Welcome to the world of KEF speakers, where engineering meets sonic perfection. If you’re on a quest for unrivalled sound clarity, transparency, and hi-fi performance that can elevate your audio experience to new heights, you’ve landed in the right place. In this in-depth guide, we’re taking you on a tour of the 13 best KEF speakers.

2. KEF LS50 Wireless II

The best KEF wireless speakers

Specifications:

• 5.25-inch Uni-Q driver array
• 45Hz – 28kHz frequency response
• Amplifier output power (per speaker) LF: 280W (Class D) HF: 100W (Class AB)
• 108dB maximum SPL
• Hi-res audio up to 24-bit/384kHz

Pros:

• Ideal replacement for traditional hi-fi systems
• Larger size for more robust sound
• Hassle-free wireless experience
• Blends seamlessly with modern décor
• Compatible with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, ROON Ready, Spotify Connect

Cons:

• Heavy speakers that are best placed on dedicated stands

The KEF LS50 Wireless II is a step up in both size and sound quality from the LSX II, making it an excellent choice for those who crave a fuller and more immersive listening experience. Building on the LSX II’s strengths, these speakers retain wireless connectivity options and the iconic Uni-Q driver array.

For those looking to replace a traditional hi-fi system, the LS50 Wireless II is a perfect candidate. It delivers room-filling sound and impressive audio quality without the need for complicated setups. Despite their wireless convenience and modern design, these speakers deliver exceptional audio performance that rivals traditional wired systems.

The LS50 Wireless II features an upgraded amplifier configuration with two modules per speaker, totalling four amplifier modules. This ingenious combination includes a Class D 280W amplifier for the low-frequency driver and a 100W Class AB amplifier for the high-frequency driver, offering the best of both technologies.

With a Uni-Q driver array consisting of a 5.25-inch aluminium mid/bass driver and a 1-inch vented aluminium dome tweeter, these speakers provide a larger and deeper sound, resulting in a richer listening experience.

KEF’s innovative Meta Absorption Material Technology (MAT) is a game-changer. This technology, a small puck-shaped disc behind the Uni-Q Driver Array, is made up of tubes in a maze-like configuration. These absorb vibrations from the backwash of the driver, effectively removing the unwanted sound which is a by-product of the push/pull driver movement.

This results in improved focus, imaging, and frequency separation, creating a more realistic and accurate listening experience. Fascinatingly, MAT Technology operates like an acoustic black hole behind the speaker. When the tubes are excited by sound, they absorb the vibrations, ensuring that the listener hears only what the driver intends to create.

This innovation earned the LS50 Wireless II the prestigious “Innovation of the Year” award from What Hi-Fi in 2020.

3. KEF Q1 Meta

The best KEF speakers on a budget

Specifications:

• 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array
• 51Hz – 20kHz frequency range
• 86dB sensitivity
• Metamaterial Absorption Technology

Pros:

• Budget-friendly entry into high-quality audio
• Uni-Q driver for exceptional clarity and dispersion
• MAT technology means the speaker absorbs as much unwanted noise as possible

Cons:

• While they are a standout performer at their price point, they are no match for more premium models on this list

If you’re searching for high-quality audio without breaking the bank, the KEF Q1 Meta Bookshelf Speakers are the perfect choice for you. These speakers bring a touch of sophistication and outstanding sound quality to your budget-friendly audio setup.

With the 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array, something that’s typically reserved for more expensive models, you’re guaranteed a listening experience that is both immersive and accurate. Despite their budget-friendly nature, these speakers do not compromise on sound quality. You’ll be surprised at the level of clarity, detail, and depth of sound compared to other similarly priced models from competitor brands.

Because of how balanced and clear the sound is, courtesy of the Uni-Q driver, you can pretty much listen to it from any point in the room without sacrificing definition across the frequency range.

Their passive design ensures compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers and hi-fi systems, making them a versatile choice for any first-time home audio setup. A driver sensitivity of 86dB then means the speakers can deliver impressive sound even when paired with lower-powered amplifiers.

The two-way bass reflex design does exactly what it says on the tin – enhances bass, while the Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) takes innovation one step further by absorbing 99% of unwanted noise from the rear of the tweeter. Plus, their compact size allows you to place them wherever you prefer, making them adaptable to your room layout.

