KEF Reference 5 Meta

£17,500.00

The KEF Reference 5 Meta is a true reference-grade speaker that combines cutting-edge technology with exquisite design and craftsmanship. Its Uni-Q driver array, Metamaterial Absorption Technology and powerful bass drivers deliver unparalleled sound quality, while its advanced cabinet design and luxurious finishes make it a stunning addition to any listening room. Whether you're an audiophile seeking the ultimate in stereo sound or a home theater enthusiast looking for powerful and immersive audio, the KEF Reference 5 Meta offers a level of performance that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning listeners. With its combination of innovative engineering, meticulous construction and timeless design, the Reference 5 Meta stands as a testament to KEF's commitment to creating the finest loudspeakers in the world.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Response: 40Hz – 35kHz
Impedance: 4 ohms (nominal)
Sensitivity: 88dB (2.83V/1m)
Crossover Frequency: 450Hz, 2.1kHz
Amplifier Requirements: 50 - 400W
Drive Units: 4 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: 1402mm x 323mm x 467mm
Weight: 60.2 kg

Performance and Application

The KEF Reference 5 Meta is engineered to deliver exceptional performance in both stereo and home theater applications. Its combination of advanced driver technologies, meticulous crossover design, and innovative cabinet construction allows it to reproduce audio with stunning accuracy and detail. Whether you're listening to music or watching a movie, the Reference 5 provides a rich, immersive sound experience that brings every nuance of the audio to life.

In a stereo setup, the Reference 5 Meta excels at delivering a wide soundstage with pinpoint imaging, allowing you to hear the spatial placement of instruments and vocals with remarkable clarity. The deep, controlled bass ensures that low frequencies are powerful yet precise, complementing the detailed midrange and sparkling highs. The result is a balanced and natural sound that is true to the original recording, making the Reference 5 an ideal choice for critical listening.

In a home theater system, the Reference 5 Meta shines as the main front speakers, delivering impactful sound that enhances the cinematic experience. The speaker's ability to handle high power levels with ease ensures that it can reproduce even the most demanding movie soundtracks with accuracy and authority. The Reference 5's wide dispersion characteristics also make it well-suited for multi-seat home theater environments, ensuring that every listener enjoys the same high-quality sound.

Uni-Q Driver Array

The KEF Reference 5 Meta features the iconic Uni-Q driver array, a hallmark of KEF's design that positions the tweeter at the center of the midrange cone. This design enables sound to radiate from a single point, resulting in more precise imaging, a broader soundstage, and uniform sound dispersion across the listening area. The 12th-generation Uni-Q driver used in the Reference 5 has been refined to further reduce distortion and deliver even more accurate sound.

Four Bass Drivers

To deliver powerful and controlled low frequencies, the Reference 5 Meta is equipped with four 6.5-inch bass drivers. These drivers utilise large vented magnet assemblies and lightweight aluminum diaphragms, which allow for high levels of output with minimal distortion. The design ensures deep, articulate bass that is seamlessly integrated with the midrange and high frequencies, providing a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT)

A significant advancement in acoustic technology, Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) is used in the Reference 5 Meta to absorb 99% of unwanted sound radiating from the rear of the driver. This innovative technology drastically reduces distortion, leading to purer, more natural sound reproduction. MAT enhances the clarity and precision of the audio, making every detail of the music or movie soundtrack more lifelike and engaging.

Advanced Crossover Design

The Reference 5 Meta utilises a sophisticated crossover network that ensures a seamless transition between the drivers, resulting in a balanced and natural sound. The crossover is designed with high-quality components to maintain signal integrity, allowing the speaker to deliver pristine sound with high accuracy across the frequency spectrum. The careful design and precision engineering of the crossover contribute to the Reference 5's ability to reproduce complex audio signals with clarity and depth.

Constrained Layer Damping (CLD) Cabinet

The Reference 5's cabinet is built with Constrained Layer Damping (CLD) technology, which reduces unwanted vibrations and cabinet resonance. This advanced construction technique involves layering materials with different damping properties to absorb vibrations, allowing the drivers to operate without interference from the cabinet. The result is a cleaner sound with greater detail and accuracy, free from coloration that can be introduced by vibrating enclosures.

Flexible Port Technology

To fine-tune the bass response, the Reference 5 Meta is equipped with flexible ports that can be adjusted to suit the room's acoustics. These ports are designed to minimise resonance, ensuring that the bass remains tight and controlled regardless of the speaker's placement. This flexibility allows the Reference 5 to deliver optimal performance in various listening environments, from large open spaces to more confined rooms.

Luxurious Design and Finishes

The KEF Reference 5 Meta is not only an auditory masterpiece but also a visual one. The speaker is available in a range of luxurious finishes, including Satin Walnut, Piano Black, and High-Gloss White, each meticulously applied to enhance its aesthetic appeal. The front baffle is precision-machined, adding to the speaker's sophisticated appearance while also contributing to its acoustic performance. The attention to detail in the design and finish of the Reference 5 reflects KEF's commitment to 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.