KEF has refreshed its high-performance R Series speaker range for 2023 with a range of new units to hit the ground running.
KEF is known for building premium audio products that deliver high-end sound such as KEF LS50 Wireless II stereo speakers According to KEF, the seven R-Series speakers are “engineered to deliver superior performance with more detail, deeper insight and greater excitement.”
This is thanks to a number of technical upgrades, including a refined tweeter gap damper to tame resonances for improved detail, a flexible decoupling chassis to prevent unwanted vibration and deliver better quality, and hybrid aluminum bass drivers for a better performance larger driver excursion, resulting in a deep and controlled bass.
But the standout feature here is a new breed of technology that KEF calls Metamaterial Absorption Technology, a “maze-like structure” inside each speaker that allows channels to absorb specific frequencies.
According to KEF, this creates “an acoustic black hole” that can absorb 99% of unwanted sound from the back of the speaker’s tweeter. The result is less distortion, promising pure acoustic performance with incredibly natural sound.
There are seven speakers to choose from, catering to a range of preferences. The R11 Meta, R7 Meta and R5 Meta are floorstanding speakers and the R3 Meta is designed to be placed on a bookshelf or on stands. They all deliver high-fidelity stereo sound and are designed for use in different rooms. According to KEF, these are characterized by depth and detail. The R6 Meta and R2 Meta are center speakers for a home theater setup that deliver clear dialogue and are built to work well in a range of rooms.
If you’re looking for Dolby Atmos support, check out the R8 Meta Surround speaker, which can be wall mounted or placed on top of another R Series speaker to deliver immersive sound.
All the speakers in the range have the contemporary, sleek design that we’ve come to expect from KEF. There are three finishes to choose from: Black Gloss, White Gloss and Walnut. But two signature finish options will also land later in the year: a Titanium Gloss Special Edition for the R7 Meta and the Indigo Gloss Special Edition for the R3 Meta.
The KEF R Series is available now, but you’ll have to wait until summer 2023 for the Special Edition to be ready.
KEF R Series Pricing:
Why you can trust TechRadar
Our experts spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Learn more about how we test.
- R11 meta: £5,500 / $3,250 each
- R7 meta: £4,000 / $2,500 each
- R5 meta: £3,000 / $2,000 each
- R3 meta: £1,900 / $2,200 per pair
- R6 meta: £1,600 / $2,000 apiece
- R2 meta: £1,200 / $1,400 each
- R8 meta: £1,400 / $1,600 per pair
