KEF today launches its ninth iteration of multi-award-winning Q Series loudspeaker range; the best yet, and first to incorporate KEF’s revolutionary Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT™), 12th generation Uni-Q driver arrays and a host of acoustic engineering breakthroughs derived from KEF’s Blade and Reference speakers. In fact, there is SO much new and advanced tech in Q Series it’s difficult to fit everything in here! But we’ll give it a go.
The KEF Q Series first launched back in 1991. From day one, this range has provided an excellent and comprehensive choice for music and movie lovers alike – offering a range of stereo and multi-channel options, for systems, spaces and home cinemas of all shapes and sizes.
This Q Series comprises eight models:
- Q11 Meta floorstander, £1999
- Q7 Meta floorstander, £1399
- Q Concerto Meta bookshelf, £1099
- Q3 Meta bookshelf, £649
- Q1 Meta bookshelf, £499
- Q6 Centre/LCR, £699
- Q4 Meta on-wall, £349
So, what’s new in 9th generation Q?
#1 Metamaterial Absorption Technology
MAT™ is a complex maze-like structure deployed in drive units to absorb unwanted sound waves emanating from the rear of tweeters. Each channel of metamaterial maze absorbs a specific frequency, eliminating 99% of sound, like an acoustic ‘black hole’. Meaning the only sound waves that matter, those coming out at the front of the tweeter, are unaffected by rear wave distortion and so are purer, more accurate and more musical.
#2 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver Arrays
Designed specifically to work in harmony with Metamaterial Absorption Technology, a host of clever tech hides in here:
- Conical waveguides coupling tweeter dome to metamaterial are driver-specific, based on driver depth.
- Re-engineered tweeter gap damper includes two rings of porous material strategically placed to tame resonance
- New tweeter motor system maximises energy transmission to metamaterial; the rear chamber vent area is 250% bigger, maximising absorption of unwanted waves and reducing acoustic pressure behind the dome, equalling lower distortion. And nobody likes distortion
- A Flexible Decoupling Chassis (from Blade and Reference) dissipates vibration from the large midrange unit before it can travel around the cabinet as unwanted (and interfering!) noise.
#3 Refined Crossovers
KEF engineers meticulously document over 1000 measurements from each model in their snazzy anechoic chamber at HQ in Kent, to precisely understand every acoustic interaction, using resultant data to optimise crossover design.
#4 An Extra Half
2.5-way models have been upgraded to 3-way, letting each driver concentrate on its dedicated frequency range. Uni-Q handle high and mid, while a new bass driver is dedicated to low frequencies. This is a hybrid aluminium skin and paper cone construction, perfect for the piston-like movement that delivers punchy bass.
#5 Shadow Flare
The precision-designed, ridged surface around Uni-Q drive units all but stops sound ‘bleed’ or diffraction to the edges, which can cause ‘muffling’ of notes. Music is clearer, and subtle nuances that may previously have been lost, shine through.
Q Series comes in three stunning finishes- Satin Black, Satin White and contemporary Walnut, with removable magnetic grills for the perfect balance between aesthetics and driver protection. Dedicated stands, wall brackets and plinth spike kits are available too.
All eight models are on demonstration now at Peter Tyson, in whichever configuration you’d like to hear. Just get in touch to arrange your audition.
Carlisle – 01228 546756
Newcastle – 0191 285 7179