Description
KEF Reference 3 Meta Floorstanding Loudspeaker
The Benchmark of HiFi Speakers, Condensed
The KEF Reference 3 Meta is a three-way floorstanding loudspeaker that distils the full acoustic philosophy and technological capability of KEF’s legendary Reference Series into a form capable of delivering a sensational soundstage for a wide range of listeners and listening rooms. Since 1973, The Reference has continually set the benchmark for loudspeaker design and sound reproduction, pioneering the use of digital technologies to achieve the highest audio accuracy and adding to the world’s knowledge of acoustic science with each successive generation. At the heart of the Reference 3 Meta sits the 12th Generation Uni-Q driver array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology, the latest and most advanced expression of the technology that has defined KEF’s approach to loudspeaker design for over half a century. Designed, engineered, and handcrafted at KEF’s home in Maidstone, Kent, every pair of Reference 3 Meta speakers can be matched within 0.5dB of the laboratory-maintained reference standard.
12th Generation Uni-Q with Metamaterial Absorption Technology
The 12th Generation Uni-Q driver array positions a 25mm aluminium dome tweeter with Metamaterial Absorption Technology at the acoustic centre of a 125mm aluminium cone midrange driver, allowing both to radiate from a single acoustic point source for inherent time alignment, phase coherence, and a listening sweet spot of exceptional breadth and consistency. MAT absorbs unwanted rearward sound energy from the tweeter that would otherwise introduce coloration into the acoustic output, delivering a purity and transparency that sets the Reference 3 Meta apart from any loudspeaker not benefitting from this technology. The result is a midrange and high-frequency presentation of extraordinary naturalness, resolution, and spatial precision, crossing over to the bass drivers at 450Hz and 2.1kHz for a seamless transition across the full frequency range.
Dual Bass Drivers for Reference-Level Low-Frequency Performance
Two 165mm aluminium cone bass drivers provide the Reference 3 Meta with the low-frequency authority, extension, and control expected of a Reference-series loudspeaker. With a selectable port configuration offering a frequency range of 38Hz to 45kHz with the short port or 35Hz to 45kHz with the long port, and a typical in-room bass response of 28Hz at minus 6dB, the Reference 3 Meta delivers bass of genuine depth and scale without sacrificing the precision and timing that define the Reference sound. Harmonic distortion is held below 0.5% from 40Hz to 100kHz, below 0.2% from 200Hz to 2kHz, and below 0.1% from 2kHz to 20kHz, reflecting the extraordinary linearity that KEF’s Reference engineering demands throughout the frequency range. Maximum output reaches 113.5dB, and the Reference 3 Meta is recommended for use with amplifiers rated between 50 and 300 watts.
Designed, Engineered, and Handcrafted in the United Kingdom
Since 1961, KEF has been creating award-winning loudspeakers at its UK home in Maidstone, Kent, and the Reference 3 Meta continues this tradition as a product that is designed, engineered, and handcrafted in the United Kingdom with the care and precision that the Reference name demands. Available in five distinctive finish combinations including High-Gloss White with Champagne, High-Gloss White with Blue, Satin Walnut with Silver, High-Gloss Black with Grey, and High-Gloss Black with Copper, the Reference 3 Meta is as visually distinguished as it is acoustically accomplished, a loudspeaker that commands attention in any listening room.
KEY FEATURES:
- Three-way bass reflex floorstanding loudspeaker, designed, engineered, and handcrafted in Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom
- 12th Generation Uni-Q driver array: 25mm aluminium dome tweeter with MAT and 125mm aluminium cone midrange driver
- Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) for exceptional sonic purity and elimination of unwanted tweeter rearward energy
- Twin 165mm aluminium cone bass drivers for deep, controlled, and authoritative low-frequency performance
- Crossover frequencies: 450Hz and 2.1kHz
- Frequency response: 43Hz to 35kHz (plus or minus 3dB)
- Selectable port configuration: short port 38Hz to 45kHz, long port 35Hz to 45kHz (minus 6dB)
- Typical in-room bass response: 28Hz (minus 6dB)
- Harmonic distortion: below 0.5% from 40Hz to 100kHz, below 0.2% from 200Hz to 2kHz, below 0.1% from 2kHz to 20kHz
- Sensitivity: 86dB (2.83V/1m), maximum output: 113.5dB
- Nominal impedance: 4 ohms (minimum 3.2 ohms)
- Recommended amplifier power: 50 to 300 watts
- Every pair matched within 0.5dB of the laboratory-maintained KEF reference standard
- Available in High-Gloss White/Champagne, High-Gloss White/Blue, Satin Walnut/Silver, High-Gloss Black/Grey, and High-Gloss Black/Copper
- Dimensions with grille and plinth: H 1207 x W 323 x D 467mm, weight: 51.3kg per unit
