A Class Apart
A Class Apart
A Class Apart
The Reference is the physical embodiment of KEF’s Total System Design philosophy. Every component is optimised both within itself and as part of the whole, while every drive unit is given the chance to perform to the best of its considerable ability. The result is a loudspeaker that performs far beyond the sum of its parts.
Two drivers, a single point
At the heart of The Reference is the Uni-Q™ point source driver array. A state-of-the-art vented aluminium dome tweeter at the exact acoustic centre of a highly sophisticated midrange driver that delivers flawless natural sound across a wider listening area.
A strong foundation
Clean, rich and articulate bass is the foundation of great stereo or multichannel sound. KEF's Reference Series bass driver has a massive vented magnet assembly, a large aluminium voice coil and an exceptionally light and stiff alloy cone. Whatever the volume, dynamics and power handling are superb.
The smallest details, revealed
Shadow Flare drastically reduces harmful cabinet diffraction, allowing the Uni-Q to work at its highest level. A precision-designed surface extends the waveguide effect of Uni-Q for improved clarity, particularly when it comes to the subtle nuances of plucked strings and other percussive sounds.
Computer-modelled perfection
Hand finished in pair-matched wood veneers, The Reference cabinets have computer-optimised bracing geometry to minimise secondary radiation from the sides and Constrained Layer Damping to turn what little vibration is left into heat.
Hand-picked components
KEF’s engineers use advanced software to model the ideal crossover. But every component is auditioned by the ultimate measure: the human ear. Perfection takes time, but the results are plain to hear. Reference crossovers are even decoupled from the cabinet to minimise vibration and crosstalk.
Fighting turbulence
Flexible port technology is used to reduce port resonance. Each port is adjustable to allow users to modify the sound to suit their room. The flare and profile of each port is calculated by computational fluid dynamics to avoid turbulent air noise that might colour the sound.
