REFERENCE
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A CLASS APART
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Since the series’ birth in 1973, the perfect reproduction of recorded sound is what KEF’s legendary REFERENCE SERIES has always stood for. After decades of continuous innovation and development, THE REFERENCE has lived up to its name as the yardstick of high end acoustic engineering.
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A CLASS APART
Since the series’ birth in 1973, the perfect reproduction of recorded sound is what KEF’s legendary REFERENCE SERIES has always stood for.
After decades of continuous innovation and development, THE REFERENCE has lived up to its name as the yardstick of high end acoustic engineering.
After decades of continuous innovation and development, THE REFERENCE has lived up to its name as the yardstick of high end acoustic engineering.
THE REFERENCE
Encompassing the REFERENCE SERIES are two elegant three-way floorstanding loudspeakers, a formidable three-way bookshelf speaker, two three-way centre channel speakers and an awesome 1000-watt subwoofer. The range combines phenomenal high-fidelity performance with complete multi-channel versatility. And as you’d expect, they all exude the sense of sheer quality that comes from being hand-built by KEF’s master technicians in Maidstone, Kent.
THE REFERENCE
Encompassing the REFERENCE SERIES are two elegant three-way floorstanding loudspeakers, a formidable three-way bookshelf speaker, two three-way centre channel speakers and an awesome 1000-watt subwoofer. The range combines phenomenal high-fidelity performance with complete multi-channel versatility. And as you’d expect, they all exude the sense of sheer quality that comes from being hand-built by KEF’s master technicians in Maidstone, Kent.
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"An important feature in the manufacture of the new loudspeaker was the well-proven professional method of comparing crucial components and sub assemblies with laboratory measured reference standards....
A description was needed to convey the idea that every loudspeaker is subject to test and scrutiny at all significant stages of assembly - culminating in a final test comparison with a laboratory maintained reference standard. Hence the method became the name - REFERENCE.” |
- KEF Founder, Raymond Cooke OBE, describing the birth of the range ethos which is still in practice today.
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"An important feature in the manufacture of the new loudspeaker was the well-proven professional method of comparing crucial components and sub assemblies with laboratory measured reference standards....
A description was needed to convey the idea that every loudspeaker is subject to test and scrutiny at all significant stages of assembly - culminating in a final test comparison with a laboratory maintained reference standard. Hence the method became the name - REFERENCE.”
A description was needed to convey the idea that every loudspeaker is subject to test and scrutiny at all significant stages of assembly - culminating in a final test comparison with a laboratory maintained reference standard. Hence the method became the name - REFERENCE.”
- KEF Founder, Raymond Cooke OBE, describing the birth of the range ethos which is still in practice today.
IF LOUDSPEAKER DESIGN IS AN ART AS WELL AS A SCIENCE, THE REFERENCE SETS THE STANDARD FOR BOTH.
IF LOUDSPEAKER DESIGN IS AN ART AS WELL AS A SCIENCE,
THE REFERENCE SETS THE STANDARD FOR BOTH.
THE REFERENCE SETS THE STANDARD FOR BOTH.
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UNI-Q DRIVER ARRAY
At the heart of THE REFERENCE is a stunning new iteration of what is arguably the greatest innovation in the history of modern loudspeaker design: KEF’s ‘point source’ Uni-Q driver array. With a state-of-the-art 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome tweeter at the exact acoustic centre of a highly sophisticated 125mm (5in.) midrange driver, both act as a single source that floods the listening space evenly with a flawless natural soundfield, no matter where you sit.
For capturing all the subtleties of the human voice, whether whispered, spoken or sung, the effect is magical - as if the person were right there with you in the room. |
UNI-Q DRIVER ARRAY
At the heart of THE REFERENCE is a stunning new iteration of what is arguably the greatest innovation in the history of modern loudspeaker design: KEF’s ‘point source’ Uni-Q driver array. With a state-of-the-art 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome tweeter at the exact acoustic centre of a highly sophisticated 125mm (5in.) midrange driver, both act as a single source that floods the listening space evenly with a flawless natural soundfield, no matter where you sit.
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BASS DRIVERS
Clean, rich and precisely articulated bass adds enormously to the enjoyment of stereo or multi-channel sound. Played loud or soft, in delicate passages or for full-on bass effects, the combination of advanced materials, clever engineering and meticulous attention to design detail allows KEF’s new 165mm (6.5in) LF driver to deliver a deeply rewarding experience that blends seamlessly with the Uni-Q’s immaculate midrange and treble response.
