KEF R11 Meta Floorstanding Speakers (Pair), Black Gloss

The R Series

The R11 is the largest model in the new R Series from UK-based innovators, KEF. It comes before the R7 and R5 floorstanding speakers in terms of size and specification and makes a great accompaniment to the R3 bookshelf speakers and R6 or R2 centre speakers. The R Series is packed full of the latest and greatest innovations from KEF; such features as the trailblazing Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and Uni-Q® drivers, found in their flagship Reference series and LSX II respectively, are an indicator of great performance.

Uni-Q®

Across all seven models of the R series, there features the Uni-Q® driver array, consisting of a high-frequency tweeter at the centre of a mid-range driver. On the R11 speaker, this combined unit is found located between four bass drivers—two above and two below. The purpose of such a driver unit is to extend the ‘sweet spot’, thereby yielding optimal listening over a larger area of your room.

Now in its twelfth generation, this driver design is the outcome of many technological advancements and in-house modifications. This newest iteration has been designed to perfectly complement the Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) at the centre of KEF’s R series, resulting in incredible sonic detail. A flexible decoupled chassis is one factor contributing to this; such support around the mid-range driver of the R11 speakers minimises midrange vibration to promote ultimate clarity.

Metamaterial Absorption Technology

The key performance feature of the R11 floorstanding speakers—and the R series more broadly—is the incorporation of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). It sounds impressive, but what is this exactly? Metamaterial Absorption Technology is a What Hi-Fi? award-winning innovation by KEF in collaboration with the Acoustic Metamaterials Group. It is an absorption solution for speaker drivers which successfully diminishes 99 of unwanted sound. This is approximately 40 better absorption than other loudspeakers, leading to a noticeable difference in sonic clarity and naturalism.

Quadruple Bass Definition

With a fantastic four bass drivers, the R11 is extremely well-equipped to meet your low-frequency demands. However, with greater bass comes the challenge of control, something KEF has tackled with a two-part structure consisting of a shallow concave aluminium skin and paper cone. The former delivers the stiffness needed to manage resonance and enforces smooth piston movement. Unwanted resonance is further limited by a sophisticated suspension, keeping everything agile for punchy, yet precise bass.

Rear-Ported Power

Despite having a rear port, the R11 speakers manage to avoid any unwelcome resonance and turbulence through the application of computational fluid dynamics. The results of such calculations are flexible port walls and a strategically sized port flare and profile. Sounds are ultimately untouched by distortive colouration and vibration.

Stereo and Home Theatre

The R11 Meta floorstanding speakers work great in both stereo or home theatre configurations; for music or film and television. Regardless of room size, the R11 speakers will perform their high-fidelity duties and serve up true-to-recording music or realistic and cinematic sounds. Due to the consistency in driver design and placement across the R series, a full home theatre using R series speakers offers uniformity that’s hard to come by.