R SERIESR SERIESNOW WITH METAMATERIAL
ABSORPTION TECHNOLOGY

Developed for KEF’s flagship The Reference, a suiteof the latest technologies has now made its way
into the new generation of the R Series. Whether instereo for music or in a home theatre set up,
the R Series makes exceptional acoustic performance
more accessible. Now with the groundbreaking
Metamaterial Absorption Technology, the R Series
reveals exquisite detail and incredible insight:
truly an experience to savour.

PERFORMANCE REDEFINED.
AN ICON BORN FROM THE REFERENCE.

R S ERIES :BORN FROM THE REFEREN CE

Since 1961, KEF’s quest to reproduce immaculate
sound has led to many acoustic innovations.
The Reference is a case in point. Distilling decadesof experience into an acoustic performance thatis nothing shor t of exceptional it is a design that
continually sets the benchmark for loudspeakers
and sound reproduction. Now the latest technologicalinnovations have also made their way into the
R Series.
Combined with bespoke technologies, the R Series
makes high performance audio more versatile andaccessible than ever – whether in stereo for musicor in a home theatre set up. Now with the awardwinning Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT),
the range includes seven loudspeaker models,each designed and engineered to produce soundwith exquisite detail and incredible insight.
KEF has developed the R Series for those who share
our obsession with music perfection - pure andnatural sound as it is meant to be heard.

RE VOLUTI ONARY SOU ND ABSORP TI ON WITH MAT ™
A revolutionary tool in
the KEF acoustic armoury,
MAT TM breaks completely
new ground in speaker design.

Metamaterial Absorption Technology is 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 blackhole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound that comesfrom the rear of the tweeter, eliminating distortion andproviding a more natural acoustic performance.
Metamaterials are specially developed structures thatuse existing materials in such a way that they exhibit
new, desirable properties that are simply not foundin naturally occurring substances.
A result of joint development with the Acoustic
Metamaterials Group, using MAT breaks completely
new ground in loudspeaker design, and demonstrates
KEF’s unrelenting passion for innovation and dedication
to improving the listening experience for everyone.

“A clever way of absorbing
unwanted sound waves.”
What Hi-Fi? Innovation of the Year 2020

S IT ANY WHER E , HE AR EVERY DETA I L

A FL ARE FOR DE TAIL

The building block of KEF signature sound, Uni-Q

Derived directly from The Reference, the R Series

technology disperses sound more evenly throughout

incorporates Shadow Flare, a precision designed

the room. By placing the tweeter precisely at thesurface that extends the waveguide effect of theacoustic centre of the bass/midrange cone, both act

Uni-Q driver array and allows it to work to its

together as a single point source, eliminating the limited

highest potential.

‘sweet spot’ and instead allowing everybody, no matter
where in the room they are sitting, to experience andReducing harmful cabinet diffraction, the tweeter

enjoy the same natural, detailed sound.

no longer has line of sight of the cabinet edges,
creating a ‘shadow region’ at the points where the

The latest 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT driver array

potential for diffraction is highest, minimising theis found in all seven R Series models. The bespoke

acoustic impact to negligible levels. The result isdriver array is the result of decades of acoustic

extraordinary clarity – with a noticeable difference

experience and incorporates the very latest advances

especially in the fine details: the subtle nuancesin acoustic simulation and analysis. The result isof plucked strings, other percussive sounds.

a performance of breath-taking realism and accuracy.
1 Flexible decoupling chassis

5 Conical waveguide

Derived from The Reference,

The conical waveguide thatthe flexible decoupling chassis iscouples the tweeter dome

incorporated to reduce vibration

to the new metamaterialand colouration. It ensures thatabsorber has been specificallyany vibrations generated by thedesigned for the bespoke

mid and high-frequency motor

driver based on its depth.

system are not transmitted to
the loudspeaker cabinet.

