Daniel J SaitThe new successor to the award-winning KEF Q Series family, making high-fidelity audio experiences more accessible and versatile.
KEF says it is redefining soundscapes with the latest generation of Q Series featuring Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) offering an elevated and versatile listening experience. This new lineup, born from the award-winning Q Series, brings high-fidelity sound to more people than ever before, combining a sleek, modern design with cutting-edge technology, says the maker.
The lineup of eight speakers is designed to suit the needs of those looking to elevate their at-home audio experience through stereo or multi-channel home cinema, whether enthralled in an action-packed film or getting lost in a symphony, the series has been created to deliver transparent and lifelike sound offering an immersive audio experience.
Award-Winning Revolutionary Sound Absorption With MAT
Pivotal to the new Q Series is the integration of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MATTM), an innovation that takes the performance of the latest 12th generation Uni-Q driver array to another level in terms of accuracy and clarity. MATTM is a highly complex maze-like structure, in which each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency. When combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound. This eliminates distortion for a purer, more natural sound, says KEF.
The latest 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, redesigned with MATTM, is found in all eight models of the Q Series and has been included to deliver an incredibly detailed performance. It’s the result of decades of accumulated in-house knowledge and the application of cutting-edge simulation and analysis tools. The developments are many, and all play a part in Q Series’ exceptional performance.
The Uni-Q driver array has been redesigned to maximise the performance improvements that MAT delivers. From the conical waveguide that couples the tweeter dome to the metamaterial absorber that has been specially designed for the driver based on its depth, to the re-engineered tweeter gap damper strategically placed two rings of porous material to tame the resonances and imperfections greatly improving detail and clarity. These are some of the innovations that combine to ensure the Q Series sounds more transparent and lifelike than ever.
Enhanced Design
For improved detail and clarity, specific models within the Q Series range have been upgraded from a 2.5-way to a 3-way speaker design, these include; the Q11 Meta, Q7 Meta, Q Concerto Meta and Q6 Meta. This updated configuration separates the frequency ranges, with the Uni- Q driver handling the high and midrange frequencies, and a newly designed bass driver dedicated to the low frequencies management giving listeners a deep and clean bass.
A Versatile Range
The eight distinct models in the Q Series range extends from two 3-way floor-standing models, the Q11 Meta and Q7 Meta, both billed as providing refined detail and powerful bass to bring your music to life. Featuring a more compact design, the Q series provides a selection of bookshelf speakers including the 3-way Q Concerto Meta, the first three-way bookshelf speaker in the Q Series and revival of the classic KEF Concerto 1969, sharing the same concept of making high-fidelity sound more accessible to more people, as well as featuring the compact Q3 Meta and Q1 Metamodels.
The first on-wall speaker in the Q Series range, the high performance Q4 Meta can be used as an LCR (left, centre, right) or surround speaker for a more expansive soundscape without taking up any floorspace. The Q6 Metacan also be used in an LCR configuration, featuring the same Uni-Q driver as the main speakers, providing a perfect tonal match and a seamless soundstage. The Q8 Metacan be placed upon another main speaker for Dolby Atmos height to bounce sound off the ceiling, bringing Dolby Atmos to the room for 3D results as well as serving as a surround-sound speaker with its integrated wall mount feature.
Whether installed in a spacious living room or a cosy corner, the diversity of form factors and capabilities within the Q Series allows users retailers and installers to curate a desired set up to suit the space and listening preferences, from music to movies and gaming.
If the listeners wish to dial up the bass for a fully immersive listening experience, pair the Q Series with KEF subwoofers.
Contemporary Minimalist Hi-Fi Speakers
The Q Series speakers feature a contemporary minimalist design with a satin finish that offers a premium, subtle glow. Available in Satin Black, Satin White, and Walnut finishes with carefully selected colour driver units, they are designed to blend effortlessly into any interior.
Dedicated grilles are included with the speakers, providing the option to protect the drivers if needed. These colour-matched grilles maintain the cohesive aesthetic, while the magnetic fixing provides a secure and precise fit, in keeping with the clean and seamless styling of the Q Series.
Summary of features
• Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) eliminates 99% of high-frequency
distortion for pure, natural sound
• 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT driver array for acoustic accuracy
• Enhanced crossover design with fine-tuned signal path for pristine, clean sound
• Three-way design for enhanced clarity and detail (Q11 Meta, Q7 Meta, Q Concerto Meta, Q6 Meta)
• Hybrid aluminium cone LF driver for deep and powerful bass (Q11 Meta, Q7 Meta, Q Concert Meta, Q6 Meta)
• Eight models: Q11 Meta, Q7 Meta, Q Concerto Meta, Q3 Meta, Q1 Meta, Q6 Meta, Q8 Meta, Q4 Meta
• Available in Satin Black, Satin White and Walnut finishes
• Magnetic grilles offer the perfect balance between driver protection and aesthetics
• Optional B2 Wall Bracket provides wall-mounting solution for Q3 Meta and Q1 Meta
• SQ1 Floor Stand for Q Concerto Meta, Q3 Meta and Q1 Meta is available as separate item
• Optional PQ1 Plinth Spike Kit for Q11 Meta and Q7 Meta is available
Price
• Q Concerto Meta 3-way bookshelf speaker: £1,099 / pair
• Q1 Meta Compact 2-way bookshelf speaker: £499 / pair
• Q3 Meta 2-way bookshelf speaker: £649 / pair
• Q7 Meta 3-way floor-standing speaker: £1,399 / pair
• Q11 Meta Flagship 3-way floor-standing speaker: £1,999 / pair
• Q4 Meta 2-way on-wall speaker: £349 / piece
• Q6 Meta 3-way centre channel speaker: £699 / piece
• Q8 Meta Dolby Atmos surround speaker: £599 / pair
• PQ1 Plinth Spike Kit for Q11 Meta or Q7 Meta: £69 / set
• SQ1 Floor Stands for Q Concerto Meta, Q3 Meta or Q1 Meta: £275 / pair
• B2 Wall Bracket for Q3 Meta or Q1 Meta: £35 / pair
Availability
• Q Concerto Meta –
Available from 26th September as part of myKEF members’ early access exclusive
• Q11 Meta, Q7 Meta, Q3 Meta, Q1 Meta, Q6 Meta, Q8 Meta –
o Available from 10 October
• Q4 Meta, SQ1 Floor stand, PQ1 Plinth Spike Kit –
o Available from Winter