KEF R11 Meta Speakers (Pair)

KEF R11 Meta speakers are the flagship floorstanders in the R series range, the largest model and next best thing to the KEF Reference 5 Meta speakers at a much lower price.

R11 Meta is the larger alternative to the R5 Meta and R7 Meta floorstanders and combine the latest version of the Uni-Q driver with metamaterial technology, with four bass drivers to deliver a refined yet powerfuls sound.

The cabinet uses Constrained Layer Damping bracing to damp any resonances. These speakers deliver earth shaking bass along with a refined and detailed mid and treble.

Metamaterial Absorption technology

All of the R Meta series use MAT (Metamaterial Absorption Technology). KEF worked in conjunction the Acoustic Metamaterials Group to develop MAT. In this case the Metamaterial is made of ABS plastic in a special form. It is a highly complex maze like structure made up of different sized channels, that each absorb a different frequency.

A shaped piece of this material is placed behind the tweeter to prevent any rear firing sound from causing distortion. The acoustic performance is thus, made more natural.Three finishes are available, black gloss, white gloss or walnut

Top Performance

The R11 has four 165mm bass units as well as the KEF Uni-Q driver array. The Uni-Q is essentially two speakers in one. They feature KEF’s unique Uni-Q driver (now in its 12th generation) with 25mm aluminium dome tweeter along with a 125mm midrange unit. The frequency range extends from 30hz to 50kHz with a power handling of 300W.

Bass Drivers

The bass drivers in the R11 have a two part structure. A lower paper cone has a concave aluminium skin bonded to it. As a result the structure is stiff and should resist warping and reduces resonances. Next, there is a new magnet system. This creates a more even magnetic field for lower distortion. The suspension has also been redesigned to reduce harmonic distortion even more. The result is clean and punchy bass with a detailed midrange and stunning highs.

Flexible Bass Ports

The R range have flexible bass ports that have flexible walls that reduce resonances and turbulence. This results in better bass as well as a cleaner sound further up the frequency range. Particularly in the important lower midrange area.

Shadow Flare

Another feature of the R series is the shadow flare. This is a ring around the drivers that reduces cabinet diffraction. Diffraction can cause distortion. Therefore, the shadow ring creates shadow zones that cancel out any diffraction. As a result clarity is improved. Subtle types of sound are enhanced, for example a plucked string.

Rigid Cabinet Design

R11 Meta has a cabinet design that uses Constrained Layer Damping bracing. The bracing is attached to the cabinet using a material that stops vibrations from propagating. Moreover the bracing results in a very inert platform. As a result the four bass drivers and Uni-Q driver have a solid vibration free mounting. This makes the sound very accurate and clean with no colouration.

KEF R series Meta

KEF are based in Britain and they make a range of professional, as well as domestic speakers. The R series is in the middle of the domestic speaker range. There are three floor standers as well as a stand mounted pair. There are also speakers for surround sound such as a centre and rear speaker, as well as a subwoofer. Now with Meta materials the R series are the best range we’ve ever heard.