KEF’s New Q Series Meta Raise the Bar with MAT Starting at $600/pair – Twittering Machines

Metamaterial Absorption Technology. That’s what MAT stands for.

Why is MAT important?

From KEF:

MAT is a highly complex maze-like structure, in which each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency. When combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound. This eliminates distortion for a purer, more natural sound.

KEF’s entry level Q Series features the company’s latest 12th generation Uni-Q driver array and is comprised of 8 models including 3 bookshelf (Q1 Meta – $600/pair, Q3 Meta – $800/pair, Q Concerto Meta – $1300/pair), 2 floorstanders (Q7 Meta – $900/each, Q11 Meta – $1100/each), a center channel (Q6 Meta – $800/each), an on wall (Q4 Meta/each), and an atmosphere adding Atmos surrounds (Q8 Meta – $800/pair).

The new KEF Q Series Meta come in Satin White, Walnut, Satin Black.

Here’s the complete press release from KEF that includes available dates for each model:

KEF Introduces the Q Series with MAT^TM
The new successor to the award-winning Q Series Family
Making high-fidelity audio experiences more accessible and versatile.

Marlboro, NJ – September 26, 2024: For over 60 years, KEF has been revolutionising the way we experience sound, from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Now, KEF is redefining soundscapes with the latest generation of Q Series featuring Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT^TM), offering an elevated and versatile listening experience. This new lineup, born from the award-winning Q Series, brings high-fidelity sound to more people than ever before, combining a sleek, modern design with cutting-edge technology.

The comprehensive lineup of eight speakers is designed to suit the needs of those looking to elevate their at-home audio experience through stereo or multi-channel home theatre, whether enthralled in an action-packed film or getting lost in a symphony, the transparent and lifelike sound offers an immersive audio experience.

AWARD-WINNING REVOLUTIONARY SOUND ABSORPTION WITH MAT^TM

Pivotal to the new Q Series is the integration of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT^TM), a revolutionary innovation that takes the performance of the latest 12th generation Uni-Q driver array to another level in terms of accuracy and clarity. MAT is a highly complex maze-like structure, in which each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency. When combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound. This eliminates distortion for a purer, more natural sound.

The latest 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, redesigned with MAT^TM, is found in all eight models of the Q Series and delivers an incredibly detailed performance. It’s the result of decades of accumulated in-house knowledge and the application of cutting-edge simulation and analysis tools. The developments are many, and all play a part in Q Series’ exceptional performance.

The Uni-Q driver array has been redesigned to maximise the performance improvements that MAT^TM delivers. From the conical waveguide that couples the tweeter dome to the metamaterial absorber has been specially designed for the driver based on its depth, to the re-engineered tweeter gap damper strategically placed two rings of porous material to tame the resonances and imperfections greatly improving detail and clarity. These are some of the innovations that combine to ensure the Q Series sounds more transparent and lifelike than ever.

ENHANCED DESIGN

For improved detail and clarity, specific models within the Q Series range have been upgraded from a 2.5-way to a 3-way speaker design. These speakers include the Q11 Meta, Q7 Meta, Q Concerto Meta, and Q6 Meta. This updated configuration separates the frequency ranges, with the Uni-Q driver handling the high and midrange frequencies, and a newly designed bass driver dedicated to the low frequencies management giving listeners a deep and clean bass.

A VERSATILE RANGE

Primed to deliver a captivating audio experience, the eight distinct models in the Q Series range extends from two 3-way floor-standing models – the Q11 Meta and Q7 Meta – both of which provide refined detail and powerful bass to bring your music to life. Featuring a more compact design, the Q series provides a selection of bookshelf speakers including the 3-way Q Concerto Meta, the first three-way bookshelf speaker in the Q Series and revival of the classic KEF Concerto 1969, sharing the same concept of making high-fidelity sound more accessible to more people, as well as featuring the compact Q3 Meta and Q1 Meta models.

The first on-wall speaker in the Q Series range, the high performance Q4 Meta can be used as an LCR (left, centre, right) or surround speaker for a more expansive soundscape without taking up any floor space. The Q6 Meta can also be used in an LCR configuration, featuring the same Uni-Q driver as the main speakers, providing a perfect tonal match and a seamless soundstage. The Q8 Meta can be placed upon another main speaker for Dolby Atmos height to bounce sound off the ceiling, bringing Dolby Atmos to the room effortlessly for genuine 3D results as well as serve as a surround-sound speaker with its integrated wall mount feature.

Whether installed in a spacious living room or a cosy corner, the diversity of form factors and capabilities within the Q Series allows you to curate your desired HiFi set up to suit your space and listening preferences, from music to movies and gaming. If the listeners wish to dial up the bass for a fully immersive listening experience, pair the Q Series with KEF subwoofers for even more extraordinary impact.

CONTEMPORARY MINIMALIST HI-FI SPEAKERS

The Q Series speakers feature a contemporary minimalist design with a satin finish that offers a premium, subtle glow. Available in Satin Black, Satin White, and Walnut finishes with carefully selected colour driver units, they are designed to blend effortlessly into any interior. Dedicated grilles are included with the speakers, providing the option to protect the drivers if needed. These colour-matched grilles maintain the cohesive aesthetic, while the magnetic fixing provides a secure and precise fit, in keeping with the clean and seamless styling of the Q Series.

Availability will be as follows:

Q Concerto Meta – Available from September 26th, as part of myKEF’s member early access exclusive
Q11 Meta, Q7 Meta, Q3 Meta, Q1 Meta, Q6 Meta, Q8 Meta – Available from October 10th
Q4 Meta, SQ1 Floor stand, PQ1 Plinth Spike Kit – Available from winter

The collection will range from $600-$2,200:

Q1 Meta – $600 Pair
Q3 Meta – $800 Pair
Q Concerto – $1300 Pair
Q6 Meta – $800 Each
Q7 Meta – $900 Each
Q11 Meta – $1100 Each
Q8 Meta – $800 Pair
Q4 Meta – $500 Each

For more information please visit us.kef.com.

ABOUT KEF

Since 1961, KEF has firmly established itself at the forefront of audio excellence. From the early adoption of synthetic materials to the pioneering Reference Series that now determines industry standard, a foundation of technological innovation, design, and craftsmanship has led the brand to produce bar-setting products in speaker design. Founded by BBC engineer Raymond Cooke, KEF is named after its original site, Kent Engineering and Foundry, and continues to manufacture and develop its signature pieces in Maidstone, Kent, UK. Committed to bringing a superior listening experience to audiophiles, the brand’s revolutionary collection of speakers and subwoofers has evolved to include wireless speaker-systems, portable speakers, and headphones – allowing KEF to bring high-fidelity sound to more people in their homes and on the move.