6 Tweeter dome
The stiffened aluminium

2 U ltra-low distortion

tweeter dome that sits at

MF motor

the centre of the Uni-Q

The ultra-low distortion

driver array can deliver a

midrange motor design seesconsistently sweet, lucid anda copper ring embedded into

lyrical treble at any volume.

the motor gap, minimisinginductance and variation of7

7 Driver surroundinductance with coil position.

The driver surround allows

This lowers the midrange

longer excursion without

THD and reduces thermalcausing diffraction andcompression, leading toextending the frequency

improved efficiency.

range of the mid-frequency.

3

6

4

5

Plus, the contours of the
3 Tweeter gap damper

dome, midrange horn and

The tweeter gap damper has

surround are all computer-been re-engineered to strategically

optimised to ensure

place two rings of porousa perfectly smooth transitionmaterial to tame any resonances

to the cabinet.

and imperfections, greatly
improving detail and clarity.

8 Tangerine waveguide
The patented Tangerine

4 MAT tweeter absorber

Waveguide technology

The MAT tweeter absorber

manages the airflow to

is a highly complex maze-likerecreate the wide, evenstructure in which eachspread of a natural soundof the intricate channels

field, dispersing the pureefficiently absorbs a specifichigh-frequency imaging

frequency. When combined,

throughout the room.

1
2

the channels absorb 99% of
the unwanted sound fromthe rear of the tweeter.

8TRUE BA SS DEFINITI ON

FLE XIB LE P ORT FOR CLE ANER BA SS

When listening to music, the quality of the bass can

When it comes to listening to music throughdefine the whole experience. The low-frequency drivers

a speaker, it should only be the drivers we hear,of the R Series have been duly engineered with acutenot the resonances or turbulence created bycare and precision.

a bass port.

Built using a two-part structure, a shallow concave

The innovative flexible walls of the R Series ports

aluminium skin sits atop a paper cone. The metal’s

prevent longitudinal resonances from colouring thestiffness combined with the cone’s unique geometry

midrange. Meanwhile, using computational fluid

reduces additional resonances and delivers pure piston

dynamics, the flare and profile of each port is calculated

like movement that is timed with perfect accuracy.

to delay the onset of turbulence.

The drivers’ magnet system creates a broad, uniform

The advantages of this approach are twofold: better

magnetic field, while the suspension reduces harmonic

bass, and cleaner sound in the vital lower midrange

distortion for an exceptionally agile, soulful bass andfrequency area too.

a deeper level of feeling.

PERFORMAN CE CRITI C AL DAMPIN GPowerful drivers can easily cause the cabinet walls
to make a noise of their own - noise that was neverin the recording in the first place. For this reason,a solid platform is imperative.
Working alongside the bespoke internal bracing layout,
KEF’s Constrained Layer Damping is a sophisticatedbracing system that ensures the cabinet stays inert byconnecting the bracing to the drivers and cabinet bya lossy material.
This material converts vibration into heat, ensuringthat the cabinet makes the only sound it needs to:the sound of silence.

PURE M US I C IMMER S I ON

When we immerse ourselves in music, we don’t justthat will likely make you love it more – from the scrape

listen to it but feel it. Then it has the power to alterof plectrum on guitar string, the changes of vibrato

our moods, to move our souls, and can be one of thein a voice, to the sense of emotion and atmosphere in

greatest pleasures in life. This feeling is the driving

a live performance.

force behind KEF’s quest to develop the ultimate
loudspeaker – a goal that we have spent more thanDelivering sound that is natural and accurate –six decades in pursuit of.

the performance as intended by the artist – the R Seriesconsists of a trio of floorstanding speakers andYou may have listened to your favourite music aa bookshelf speaker. Each reproduces high-fidelity

thousand times or more, but through the R Series you

stereo sound irrespective of the dimensions ofwill discover a depth and level of detail in any recording

the listening space.

FLOOR S TAND ING S PE AK ER S
For different size of room and configuration, a trio ofroom-filling floorstanding speakers is offered in R Series.

