KEF KC92

Kef KC92 is the new compact, powerful and controlled High End subwoofer equipped with 1000W of amplification, two 9-inch P-Flex drivers with force cancellation, the innovative Unicore and Music Integrity Engine (MIE) technologies. Suitable for both high-end HiFi and Home Cinema systems. This sub is compatible with the KW1 wireless device.

Description

Kef KC92 is the HighEnd subwoofer with dual drivers and force cancellation

The Kef KC92 subwoofer delivers extraordinarily deep, impactful bass with exceptional precision, inheriting the latest innovative technologies from the more compact KC62, which revolutionized the design standards for subwoofers. The new compact but robust subwoofer from the English company is equipped with two 9-inch drivers powered by incredible high-power class D double amplification, for a total of 1000W (RMS).

Also optimized with patents such as the Music Integrity Engine® and the exclusive Uni-Core™ with KEF force canceling drivers, which eliminates mechanical stress, the KC92 subwoofer is able to offer an engaging and ultra-dynamic sound result, completing the listening experience with depth, dynamics and details in any audio setup, be it a classic stereo system, but also Home Cinema.

From the previous KF92, KEF's high-performance HighEnd subwoofer, it has inherited the same shape factor and dimensions, all characterized by an elegant, compact and resistant design, while further optimizing performance thanks to new engineering, flooding with bass, with its enormous power and extraordinary control, even very large environments.

Finally, KC92 can be connected to the preamplifier, to the integrated amplifier or to an active system both via the dedicated cable - the sub RCA coaxial - but also through a completely wireless connection thanks to Kef KW1, the wireless module, composed of transmitter and receiver, owner of KEF subwoofers.

KEF KC92: Elegant design

The English brand enjoys a certain reputation when it comes to designing speakers and subwoofers and this KC92 combines the peculiarities of two of the most famous and successful subs in KEF's history: we are talking about KC62 and KF92.

Design is a factor not to be underestimated for inclusion in a home setup, in this case the minimal and timeless aesthetic makes the KC92 easy to combine with a wide range of speakers. Its compact structure and its closed case configuration certainly help a lot with the speed and clarity of the performance but above all the flexibility of positioning in the environment.

While not reaching the miniaturization of the KC62, this new Kef subwoofer can be discreetly hidden in the room. This also makes it an excellent solution for perfect integration into a small or medium-sized living room or listening room. For example, it could be placed behind a piece of furniture or inside a design niche. However, its decidedly elegant style also allows it to be left visible, adapting best to any decor.

The available finishes are lacquered white and lacquered black.

On the rear panel we find a low profile heat sink, inspired by the design of the LSX and LS50 Wireless, which as well as demonstrating KEF's now well-known attention to detail ensures that the KC92's high-performance electronics are always kept in optimal condition . Finally, 4 feet placed at the base of the subwoofer have a dual function: first of all they ensure the right grip on the support surface, also dampening unwanted vibrations.

“The KC92 fits perfectly into a wide range of audio systems, offering a broad spectrum of connection options.”

HiFi Pig

Technologies

The KC92 boasts 1000W audiophile grade Class D amplification (basically a dedicated 500W amplifier for each driver). In this way the subwoofer is able to produce a lot of power but always with precise control, improving the timing and dynamic response for a more detailed sound result and the ability to provide sudden bursts of power when necessary.

To achieve the feat of delivering extremely powerful low frequencies with a subwoofer barely larger than a football, a number of proprietary technologies have been employed in the even more compact KC62, including a specially developed dual Uni-Core driver. In this KC92 the revolutionary technologies have been transferred to a subwoofer with larger dimensions and equipped with larger woofers, for a truly unparalleled result. In this case the two 9-inch drivers are positioned in a force-cancelling configuration, neutralizing reactive forces and facilitating sound pressure levels of up to 110 dB, in a compact, closed-box cabinet.

The drivers feature a hybrid aluminum/paper cone, an oversized motor system with a vented voice coil design, ensuring incredibly low distortion and exceptional precision. The particular drivers with P-Flex technology are designed to better resist acoustic pressure by sinking down to 11 Hz.

