New KEF R series
- Thread starter nc42acc
- Start date
audio.bill
Active member
From what I've read they are a major advancement over the previous version of the R series, with over 1000 changes in production. Apparently the Uni-Q driver in the previous version was quite an old design and this brings it more in line with their Reference series. Of course the Reference series is still claimed to perform at an even higher level as you'd expect given the price differential. As far as finishes they're available in gloss black or white which are supposed to be exceptional in quality, as well as the walnut. I've read some user comments on the walnut which were less than favorable, saying that the color surrounding the drivers are almost pink in color. So if you're interested in the walnut finish I'd definitely suggest checking it out in person before ordering it. They do seem to offer an exceptional value if their sonics are up to expectations, with the TOTL R11 retailing for $5K per pair.
audio.bill
Active member
Marty - Sounds like a good fallback marketing strategy!
I just got back from hearing the new R11s at a Magnolia Design Center (standard Magnolias near me didn't have KEFs.) They had them in gloss black so I can't comment on the walnut finish, and I thought they sounded pretty good. I have to qualify any impressions by the fact that they were driving them through their matrix switcher being powered by a Rotel receiver, so the electronics were not at the level of what I'm accustomed to. Imaging was very stable and consistent as you'd expect with the Uni-Q driver, and from what I could tell the bit of sibilance or grain in the treble that I was sensitive to in the previous incarnation seems to have been eliminated given good source material. The cabinets are very well braced and non-resonant which is surprising given their pricing. Looks to be a very good value if their sonics are to your liking... please let us know your thoughts once you get them. Enjoy them in the best of health! :audiophile:
Randy Myers
Well-known member
Looks interesting.... I am very happy with my R700s and R400b. The R7 look to be very similar, maybe an updated version to my R700.
I know that KEF representatives have came to refer to the R series as the baby references. I know my R700's were of the exact design as the Reference 3's is size and configuration (a friend has a pair of the Ref 3's). The Ref 3's are certainly more refined but as a huge price difference.
I know that KEF representatives have came to refer to the R series as the baby references. I know my R700's were of the exact design as the Reference 3's is size and configuration (a friend has a pair of the Ref 3's). The Ref 3's are certainly more refined but as a huge price difference.
audio.bill
Active member
Correct Randy, the new R7 is the evolutionary speaker replacing the R700 in the lineup. There are over 1000 improvements incorporated in production of the new design which is a clear step forward, incorporating many of the refinements to the Uni-Q driver which were already in the Reference models. Of course there are also cabinet and crossover improvements and they were able to make all these improvements and only raise the R7's retail price by $100 each ($1,900).
audio.bill
Active member
Here's a nice overview of the changes incorporated in the new KEF R Series speakers from StereoLife.
Randy Myers
Well-known member
Interesting. Thanks for sharing the link. It also appears that they have not replaced the R Series subwoofer, keeping the R400b as the R Series sub. I am very satisfied with my R700s, so I can only imagine how the new models perform.
The R series is fantastic in that it allows for getting very close to the Reference series performance at a price range that working people (such as me) can afford!
The R series is fantastic in that it allows for getting very close to the Reference series performance at a price range that working people (such as me) can afford!