R11 Meta
For a breathtaking listening experience, the R11 Meta is the R Series
flagship floorstander. In a three-way design it boasts four 165mm (6.5 in)hybrid aluminium bass drivers, allowing it to dig deep into the sound andretrieve an exceptionally clean performance.
R11 can pick out the softest details with grace and refinement, while
delivering raw power and strength. This is due to the 12th generation Uni-Q
driver array with MAT nestled in the centre of the drivers, as well as the
combination of the 125mm (5 in) midrange driver and 25mm (1 in) aluminium
dome tweeter, together delivering a supremely natural midrange and treble.

R7 Meta
The midsized floorstanding member of the R Series is as powerful as it isflexible. Featuring two 165mm (6.5 in) hybrid aluminium bass drivers forthe most accurate, dynamic bass, the three-way design incorporates KEF’s
12th Generation Uni-Q driver array with MAT combining a 125mm (5 in)midrange driver and 25mm (1 in) aluminium dome tweeter.
The result? A performance where full transparency makes for jaw-dropping
realism.

R5 Meta
KEF engineers do not believe in compromise. Designed specifically fora smaller space, or as surround speakers in the ultimate home theatre system,
the R5 Meta maybe slightly smaller, but its 130mm (5.25 in) bass drivers
still produce exceptionally clean bass.
The slim and elegant R5 Meta also contains the same Uni-Q driver array as
its bigger brothers, with a 125mm (5 in) midrange driver and 25mm (1 in)aluminium dome tweeter producing incredible levels of detail.

BOOK S HELF S PE AK ER
A compact speaker with expansive sound, the bookshelfmodel and its optional floor stand are perfectly suited
to a smaller listening space.

R3 Meta
A compact speaker, the size of the R3 Meta belies its power.
Defying all expectations, this true three-way speaker redefines
stand-mount performance.
The R3 Meta share the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta.
The 165mm (6.5 in) bass driver pushes bass performance to new extremes
while the 125mm (5 in) midrange driver and 25mm (1 in) aluminium dome
tweeter creates the 12th generation Uni-Q array, now with MAT fora cleaner and highly accurate performance.
The R3 Meta also features threaded inserts, allowing the speaker to lockonto the S3 Floor Stands. Especially designed with a mounting system thatrigidly secures the speakers, the S3’s dimensions have been dictated by
KEF’s engineers to ensure the ideal height for driver positioning.
With integrated cable management to ensure all cables are elegantly
concealed and organised, a pillar that can be loaded with inert filler
to further improve stability and spike discs to protect wooden floors,
everything is considered. It’s the smallest details that make all
the difference.

CINEMATIC SOUND

Listen, and be there. Whether ‘there’ is a white-knuckle

arrays are deployed across all the R Series models,chase through the backstreets of Bangkok, the cacophonycreating consistent sound character and making sureof nature in a tropical rainforest or the royal box at

all the focus is on the film and not the equipment

the Vienna Philharmonic – the R Series transports you,around the room.

delivering an immersive, meticulously engineeredsoundscape that will bring your entertainment to life.

With two centre speakers, speech and vocals aredelivered with crystal clarity. Add a Dolby Atmos-enabled

Offering high performance acoustics in room

surround speaker and any of KEF’s class-leading

friendly dimensions, the R Series is the ideal choicesubwoofers to complete the cinematic experience andfor a home theatre set up. Identically sized Uni-Q

take your movie enjoyment to the next level.

H OME THE ATRE
Complete your home theatre set up to ensure you
never miss a moment of the drama or dialogue.

CENTRE SPEAKERS
R6 Meta
The flagship centre speaker of the R Series, the R6 Meta is a three-way
design featuring the same 12th generation Uni-Q driver array with MAT as
the R Series stereo models. This is a model that recreates every nuance,
whilst matching the rest of the range tonally.
Designed to be used in an LCR configuration, the R6 Meta is effortlessly
versatile. Thanks to twin, powerful 165mm (6.5 in) hybrid aluminium bass
drivers, every sound is perfectly reproduced to ensure the audience
doesn't miss a beat.

