Explore the KEF HiFi Speaker collection.
In this guide, we explore the different types available, their unique advantages, factors to consider when choosing a HiFi speaker, setup and positioning tips, as well as essential maintenance practices.
What Are Wired HiFi Speakers?
As the name suggests, wired HiFi speakers are connected to the audio source by a wire, more commonly referred to as a cable. This creates a stable audio connection and allows significant amounts of data to be passed from source to speaker, meaning you can hear your music, movies and more in spectacular detail.
What types of HiFi speakers does KEF offer?
KEF's collection of wired HiFi speakers is a testament to the brand's commitment to audio excellence. We offer a diverse range of HiFi speakers that cater to various audio preferences. Whether you're an audiophile, a music producer, or simply a lover of immersive sound, KEF has something for you.
Muon
Stunningly designed by Ross Lovegrove, the Muon benefits from a sleek aluminium shell which minimises sound-distorting vibrations. Experience astounding realism in your sound as the wide bandwidth of the Muon reproduces the very highest and lowest sounds. With the Acoustic Compliance Enhancement (ACE) technology doubling the available cabinet volume, the speakers deliver a much bigger sound performance than expected with particularly impressive bass extension.
Learn more about Muon.
Blade
With Blade, the world’s first single apparent source loudspeaker, the low, mid and high range frequencies radiate from the same source for a beautifully cohesive soundstage.
Blade’s four powerful low frequency drivers are placed back to back, in a force-cancelling configuration, to eliminate cabinet vibrations, leaving you with only the purest sound. Plus, each pair of drivers is encased in their own chamber, limiting interference.
Find out more about Blade speakers or view the whitepaper.
The Reference
As the name suggests, The Reference sets the standard for high-end audio. Hand-built in Kent by KEF’s master technicians, these speakers are designed for audiophiles who demand the very best. Every speaker in The Reference range exudes the sense of sheer quality and they are designed to be acoustically exceptional, attractive to look at, and each speaker is meticulously built to KEF’s exceptional standards.
Explore The Reference.
R Series
Using the spectacular technology of The Reference, the R Series includes floorstanding speakers, bookshelf speakers, centre channel speakers and accompanying home theatre models. The R Series is an excellent option if you're looking for speakers that combine aesthetics and performance.
Find out more on R Series Meta, or check out our whitepaper.
LS50 Meta
KEF's LS50 Meta speakers combine innovation and compact design to deliver a remarkable listening experience. They are a great choice for smaller spaces.
Learn more about LS50 Meta.
Q Series
The Q Series boasts a blend of innovation and craftsmanship, providing exceptional audio clarity. These speakers are a great choice for home audio setups.
Discover the Q Series.
T Series
These slender speakers perfectly match the flatscreen TV in your home cinema system. Not only that, the sound reproduction of the T Series is strikingly accurate, especially with voice, thanks to the vented tweeter, allowing you to experience each character's dialogue as though they were in the room with you.
How Do These Speakers Differ From KEF’s Wireless HiFi Speaker Range?
While wireless HiFi speakers have their own advantages, our range of wired HiFi speakers offers several distinct benefits:
Advantages of Wired HiFi Speakers
Sound Quality: Wired speakers typically deliver higher sound quality and precision, making them the preferred choice for audiophiles and music professionals.
- Consistency: Wired connections provide consistent audio streaming without the interference or dropouts that wireless connections may sometimes encounter.
- Lower Latency: For applications such as home theatres and gaming setups, wired speakers offer lower latency, ensuring that audio and video remain perfectly synchronised.
Sound Quality Without Lag
Whilst the lag may only be minor on a wireless speaker, with a wired speaker, lag is minimised for exemplary sound quality.
Less Compression
With a wireless connection, compressions steal data. On the other hand, a wired speaker takes in a greater amount of data for a higher-fidelity sound, allowing you to hear each tiny detail in all its sonic glory.
Greater Control Over Your Sound
With wired speakers, you have more power over the audio. By tweaking the amplifier to suit your preferences, you can customise your listening experience to your ear for a perfectly personal sound.
Do wired HiFi speakers require additional equipment for connectivity?
Our wired HiFi speakers are designed for ease of use. However, ensuring compatibility with your audio source and amplifier is essential. In some cases, you may need additional connectors or adapters to integrate them seamlessly into your system.
Can I integrate wired HiFi speakers into my existing audio setup?
Absolutely! KEF speakers are designed to be versatile and compatible with a wide range of audio systems. Whether you have a dedicated home theatre, a music studio, or a simple stereo setup, our wired speakers can be seamlessly integrated to enhance your audio experience.
How Do I Choose The Right HiFi Speaker?
