KEF Reference 1 Meta

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.

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: 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone

Frequency range free field (-6dB)
Short port: 40Hz -45kHz
Long port: 37Hz - 45kHz

Frequency range typical in room bass response (-6dB)
30Hz

Frequency response (±3dB)
45Hz – 35kHz

Crossover frequency
450 Hz, 2.1 kHz

Amplifier requirements
50 - 200W

Sensitivity (2.83V/1m)
85dB

Harmonic distortion 2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)
<0.5% 40Hz – 100kHz
<0.2% 200Hz – 2kHz
<0.1% 2kHz - 20kHz

Maximum output (peak sound pressure level at 1m with pink noise)
111dB

Impedance
4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)

Weight
18.2 kg (40.1 lbs.)

Dimensions (H x W x D)(with grille and terminal)
440 x 205 x 422 mm(17.3 x 8.1 x 16.6 in.)

Dimensions (H x W x D)(with grille, terminal & plinth)
N/A