Reference 5 Meta Floorstanding Speakers

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.

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 quality bass
The Reference’s 165mm (6.5 inch) low frequency driver perfectly complements the new 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array. Smart engineering and meticulous attention to detail enables the bass to blend seamlessly with the immaculate midrange and treble.

Engineered to be flexible
The Reference speakers are welcomingly undemanding in terms of positioning and are easy to fine-tune for your listening area by using KEF’s innovative Flexible Port Technology.

The smallest details, revealed
Shadow Flare drastically reduces harmful cabinet diffraction, allowing Uni-Q® to work at its highest level. A precision-designed surface extends the waveguide effect of Uni-Q® for improved clarity, particularly when it comes to the subtle nuances of plucked strings and other percussive sounds.

Computer-modelled cabinet
The Reference’s cabinets are designed using finite element analysis to determine the ideal shape and bracing geometry to minimise secondary radiation. Constrained Layer Damping is then applied to turn what little vibration is left into heat.

Finished to Perfection
The expertly engineered cabinets are finished in a sumptuous high-gloss or richly detailed, pair-matched wood veneer to complement the strikingly distinctive front baffle. Five finishes are available, a combination of three cabinet finishes and five drive unit colours: Satin Walnut/Silver, High-Gloss Black/Copper, High-Gloss Black/Grey, High-Gloss White/Blue, and High-Gloss White/Champagne.

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.

Experience The Reference
The proof is in the listening. Hearing The Reference in all its glory is the only way to appreciate exactly what these loudspeakers are capable of.

Technical Specification:

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

Frequency range free field (-6dB): Short port: 35Hz -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

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.)