4. KEF Q Concerto Meta

The best KEF bookshelf speakers

Specifications:

• 12th-generation Uni-Q driver
• 85dB sensitivity
• 40Hz – 20KHz frequency response
• 6.5-inch hybrid aluminium bass driver

Pros:

• Ideal for a dynamic and immersive listening experience
• Meticulously designed for hi-fi setups and home cinemas
• Uni-Q driver ensures a distortion-free, well-dispersed sound

Cons:

• Larger footprint means they require more space to be placed

The KEF Q Concerto Meta Speakers are some of the best bookshelf speakers you’ll find on the market, courtesy of their premium KEF technology. They boast a 12th-generation Uni-Q driver – KEF’s signature piece of tech – with a four-inch mid-woofer and a 19mm vented MAT tweeter. Essentially, this ensures exceptionally accurate, crystal-clear sound that’s dispersed evenly throughout the room.

Metamaterial Absorption Technology – another one of KEF’s proprietary innovations – then guarantees that everything you listen to is uninterrupted by noise from the rear of the tweeter, of which MAT absorbs 99%.

Whether you’re building a hi-fi system or looking to enhance your existing setup, the KEF Q Concerto Bookshelf Speakers are a solid choice.

5. KEF LS50 Meta

Best-in-class KEF speakers

Specifications:

• 25” Uni-Q driver array
• 47Hz – 45kHz frequency range
• 85dB sensitivity
• 106dB maximum SPL

Pros:        

• Multi-award winning speaker including What HiFi? Product of the Year!
• The best-in-class speakers for accuracy, time alignment, and frequency separation
• Offers a realistic and holographic sound
• A technically impressive speaker that is unrivalled at its price point

Cons:

• Analytical sound might not be to everyone’s preferences

The KEF LS50 Meta are a testament to precision engineering and innovation, setting a new standard for acoustic accuracy and sound purity.

This is the platform from which the aforementioned KEF LS50 Wireless II Active Speakers were built. In essence, the LS50 Meta is the passive speaker predecessor of the LS50 Wireless II, which means that you are free to pair the LS50 Meta with any amplifier of your choice and create a more bespoke sound system that is tailored to your taste.

These speakers are known for their remarkable accuracy and revealing nature. They excel at unveiling the nuances of your favourite albums, providing a listening experience that’s nothing short of spectacular. Over the years, the LS50 Meta has received numerous awards, particularly from What HiFi?, celebrating the speaker’s exceptional performance and popularity among audio enthusiasts.

The LS50 Meta is equipped with the latest audio technologies, including Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) that eliminates 99% of high-frequency distortion. This ensures that you experience pure, natural, incredibly clear sound.

It also features a 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array with MAT, providing exceptional acoustic accuracy and reduced colouration. The result is a soundstage that’s detailed, immersive, and true to the original recording. The patented offset flexible port design then reduces midrange colouration while delivering exceptional depth and detail.

The cabinet design is optimised for the best acoustic performance, ensuring that every note is delivered with precision and clarity. With mounting inserts for the KEF S2 Floor Stand (available separately), you can ensure these speakers are perfectly positioned for optimal sound quality.

6. KEF R3 Meta

The best KEF speakers for audiophiles

Specifications:

• Three-way driver design
• Dedicated 6.5” low-frequency driver
• 25” Uni-Q driver array
• 38Hz – 50kHz frequency range
• 87dB sensitivity
• 110dB maximum SPL

Pros:

• Three-way design gives these speakers floorstanding levels of performance from a compact package
• Improved directivity means they translate well into any room
• Low THD provides a distortion-free listening experience even at high volumes

Cons:

• Much taller than your average bookshelf or stand-mount speaker, making it harder to accommodate

When it comes to satisfying the discerning ears of audiophiles, the KEF R3 Meta stands out. These speakers are more than just sound systems; they’re the embodiment of advanced engineering, perfect for those who demand the finest in audio quality.

Borrowing technology from KEF’s ultra-premium Blade and Reference series, the R3 Meta inherits a legacy of innovation and performance that sets it apart from the competition as well as the previous KEF models in this list.

The KEF R3 Meta incorporates the groundbreaking Meta Absorption Material, which virtually eliminates high-frequency distortion, resulting in beautifully clear and natural sound.

