KEF Introduces All New 3000 Series KEF Home Theatre Loudspeaker System

February 10, 2006

Building on the success of the KHT2005.2 system, the British-born producer of audiophile-grade home theatre speakers turned its European-inspired approach to product design in the development of the latest offering from its home theatre line. The resulting 5.1 system delivers the full dialogue and impressive sound effects of today’s digital soundtracks, as well as the streamlined looks to match the contemporary interiors of design-conscious consumers. “The 3000 series continues the tradition of the KHT Home Theatre range by offering innovative refinements in audio reproduction in a sophisticated, décor-friendly design,” said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “While taking our multiple award-winning KHT2005.2 as a jumping off point, we gave our engineers a clean slate from the very first stage, so they could develop an entirely original combination of looks and performance—one that would redefine our customers’ expectations for home theater. One look, and its clear we’ve created something very special, and when the system is fired up—whether with movies or audio—the listening experience is tremendously exciting.” Every aspect of the system’s design has been engineered to look and sound stunning. From the decision to design a dedicated center channel speaker to handle the enormous dynamic range of digital film sources, and a complete rethinking of how to marry performance and design in the subwoofer, KEF’s engineers have delivered a 5.1 satellite system that looks and sounds like no other system currently available. Each of the 3000 series satellite and center channel speakers feature KEF’s signature Uni-Q® driver array. This is the only configuration that uses a tweeter mounted at the acoustic center of the bass/midrange cone to create a single-point source for an exceptional broad frequency range. The result is uncannily realistic, focused sound that is dispersed evenly throughout the entire room so that everyone enjoys the full richness of music or movie soundtracks. The Uni-Q® configuration ensures both drivers’ frequency ranges are delivered in-phase and in precise focus, providing an ultra-wide dispersion that ensures all listeners throughout the room enjoy a realistically imaged sound stage, including those outside of the typical “sweet spot.” Because center channel speakers often produce up to 60% of the sound effects in movies, KEF has focused a great deal of attention on this critical component. KEF’s engineers have designed a dedicated center channel speaker to give vocals more weight and frontal impact. In addition to the Uni-Q® driver found in each satellite, the center channel speaker incorporates two 3” bass drivers that allow the speaker to play at more robust volume levels to reproduce clear and rich-sounding dialogue. Similar attention has been given to the other satellite speakers, which were re-engineered to elevate power handling capabilities, reduce distortion and improve sound reproduction. The primary satellite speakers have 4.25” driver elements and large voice coils to handle increased power. A new, improved magnet system allows the speaker cone greater movement for even more articulate vocals, and the inner horn and cone profile have been redesigned to smooth out any discontinuities that might interrupt the sound as it travels outwards from the tweeter. An all-new sealed suspension system (SST™) eliminates air noise between woofer and tweeter, and the specially designed radial reinforcing ribs on the bass/midrange cone improve ‘pistonic’ performance to deliver pure, clean vocals with exceptionally low distortion. Finally, each satellite is ported at the rear to minimize internal resonance and fill the room with lush, detailed 3D sound. Mounting options include wall brackets or attractive stands that maintain each piece’s sleekness. The 3000 series subwoofer is a piece of art on is own. It sports a radical new design that complements modern décor, and uses a 10-inch bass driver along with a 10-inch Auxiliary Bass Radiator. The ultra long-throw design and all-new 250 watt amplifier produce deep, defined bass with a tight response and SmartBass ‘connect and go’ functionality means that set-up is quick and simple. The subwoofer also features an acoustically inert ABS-molded enclosure and it may be mounted vertically or horizontally. The subwoofer’s two-position phase switch and three-position bass boost switch lets users easily adjust sound at any time. To match a variety of home interiors, KEF offers the 3000 series in high-gloss silver or in a new and very elegant high-gloss black finish. In addition, the grilles connect to cabinets magnetically for quick removal and reattachment, providing a unique tactile experience for the consumer. KEF unveiled the 3000 series at CES 2006 in Las Vegas, and launches the system nationwide in March 2006. The system, comprised of 4 satellites, 1 center channel, and 1 subwoofer, will retail at an MSRP of $1,500 a pair. Available in high gloss black or high gloss silver finishes, matching satellite stands are also an option at an MSRP of $150.

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