KEF Reference 3 Meta

£11,500.00

The KEF Reference 3 Meta is a true masterpiece of audio engineering, combining cutting-edge technology with exquisite design. Whether used in a high-end stereo system or as part of a home theater setup, the Reference 3 Meta delivers unparalleled sound quality that brings music and movies to life. Its advanced driver technologies, innovative cabinet design and luxurious finishes make it a standout product in the world of high-performance audio. For those who seek the ultimate in sound quality and aesthetic beauty, the KEF Reference 3 Meta is an investment that will provide years of listening pleasure. Its combination of technical innovation, meticulous craftsmanship and stunning design ensures that it will remain at the forefront of high-end audio for years to come.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Response: 43Hz – 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, terminal and plinth: 1207mm x 323mm x 467mm
Weight: 51.3 kg

Performance and Application

The KEF Reference 3 Meta is designed to deliver exceptional audio performance in both stereo and home theater setups. Its precise imaging, wide soundstage, and deep bass make it an ideal choice for audiophiles who demand the highest level of fidelity from their music. The speaker's ability to reproduce sound with incredible detail and accuracy ensures that listeners can experience every nuance of their favorite recordings.

In a home theater setting, the Reference 3 Meta excels at delivering immersive, cinematic sound. Its powerful bass drivers and advanced driver technologies allow it to handle the most demanding movie soundtracks with ease, providing impactful bass and clear dialogue. The speaker's wide dispersion characteristics also make it a great choice for multi-seat home theater environments, ensuring that every listener enjoys the same high-quality sound.

Uni-Q Driver Array

At the heart of the Reference 3 Meta is KEF's signature Uni-Q driver array, which positions the tweeter in the acoustic center of the midrange cone. This design creates a more coherent and accurate sound field, with superior imaging and a wide, even dispersion. The Uni-Q array ensures that listeners experience the same high-quality sound regardless of their position in the room, eliminating the narrow "sweet spot" typical of conventional speakers.

12th Generation Uni-Q Driver

The 12th generation Uni-Q driver used in the Reference 3 Meta incorporates several advanced technologies to enhance performance. KEF has optimised the driver for reduced distortion and improved off-axis performance, ensuring clear, natural sound across the frequency range. The vented tweeter design reduces pressure behind the dome, allowing the driver to operate more freely and produce detailed high frequencies with minimal distortion.

Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT)

The Reference 3 Meta incorporates KEF's groundbreaking Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), a highly complex maze-like structure that absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. This technology drastically reduces distortion and provides a more natural, transparent sound, enhancing the clarity and realism of music and movie soundtracks.

Bass Driver Innovation

The Reference 3 Meta features two 6.5-inch bass drivers designed to deliver deep, controlled bass. These drivers use a large vented magnet assembly and a stiff, yet lightweight aluminum diaphragm to produce powerful bass with low distortion. KEF's engineers have meticulously tuned the bass drivers to blend seamlessly with the Uni-Q array, ensuring a cohesive and balanced sound across the entire frequency range.

Constrained Layer Damping (CLD)

To further enhance sound quality, the Reference 3 Meta employs Constrained Layer Damping (CLD) in its cabinet design. This technology reduces unwanted vibrations by using multiple layers of materials with different damping properties. The result is a cabinet that remains acoustically inert, preventing coloration of the sound and allowing the drivers to operate at their full potential.

Flexible Port Technology

The Reference 3's bass performance is further refined by KEF's flexible port technology. The ports are designed to minimise resonance and are adjustable to fine-tune the bass response to the listening environment. This flexibility allows the Reference 3 Meta to deliver optimal bass performance in a wide range of room sizes and acoustics.

Stunning Aesthetic Design

Beyond its technical prowess, the Reference 3 Meta is also a visual statement. The speaker is available in several luxurious finishes, including Satin Walnut, Piano Black, and High-Gloss White. Each finish is meticulously applied, and the attention to detail extends to the speaker's front baffle, which is precision-machined to enhance the speaker's aesthetic appeal. The Reference 3's design reflects KEF's philosophy of creating products that are as beautiful to look at as they are to listen to.

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.