It also features a three-way design with the Uni-Q Driver Array, which includes dedicated midrange and high-frequency drivers, along with a separate low-frequency driver. This arrangement ensures accurate and detailed sound reproduction. Despite its stand-mount design, the R3 Meta also delivers bass performance akin to much larger speakers, rivalling floorstanders in terms of frequency separation and listening volumes.

The dedicated mid-range driver, responsible for midrange information without the added burden of low-end duties, offers significantly reduced distortion levels, adding to the clarity and precision. Clever positioning of the asymmetrical bass reflex port then helps prevent acoustical resonances from leaking inside the enclosure, resulting in a clear mid-range that allows vocals to shine with effortless precision.

I had the privilege of talking with David Bosch, the Senior Research & Development Engineer at KEF, about the new R Meta Series of loudspeakers. This insightful discussion was featured in a video on our YouTube channel as part of our Meet The Maker series, a treasure trove of information for audiophiles.

David’s expertise shines through, and he graciously addressed my questions, no matter how basic they may have seemed.

7. KEF T101

The best KEF surround speakers

Specifications:

• 5” mid-bass driver
• 1” aluminium tweeter
• 80Hz – 30kHz frequency range
• 90dB sensitivity
• 107dB maximum SPL

Pros:

• Space-saving wall-mountable design
• Minimalist aesthetics are sure to suit any environment
• Exceptional value for money
• Room-filling sound provides an immersive experience

Cons:

• No Uni-Q driver array

When it comes to creating a home theatre setup that immerses you in the world of your favourite movies and TV shows, the KEF T101 Speakers are the ideal choice for surround sound enthusiasts. These speakers offer a balance of style, performance, and value that is hard to match, making them the perfect complement to your home entertainment system.

The KEF T101 speakers are designed to impress in both form and function. Their small and thin profile makes them perfect for wall mounting, providing a flush fit without the need to cut holes in your walls for in-wall speakers. Despite their slim design, these speakers pack a punch that rivals conventional loudspeakers thanks to the innovative Ultra-Slim Bass Driver.

The key to this remarkable performance lies in KEF’s ingenuity. Conventional mid-bass drivers are typically 75 millimetres in depth, but to fit within the T101’s compact chassis, KEF had to innovate. The result is the Ultra-Slim Bass Driver, featuring a flat resonating diaphragm with the diaphragm suspension located outside of the motor system.

This design innovation allows for an overall thinner driver without compromising on sound quality.

If you want to create an immersive entertainment space without sacrificing aesthetics, the KEF T101 is the answer.

8. KEF Q11 Meta

The best KEF speakers for loud listening

Specifications:

• 12th generation Uni-Q driver with MAT
• Three 6.5″ hybrid aluminium woofers
• Refined crossover design
• 37 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range
• 89 dB sensitivity

Pros:

• Offers an immersive sound that’s perfect for home cinema
• Three-way design separates frequencies
• Even dispersion courtesy of the Uni-Q driver array

Cons:

• Large size may not be suitable for every room

The KEF Q11 Meta Floorstanding Speakers are an audio powerhouse that promises to transform your home audio experience into something truly immersive. These speakers boast a range of features and specifications that make them a standout choice for audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts alike.

What we love about the KEF Q11 Meta are its three 6.5-inch hybrid aluminium woofers that separate frequencies into deep and powerful lows, rich mids, and clear, detailed highs. And courtesy of KEF’s 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array, you have extraordinary sound that’s dispersed evenly throughout the room, while the Metamaterial Absorption Technology, used by the vented 19mm tweeter, reduces unwanted sound by 99%.

If you have a spacious room and a love for immersive sound, these speakers are a great option. They’ll bring your home cinema experience to life, ensuring every movie night is a memorable one.

9. KEF R7 Meta

The best KEF speakers for distortion-free listening

Specifications:

• 5” Uni-Q driver array
• 2x 6.5” hybrid aluminium mid/bass drivers
• 33Hz – 50kHz frequency range
• 88dB sensitivity
• 111dB maximum SPL

Pros:

• Perfect balance and dynamic range
• Unmatched clarity and low distortion
• Transparency and clarity in the mid-range
• High-volume performance

Cons:

• We can’t find a particular con, but at this price point, the competition is fierce!

The KEF R7 Meta showcases a remarkable blend of engineering innovation and acoustic prowess,and it’s making waves in the world of high-fidelity audio.

