KEF Unveils 8th-Generation Q-Series Loudspeakers

(Editorial note: The AVguide.com news desk today received word from the British speaker manufacturer KEF that the firm will soon release its all-new, eighth-generation family of Q-series loudspeakers. Many regard the Q-series models as the “bread and butter” heart of the entire KEF product lineup. We present, below, the text of the KEF press release along with an image of the new Q-series family.).
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KEF Unveils All New Redesigned Q Series

A Box Speaker like No Other, Eighth Generation KEF Q Series Utilizes Technology Developed for the Concept Blade Loudspeaker Project

Marlboro, N.J. – September 15, 2010 – KEF, the renowned manufacturer of innovative, reference-quality loudspeakers, has introduced the eighth generation of its renowned Q Series loudspeakers. The all new Q Series box speaker range offers a quantum leap in sonic performance due to the clean sheet design which incorporates technology originally developed for the Concept Blade loudspeaker. Established in the early 1990s, the Q Series has become one of KEF’s most important product series worldwide.

“The completely re-engineered Q Series, featuring the perfect blend of aesthetic elegances and superior sound performance, provides listeners with the high end audio experience they have come to expect from the KEF brand,” said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “For nearly two decades, the Q Series has been regarded as one of the finest box loudspeakers on the market and this latest evolution is certain to enhance its legacy among audio enthusiasts.”

At the heart of the all new KEF Q Series is the very latest Uni-Q ® driver array, derived from the acclaimed KEF Concept Blade project. This new driver array embraces a new, larger, high performance vented tweeter mounted at the acoustic center of a new metal cone LF/MF Driver and gives the new range the sonic capability of much more expensive speakers. The flagship floor-standing speaker, the Q900, is the first Q Series speaker in 19 years that features a brand new 8” Uni-Q driver accompanied by an 8” aluminum LF driver and two 8” ABR’s. The new lineup also features the return of a dipole speaker, the weighty Q800ds, as well as a 10” front firing 200-W built-in Class D subwoofer with matching finishes, the Q400.

Like the Uni-Q array, the new Q Series’ advanced bass driver is a tour de force in its own right. A die-cast aluminum chassis rigidly locates the high efficiency vented magnet assembly to prevent unwanted resonance and the large 50mm voice coil ensures impressive power handling and output levels. This is complemented on the three floor-standing speaker models by dedicated front-firing auxiliary bass radiators (ABRs) which eliminate the midrange resonances produced by conventional reflex ports.

There are nine speakers in the new KEF Q Series, making for simple and flexible system building with a particular emphasis on home theater systems—easily assembled to suit any room, set-up or budget

Attendees to CEDIA Expo 2010, held September 23-26 in Atlanta, Ga., will have the exclusive first look and demos of the new Q Series by visiting the KEF America booth, #536.