KEF REFERENCE 1 META - PAIR

Kef Reference 1 Meta is the pedestal speaker of the reference series of the English house. The 1 Meta model contains, in compact dimensions and dedicated to medium-sized rooms, all the latest technologies in the field of acoustic reproduction, including the revolutionary meta material. This loudspeaker is characterized by finishes of absolute value and Hi-End level audio performance. Thanks to the innovative technology of Reference 1 there is no need for a large cabinet to enjoy a great sound. Reference 1 Meta is an elegant high-end three-way loudspeaker that adapts to any environment. It offers an incredible view of the recording and precise positioning of the instruments: hearing is believing.

Description

Kef Reference 1 Meta, the iteration of a legend. The most sophisticated and best sounding bookshelf speakers

Reference 1 hour with MAT Technology

Kef Reference 1 Meta are the bookshelf speakers of Kef's iconic premium line. After having literally revolutionized the world of acoustic reproduction with the innovative meta-material introduced for the first time in the world in the LS50 Meta, Kef innovates its premium line of choice: Reference Meta is born, created to reproduce high fidelity in all its purity. The Kef Reference 1 Meta are the most compact proposal within the family. Perfect for small or medium-sized rooms, Reference 1 Meta are the ideal solution for those who demand the utmost in terms of musical transparency.

Stunning new finishes are available including elegant White/Champagne and High-Gloss Black/Grey. Always with modern tone-on-tone nuances for the best integration into the environment. Also new are the Stands for Reference 1 Meta, today with a totally renewed design and available in two finishes.

Kef Reference, today more than ever, is the only series whose name derives from its production process.

The Reference 1 with MAT technology are equipped with the most modern Kef technologies. Conceived globally, designed and perfected in every detail in a holistic process, the new Metas are engineered with the aid of refined computer models. The whole, and each component, is in fact created with highly sophisticated industrial models. The loudspeaker is then completely assembled by hand by a single specialist in England, in the historic Kef factories. The High End Reference 1 loudspeakers delight sound purists with every generation. With Meta more than ever.

The current Kef Reference Meta series is the heir to a dynasty. It derives from the famous "reference" line par excellence, the one first invented by Kef himself in the 60s. Reference 1 Meta are the non plus ultra, Kef's statement in HiFi bookshelf speakers. A statement of the capabilities and means available to the Brand of Maidstone. The new audiophile milestone, the reference audio monolith.

Meta means a step up for audiophiles

With this stand speaker Kef reaches heights that few bookshelf speakers have reached in history: record-breaking clarity, transparency, breadth, wide soundstage, depth, tonal coherence, continuity between the various wavelengths, rhythm, speed, stage presence, ability to place tools. All inserted in a very rigid, compact cabinet, with an innovative form factor for the product category. The great care and attention put into the creation of this series of loudspeakers can already be seen at first glance. Every corner, every surface, the terminal block convey quality and indicate the level of design seriousness.

Reference high-end loudspeakers. Compact but huge.

Kef Reference 1 Meta is the entry step into the Kef Olympus of highly prestigious music speakers. The latest heir to a lineage of speakers that have enraptured thousands of audiophiles around the world since the 1960s, the latest generation of Kef Reference surpasses any predecessor in terms of performance, technology and beauty.

The heart of the Kef Reference Meta experience is the refined Uni-Q driver, which today reaches perfection with the meta-material. The latest version of the pedestal Kef Reference is a highly significant technical and stylistic achievement. Reference 1 Meta responds to the need to have a high-end loudspeaker where it is not possible to insert floor standing loudspeakers, or where the environmental conditions favor a compact stand loudspeaker. This compact model of the series is therefore dedicated to those who, not having very large listening environments, want a monitor of absolute reference that interfaces perfectly with their location.

But be careful not to confuse expectations: Kef Reference 1 Meta is not a mini speaker or bookshelf speaker, in the most common sense of the term. It is a definitive speaker, capable of reproducing even the lowest registers without "cluttering", making it easier to position.

Reference 1 Meta: more transparent than ever

The goodness of the Reference Meta Series is testified by the countless awards won by the international press in the recent era. The aim of Kef's top series is to "disappear" acoustically when listening, reproducing the essential, i.e. the only and exclusive musical message, as it was recorded. Simply the ultimate for every audiophile and true music lover.

