KEF’s new Dolby Atmos speakers include an ‘acoustic black hole’ for better sound

KEF has refreshed its premium R-series speaker range with a new set of devices for 2023. The line-up features audio engineering upgrades to deliver superior stereo or home theater sound, whether you want a new set of speakers that fit on a bookshelf or on the stand on the floor.

KEF is known for building high-quality audio products that deliver high-quality sound, such as the KEF LS50 Wireless II stereo speakers. KEF says the seven speakers in the R Series range are “designed to deliver superior performance with more detail, deeper insight and more excitement.”

This is thanks to a number of technical upgrades, including a refined tweeter gap damper to tame resonances for improved detail, a flexible decoupling chassis to prevent unwanted vibrations and deliver better quality, and hybrid aluminum bass drivers for greater driver excursion , resulting in deep and controlled bass.

But the standout feature here is a new kind of technology KEF calls Metamaterial Absorption Technology, a “maze-like structure” inside each speaker where channels can absorb specific frequencies.

KEF says this creates “an acoustic black hole” that can absorb 99% of unwanted noise from the back of the speaker’s tweeter. The result is less distortion, promising a pure acoustic performance with an incredibly natural sound.

There are seven speakers to choose from to suit a range of preferences. The R11 Meta, R7 Meta and R5 Meta are floorstanding speakers and the R3 Meta is built for bookcase or stand placement. They all deliver high-fidelity stereo sound and are designed to work in a variety of spaces. KEF says these excel in depth and detail. The R6 Meta and R2 Meta are center speakers for a home theater setup, deliver clear dialogue and are built to work well in a variety of rooms.

If you’re looking for Dolby Atmos support, check out the R8 Meta surround speaker, which can be wall mounted or placed on top of another R Series speaker for immersive sound.

All speakers in the range have a contemporary, stylish design that we’ve come to expect from KEF. There is a choice of three finishes: Black Gloss, White Gloss and Walnut. But later in the year there will also be two signature finish options: a Titanium Gloss Special Edition for the R7 Meta and the Indigo Gloss Special Edition for R3 Meta.

The KEF R-Series is out now, but you’ll have to wait until summer 2023 for the special edition to end.

KEF R Series Prices:

• R11 Meta: £5,500 / $3,250 each
• R7 Meta: £4,000 / $2,500 each
• R5 Meta: £3,000 / $2,000 each
• R3 Meta: £1,900 / $2,200 per pair
• R6 Meta: £1,600 / $2,000 per Unit
• R2 Meta: £1,200 / $1,400 each
• R8 Meta: £1,400 / $1,600 per pair