Through the use of Class D amplification, KEF engineers were able to further optimize the sub's performance through a customized selection of specially developed algorithms and DSP modes. All the latest generation KEF subwoofers are equipped with the proprietary DSP (Digital Signal Processing) algorithm, the Music Integrity Engine® (MIE), one of the main technological innovations of the English brand in recent years. Customized for each model, the exclusive MIE ensures that each component works in harmony within the individual subwoofer.

Uni-core

The heart of KC92 is the revolutionary Uni-Core technology, which offers great performance even in compact cabinet dimensions. Uni-Core thus combines both drivers in a single large magnetic system, thus reducing bulk, with overlapping voice coils with a concentric design. This provides some benefits, including limiting interference, increasing the excursion of both woofers, canceling out force between the two, all in a smaller size.

To extremely efficiently drive the magnetic system of the dual 9-inch Uni-Core drivers, the Kef KC92 is equipped with two 500 watt amplification modules, providing a firepower of 1000 watts RMS.

For optimized bass performance, the KC92 subwoofer incorporates a dual-driver arrangement mounted in a force-eliminating (Uni-Core) assembly. The drivers thus propagate the sound from the side panels of the cabinet, rather than from the front. This configuration allows the KC92 to offer greater extension and impact in a smaller design than similar models in its price and size range. The KC92's two drivers feature a shallow, concave aluminum casing just above a paper cone in the hybrid driver structure, which also includes a vented voice coil and oversized motor system. The force canceling arrangement between the two drivers of the KC92 guarantees the elimination of reactive forces, reducing cabinet vibrations and maximizing precision and detail.

Music Integrity Engine

The innovative and acclaimed MIE (Musical Integrity Engine) technology refined for each KEF subwoofer model, ensures the harmonious operation of the amplification in relation to the drivers and the sub cabinet, providing a result that is not only powerful but also extremely detailed and precise of sound.

To complement MIE, this subwoofer also includes IBX (Intelligent Bass Extension); a process that creates extended depth unlocking the drivers' full potential. By analyzing the input signal, IBX allows the subwoofer to sound louder and provide a wider dynamic range at any listening level.

SmartLimiter also continuously analyzes the audio signal to prevent clipping, optimizing the operation of each component and ensuring well-controlled low frequencies in all circumstances. This system works in tandem with intelligent distortion control technology, responsible for correcting any anomalies.

This is possible by measuring the flow of current within the voice coil, then correcting any non-linear distortion. Thus it is able to reduce total harmonic distortion (THD) by more than 75%, offering a more natural and uncolored low range.

The proprietary algorithm of the MIE processor also allows versatile positioning of KC92 within any room of the house, thanks to the five-position toggle switch.

P-Flex

In addition to force-canceling drivers, the innovative design of the KEF KC92 incorporates, just like the now legendary KC62, patent-pending P-Flex Surround technology, also known as Origami Surround.

As the name suggests, the suspension of each cone benefits from an innovation: a newly developed covering with pleated edges inspired by the Japanese art of origami, which has been designed with the aim of maximizing resistance to internal air pressure without sacrificing sensitivity and above all without excessively increasing the mass of the driver.

Similar to the folds of origami, it therefore has a pleated structure that resists sound pressure, allowing maximum freedom of movement for the driver, and returning a precise response compared to the original audio signal.

The result is a decidedly deeper extension at low frequencies and at the same time a more precise and detailed reproduction than conventional drivers, with a reduction in distortion.

Thus, thanks to these excursion optimization features, the new KC92 is able to reach a depth of 11Hz.

Furthermore, with its greater rigidity, this overall design also allows for significantly higher listening volume.

Connections

The KC92 adapts perfectly to a very wide range of audio systems, offering a wide spectrum of connection options to be easily connected to any amplifier. The rear panel features both line-level and speaker-level inputs, allowing you to connect the subwoofer directly to the speaker outputs of an amplifier, using the included adapter.

