Smart use of innovative KEF technology means that with Reference 1 you don't need a big cabinet to enjoy expansive, high-performance sound.
Three-way standmounter
Hand-built in Maidstone, UK.
SOUND
REFERENCE 1
Reference 1 pairs KEF’s latest 125mm (5 inch) MF/HF Uni-Q driver array with the sensational new 165mm (6.5 inch) alloy cone bass driver to create a compellingly realistic, large scale sound stage. Uni-Q’s inherently wide, even dispersion also makes it the perfect rear channel speaker in a serious home theatre system.
SPECIFICATIONS
The Details
Specifications
CABINET FINISH
Silver satin walnut, Copper black aluminium, Blue ice white, Deep piano black, Satin American walnut, Luxury gloss rosewood
WEIGHT
18.2kg (40.1lbs)
H x W x D with grille and terminal
440 x 205 x 430 mm (17.3 x 8.1 x 16.9 in. )
DESIGN
Three-way bass reflex
Unit measurement
Pair
FREQUENCY RANGE
Typical in room bass response: 30Hz (-6dB)
Free Field - Short port: 40Hz - 45kHz (-6dB)
Free Field - Long port: 37Hz - 45kHz (-6dB)
TYPICAL IN-ROOM BASS RESPONSE
26Hz (-6dB)
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
45Hz- 35kHz (±3dB)
HARMONIC DISTORTION
2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)
<0.5% 40Hz - 100kHz
<0.2% 200Hz - 10kHz
<0.5% 40Hz - 100kHz
<0.2% 200Hz - 10kHz
MAXIMUM OUTPUT
111 dB (peak sound pressure level at 1m with pink noise)
AMPLIFIER class
50-200W
Sensitivity
85dB (2.83V/1m)
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE
8Ohms (min.3.2Ohms)
DRIVE UNITS
Uni-Q driver array:
HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome
MF: 125mm (5in.) aluminium
HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome
MF: 125mm (5in.) aluminium
Bass units
LF: 1 x165mm (6.5in.) aluminium
LF: 1 x165mm (6.5in.) aluminium
CROSSOVER FREQUENCIES
350Hz, 2.8kHz
downloads
THE REFERENCE Brochure
THE REFERENCE Manual
THE REFERENCE 8b Manual
THE REFERENCE White Paper
THE REFERENCE Information Sheet
KEF reserves the right, in line with continuing research and development, to amend or change specifications. E&OE. * Measurement per unit
Awards & Reviews
What Hi-Fi?
'KEF’s Reference 1s are brilliant all-rounders that work superbly across a wide range of music, systems and rooms.'
DIAPASON D’OR 2017 AWARD
"Plus points: Magic and precise; outstanding low frequencies. Negative points: Nothing." - 2017
SoundStage! Network - Reviewers' Choice
"With the Reference 1, KEF has raised the bar for stand-mounted loudspeakers in several ways. In a flash, my wife picked up on the speaker's high-tech appearance and attractive styling. The high level of technology applied -- most notably, the current generation of KEF's Uni-Q coincident driver -- seems nothing short of an engineering marvel. But most important is the Reference 1's quality of sound -- within its bandwidth, it's as accurate as it is musically engaging...KEF's Reference 1 is the best stand-mounted speaker I've ever heard." - 2014
Hi-Fi Choice Yearbook 2016
"One of the finest-sounding standmount speakers we’ve ever heard." - 2016
Related Products
REFERENCE 5
Sold out
Flagship three-way floorstander
If you're serious about experiencing the ultimate in sound reproduction, the magnificently authoritative Reference 5 exemplifies the passion for innovation that underpins The Reference design philosophy.
REFERENCE 3
Sold out
Mid-sized three-way floorstander
Reference 3 has the uncanny ability to generate an intricate, emotionally compelling three-dimensional soundstage that places you right at the heart of the original performance.
REFERENCE 4c
Sold out
Mid-sized three-way speaker
For movie lovers looking for total immersion, Reference 4c is the paradigm. For clarity, detail and emotional depth, it's a revelation.
REFERENCE 2c
Sold out
Compact three-way centre speaker
In smaller environments, Reference 2c has the power to immerse you in your music or the action on screen as much as its larger sibling.
REFERENCE 8b
Sold out
Twin 9 inches driver 'force-cancelling' subwoofer
Delivering exceptional bass precision and control with zero distortion, Reference 8b is a truly extraordinary subwoofer.
REFERENCE 1 PERFORMANCE STAND AND SPIKE SET
Sold out
Designed and Engineered in the UK
Perfect sound demands the absolute elimination of unwanted vibration. Securely bolting REFERENCE 1 bookshelf speakers to the REFERENCE 1 Performance Stand and Spike Set guarantees maximum rigidity.