On hand to show the new range was George Perkins, R&D Development Engineer for KEF, and Jessica Chua, Director of Sales & Marketing at KEF (APAC).

Perkins, together with Jack Oclee-Brown, Head of Acoustics at KEF, designed and developed the original Concept Blade speaker back in 2009. The carbon-fibre Concept set a new benchmark in loudspeaker design for the combination of elegant aesthetics and stunning acoustics. He was also an integral part in commercialising the Concept Blade into the Blade and Blade 2 and now has achieved a new milestone in his career with the design of this new Reference Series.

THE REFERENCE: the standard by which others are judged, and to which they aspire. 

The Reference series comprises an entire lineup from standmount speakers (Reference 1), two floor-standing speakers (Reference 3, Reference 5), a center channel (Reference 4c) and subwoofer (Reference 8b). While combined offering a perfect solution to a home theatre system, Reference 1, 3 and 5 are just as capable for the discerning audiophile in a 2-channel stereo system.

Each model of the KEF Reference Series is available in a range of different finishes, including Deep Piano Black, Satin American Walnet, and Gloss Rosewood. Reference 3 and 5 are also available in Blue Ice White and Copper Black Aluminium.

KEF REFERENCE 1

Reference 1 pairs KEF’s latest 125mm (5”) MF/HF Uni-Q driver array with the a new 165mm (6.5”) alloy cone bass driver to “create a compellingly realistic sound stage out of all proportion to its size”, according to KEF. Mounted on shelves or stands, Uni-Q’s inherently wide, even dispersion also makes it perfect as a rear channel speaker in a home theatre system.

Frequency Response: 45Hz - 35kHz
Power Handling: 50 - 200w
Dimensions: 440 x 205 x 430mm

RRP $15,799

KEF REFERENCE 3

Reference 3 uses two 165mm (6.5”) bass drivers that are positioned perfectly above and below KEF’s latest 125mm (5”) MF/HF Uni-Q driver array in a D'Appolito configuration. According to KEF, “Reference 3 boasts outstanding fidelity across the midrange and treble with seamless transitions.”

Frequency Response: 43Hz - 35kHz
Power Handling: 50 - 300w
Dimensions: 1202 x 349 x 470 mm

RRP $23,999

KEF REFERENCE 5

KEF's premium offering, Reference 5 is a tall three-way floor standing loudspeaker that aligns four powerful, extremely linear 165mm (6.5”) bass drivers.

With lows reproduced with consummate agility and control, The Reference 5 loudspeakers fluidly integrate with the Uni-Q output to create an all-enveloping sound field of spine-tingling accuracy and depth. For music or film, it reveals qualities you’d never notice while gripping your emotions with the full power of the performance.

Reference 5 also features the new 25mm (1”) vented Aluminum dome tweeter at the acoustic centre.

Frequency Response: 40Hz - 35kHz
Power Handling: 50 - 400w
Dimensions: 1397 x 349 x 470 mm

RRP $28,999

KEF REFERENCE 4c

To complete a surround sound system, the Reference 4c Centre Channel, according to KEF “reproduces every last detail exactly as the director or the artist intended - spatially precise, stunningly clear and with a dynamic range that takes rapid transitions in its stride.”

Reference 4c utilises the 125mm (5”) MF/HF Uni-Q driver array between four 165mm (6.5”) bass drivers, the Reference 4c is an ideal companion for movie fanatics looking for total immersion.

Frequency Response: 48Hz - 35kHz
Power Handling: 50 - 400w
Dimensions: 205 x 1090 x 470mm

Pricing TBA.

KEF REFERENCE 8b

The compansion subwoofer to a KEF Reference Series surround sound system, Reference 8b enables you to experience the full impact of dramatic on-screen effects, bass definition and control. Reference 8b is designed back-to-back in the heavily braced, acoustically inert cabinet.

Reference 8b boasts two 500w Class D amplifiers, each driving a 228mm (9”) long-throw and an ultra-low distortion driver so you can get the best performance possible.

Dimensions: 398 x 365 x 429 mm

Pricing TBA.

Stay tuned to StereoNET for our full coverage of the Australian launch event.

KEF is distributed in Australia by Advance Audio.