KEF has launched its new ‘Blade’ flagship floorstander and ‘The Reference’ loudspeakers which have both been updated with KEF’s latest acoustic innovations, including Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT).
KEF’s flagship Blade loudspeakers were designed to provide the ultimate listening experience to audiophiles, delivering an exceptional sound quality in a statement speaker design. The Reference models can be matched within half a decibel to the laboratory-maintained reference standard, hence its name.
Now, the latest versions of the two iconic KEF loudspeaker models have been released with multiple KEF acoustic developments, including Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and a bespoke 12th generation Uni-Q driver array.
MAT is used in both of the latest speaker models, with each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbing 99% of unwanted sound, eliminating the resulting distortion to provide a purer, more natural acoustic performance.
The Reference 1 Meta
A result of joint development with the Acoustic Metamaterials Group, MAT is a revolutionary tool in loudspeaker design. Metamaterials are specially developed structures that use existing materials in such a way that exhibit new, desirable properties that are not found in naturally occurring substances.
Paired with MAT is KEF’s Uni-Q bespoke driver which delivers a consistent treble, irrespective of the volume. A new ultra-low distortion midrange motor design lowers the total harmonic distortion (THD) in the midrange and reduces thermal compression, improving efficiency.
Single Apparent Source technology is found at the heart of Blade, extending the iconic Uni-Q driver array, the building block of KEF’s signature sound. The technology aims to achieve the acoustic ideal of a point source, where low, mid and high frequencies radiate from one point, making Blade coherent across all audible frequencies.
The contours of the dome within The Reference’s midrange horn and surround are all computer-optimised to ensure a perfectly smooth transition to the cabinet. Using KEF’s patented tangerine waveguide technology, the airflow is managed to recreate the wide and even spread of a natural sound field, dispersing pure high-frequency imaging throughout the room.
Blade One Meta
These audio innovations and developments for both Blade and The Reference allows the Uni-Q and MAT to reproduce more transparent and lifelike sound than before.
Blade features four robust, low-frequency drivers which are integrated with the Uni-Q and MAT to deliver clean, extended, and controlled bass. In line with the original Blade design, the voice coil has been decoupled from the diaphragm to allow low order crossovers to be used for better bass response. These drivers are mounted back-to-back to cancel out kinetic forces that might otherwise colour the output. Each pair occupies a separate chamber to reduce the need for damping.
The crossover design has been enhanced in the latest Blade to fine-tune the signal path for maximum clarity. As well as this, two pairs of audiophile-grade WBT connectors allow bi-wiring or bi-amping for lossless transmission.
Along with its high and midrange frequencies, The Reference also delivers clean, rich and highly articulate bass. The engineering and attention to details enable the bass to blend seamlessly with the pure midrange and treble response.
Reference 5 Meta
The Reference’s bass driver also benefits from a large vented magnet assembly, a large aluminium voice coil and a lightweight stiff alloy cone, resulting in high-quality volume, dynamics and power handling.
The Blade is available in two models: Blade One Meta and Blade Two Meta. The models come in a choice of eight finishes by blending five cabinet finishes with six driver cone colours: Piano Black/Copper, Piano Black/Grey, Frosted Blue/Blue, Frosted Blue/Bronze, Charcoal Grey/Red, Charcoal Grey/Bronze, Racing Red/Grey, and Arctic White/Champagne. Customised finishes will be available upon request from June 2022.
Five finishes are available for The Reference by blending three cabinet finishes with five driver cone colours: Satin Walnut/Silver, High-Gloss White/Blue, High-Gloss White Champagne, High-Gloss Black/Grey, and High-Gloss Black/Copper.
The latest models of Blade and The Reference are available now.