http://www.kef.com/html/en/showroom/hi-fi_series/THE_REFERENCE/fact_sheet/Floorstanding/REFERENCE_5/index.htmlhttp://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/kef-reference-and-blade-news-out-of-the-munich-high-end-show/http://www.whathifi.com/news/kef-unveils-new-baby-blades-reference-series-and-upgraded-muon-speakers-at-high-end-showThe big news at Munich was the launch of KEF's new Reference series. New from the ground up, there are five models in the line-up: the Reference 1 standmount speakers (£4500/pair); the Reference 3 three-way bass refelex floorstander (£7500); the bigger Reference 5 floorstander (£10,500); an enormous centre speaker, the £4500 Reference Centre; and a dedicated 1000W, twin-driver subwoofer.
KEF has developed all-new drivers for the range, with a 25mm aluminium dome tweeter placed at the acoustic centre of the 12.5cm midrange driver in its proprietary Uni-Q arrangement. The new 6.5in bass driver has a large aluminium-wire voice coil driving an aluminium cone, chosen for its lightness and stifness.
The distinctive front baffle is made from a laminated aluminium and resin composite, formed in a press under extreme temperatures. To help fine-tune the bass, Reference models include user-adjustable port tuning.
There are three standard finishes available: deep piano black, luxury gloss rosewood and satin American walnut wood veneers. Again, as with the Blade Two, they're also available in two special finishes, blue ice white and copper black aluminium, at extra cost.
The bookshelf and floorstanding models will be available in the next two to three months, with the centre and sub to follow later this year. Bespoke stands are available as an option for the Model 1.
