KEF Reference 8b Subwoofer

£6,000.00

The KEF Reference 8b Subwoofer is a standout performer in the world of high-end audio, offering a combination of power, precision, and elegance that is unmatched. Its dual force-canceling drivers, twin 500W amplifiers, and advanced DSP control make it capable of delivering deep, accurate bass that enhances any audio system. The inclusion of Intelligent Bass Extension (iBX) technology ensures that the subwoofer is always perfectly tuned, providing consistent performance in any listening environment. Whether you're an audiophile looking to enhance your music listening experience or a home theater enthusiast seeking the ultimate in bass performance, the KEF Reference 8b is the perfect addition to your audio setup. Its sleek design and luxurious finishes make it a beautiful addition to any room, while its advanced technology ensures that it delivers the kind of performance that KEF's Reference series is known for.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Response: 24Hz at 90dB
Inputs: RCA phono sockets, Analog XLR socket, Speaker level inputs
Amplifier Type: 2 x 500W Class D with switched mode power supply and DSP based control section
Power Consumption: 1000W
Drive Units: 2 x 225mm drive units
Dimensions (H x W x D): 398mm x 365mm x 429mm
Weight: 34 kg

Performance and Application

The KEF Reference 8b Subwoofer is engineered to deliver exceptional low-frequency performance across a wide range of applications. Its dual force-canceling drivers and powerful amplifiers make it capable of reproducing deep, impactful bass that enhances both music and movie soundtracks. The iBX technology and advanced DSP control ensure that the subwoofer can be fine-tuned to suit any listening environment, providing consistent performance regardless of the room's acoustics.

In a home theater setup, the Reference 8b excels at delivering the kind of bass that makes action scenes more immersive and soundtracks more dynamic. The subwoofer's ability to reproduce low frequencies with precision and control ensures that every explosion, rumble, and bassline is felt as well as heard, adding a new dimension to your viewing experience.

For music listening, the Reference 8b provides the depth and punch needed to fully appreciate genres like electronic, rock, and orchestral music. The subwoofer's advanced technology ensures that the bass is always tight and controlled, complementing the midrange and high frequencies without overpowering them. Whether you're listening to vinyl records, streaming music, or enjoying a high-resolution audio file, the Reference 8b enhances the overall sound quality, making your music more engaging and enjoyable.

Dual 9-inch Force-Cancelling Drivers

At the heart of the Reference 8b are two 9-inch bass drivers that are force-canceling, meaning they are mounted back-to-back and operate in sync. This configuration ensures that vibrations are canceled out, allowing for deep, clean bass without unwanted resonance or distortion. The result is bass that is both powerful and controlled, adding depth to your audio without muddying the sound.

Twin 500W Class D Amplifiers

To drive the dual bass drivers, the Reference 8b is equipped with two 500-watt Class D amplifiers. These high-efficiency amplifiers deliver a combined 1,000 watts of power, ensuring that the subwoofer can handle even the most demanding audio tracks with ease. The amplifiers are designed to provide rapid response and minimal distortion, delivering accurate and impactful bass that complements the rest of your audio system.

Intelligent Bass Extension (iBX) Technology

KEF's Intelligent Bass Extension (iBX) technology is a key feature of the Reference 8b, optimising the subwoofer's performance for different listening environments. This technology dynamically adjusts the bass response, extending the low-end frequencies to provide deeper bass while maintaining clarity and precision. Whether you're listening to music or watching a movie, iBX ensures that the bass is always perfectly tuned to enhance your experience.

Advanced DSP Control

The Reference 8b utilises advanced digital signal processing (DSP) to fine-tune the subwoofer's performance. The DSP allows for precise control over the subwoofer's output, ensuring that the bass is always balanced and free from distortion. This level of control allows the Reference 8b to integrate seamlessly with any audio system, providing consistent performance regardless of room acoustics or audio content.

Elegant Design and Build Quality

In addition to its technical prowess, the Reference 8b is also a stunning piece of industrial design. The subwoofer is housed in a beautifully crafted cabinet that is available in a range of luxurious finishes, including Piano Black and Satin Walnut. The cabinet is designed not only for aesthetics but also for acoustic performance, with bracing and damping techniques used to minimise resonance and ensure that the drivers operate without interference.

Flexible Placement Options

The Reference 8b is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing it to be placed in a variety of locations within a room without compromising performance. The force-canceling driver configuration means that the subwoofer can be placed near walls or in corners without causing unwanted vibrations or resonance. This flexibility makes it easier to integrate the Reference 8b into your home theater or audio setup, regardless of the room's layout.

Easy Integration with KEF's Reference Series

The Reference 8b is designed to complement KEF's Reference series speakers, providing a cohesive and immersive audio experience. Whether paired with floorstanding speakers like the Reference 5 Meta or bookshelf speakers like the Reference 1 Meta, the 8b enhances the overall soundstage by adding depth and impact to the low frequencies. The subwoofer's advanced technology ensures that it blends seamlessly with the other speakers, providing a unified and balanced sound.

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.