KEF have given us the lowdown on their new R Series range of hi-fi speakers. We list the five tech innovations that set the R Series apart…
KEF’s fifty-year search for audio perfection has led them to, most recently, completely re-engineer their previous designs and present us with the R Series. Designed to recreate the experience of listening to music for the first time, the R Series promises to deliver more detail, deeper insight and greater excitement.
Based on their benchmark loudspeakers, the Reference Series, the brand new R Series is even more innovative and precise, with a real focus on clarity and accuracy. Five brand new technological advances have been made to try and achieve the perfect sound…
1. Uni-Q
KEF explain the decision-making being this piece of tech better than we ever could: “placing the tweeter in the acoustic centre of the midrange cone brings the acoustic ideal of a single point source closer to realisation”. The Uni-Q driver has remained a consistent design concept in their products since 1988, and the R Series boasts the 12th generation version.
In layman’s terms, this motor system is responsible for converting the audio signal from an electrical voltage to a mechanical force, without distorting it.
2. Shadow Flare
This piece of kit allows the Uni-Q to work to its full potential and reduces cabinet diffraction, which would damage otherwise compromise the sound quality. It achieves this by creating a ‘shadow region’ at the points where diffraction would be at its highest and minimises this acoustic impact to the lowest possible levels. The result is increased clarity, particularly when it comes to the subtle nuances of plucked strings and other percussive sounds.
3. Bass Drivers
These low-frequency drivers have been specifically designed to maximise bass performance. Comprising two separate parts, a shallow concave aluminium skin and a paper cone, the R Series’ brand new bass drivers reduce additional resonances. The redesigned magnet system has also increased the magnetic field, minimising distortion and contributing to overall accuracy.
The resulting bass is tight, and these speakers dig deep.
4. Cabinet Bracing
All the speakers in the R Series benefit from Constrained Layer Damping, where internal braces are joined by an interface rather than being rigidly fixed to the structure. This allows listeners to wave goodbye to any unwanted vibrations, delivering the sound in its truest form.
5. Flexible Port Technology
KEF hold the view that port design is fundamental to achieving great sound quality, especially when it comes to bass. These ports, featuring flexible walls that prevent too much resonance, use computational fluid dynamics to calculate their profile and flare and delay the onset of turbulence. Better bass and a cleaner sound is achieved through this innovative design, further contributing to a quality speaker series that, above all, aims to remain true to the original sound.
You can find out more about the brand new R Series speakers and other quality audio equipment on the KEF website.