With an extraordinary blend of ingenious technology, clarity, and precision, it promises an audio experience that’s second to none. While it faces formidable competition in its price range, the R7 Meta’s unique qualities and lack of distortion make it ideal for those who demand nothing but the best in high-fidelity audio.

The KEF R7 Meta offers a perfectly balanced sound with an impressive dynamic range. It’s a speaker that handles every note with precision.

One of the standout features is its remarkably low level of distortion. It’s a rare quality in a floorstanding speaker, making every sound pure and true. You’ll hear every detail as it was meant to be heard. The R7 Meta excels in delivering transparency and clarity, especially in the mid-range where vocals shine with unparalleled precision. It’s the kind of clarity that gives you goosebumps.

Even under high-volume loads, the R7 Meta exhibits minimal distortion, allowing you to turn your music up loud without compromising on sound quality.

Achieving the perfect stereo image is essential in high-fidelity audio. The R7 Meta provides a wide sweet spot so that, no matter where you’re seated, you’ll experience an immersive and captivating soundstage.

The incorporation of Meta Absorption Material (MAT) further enhances accuracy and focus. It ensures that the sound you hear is precisely what the artist intended, with no unwanted interference or colouration.

To delve deeper into the R7 Meta’s capabilities and learn more about the insights of the Senior R&D Engineer behind this project, David Bosch, be sure to watch our YouTube video:

10. KEF LS60

The best KEF tower speakers

Specifications:

• 4” Uni-Q driver array
• 4x 5.25” aluminium cone low-frequency drivers
• 26Hz – 36kHz frequency range
• 1400W advanced amplifier technology (HF: Class AB, MF: Class D, LF: Class D)
• 111dB maximum SPL
• Hi-res audio up to 24-bit/384kHz

Pros:

• A modern take on Hi-Fi
• Comprehensive connectivity ensures it will integrate into your setup
• Performance meets convenience
• Advanced amplification
• Advanced DSP offers smooth, transparent and convincing sound

Cons:

• The KEF LS60 is a remarkable speaker system that doesn’t leave much room for criticism!

The KEF LS60 aren’t just speakers; they’re a vision of the future of high-fidelity audio. With innovation and style at the forefront, these speakers embrace the very best in cutting-edge speaker design and technology. This should come as no surprise seeing as the KEF LS60 are a celebration of KEF’s 60 years of innovation!

With comprehensive connectivity options and support for various streaming formats, the LS60 is versatile and adaptable. It’s a true masterpiece in the world of high-fidelity audio, setting new standards for what’s possible with floorstanding speakers. These speakers also offer a wide range of physical connectivity options, from HDMI and optical to coaxial and RCA connections, the LS60 has you covered.

With precise calibration of its drivers, the LS60 provides an exceedingly coherent sound that appears to originate from a single point. This technology ensures detailed stereo information and accurate sound across a larger space.

If you’ve gotten this far into this post, you’ll know how much of a fan I am of the Uni-Q driver array, but what I think really helps these speakers to stand out is their total of 1400W of amplification. Class A/B tweeter amplification delivers smooth, nuanced treble, while dedicated Class D amplification powers the mid and bass drivers for a controlled and articulate low-frequency response.

This gives you the best of both worlds in terms of amplification and makes sure the drivers are performing optimally. No stone is left unturned in the KEF LS60’s pursuit of audio excellence.

The LS60 employs the Music Integrity Engine, a collection of bespoke Digital Signal Processing algorithms optimised for the Uni-Q drivers. This technology ensures perfectly timed performance, improving imaging and tightening sound for clear transients.

Better still, the LS60 is the perfect blend of performance and ease of use. Designed in collaboration with Michael Young, it boasts a thin and modern design that’s as much about visual appeal as it is about sound quality.

Overall, the LS60 delivers the kind of audio performance you’d expect from equivalent passive speakers with external amplification but without the hassle of cables. If you want a modern system, this is it.

