’ driver array

2014

P10

Significant Midrange Improvements

• The result of years of painstaking refinement Dedicated MF driver

• Optimised alignment between the tweeter, tangerine waveguide and the midrange cone

• Eliminates destructive interference

• One of the greatest innovations in loudspeaker technology

• An aluminium trim ring was designed to sit between the cabinet and Uni-Q driver to ensure that sound waves can travel smoothly along the baffle without compromising sound dispersion

2014

P11

New Crossover

Incredible bass performance• The modifications to the Muon

update crossover decreased the group delay

• Changing from a fourth to a first order crossover in the LF range significantly reduces the group delay between 50 and 200 Hz

• Coupled with the astonishing extension provided by the ACE (Acoustic Compliance Enhancement) technology within the Muon enclosure

• Provides a tighter and better controlled bass and probably the best all round bass performance of any domestic loudspeaker

2014

P12

A New Level of Performance

Seamless integration of all drivers

• The sonic characteristics of the latest Uni-Q point source driver array required the frequency response of the Muon update to be rebalanced accordingly

• The Muon update boasts a first order crossover on the LF for even deeper bass extension

• HF and MF crossovers have been carefully redesigned to exploit the advantages of the exotic Muon shape and the Uni-Q point source driver array

2014

P13

Summary

Muon enhancements

2014

P14

• This meticulous re-engineering delivers outstanding dynamics, with unsurpassed clarity and immaculately defined sonic imagery over a listening area no conventional speaker can rival

• Now more than ever, Muon remains arguably the finest audiophile loudspeaker ever made

Summary

Muon

Blade Two

2014

P16

Evolution….

A painstaking refinement of the concept made the

impossible a reality - Blade released 2011

The result of three of years research - Concept

Blade realised 2009

To expand the range with a smaller model that

packs the same technology and

engineering excellence - Blade Two

2014

P17

• The acoustic centres of the HF and MF drivers in the Blade’s Uni-Q array and also the four LF drivers are mounted symmetrically equidistant, so that their acoustic centres occupy exactly the same point in space.

• SAS sounds coherent across the entire frequency range, with noticeably more precise imaging than is possible from any conventional speaker.

Same Single Apparent Source Configuration

2014

P18

Technological Sophistication

• MF Hybrid Cone magnesium/lithium/aluminium, braced with liquid crystal polymer

• Optimised dispersion because of the flat surround

• Fully decoupled Uni-Q array

• Large voice coil with nodal drive to boost power handling and minimise thermal compression

• Exactly the same Uni-Q as Blade

The perfect acoustic point source

2014

P19

New 6.5 inch bass drivers

• 4 bespoke 6.5 inch drivers in each cabinet, desgined to perfectly integrate with the Blade Uni-Q array

• Vented couplers for clean lucid bass performance, even when played very loud

• Decoupled diaphragms further aid performance

Conventional driver Blade driver vented coupler

New Finishes

2014

P21

Blade Two - Snow White Silver Uni Q Driver

Blade Two - Diamond BlackSilver Uni Q Driver

2014

P22

Blade Two - Racing Red Silver Uni Q Driver

Blade Two - Light Metallic Silver

Silver Uni Q Driver

2014

P23

Blade Two - Warm Metallic Grey

Silver Uni Q Driver

2014

P24

Blade Two - Frosted BlueFrosted Blue Uni Q Driver

Kent Engineering and Foundry Editions

2014

P25

Blade Two - Frosted Copper Black

Rose Gold Uni Q Driver

Kent Engineering and Foundry Editions

2014

P26

Blade Two summary

• Same acoustic design philosophy as Blade

- Unique Single Apparent Source Configuration• Same advanced driver technology

- Latest Uni-Q driver array and LF drivers• Same striking appearance

- The form is dictated by acoustic considerations rather than mere styling alone• Expansion of the Blade loudspeaker range

- Blade Two provides ease of positioning and placement within smaller environments where space is at a premium

Introducing….

THE REFERENCE

2014

P28

• ‘Reference’ is a term used (and abused) by many loudspeaker companies but owned by only one: KEF

• When the engineers at KEF develop a new loudspeaker, they build a prototype as near to perfect as possible

• This then becomes ‘The Reference’ to which every production loudspeaker must exactly conform

Why a ‘Reference’ loudspeaker?

2014

P29

Heritage

• Each generation of the Reference Series sets a new benchmark

• Every loudspeaker is hand-assembled to perform within 0.5dB of the reference prototype

• Exact pair matching delivers perfect stereo reproduction - these revolutionary speakers won instant acclaim for their superior acoustic precision

Background

What is a KEF ‘Reference’ loudspeaker?

