The benchmark of HiFi speakers, condensed
The floorstanding Reference 3 Meta is capable of delivering a sensational sound stage for a wide range of listeners. At its heart sits the 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™, the latest technological development from KEF, and one which puts you solidly at the heart of the action.
The benchmark of benchmarks
Since 1973, The Reference has continually set the benchmark for loudspeakers and sound reproduction. Pioneering the use of digital technologies to achieve the highest audio accuracy, every pair can be matched within 0.5dB to the laboratory-maintained reference standard.
Always innovating
Since the first Reference speaker, KEF engineers have continued to innovate using what is possible with The Reference. Ground-breaking in its first incarnation, each subsequent iteration of The Reference has added to the world’s knowledge of the science of acoustics.
Designed, engineered and handcrafted in UK
Since 1961, we have been creating remarkable award-winning loudspeakers at our UK home in Maidstone, Kent. As our flagship HiFi speakers, The Reference is still being designed, engineered, and handcrafted in Maidstone today.
Design
Three-way bass reflex
Drive units
Uni-Q driver array:
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT
MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium coneBass units:
LF: 2 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT
MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium coneBass units:
LF: 2 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone
Frequency range free field (-6dB)
Short port: 38Hz – 45kHz
Long port: 35Hz – 45kHz
Long port: 35Hz – 45kHz
Frequency range typical in room bass response (-6dB)
28Hz
Frequency response (±3dB)
43Hz – 35kHz
Crossover frequency
450 Hz, 2.1 kHz
Amplifier requirements
50 – 300W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m)
86dB
Harmonic distortion 2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)
<0.5% 40Hz – 100kHz
<0.2% 200Hz – 2kHz
<0.1% 2kHz – 20kHz
<0.2% 200Hz – 2kHz
<0.1% 2kHz – 20kHz
Maximum output (peak sound pressure level at 1m with pink noise)
113.5dB
Impedance
4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)
Weight
51.3 kg (113.1 lbs.)
Dimensions (H x W x D)(with grille and terminal)
1155 x 205 x 462 mm(45.5 x 8.1 x 18.2 in.)
Dimensions (H x W x D)(with grille, terminal & plinth)
1207 x 323 x 467 mm(47.5 x 12.7 x 18.4 in.)
