KEF Reference 2 Meta

£4,750.00

The KEF Reference 2 Meta centre channel speaker is a top-of-the-line audio component that embodies KEF’s dedication to innovation and quality. Its Uni-Q driver array, Metamaterial Absorption Technology and advanced bass drivers work together to deliver a listening experience that is both powerful and detailed. The speaker’s flexible port design, advanced crossover and Constrained Layer Damping cabinet ensure that it performs at its best in any environment, providing clear, distortion-free sound. For those who seek the ultimate home theater experience, the KEF Reference 2 Meta offers unparalleled performance and design. Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster or enjoying a concert film, the Reference 2 Meta ensures that every detail is heard with stunning clarity and realism. Its combination of cutting-edge technology and luxurious aesthetics makes it a must-have for any high-end audio system, delivering sound that is as beautiful as the speaker itself.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Response: 80Hz – 35kHz
Impedance: 4 ohms (nominal)
Sensitivity: 86dB (2.83V/1m)
Crossover Frequency: 450Hz, 2.1kHz
Amplifier Requirements: 50 - 300W
Drive Units: 2 x 165mm aluminum cone bass units, 1 x 125mm aluminum cone mid range driver and 1 x 25mm aluminum-dome with MAT
Dimensions (H x W x D) with grille and terminal: 205mm x 630mm x 335mm
Weight: 22.8 kg

Performance and Application

The KEF Reference 2 Meta is designed to be the centerpiece of a high-end home theater system, delivering crystal-clear dialogue and immersive soundscapes. Its advanced driver technology and meticulous engineering make it capable of reproducing the most demanding audio tracks with ease. The Uni-Q driver array ensures that every word of dialogue is heard with clarity, while the powerful bass drivers provide the necessary impact for action scenes and musical scores.

In a home theater setup, the Reference 2 Meta excels as a center channel speaker, anchoring the audio experience and ensuring that dialogue is always intelligible, even in complex sound mixes. The speaker’s ability to produce a wide soundstage makes it ideal for multi-seat home theaters, ensuring that every listener enjoys the same high-quality sound.

Uni-Q Driver Array

The KEF Reference 2 Meta features KEF’s signature Uni-Q driver array, which positions the 25mm aluminum dome tweeter at the center of the 125mm midrange driver. This configuration allows the speaker to produce sound from a single point source, resulting in a more natural and detailed soundstage. The Uni-Q driver array delivers clear and accurate sound across a wide listening area, making every seat the best seat in the room.

6.5-inch Bass Drivers

The Reference 2 Meta is equipped with two 165mm (6.5-inch) bass drivers that use large vented magnet assemblies and lightweight, stiff aluminum diaphragms. These drivers are designed to produce deep, controlled bass with minimal distortion. The bass drivers work in tandem with the Uni-Q array to ensure a seamless integration of frequencies, providing a full-range sound experience that is both powerful and precise.

Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT)

Incorporating KEF’s latest innovation, the Reference 2 Meta features Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which is designed to eliminate unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. MAT uses a complex labyrinth-like structure to absorb 99% of unwanted sound, significantly reducing distortion. This technology enhances the clarity and transparency of the sound, making dialogue and effects in movies more lifelike.

Advanced Crossover Design

The Reference 2 Meta utilises a meticulously engineered crossover network that ensures a smooth transition between the different drivers. This results in a balanced and coherent sound across the frequency spectrum, with no frequency band dominating the others. The crossover design is optimised to maintain the integrity of the audio signal, allowing the speaker to reproduce complex audio tracks with high fidelity.

Constrained Layer Damping (CLD) Cabinet

The cabinet of the Reference 2 Meta is built using Constrained Layer Damping (CLD) technology, which involves the layering of materials with different damping properties. This construction technique minimises cabinet resonance and vibration, ensuring that the drivers can perform without interference. The CLD design contributes to the speaker’s ability to deliver clean, uncolored sound, making every note and dialogue line clear and accurate.

Flexible Port Design

The Reference 2 Meta features a flexible port design that allows users to fine-tune the speaker’s bass response to suit their room acoustics. The ports are engineered to minimise resonance and turbulence, resulting in a more controlled and tight bass output. This flexibility makes it easier to achieve optimal sound quality in different listening environments, whether in a small living room or a large home theater.

Premium Build Quality and Aesthetics

The KEF Reference 2 Meta is not only a technical marvel but also a work of art. The speaker is available in a range of luxurious finishes, including Satin Walnut, Piano Black, and High-Gloss White, allowing it to blend seamlessly with any interior décor. The attention to detail in the design is evident in every aspect of the speaker, from the precision-machined front baffle to the finely crafted cabinet. The Reference 2 Meta is a statement piece that reflects KEF’s commitment to both form and function.

KEF Reference Series speakers

The KEF Reference Series represents the pinnacle of KEF's speaker design, combining advanced acoustic technologies with exquisite craftsmanship. These speakers are designed to deliver a superior listening experience, with natural sound reproduction, wide dispersion and minimal distortion. Whether used in a stereo setup or as part of a home theatre system, the Reference Series provides exceptional performance, making it a top choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike.

Hear every detail

Refined over multiple iterations, the Uni-Q driver array in The Reference series has reached its 12th generation, now enhanced with MAT. The Uni-Q acts as a single point source, dispersing sound evenly across the room. This design eliminates the narrow 'sweet spot,' ensuring that everyone, regardless of their seating position, experiences the same rich, detailed and natural sound.

Total attention to detail

Each speaker in the Reference range embodies the excellence that comes from being hand-crafted by KEF’s expert artisans in Kent. They are designed not only to deliver outstanding acoustic performance but also to be visually stunning. Every speaker is built with meticulous attention to detail, adhering to KEF's rigorous quality standards, ensuring both superior sound and refined aesthetics.

> Discover the KEF Reference Series range of speakers

Continuous innovation

Since the creation of the first Reference speaker, KEF engineers have consistently pushed the limits of what’s possible, constantly refining and advancing the range. Groundbreaking from its inception, each new version of The Reference has expanded the understanding of acoustic science, setting new standards in sound quality with every iteration.