In the renewed Reference Meta project, excellences add up, or perhaps we should say “multiply”. The absolute driving force is the superlative Uni-Q Meta driver – here in its twelfth version and with the biggest improvement ever. Uni-Q is housed in a massive and elegant cabinet, anti-resonant and compact.

The already well-known qualities of the Uni-Q, combined with the "lift" qualities of the woofers dedicated to low frequencies, the technologies for the bass-reflex duct, the exceptional workmanship of the cabinet, manage to excite as in live performances.

And from here on, MAT technology enters the field, leading to emission in the high and medium frequencies without comparison. The extension and completeness of these splendid loudspeakers makes any reproduction a real emotion, highlighting today details and micro-contrasts previously hidden hidden within one's own recordings.

Reference 1 three-way bookshelf

Kef Reference 1 Meta, despite their compact size, are three-way loudspeakers in which the high and medium frequencies are emitted by a single point source called Uni-Q. In this special driver a 25mm metal dome tweeter is positioned in the center of a 125mm mid-range woofer. The crossover frequency between the two is set to a 2.8 KHz. Repetita iuvant: The idea behind Uni-Q is to improve the coherence of sound dispersion and overall integration between drivers. While Kef uses the two-way Uni-Q configuration in loudspeakers such as the famous LS50 Meta to excellent results, new benefits derive from the implementation of Uni-Q in three-way speakers, with the bass handled by a powerful dedicated woofer.

Synergy between components

The Uni-Q in Reference Meta is based on the integration of the innovative meta-material into the famous driver originally developed for the High End Blade loudspeakers. The driver uses an aluminum diaphragm, a vented tweeter and the meta material behind it in order to eliminate any resonance and improve dynamics. Everything from the “Tangerine” waveguide in front of the tweeter – for dispersive and protective purposes – to the ridges on the midrange cone, to the contour shaping, to the design of the woofer motor bodies, aims to reduce distortion in all its forms. The 165mm aluminum woofer takes the place of the Uni-Q below 350Hz. The Reference 1 Meta's woofer is designed to handle large power inputs without compressing dynamics. This is why it features a system of ventilated magnets and a large aluminum spool: lightness, dissipation, control.

Advanced technology in Reference 1 Meta

With a bass extension down to below 37Hz, even the lowest registers are reproduced without the slightest feeling of fatigue or constraint from Kef Reference 1. At any listening level, all sound planes are reproduced in scale with maximum coherence . The power of the driver is tuned by the rear bass reflex, with fine tuning possible between 37 and 40 Hz thanks to the double duct supplied. Thanks to the fidelity of reproduction of this set of speakers it is possible to rediscover your own discography library. The large soundstage, combined with the extreme neutrality of the reproduction, will bring any content right in front of the listener, be it music or cinematic effects. It will seem to be right there.

Manic Care – MY2022

The great care and attention put into the creation of this series of loudspeakers is evident at first glance. Reference 1 Meta as well as being one of the most modern expressions of the music sector, is the icon of a colossus that makes modern industrial design a flag. If music is art, every instrument it touches must be so in turn.

One of the most interesting furnishing aspects of the Reference 2022 line is given by the linear aesthetics and extremely thin shape of the diffuser. It is not necessary to have bulky boxes to listen to great music. Indeed, it is possible to get the most out of music by placing two elegant bookshelves in the room with a front of only 205 mm in width.

It is also possible to dress Kef Reference 1 Meta, harmonizing them with the environment by choosing from five available finishes. In addition to the already popular Satin Walnut/Silver, High-Gloss White/Blue and High-Gloss Black/Copper, there are the new MY2022 High-Gloss White/Champagne and High-Gloss Black/Grey. The last two feature tone-on-tone Kef-style details. All finishes are available across the range, from floorstanding speakers to Reference Meta center speakers.

Absolute presence with Flexible Port Technology

Reference 1 is considered an excellence both for the acoustic result and for the design methodology. The special geometry of the reflex tailpipe is a masterpiece in itself. The conduits are made of soft materials and are self-adaptive. This solution, called Flexible Port Technology, counteracts resonances, the so-called "puff effect".

