The latest development to mark the manufacturer’s 50th anniversary, the R Series from KEF ‘seeks to make higher-audio audiophile standards of sound reproduction more affordable’.
The new Uni-Q MF/HF driver array ensures that midrange response is ‘fast and clean’, thanks to a braced magnesium/aluminium alloy cone, with KEF’s Z-flex surround smoothing the transition to the front panel and a sturdy, decoupled, die-cast aluminium chassis that prevents resonance being transferred to the cabinet.
At the acoustic centre of the midrange cone is the same vented tweeter found in the KEF Blade. With a large neodymium magnet and a computer-optimised dome structure, the upper registers are said to be articulated with precision. To capitalise on Uni-Q’s point source characteristics, KEF’s ‘tangerine’ waveguide helps to disperse the higher frequencies evenly across a wider angle to flood the room with an intricate and natural soundfield.
The new bass driver combines a vented magnet assembly and a large, lightweight aluminium voice coil, with the hybrid cone assuring deep and uncompressed bass output with ‘excellent dynamics and power handling’.
Computer-designed crossover and constrained layer damping panels that prevent cabinet vibration from muddying the mid-range and bass are among the elements to be found inside the cabinets, which are available in a choice of highly polished Piano Black and satin real wood veneer finishes in Rosewood or Walnut.
A total of nine models are available, including three floorstanders, two bookshelf speakers, two centre channels, dipole surrounds and twin-driver 500W subwoofer.
