First appearing in 2020 on the Kef LS50 Meta speakers, then on the Kef LS50 Wireless II still the same year (click on the links below to access, respectively, our news and our full test on the products), MAT technology (for Metamaterial Absorption Technology) was then successively offered on the Kef Blade One, Kef Blade Two speakers in 2022 and Kef R Series in 2023.
Kef Q Series, eight Hi-Fi/Home Cinema references££££
The Kef Q Series vintage 2024, ninth generation, has eight references, the two 3-way floorstanding speakers Kef Q11 Meta and Kef Q7 Meta, capable of remarkable performances across the entire sound spectrum, in particular with powerful and deep low frequencies. These are accompanied by three bookshelf models, the 2-way Kef Q3 Meta and Kef Q1 Meta models and the new Kef Q Concerto Meta, the first 3-way bookshelf in the Q Series. The Kef Q4 Meta 2-way wall speaker, the Kef Q6 Meta 3-way central speaker and the Kef Q8 Meta 2-way height effects speaker (for Dolby Atmos soundtracks) to be placed on a column or bookshelf, but also to be fixed to the ceiling, complete the series.
Like the Kef R Series speakers, the Kef Q Series speakers all feature the same 12th generation Uni-Q driver ([abc]tweeter[/abc] and [abc]midrange[/abc] in coaxial) boosted with MAT technology for a consistent sound signature (see below). Namely, this speaker benefits from an improved short-circuit filtering optimized for a pure and crystal-clear sound reproduction. Precision, on the Kef Q Series 3-way references, namely the Kef Q11 Meta and Kef Q7 Meta, Kef Q Concerto Meta and Kef Q6 Meta, the 12th generation Uni-Q speaker is accompanied by a new hybrid aluminum [abc]boomer[/abc]. Finally, Kef has revised the crossover of the new Q Series speakers for an off-axis sound reproduction closer to the full-axis reproduction.
Kef Q Series speakers, focus on Meta technology££££
The exclusive MAT (for Metamaterial Absorption Technology) process takes the form of a complex labyrinthine structure in relief where the channels act as an acoustic black hole absorbing 99% of unwanted sounds radiating from the back of the Uni-Q coaxial speaker (see photo below), compared to 60% previously. Thus, distortion is almost eliminated (THD at 0.07%) and transparency increased. It should be noted that the MAT speaker also ensures a better frequency response (+40%). Finally, it offers perfectly and constantly soft, clear and precise treble whatever the volume.
Availability, in satin black, satin white and walnut finishes announced for October 10, except for the Kef Q Concerto Meta scheduled for today, September 26.
Indicative prices:
• Kef Q1 Meta: €548 per pair
• Kef Q3 Meta: €698 per pair
• Kef Q4 Meta (Atmos speakers): €399 per unit
• Kef Q6 Meta (Atmos speakers): €749 per unit
• Kef Q Concerto Meta: €1,198 per pair
• Kef Q7 Meta: €1,598 per pair
• Kef Q8 Meta (Atmos speakers): €698 per pair
• Kef Q11: €2,198 per pair
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Kef Q11 Meta:
• Type: 3-way speaker
• Boomers: 16.5 cm x 3 aluminium hybrid cone
• Midrange: 10 cm aluminium cone
• Tweeter: ventilated aluminium cone with MAT 19 mm technology
• Load: [abc]bass-reflex[/abc]
• Non-magnetic: yes
• Sensitivity: 89 dB
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Bandwidth: 37 Hz-20 KHz
• Frequency response: 44 Hz-20 KHz
• Cabinet dimensions (W x D x H, mm): 1,112 x 317 x 380 (with base)
• Cut-off frequency: 480 Hz/2.7 kHz
• Power admissible max/peak: 225 W
• Unit net weight: 22.5 kg (unit)
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Kef Q7 Meta:
• Type: 3-way speaker
• Boomers: 16.5 cm x 2 aluminium hybrid cone
• Midrange: 10 cm aluminium cone
