Uni-Q Driver Array
Developed by KEF in 1988, the Uni-Q driver array acts as a single-point source, providing pristine sound across a wider area. The R Series benefits from a new incarnation of this driver array, with advantages over its predecessors, including a new midrange motor system that drastically reduces distortion. Air moving across the minute gaps between Uni-Q’s separate elements creates tiny resonances, but KEF engineers have reduced the impact of these necessary gaps by opening a cavity behind the drivers and adding resonance-absorbing damping material for more precise, purer treble.
Shadow Flare
Derived from the Reference Series, the Shadow Flare reduces harmful cabinet diffraction and allows the Uni-Q to work at its highest level. More than just a trim ring, Shadow flare is a precision-designed surface that extends the waveguide effect of Uni-Q. The tweeter no longer has a line of sight of the cabinet edges, creating a ‘shadow region’ at the highest potential for diffraction, minimizing the acoustic impact to negligible levels. The result is improved clarity, particularly when it comes to the subtle nuances of plucked strings and percussive sounds.
Low-Frequency Drivers
The R Series’ dedicated low-frequency drivers have a two-part structure, where a shallow concave aluminum skin sits atop a paper cone. This adds stiffness, while the cone’s unique geometry reduces resonances and delivers the pistonic movement that makes these drivers time so well. The new drivers also have a completely redesigned magnet system that creates a more even magnetic field, and a design spider that reduces harmonic distortion for a cleaner, more precise sound.
Cabinet Bracing
The R Series benefits from Constrained Layer Damping bracing originally developed for the multiple award-winning LS50, and a new internal bracing layout. This combination brings the R Series closer to the internal structure of the Reference Series and helps it deliver music as it is supposed to sound, without any unwanted extras.
Flexible Port Technology
KEF engineers computer-modeled the ideal crossover networks before exhaustively auditioning every high-grade component, individually and together, to select those with the lowest distortion and the smoothest response. Perfectionism takes time, but the difference is plain to hear. Nothing is overlooked - Reference crossovers are even mounted on separate boards and decoupled from the cabinet walls to minimize vibration and crosstalk.
As any hi-fi enthusiast knows, there's no shortage of compelling speakers these days. But its beauty is only revealed when the sound isn't right. Luckily, the KEF R11 Floorstanding Speaker, the flagship of the venerable British brand's midsize R-series, packs smart tech for great sound into a beautiful package and comes at a lower price than you might expect. Sitting above the entry-level Q-series and below the reference series, the R-series was first launched in 2011 but is now a new version for 2018. With the latest model, the midrange is Redesigned with the Signature of the R-series speaker.