To further optimize the response of the speaker, Reference 1 comes with two types of ducts, one long and one short. The replacement of the tailpipes takes place in a simple and safe way, by rotating and removing the coupling cover on the rear panel. The long, black tube produces a more gradual rolloff pushing the extension down to 37Hz. The short, light gray tube produces rolloff that starts slightly lower, but as it reaches its peak, l The attenuation of its slope (slope) is steeper bringing the response limit down to 40 Hz. The short tube has a more sudden cut therefore, with a steep descent of the response curve.

Easy positioning, ideal in small rooms

Reference 1 is the most compact model of the High-End range but is, nonetheless, a definitive loudspeaker. Correctly positioned, it is able to reproduce even the lowest registers with a deep and controlled rendering. Compared to the larger Reference 3 model which mounts 2 woofers in a larger cabinet, the Reference 1 has a slightly shallower bass register, naturally lower acoustic pressure and a more contoured soundstage. It is designed precisely for those who have a small or medium-sized listening environment but want the best. A classic listening room or a medium-sized living room, we are talking about a few tens of square meters, are the perfect intended use. Thanks to the extreme compactness on the front, they also allow for easy insertion.

To give the system further breathing space, greater depth of bass, it is possible to combine the Reference 1 Meta with the magnificent high performance subs of Kef: KF92, inspired by the performance of the Kef reference models.

Total System Design

Despite the differences in behavior between the various speakers Reference Cabinet, Uni-Q Driver, Woofer, Crossover and methodology are exactly identical for the whole series deriving from the Total System Design approach which sees the general modeling and each component advance hand in hand for each loudspeaker and for each loudspeaker family.

Positioning of Reference 1 Meta

Some speakers, especially high-end ones, are picky. They must be ultra-precisely positioned, use ultra-sophisticated electronics, and high-quality recording. Kef Reference 1 Meta are a bit different. Thanks to the wider dispersion they give a wide and well-layered sound presentation, little dependent on the exact point of positioning of the speaker. Indeed, the classic arrangement sees them almost parallel to the back wall and not very centralized towards the listener. This indicates how the sound front is vast and homogeneous, and allows to obtain the "sweet point", the optimal magical listening point, in much more than just one point. Thanks to the double connection pipe supplied, it is possible to play with the approach or distance from the wall with a high degree of freedom.

Compatibility with other components

Reference 1 Meta are high-end loudspeakers capable of guaranteeing a high level of transparency and speed, requiring a good current at the input. They perform best with devices with good control. A valid recommendation for Reference 1 users is to be ready to rediscover the character of their electronics because these speakers really reveal a lot. The advice is to equip yourself with transparent and fast chains, electronics with high damping (ability to control the speakers). Something with good power and at least 100W per channel is a good reference. For anyone wanting an official suggestion, Kef worldwide recommends Hegel.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Design: Three-way bass reflex

Drive Units – Uni-Q driver array with MAT Technology:

HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome

MF: 125mm (5in.) aluminiumBass units:

LF: 165mm (6.5in.) aluminium

Frequency range free field (-6dB): Short port: 40Hz – 45kHz  / Long port: 37Hz – 45kHz

Frequency range typical in room bass response (-6dB): 30Hz

Frequency Response: 45 Hz – 35 KHz (±3 dB)

Crossover frequency: 450Hz, 2.1kHz

Amplifier requirements: 50 – 200 W

Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 85 dB

Harmonic Distortion: 2nd & 3rd harmonics (90 dB, 1 m)

< 0.5% 40 Hz – 100 KHz

< 0.2% 200 Hz – 2 KHz

< 0.1% 2 kHz – 20 KHz

Max Output: 111 dB (peak sound pressure level at 1m with pink noise)

Impedance: 4 Ohm (min.3.2 Ohm)

Weight: 18.2 Kg / unit

Dimensions – with grille and terminal (H x W x D): 440 x 205 x 430 mm

Finishes: Satin Walnut/Silver, High-Gloss White/Blue, High-Gloss White/Champagne, High-Gloss Black/Grey, High-Gloss Black/Copper