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BASS DRIVERS
Clean, rich and precisely articulated bass adds enormously to the enjoyment of stereo or multi-channel sound. Played loud or soft, in delicate passages or for full-on bass effects, the combination of advanced materials, clever engineering and meticulous attention to design detail allows KEF’s new 165mm (6.5in) LF driver to deliver a deeply rewarding experience that blends seamlessly with the Uni-Q’s immaculate midrange and treble response.
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CROSSOVER DESIGN
Having analysed each driver’s phase and frequency response, KEF engineers designed and computer-modelled the ideal crossover networks for THE REFERENCE before exhaustively testing and auditioning every high grade component, individually and in concert, to select those with the lowest distortion and smoothest response. The crossovers are even mounted on separate boards and decoupled from the cabinet walls to minimise vibration and crosstalk.
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CROSSOVER DESIGN
Having analysed each driver’s phase and frequency response, KEF engineers designed and computer-modelled the ideal crossover networks for THE REFERENCE before exhaustively testing and auditioning every high grade component, individually and in concert, to select those with the lowest distortion and smoothest response. The crossovers are even mounted on separate boards and decoupled from the cabinet walls to minimise vibration and crosstalk.
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FLEXIBLE PORT TECHNOLOGY
First seen on the multi-award winning LS50, the innovative flexible port technology that so magnificently extends the bass of THE REFERENCE also allows you to fine-tune low frequency output to suit your personal taste and listening room characteristics.
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All models except the Reference 8b and Reference 2c feature two different lengths of port which can be configured to roll off upper bass gently to compensate for the natural augmentation from any nearby surface.
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FLEXIBLE PORT TECHNOLOGY
First seen on the multi-award winning LS50, the innovative flexible port technology that so magnificently extends the bass of THE REFERENCE also allows you to fine-tune low frequency output to suit your personal taste and listening room characteristics.
All models except the Reference 8b and Reference 2c feature two different lengths of port which can be configured to roll off upper bass gently to compensate for the natural augmentation from any nearby surface.
All models except the Reference 8b and Reference 2c feature two different lengths of port which can be configured to roll off upper bass gently to compensate for the natural augmentation from any nearby surface.
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COMPOSITE FRONT BAFFLE
THE REFERENCE drivers are set in a smooth, strikingly distinctive front baffle. Made from an exceptionally strong laminated aluminium and resin composite, formed in a press under extreme temperatures, it adds tremendous rigidity to the cabinet structure. The baffle also has an acoustic damping function, being connected resiliently to the cabinet via high-loss pads and secured by high tensile bolts.
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COMPOSITE FRONT BAFFLE
THE REFERENCE drivers are set in a smooth, strikingly distinctive front baffle. Made from an exceptionally strong laminated aluminium and resin composite, formed in a press under extreme temperatures, it adds tremendous rigidity to the cabinet structure. The baffle also has an acoustic damping function, being connected resiliently to the cabinet via high-loss pads and secured by high tensile bolts.
CABINET DESIGN
Finished by hand in pair-matched wood veneers or lustrous piano gloss, the beauty of THE REFERENCE cabinets lies deeper than their purposeful architectural looks. The cabinet structure is carefully designed to minimise the effect of standing waves which can otherwise cause irregularity and resonance in driver output. By using constrained layer damping techniques to absorb unwanted vibrations and massive internal bracing to strengthen the entire structure, THE REFERENCE enclosures are virtually inert.
PERFORMANCE PLINTH
To prevent any vestigial cabinet vibrations from being transmitted through the floor, the Reference 3 and 5 are solidly grounded on a Performance plinth and spike set developed with characteristic KEF attention to detail. A built-in spirit level and easy adjustable spike screws concealed by a smart machined cap are key features.
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CABINET DESIGN
Finished by hand the beauty of THE REFERENCE cabinets lies deeper than their purposeful architectural looks. The cabinet structure is carefully designed to minimise the effect of standing waves which can otherwise cause irregularity and resonance in driver output. Using constrained layer damping techniques to absorb unwanted vibrations and massive internal bracing to strengthen the entire structure, THE REFERENCE enclosures are virtually inert.
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PERFORMANCE PLINTH
To prevent any vestigial cabinet vibrations from being transmitted through the floor, the Reference 3 and 5 are solidly grounded on a Performance plinth and spike set developed with characteristic KEF attention to detail. A built-in spirit level and easy adjustable spike screws concealed by a smart machined cap are key features.
FINISHES
FINISHES