KF92 is really simple to use, allows for easy installation with minimal effort and is decidedly versatile thanks to the adaptive SmartConnect technology and the stereo RCA input that can be switched to an LFE or line input. The subwoofer can be combined with the Kef LS series or R Series speakers, it is compact, powerful and integrates into any environment providing the complete and pure sound of Kef.

It is also possible to use a completely wireless connection via the special optional Kef SmartConnect KW-1 device, to make insertion into the environment even simpler and more versatile, without limitations dictated by wiring. High-quality wireless transmission ensures every nuance of your favorite movies and music is reproduced. Using KEF SmartConnect, it automatically optimizes gain based on whether you use a mono or stereo input, ensuring optimal performance.

Finally, a stereo RCA output allows you to recover the signal and pair the KC62 with a second subwoofer if necessary. The high-pass filter (HPF) line output also allows for optimized integration, making it easier for users to fine-tune the output based on the other speakers used in the system.

The KC92's connectivity options allow it to be used within virtually all types of HiFi or Home Theater systems.

Same performance, everywhere

KC92 easily adapts to any listening environment, thanks to the five preset equalization options it is equipped with. These 5 presets guarantee you get the same exceptional performance from the subwoofer regardless of where you decide to place it: in a free space rather than next to the wall or in a corner, nestled in a piece of furniture or placed inside a small apartment.

Through a switch on the rear control panel it is possible to select the desired preset to provide equivalent performance in any situation, thus integrating perfectly into any listening room.

Basically this intuitive feature allows you to optimize the infra-bass based on the position of the subwoofer

Furthermore, KEF KC92 features a phase selector (0 or 180°) and two potentiometers to respectively adjust the volume and to set the crossover cut-off frequency, which can be set between 40 and 140Hz based on the paired speakers, the room and the listening preferences. I listen. If combined with a pair of active speakers from the KEF LS line, this type of setting can be made directly from the Kef Connect App. From App, by specifying the connected Sub model, the recommended settings will be automatically selected.

You can also select the power mode: the “Auto wake up” function detects audio signals to be ready instantly, the “Always on” mode keeps it always active and the “12V trigger” provides automatic wake-up.

The last switch present is the one for activating the correction of any noise or interference due to ground. Finally we find a service USB-C input which allows convenient firmware updates for future upgrades.

KC92 perfect with all setups

Power combined with extreme control in a relatively compact form factor make the KEF KC92 subwoofer the first choice for creating high-level home audio setups. Suitable for giving an incredible body in HiFi systems, it is the ideal complement for the speakers of the R Meta series of the same brand, with which they match perfectly also on an aesthetic level, but why not also with the LS50 Wireless 2 or the LS60 Wireless for a stunning result. Fantastic on its own and simply monstrous in 2.2 configuration with a pair of active subwoofers for those who want the most possible from their favorite music and films.

Thanks to the LFE connection this little sub is really recommended in high-level Home Cinema systems, ideal if connected to a quality multi-channel audio processor. Kef's R series, the ideal partner for this subwoofer, boasts a wide range of speakers, including center or LCR channels and a Dolby Atmos model. Whether listening to a double bass or a cinematic explosion, KC92 thanks to its breathtaking performance will make us feel completely immersed, even in large environments of up to 100 square meters.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Design: Force Cancellation

Drive units: 2 x 9 in. drivers

Frequency response (±3dB): 11Hz – 200Hz

Max output: 110dB

Amplifier type: Built-in Class D

Amplifier power: 1000W RMS (2 x 500W RMS)

Variable low pass filter: 40Hz – 140Hz, LFE

Input: Expansion port for KW1; RCA phono sockets; Speaker level inputs

Power requirements: 100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz

Power consumption: 1000W (operating power); <0.5W (standby power)

Dimension (H x W x D) with rear panel and feet: 352.5 x 330 x 360.5 mm

Weight: 20kg

Optional accessory: KW1 Wireless Subwoofer Adapter Kit

Finishes: Black Gloss, White Gloss