Model 105

(1977-79)

Model 105/4

(1980-82)

Model 105/2(1979-87)

Model 107(1986-89)

Model 107/2

(1990-96)

Model 207(2001-2006)

Model 207/2(2006 – 2014)

2014

P30

Heritage

“A description was needed to convey the idea that every loudspeaker is subject to test and scrutiny at all significant stages of assembly – culminating in a final test comparison with a laboratory maintained reference standard, which in practice is the final approved prototype. Hence the method became the name of the new series: Reference.”- Laurie Fincham, Engineering Director 1968-1991

It all started in 1973…

2014

P31

• 3 years of development

• Over 25,000 engineering man hours

• In excess of $1,000,000 investment

The New Reference Range

2014

P32

Engineering and Technology

Dr Jack Oclee-Brown - Head of Acoustics

2014

P33

Philosophy - The KEF Advantage

● Rigorous engineering and attention to detail● In-house loudspeaker driver design and

manufacture● Many years of experience and a culture of new

ideas● Industry-leading in-house software for acoustic

simulation

2014

P34

● Unique constrained damping bracing system

● Flexible port technology

Low Acoustic Colouration

2014

P35

● Incorporating Blade technology

● Extensive use of computer modelling

● The driver motor systems have been specifically designed with ultra-low distortion in mind

New class-leading drivers

2014

P36

● Interchangeable ports to adjust bass response – to suit different environments or tastes

User-selectable bass alignment

2014

P37

Model 5 prototype directional response data

Smooth, balanced frequency and dispersion response

2014

P38

● The overall distortion performance of The Reference is extremely low particularly in the critical midband

THD measurementModel 5 at an output level of 90dB 1m.

Industry leading distortion performance

Comprehensive White Paper

2014

P40

QUESTIONS?

jack.oclee-brown@kef.com

2014

P41

Range Overview

2014

P42

Design Details

Multi-layered Aluminium composite baffle • Strikingly distinctive, high

quality composite material provides strength and rigidity

• Features 5 layers of aluminium sandwiched between a dense composite resin

• Through-bolt fixings increase cabinet rigidity

• Carefully cut driver profiles make sure the surface from the driver to the cabinet is smooth for evenly distributed sound waves

2014

P43

Design Details

Terminal panel design• Combined port and terminal

panel in one moulding on The Reference 1

• Integrated ‘Link’ feature – no need for separate links or wires

• Easy single / bi-wire selection with terminals that cannot be lost

• Accepts all standard connection methods

• Easy and reliable connection

• Unique binding posts complement overall metal theme

2014

P44

Plinths and Spikes• Reference 3 and 5 are solidly

grounded on a plinth and spike set

• Precision-engineered plinth has a built-in spirit level for ease of levelling

• Spike sets are cleverly designed for ease of adjustment, with the screws neatly concealed by a smart machined cap

• Easy height adjustment procedure (all done from the top)

• Easy first-time setup

Design Details

2014

P45

Bespoke Stands • Available for Reference 1

• Precision-engineered plinth with built-in spirit level for ease of levelling

• The same spike set as floor standing models

• Discreet cable management channel at the rear of both stands to keep the cabling neatly out of sight

• The Reference 1 stand, provision is made for bolting the speaker to the stand for maximum rigidity

• The vertical upright can be filled with inert material for greater stability and acoustic damping

Design Details

2014

P46

Finishes

Luxury Gloss Rosewood

Satin American Walnut

Deep Piano Black

Satin and Gloss Pair-Matched Wood Veneers Piano Lacquer

2014

P47

Kent Engineering and Foundry Editions

Copper Black Aluminium

Blue Ice White

• To celebrate KEF’s unrivalled heritage of continuous innovation, as well as the part that the legendary Reference Series has played in consolidating KEF’s reputation among serious audiophiles, KEF has commissioned two bespoke editions of the latest range

• Featured models:• REFERENCE 3• REFERENCE 5

2014

P48

Reference Ci – THX certified

• The Ci5160RL-THX LCR speaker and Ci3160RLB in-wall subwoofer help to add versatility and flexibility to a Reference home theatre setup

• Featuring the same 165mm (6.5 inch) Uni-Q ‘point source’ driver array and 165mm (6.5 inch) MF/LF drivers for perfect integration within a Reference home theatre system

• All the drivers are housed within a rigid aluminium front baffle to eliminate unwanted vibrations

• The Ci3160RLB is powered by a specifically designed, powerful KEF KASA500 system amplifier

Ci3160RLBIn-wall Subwoofer

Ci5160RL-THXLCR speaker

2014

P49

The Reference - summary• All totally new ground up design

- KEF’s ‘Total system design’ approach

- Drivers are strictly pair matched within a +/- 0.5dB tolerance

• Latest KEF driver technology

- Very latest Uni-Q driver array and LF drivers

- Three-way designs

• Striking visual design

- FEA designed cabinets- Luxury real wood veneers and piano finish

- Unique Kent Engineering and Foundry Editions

• Versatile range

- Five models suitable for serious two-channel or AV applications

- Ci Reference models add further flexibility to theatre applications

Thank You!