KEF Revolutionizes Two Iconic Lines

MARLBORO, N.J., May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- British loudspeaker manufacturer KEF has announced updates to two of its flagship speaker lines: the Blade Two, which grows the striking Blade family, and The Reference, the latest generation of the world-famous Reference line. Debuting today at the Munich High End Show, the new releases feature the stylistic and technological hallmarks of their forebears and deliver the superlative sound for which KEF has become legendary.

"The Reference and Blade Two are both logical extensions of classic KEF lines," says Johan Coorg, KEF's Global Brand Ambassador. "They're enhanced by new technologies and advanced materials that didn't exist previously, massively extending performance to fully realize the potential of contemporary music and movie formats. We want every note, every voice, every sound rendered exactly how it was intended to be heard."

About Blade Two

At the heart of the Blade Two system lies KEF's signature Uni-Q 'point source' driver array--a 25mm vented aluminium dome tweeter placed at the exact acoustic center of a sophisticated 125mm midrange driver, providing direction-agnostic high- and mid-range response that floods the listening space evenly with a flawless, natural sound field.

Blade Two incorporates four powerful 6.5" bass drivers, delivering distortion-free low frequency response, rendered beautifully despite the engineering challenges associated with their placement.

The parabolic curvature of Blade Two's high-density polyurethane enclosure increases cabinet rigidity and, with the drivers fully decoupled, sound is only generated from driver movement and not from the cabinet. Blade Two is smaller in height and depth than the original Blade: its size retains the integrity of the iconic visual design and the acoustic prowess while making placement within smaller environments easier.

About The Reference

The Reference system features the latest version of KEF's revolutionary Uni-Q driver, engineered to create high-frequency and middle-frequency performance from a single apparent source in the highest fidelity. The Reference also features 6.5" bass drivers, further enhancing its substantial low-end performance with an advanced 1000W subwoofer.

The Reference's distinctive front baffle is made from laminated aluminium and resin composite which is formed in extreme temperature and pressure to add rigidity to the cabinet structure and providing acoustic damping.

There are five Reference designs: a three-way bookshelf speaker, two formidable three-way floor standers, a three-way timbre-matched center channel, and the powerful twin-driver subwoofer, which utilizes KEF's ingenious 'force-cancelling' technology. This configuration allows both drive units to operate more effectively, giving noticeably greater definition to low frequency effects.

KEF's ambition with its new Blade Two and Reference Series in these latest iterations remains exactly what it has always been: to achieve the purest and most accurate reproduction of sound, and to perfectly capture the full emotional range of the original recorded performance.

KEF Blade Two – Selected Key Features for Editors

• Single Apparent Source Driver Configuration
• Latest iteration of the Uni-Q Driver Array and Tangerine Waveguide
• New Bass Technologies/4 Bass Units with Force Cancelling
• Distinctive Design with ultra-high density polyurethane Cabinet

Standard Finishes: Piano Black, Snow White, Racing Red, Warm Metallic Grey, Light Metallic Silver

Kent Engineering and Foundry Editions: Frosted Blue and Frosted Copper Black

Price: $24,000 / pair

Availability: August 2014

The Reference – Selected Key Features for Editors

• Superb new iteration of KEF's Uni-Q 'point source' driver array
• Brand new bass driver with large vented magnet assembly, and exceptionally light and rigid aluminium cone
• Distinctive and extremely rigid new baffle made from laminated aluminium and resin composite
• Innovative new port technology

Standard Wood Finishes: Deep Piano Black, Luxury Gloss Rosewood, Satin American Walnut

Kent Engineering and Foundry Edition finishes: Blue Ice White, Copper Black Aluminium

Available: May 2014

Suggested Retail Prices:

REFERENCE 1 Three-way bass reflex bookshelf – $7,500 /pair
REFERENCE 3 Three-way bass reflex floorstander -- $13,000 /pair
REFERENCE 5 Three-way bass reflex floorstander -- $18,000 /pair
REFERENCE Centre Three-way bass reflex centre channel -- $7,500 /piece
REFERENCE Subwoofer - $5,500 /piece

RELEASE ENDS/ Embargo/15 May 2014

About KEF

The company was founded in 1961 by Raymond Cooke OBE (1925–1995) and was initially headquartered in a Nissen Hut on the premises of Kent Engineering & Foundry (from where the name KEF is derived) – a metal-working company on the banks of the River Medway, near Maidstone in Kent. KEF's ethos has always been based on the continuing quest to find new and better ways of reproducing sound.  Since the company's establishment, KEF has maintained a flair for unusual and controversial speaker engineering, design and material use. KEF has always driven innovation in sound with examples including its iconic 'egg', Muon and Blade speakers. KEF is a member of Gold Peak Group and its products are available in more than 60 countries. In 2011, KEF celebrated its 50th anniversary and now the company continues its commitment to building on its strong heritage.

About KEF America, Inc.

KEF America, a division of KEF Audio, offers loyal North American audiophiles a line of innovative speakers and components unmatched in the industry for quality and innovation. Headquartered in Marlboro, New Jersey, KEF America shares the same guiding principles as its British counterpart: ground-breaking design, exceptional sound and an unshakeable commitment to excellence. For additional information about KEF and its award-winning products and unique technology, please visit www.kef.com.

All information provided is subject to change without notice. Any prices quoted are recommended retail and include VAT where applicable. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.  All rights reserved.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140514/87841

SOURCE KEF America, Inc.