• Tweeter: ventilated aluminium cone with MAT technology 19 mm
• Load: bass-reflex
• Non-magnetic: yes
• Sensitivity: 87 dB
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Bandwidth: 39 Hz-20 KHz
• Frequency response: 46 Hz-20 KHz
• Cabinet dimensions (W x D x H, mm): 1,001 x 210 x 315 (with base)
• Cut-off frequency: 440 Hz/2.3 kHz
• Max/peak admissible power: 200 W
• Unit net weight: 18.4 kg (each)
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Kef Q Concerto Meta:
• Type: 3-way speaker
• Boomer: 16.5 cm aluminium hybrid cone
• Midrange: 10 cm aluminium cone
• Tweeter: 19 mm ventilated aluminium cone with MAT technology
• Load: bass-reflex
• Non-magnetic: yes
• Sensitivity: 85 dB
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Bandwidth: 40 Hz-20 KHz
• Frequency response: 48 Hz-20 KHz
• Cabinet dimensions (L x D x H, mm): 315 x 210 x 415 (with base)
• Cut-off frequency: 430 Hz/2.9 kHz
• Max/peak admissible power: 180 W
• Unit net weight: 9.5 kg (unit)
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Kef Q3 Meta:
• Type: 2-way speaker
• Midrange-boomer: 16.5 cm aluminium hybrid cone
• Tweeter: ventilated aluminium cone with MAT technology 25 mm
• Load: bass-reflex
• Non-magnetic: yes
• Sensitivity: 87 dB
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Bandwidth: 42 Hz-20 KHz
• Frequency response: 49 Hz-20 KHz
• Cabinet dimensions (L x D x H, mm): 305 x 210 x 357 (with base)
• Cut-off frequency: 2.1 kHz
• Max/peak admissible power: 150 W
• Net unit weight: 8.2 kg (unit)
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Kef Q1 Meta:
• Type: 2-way speaker
• Midrange-boomer: 13 cm aluminium hybrid cone
• Tweeter: 25 mm ventilated aluminium cone with MAT technology
• Load: bass-reflex
• Non-magnetic: yes
• Sensitivity: 86 dB
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Bandwidth: 47 Hz-20 KHz
• Frequency response: 51 Hz-20 KHz
• Cabinet dimensions (L x D x H, mm): 277 x 180 x 302 (with base)
• Cut-off frequency: 2.1 kHz
• Max/peak admissible power: 150 W
• Net unit weight: 6.1 kg (unit)
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Kef Q6 Meta:
• Type: 3-way speaker
• Boomers: 16.5 cm x 2 aluminium hybrid cone
• Midrange: 10 cm aluminium cone
• Tweeter: ventilated aluminium cone with MAT technology 19 mm
• Load: closed
• Non-magnetic: yes
• Sensitivity: 86 dB
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Bandwidth: 52 Hz-20 KHz
• Frequency response: 63 Hz-20 KHz
• Cabinet dimensions (L x D x H, mm): 629 x 210 x 303 (with base)
• Cut-off frequency: 560 Hz/2.1 kHz
• Max/peak admissible power: 200 W
• Unit net weight: 14.1 kg (unit)
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Kef Q8 Meta:
• Type: 2-way speaker
• Midrange-boomer: 13 cm aluminium hybrid cone
• Tweeter: 25 mm ventilated aluminium cone with MAT technology
• Load: closed
• Non-magnetic: yes
• Sensitivity: 86 dB
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Bandwidth: 86 Hz-20 KHz
• Frequency response: 105 Hz-20 KHz
• Cabinet dimensions (L x D x H, mm): 176 x 180 x 259
• Cut-off frequency: 2.7 kHz
• Max/peak admissible power: 150 W
• Unit net weight: 4.5 kg (unit)
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Kef Q4 Meta:
• Type: 2-way speaker
• Midrange-boomer: 13 cm aluminium hybrid cone
• Tweeter: 25 mm ventilated aluminium cone with MAT technology
• Load: bass-reflex
• Non-magnetic: yes
• Sensitivity: 86 dB
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Bandwidth: 52 Hz-20 KHz
• Frequency response: 65 Hz-20 KHz
• Cabinet dimensions (L x D x H, mm): 250 x 142 x 402
• Cut-off frequency: 1.8 kHz
• Max/peak admissible power: 150 W
• Net unit weight: 5.7 kg (unit)