R2 Meta
Whether epic or intimate, the size of the room should never dictate thequality of sound. Designed specifically for a home theatre set up insmaller rooms, the R2 Meta centre speaker delivers the exact same highperformance as its larger counterparts in the series.
Providing a truly immersive listening experience with crystal clear dialogue,
the three-way design of the R2 Meta centre speaker boasts the latest
generation Uni-Q driver array with MAT, two 130mm (5.25 in) hybrid
aluminium bass drivers. A versatile speaker the R2 Meta centre can beused in an LCR configuration.

DOLBY ATMOS SURROUND SPEAKER
R8 Meta
A truly immersive movie experience at home requires planning, or amultitasking solution. This is where the R8 Meta comes in. A highly flexible
solution that can suit any room, the R8 Meta can serve as a surround orrear speaker with the integrated wall mount feature, or be placed uponanother speaker for Dolby Atmos height to bounce sound off the ceiling,
bringing Dolby Atmos to the room with no need for custom installation.
Fully equipped with 12th generation Uni-Q array with MAT, every detail ofthe audio is clearly described and steered around the listening space as
the director intended.

MI CROFIB RE G RILLE S
The dedicated microfibre grilles feature 1,801
precision-cut holes for each driver, delivering theuncompromised sonic performance even when
the drivers are covered.
Compressed with heated pressure from multiple
layers of material, they have a tactile, suede-like feel.
The Magnetic fixings provide a secure and precise
fit in keeping with the clean styling of the speakers
themselves.
The R Series has been engineered to perform with orwithout grilles, which – though they look beautiful –have a negligible effect on sound performance.

FINIS HE S
The R Series is designed to fit seamlessly andelegantly into any interior scheme, whether traditional,
modern or contemporary. Understated and timeless,driven purely by acoustics, all engineering fixings have

Black Glossbeen concealed in a beautiful, minimal exterior.
Three carefully selected finishes include sleek Black
Gloss or White Gloss, or classic Walnut, while special
edition finishes include Titanium Gloss and Indigo
Gloss for the R7 Meta and R3 Meta respectively.
White Gloss

WalnutTitanium Gloss Special Edition(Exclusive for R7 Meta)

Indigo Gloss Special Edition(Exclusive for R3 Meta)

S PECIFIC ATI ONS

Model

R11 Meta

R7 Meta

R5 Meta

R3 Meta

R6 Meta

R2 Meta

R8a Meta

DesignThree-way bass reflex

Three-way bass reflex

Three-way bass reflex

Three-way bass reflex

Three-way closed box

Three-way closed box

Two-way closed box

Drive units

Uni-Q Driver Array:
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome
with MAT
MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone
Bass unit:
LF: 4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone

Uni-Q Driver Array:
HF: 2
 5 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome
with MAT
MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone
Bass unit:
LF: 2 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone

Uni-Q Driver Array:
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome
with MAT
MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone
Bass unit:
LF: 2 x 130 mm (5.25 in.) hybrid aluminium cone

Uni-Q Driver Array:
HF: 25 mm (1 in.)vented aluminium dome with MAT
MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone
Bass unit:
LF: 165 mm (6.5 in.)hybrid aluminium cone

Uni-Q Driver Array:
HF: 25 mm (1 in.)vented aluminium dome with MAT
MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone
Bass unit:
LF: 2 x 165 mm (6.5in.)hybrid aluminium cone

Uni-Q Driver Array:
HF: 25 mm (1 in.)vented aluminium dome with MAT
MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone
Bass unit:
LF: 2 x 130 mm (5.25 in.)hybrid aluminium cone

Uni-Q Driver Array:
HF: 25 mm (1 in.)vented aluminium dome with MAT
MF/ LF: 130 mm (5.25 in.)aluminium cone

