KEF has launched the R Series with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which ‘ignites excitement every time you experience it.’
KEF says the company is redefining soundscapes with the latest generation of the R Series HiFi speakers, now featuring Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). The R Series is a seven-model range engineered to provide superior performance with more detail, deeper insight and greater excitement, says the maker.
Bringing strong sound to shows, games and artists, the R Series includes a selection of the latest technologies developed for KEF making high-quality sound experiences more accessible. The R Series can be enjoyed in stereo for music or in a home theatre set-up.
Grace Lo, KEF President and Head of Global Marketing, says, “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 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.”
Revolutionary sound absorption with MAT
At the heart of the latest R Series is Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), a highly complex maze-like structure where 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 from the rear of the tweeter, eliminating the resulting distortion and providing a purer, more natural acoustic performance, explains KEF.
A bespoke 12th-generation Uni-Q driverarray with MAT is found in all seven models of the R Series and delivers detailed performance. It’s the result of decades of accumulated in-house knowledge and the application of cutting-edge simulation and analysis tools, says the manufacturer.
The detail and clarity delivered across the R Series range results from a selection of tweaks and modifications specifically for this collection. From the refined tweeter gap damper that tames resonances for improved detail, to the flexible Decoupling Chassis which prevents unwanted vibrations for better clarity. The hybrid aluminium bass drivers have been created to produce tight, deep, and controlled bass, and the enhanced crossover design and fine-tuned signal path are in place to deliver pristine, clean sound.
A versatile collection
The R Series comprises seven models, providing listeners with versatility when building their ideal system.
A trio of floor standing speakers, including R11 Meta, R7 Meta and R5 Meta and a bookshelf speaker R3 Meta, reproduce high-fidelity stereo sound for listeners’ favourite music irrespective of the dimensions of the listening space. Each of them will allow users to discover depth and detail they never knew existed – from a scrap of plectrum on a guitar string to the sense of emotion and atmosphere in a live performance, claims KEF.
The two centre speakers, including R6 Meta and R2 Meta, which can also be used in LCR (Left-Centre-Right) configuration, deliver dialogue clarity to the home theatre experience in different room sizes. Identically sized Uni-Q arrays are deployed on the centre speakers and all other models in the series. This creates a consistent sound character, ensuring that the focus is entirely on the film and not the equipment around the room.
If users want to experience immersive Dolby Atmos sound, the R8 Metasurround speaker is an ideal addition to the system. It can be either wall-mounted or placed on top of another R Series loudspeaker for unparalleled sound. With the addition of any of KEF’s subwoofers, the whole cinematic experience is felt, from the deepest impact to the softest whispers.
Deceptively simple and elegant loudspeakers
The understated design aesthetic of the R Series is complemented by carefully selected colour options. Conceived to be at home in either traditional or modern interiors, each model in the R Series comes in a choice of three finishes: Black Gloss, White Gloss, and Walnut.
Two models also have their own signature finish options: the Titanium Gloss Special Edition for R7 Meta, and the Indigo Gloss Special Edition for R3 Meta. The R3 Meta also features threaded insets that allow the speaker to be mounted securely onto the top of the KEF S3 Floor Stands, which also boast integrated cable management and a mass-loadable column. All the products are available now.
Recommended end-user pricing
R11 Meta: £5,500 per pair
R7 Meta: £4,000 per pair
R5 Meta: £3,000 per pair
R3 Meta: £1,900 per pair
R6 Meta: £1,600 per piece
R2 Meta: £1,200 per piece
R8 Meta: £1,400 per pair
S3 Floor Stands: £649 per pair
Special Edition finishes will be available from Summer 2023.