THE REFERENCE
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THE REFERENCE T H E S TA N DA R D B Y W H I C H OT H E R S A R E J U D G E D, A N D TO W H I C H THEY ASPIRE.

“A description was needed to convey the idea that every loudspeaker is subject to scrutiny at all stages of assembly, culminating in a final test comparison with a laboratory maintained reference standard. Hence the method became the name: Reference.” — Laurie Fincham, Engineering Director 1968 -1991 The Reference: the standard by which others are judged, and to which they aspire. The perfect reproduction of recorded sound is what KEF’s legendary Reference Series has always stood for. And after for ty years of continuous innovation and development, The Reference has lived up to its name as...

KEF Uni-Q driver array The list of KEF’s acoustic design patents and innovations is unequalled. The use of sophisticated computer modelling techniques, like finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics for example, to the point that today KEF engineers even write their own software. Or pioneering new aerospace materials such as neodymium magnet systems, and new processes, such as the ultra-strong laminated aluminium / resin composite for The Reference front baffle. The Uni-Q driver array remains one of the great breakthroughs in loudspeaker design, but it’s far from alone –...

Head of Acoustics, Dr Jack Oclee-Brown and Senior Acoustics Engineer, George Perkins

With six models encompassing two elegant three-way floorstanders, a formidable three-way bookshelf speaker, two three-way centre channels and an awesome 1000-watt subwoofer, The Reference range combines phenomenal high-fidelity performance with complete multi-channel versatility. And as you’d expect, they all exude the sense of sheer quality that comes from being hand-built by KEF’s master technicians in Maidstone, Kent. Whether for a traditional speaker system or multi-channel home theatre set-up, you’ll experience performances of such star tling realism, you feel like you’re there....

BASS DRIVERS At the hear t of The Reference is a stunning new iteration of what is arguably the greatest innovation in the history of modern loudspeaker design: KEF’s ‘point source’ Uni-Q MF/HF driver array. With a state-of-the-ar t 25mm (1 inch) vented aluminium dome tweeter at the exact acoustic centre of a highly sophisticated 125mm (5 inch) midrange driver, both act as a single source that floods the listening space evenly with a flawless natural soundfield, no matter where you sit. For capturing all the subtleties of the human voice, whether whispered, spoken or sung, the effect is...

The Reference drivers are set in a smooth, strikingly distinctive front baffle. Made from an exceptionally strong laminated aluminium and resin composite, formed in a press under extreme temperatures, it adds tremendous rigidity to the cabinet structure.   he baffle also has an acoustic T damping function, being connected resiliently to the cabinet via high-loss pads and secured by high tensile bolts. First seen on the multi-award winning LS50, the innovative flexible por t technology that so magnificently extends the bass of   he Reference also allows T you to fine-tune low frequency...

CABINET DESIGN Imperceptible. That’s how the acoustic transition between each driver should be for per fect sound reproduction. Nothing less – and it takes enormous skill and experience to achieve. Having analysed each driver’s phase and frequency response, KEF engineers designed and computer-modelled the ideal crossover networks for The Reference before exhaustively testing and auditioning ever y high grade component, individually and in concer t, to select those with the lowest distor tion and the smoothest response. Because the human ear hears things that computers don’t, months of...

Performance plinth and spike set To prevent any vestigial cabinet vibrations from being transmitted through the floor of the listening area, the Reference 3 and 5 are solidly grounded on a Performance plinth and spike set developed with characteristic KEF attention to detail. T he precision  engineered plinth has a built-in spirit level, and the spike sets are cleverly designed for ease of adjustment, with the screws neatly concealed by a smar t machined cap. These refinements are also found on the bespoke Performance stands available for the Reference 1, with the addition of a discreet...

If you’re serious about experiencing the ultimate in sound reproduction, the magnificently authoritative Reference 5 exemplifies the passion for innovation that underpins T he Reference design   philosophy. A tall three-way floorstander, it aligns four powerful, extremely linear 165mm (6.5 inch) bass drivers – two above and two below KEF’s latest Uni-Q point source driver array, with the sweetly natural-sounding new 25mm (1 inch) vented aluminium dome tweeter at the acoustic centre of the sophisticated new 125mm (5 inch) midrange cone. With KEF’s ‘tangerine’ segmented waveguide acting like...

Sharing the design DNA of Reference 5, Reference 3 has the same uncanny ability to generate an intricate, emotionally compelling three-dimensional soundstage that places you right at the hear t of the original performance. A three-way design, the two 165mm (6.5 inch) bass drivers are perfectly positioned above and below KEF’s latest Uni-Q point source driver array in what’s known as a D'Appolito configuration. Fidelity across the midrange and treble is outstanding, with a smooth, flat on-axis frequency response and balanced response in other directions. Together with Uni-Q’s broad,  ...

As KEF’s iconic LS50 demonstrates, the clever application of innovative technology means that you don’t need a big cabinet to enjoy expansive, premium quality sound. Reference 1 extends this principle even fur ther. A three-way design of jaw-dropping performance capabilities, it incorporates all the groundbreaking innovations pioneered for the remarkable little LS50, and then some. Pairing the latest and most sophisticated incarnation of KEF’s 125mm (5 inch) Uni-Q MF/HF driver array with the sensational new 165mm (6.5 inch) aluminium cone bass driver, it creates a compellingly realistic...