11. KEF R6 Meta

The best KEF speakers for home theatre

Specifications:

• 5” Uni-Q driver array
• 2x 6.5” aluminium cone low-frequency drivers
• Three-way design
• 55Hz – 50kHz frequency range
• 88dB sensitivity
• 111dB maximum SPL

Pros:

• Dedicated centre channel
• Option to be used in LCR configuration for home theatre
• Immersive three-way design offers big sound with great separation

Cons:

• For a centre speaker, it is very big, you may have to look at the R2 Meta instead if you need something smaller

The KEF R6 Meta is a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences for both movies and music. With a dedicated centre channel and a design optimised for LCR (Left, Centre, Right) configurations in home cinema setups, the R6 Meta ensures an immersive audio experience that brings movies to life.

The true advantage of this setup lies in the ability to employ identical speakers across all three front channels in your audio system (and this can also extend to your rear and surround channels). This uniformity ensures a remarkable level of cohesion, with the speakers perfectly matching in terms of specifications.

Achieving such uniformity is a challenge that becomes considerably more complex when using different speakers for your front left and right channels compared to the centre channel. With KEF R6 Meta this issue is avoided.

With that said, The KEF R6 Meta is also a dedicated centre channel speaker that truly shines in home theatre setups when not being used in an LCR configuration. Its design ensures that dialogue and effects are delivered with precision, creating an immersive cinematic experience. Additionally, its versatility allows it to perform admirably in 2-channel hi-fi setups, proving that it’s more than just a one-trick pony.

With a three-way design and Meta Material Technology, the R6 Meta offers a wide frequency range and exceptional audio clarity. Its ability to reduce unwanted resonances makes it great for diving into the latest blockbuster or enjoying your favourite music.

12. KEF R8 Meta

The best KEF speakers for Dolby Atmos

Specifications:

• 5.25” Uni-Q driver array
• 88Hz – 19.5kHz frequency range
• 85dB sensitivity
• 106dB maximum SPL

Pros:

• Small and discrete – perfect for any room
• It provides versatility for Dolby Atmos and 2-channel Hi-Fi
• Integrates well with KEF stand-mount and floorstanding speakers

Cons:

• Work best as part of a larger home theatre system

The KEF R8 Meta is, without a doubt, one of the best KEF speakers for achieving an immersive Dolby Atmos listening experience. With a range of features and a flexible design, these speakers take the home cinema experience to the next level.

These two-way speakers employ the 12th-generation Uni-Q MF/tweeter array, expanding the listening arch for an immersive home cinema experience. With multiple mounting choices – upward-firing, wall-mounted, or ceiling-mounted – the R8 Meta ensures you can achieve the Dolby Atmos setup that suits your room best.

Plus, they’re equipped with advanced technology, such as ultra-low distortion midrange motors and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) borrowed from the Reference Series, which reduces unwanted sound from the rear of the driver.

Arguably one of the most unique speakers on this list, the R8 Meta not only excels in Dolby Atmos setups but also can be utilised for two-channel stereo hi-fi. Whether you choose to wall-mount them, ceiling-mount them, or use them as upward-firing speakers, these speakers add a layer of audio depth.

13. KEF KC62

The best KEF subwoofer

Specifications:

• Uni-Core force-cancellation design
• 2x 6.5” aluminium low-frequency drivers
• 11Hz – 200Hz frequency range
• 1000W Class D amplification (2x 500W RMS)
• 105dB maximum SPL

Pros:

• Compact and discrete – ideal for a room of any size
• Exceptional power beyond its size
• Uni-Core drivers offer a clean, powerful bass

Cons:

• Some die-hard home theatre enthusiasts might need convincing when it comes to the smaller driver size, although the KC62’s performance more than makes up for it

The KEF KC62 is a compact powerhouse that’s set to change the way we think about subwoofers, offering an incredible listening experience in a small and discrete package.

One of its most notable features is the Uni-Core technology. It’s a simple yet brilliant concept that questions why no one had thought of it before. Uni-Core uses a back-to-back force-cancelled driver array, which is a common design. However, what sets it apart is that, instead of using two magnets for the drivers, they share one.

This innovation allows the KC62 to be the same size as a football whilst still delivering superbly powerful sound with excellent bass. Uni-Core has paved the way for thin designs like the KEF LS60 thanks to its ingenious driver balancing with larger and smaller coil openings.

The KC62 subwoofer is a tiny marvel that delivers enormous sound. Its beautiful and modern design complements any room, and it can rival some of the largest subwoofers on the market. The performance it offers is nothing short of extraordinary. If you’re looking for a subwoofer that combines power, innovation, and a compact form factor, the KEF KC62 should be at the top of your list.