To find a HiFi speaker that fulfils your needs as a listener, there are a number of things to consider.
Space
How much space do you have? Or alternatively, what space do you intend to use your speakers in? If it’s a large space, you’ll benefit from the power of a large floorstanding speaker like the Blade or The Reference.
These majestic speakers can flood a bigger area with sublime sound without losing those intricate details. However, if you have a small space, smaller bookshelf speakers like the LS50 Meta provide stunning audio for an apartment, with plenty of power to fill your room of choice with music.
Purpose
What do you want to use your wired speakers for? A home cinema system? High-quality music for parties? Or luxury solo listening?
For home listening alone, bookshelf speakers can create a blissful listening corner for you to take in your favourite tunes. For a home cinema system, the sleek T series speakers are ideal for immersing you in every moment of the action. And for parties, a floorstanding speaker can envelop each guest in audio for an electrifying experience.
Budget
What is your speaker budget? If you’re not looking to make a large investment in your listening, our Q Series collection provides a more affordable option. However, if you’re keen to invest in the highest clarity, volume and power in your listening experience, you can indulge your passion for sound with R Series, The Reference or Blade.
How To Set Up and Position Wired HiFi Speakers
Proper speaker placement is critical for achieving the best sound quality. It is tricky to provide general advice that will work in all rooms, however, there are some helpful tips on speaker placement below:
- Speakers within your room should be placed between 2 and 4m apart and the listener should be positioned equidistant from the loudspeakers
- Ideally you should place a speaker in front of a wall
- Symmetry is very important for optimal stereo. Ideally the side walls, to the left and the right of the loudspeakers, should be at the same distance and of the same construction.
- Toe-in can help to fine tune the stereo image and the perceived high-frequency energy. Maximum high frequency energy will reach the listener when the tweeters are pointing directly at the listening position. With Uni-Q the balance does not suffer if you listen off-axis, so using a flatter setup with less toe can be a very good option for a lively room.
Do these speakers require any specific installation or mounting techniques?
Most of KEF's wired speakers are designed for easy setup on bookshelves, speaker stands, or floor placements. User manuals provide step-by-step installation instructions. However, wall-mounted options may require specific brackets or mounts, so be sure to follow the specific recommendations.
Can I bi-amp or bi-wire KEF wired HiFi speakers for improved audio performance?
Many of our HiFi speakers support bi-amping or bi-wiring, allowing you to enhance audio performance further. Bi-amping involves using two amplifiers for a single speaker, while bi-wiring separates the speaker's low and high-frequency drivers to reduce interference. Refer to the speaker's user manual for guidance on bi-amping or bi-wiring compatibility.
How Do I Clean My Speakers?
Keeping your HiFi speakers clean is vital to keep them sounding impeccable. Dust and debris can infiltrate wire connectors, disrupting the electrical signals, adding unwanted noise, and damaging the drivers.
Luckily, keeping your speakers clean is very simple.
- Dust Regularly: Dust can accumulate on speaker cones and affect sound quality. Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to remove dust gently.
- Avoid Liquid Exposure: Keep liquids away from your speakers to prevent damage to the drivers and electronics.
- Check Connections: Periodically inspect and tighten cable connections to ensure a secure fit.
How Do I Maintain My Speakers?
Enjoy the spectacular sound of your HiFi speakers for longer with just a few simple maintenance steps.
- Don’t allow your speakers to overheat - this can damage the electromagnetic voice coils. To help with this, ensure your speakers are kept out of direct sunlight.
- Avoid static - this can burn out the system but can be prevented using anti-static floor mats.
- Protect against power surges - prevent blowing your wired speakers with an Uninterruptible Power Supply and a Voltage Regulator.
Are there any precautions to take while using wired HiFi speakers to prevent damage to the cables?
To prevent cable damage and maintain audio quality, consider these precautions:
- Avoid Cable Stress: Ensure that cables are not kinked, pinched, or under tension, as this can affect signal transmission.
- Secure Cable Pathways: Use cable management solutions to secure and hide cables to prevent tripping hazards and cable damage.
- Use Quality Cables: Invest in high-quality speaker cables for optimal signal transmission and durability.
What Is The Warranty Coverage For KEF HiFi Speakers?
KEF stands behind the quality of our products and offers warranty coverage for our HiFi speakers range. The specific warranty terms vary by model and region, so be sure to check the warranty information provided with your speaker and our Warranty Policy.
In conclusion, KEF's wired HiFi speakers represent a commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences. With a wide range of models to suit various needs and preferences, these speakers are a testament to our dedication to audio excellence. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a professional, or simply someone who appreciates premium sound quality, KEF HiFi speakers have something extraordinary to offer.
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