The benchmark of HiFi speakers
The flagship of The Reference Series is the model that all other high-performance loudspeakers compare themselves against. Now with the extraordinarily capable 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™, Reference 5 Meta exemplifies the passion for innovation that underpins KEF’s design philosophy.
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The benchmark of benchmarks
Since 1973, The Reference has continually set the benchmark for loudspeakers and sound reproduction. Pioneering the use of digital technologies to achieve the highest audio accuracy, every pair can be matched within 0.5dB to the laboratory-maintained reference standard.
Always innovating
Since the first Reference speaker, KEF engineers have continued to innovate using what is possible with The Reference. Ground-breaking in its first incarnation, each subsequent iteration of The Reference has added to the world’s knowledge of the science of acoustics.
Designed, engineered and handcrafted in UK
Since 1961, we have been creating remarkable award-winning loudspeakers at our UK home in Maidstone, Kent. As our flagship HiFi speakers, The Reference is still being designed, engineered, and handcrafted in Maidstone today.
Listen and believe
The proof is in the listening. Hearing The Reference in all its glory is the only way to appreciate exactly what this loudspeaker is capable of.
EXPLORE MOREThe Details
SPECIFICATIONS
Design
Three-way bass reflex
Drive units
Uni-Q driver array:
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT
MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone
Bass units:
LF: 4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT
MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone
Bass units:
LF: 4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone
Frequency range free field (-6dB)
Short port: 35Hz - 45kHz
Long port: 32Hz - 45kHz
Long port: 32Hz - 45kHz
Frequency range typical in room bass response (-6dB)
25Hz
Frequency response (±3dB)
40Hz – 35kHz
Crossover frequency
450 Hz, 2.1 kHz
Amplifier requirements
50 - 400W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m)
88dB
Harmonic distortion 2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)
<0.5% 40Hz – 100kHz
<0.2% 200Hz – 2kHz
<0.1% 2kHz - 20kHz
<0.2% 200Hz – 2kHz
<0.1% 2kHz - 20kHz
Maximum output (peak sound pressure level at 1m with pink noise)
116dB
Impedance
4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)
Weight
60.2 kg (132.7 lbs.)
Dimensions (H x W x D)(with grille and terminal)
1350 x 205 x 462 mm(53.1 x 8.1 x 18.2 in.)
Dimensions (H x W x D)(with grille, terminal & plinth)
1402 x 323 x 467 mm(55.2 x 12.7 x 18.4 in.)
AWARDS & REVIEWS
hi-fi+ Editor's Choice 25th Anniversary Winner Award
"The Reference 5 Meta showed a revealing and powerful ability to portray key elements of music." - April 2024
FULL REVIEW
HiFi PLUS
"This is clearly a special loudspeaker, one that breaks down barriers between artist and listener." - MAY 2022
FULL REVIEW
HiFi NEWS
"Sleek and elegant these big speakers may be, but they’ll take – and deliver – some serious level, too, making them just as adept when rocking out as they are portraying the most elegant of ‘audiophile’ recordings." - June 2023
FULL REVIEWPlease visit our Product Support page for more details. KEF reserves the right, in line with continuing research and development, to amend or change specifications. E&OE.
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