Crossover frequency

330 Hz, 2.5 kHz

400 Hz, 2.4 kHz

400 Hz, 2.7 kHz

420 Hz, 2.3 kHz

500 Hz, 2.4 kHz

560 Hz, 2.5 kHz

2.6 kHz

38 Hz - 50 kHz
30 Hz

55 Hz - 50 kHz
40 Hz

58 Hz - 50 kHz
43 Hz

88 Hz - 19.5 kHz-

Frequency range (-6 dB)
Typical in-room bass response (-6 dB)

30 Hz - 50 kHz
26 Hz

33 Hz - 50 kHz
27 Hz

38 Hz - 50 kHz
29 Hz

Frequency response (±3 dB)

46 Hz - 28 kHz

48 Hz - 28 kHz

52 Hz - 28 kHz

58 Hz - 28k Hz

65 Hz - 28 kHz

67 Hz - 28 kHz

97 Hz - 17.5 kHz

Harmonic distortion (90 dB, 1 m)

<1% 33 Hz and above<0.5% 80 Hz - 20 kHz<1% 76 Hz and above<0.5% 110 Hz - 20 kHz<1% 75 Hz and above<0.5% 110 Hz - 20 kHz<1% 73 Hz and above<0.5% 90 Hz - 20 kHz<1% 65 Hz and above<0.5% 93 Hz - 20 kHz<1% 84 Hz and above<0.5% 95 Hz - 20 kHz<1% 220 Hz and above<0.5% 320 Hz - 20 kHz

Maximum output

113 dB

111 dB

110 dB

110 dB

111 dB

110 dB

106 dB

Amplifier requirements

15 - 300 W

15 - 250 W

15 - 200 W

15 - 180W

15 - 250 W

15 - 200 W

25 - 150 W

Nominal impedance

4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)

4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)

4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)

4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)

4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)

4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)

4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)

Sensitivity (2.83 V/1 m)

90 dB

88 dB

87 dB

87 dB

88 dB

87 dB

85 dB

Weight *36.5 kg (80.5 lbs)

29.3 kg (64.6 lbs)

24.5 kg (54.0 lbs)

12.4 kg (27.3 lbs)

17.8 kg (39.2 lbs)

15.4 kg (34.0 lbs)

4.5 kg (9.9 lbs.)

Dimension (H x W x D)
with terminal *1249 x 200 x 384 mm(49.2 x 7.9 x 15.1 in.)1062 x 200 x 384 mm(41.8 x 7.9 x 15.1 in.)1025 x 175 x 344 mm(40.4 x 6.9 x 13.5 in.)

422 x 200 x 336 mm(16.6 x 7.9 x 13.2 in)

200 x 625 x 339 mm(7.9 x 24.6 x 13.3 in.)175 x 550 x 309 mm(6.9 x 21.7 x 12.2 in.)

174 x 175 x 259 mm(6.9 x 6.9 x 10.2 in.)Dimension (H x W x D)
with terminal with Plinth *1296 x 311 x 384 mm(51.0 x 12.2 x 15.1 in.)1109 x 311 x 384 mm(43.7 x 12.2 x 15.1 in.)1072 x 272 x 344 mm(42.2 x 10.7 x 13.5 in.)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Finishes

Black Gloss / White Gloss / WalnutBlack Gloss / White Gloss /Walnut / Titanium Gloss Special Edition

Black Gloss / White Gloss / WalnutBlack Gloss / White Gloss /Walnut / Indigo Gloss Special Edition

Black Gloss / White Gloss /WalnutBlack Gloss / White Gloss /WalnutBlack Gloss / White Gloss / Walnut* Measurement per unit
KEF reserves the right, in line with continuing research and development, to amend or change specifications. E&OE.

E XPERIENCE R SERIE S

Don’t just take our word for it.
The best way to really appreciate
the power and potential of
the R Series is to listen to it
for yourself.
Experience how these speakers
can immerse you in sound andtransform your own audio andentertainment set up at home.

PM-R-B-EN-23

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