News

New KEF Instant Theatre System - Revolutionary Design Creates 5.1 Soundstage from Two Speaker Set-Up (5/2/2004)

It's no-nonsense, no-hassle, easy to set-up home cinema replay - and it's the business!

KEF Audio, rapidly being recognised as a world-innovator in contemporary loudspeaker technology and design, has announced the introduction of its new KEF instant theatre, (KIT) an all-new complete DVD-based system that gives the listener everything required to experience 5.1 digital surround sound from just two compact front speakers and a hide-away subwoofer enjoying the same detailed 3D sound image anywhere in the room. KEF instant theatre could not be easier or convenient to set-up and use. In less than 10 minutes most consumers will have it working, with no configuration or menus required. All that needs to be done is to just load a selected disc and press 'play.' It could not be simpler. And - best of all - it comes at a suggested retail price of around £1,200.

By combining KEF's proven Uni-Q point sourceā driver array from the award-winning KHT separates system with a unique new application of NXT flat panel technology, KEF engineers have discovered a way to deliver all the subtleties and spatial depth encoded in today's digital formats from just two small speakers and the subwoofer doing away with the need for a multi-speaker set-up, so unacceptable to many consumers.

The concept is simple. The vertical NXT flat panels behind the main arrays create virtual rear effects speakers, while the Uni-Q drivers create a perfect Īphantomā centre speaker right in the middle of the screen. The acoustic illusion of all three virtual speakers, rear and centre is accentuated by the Uni-Q driver front-channel configuration, which spreads the sound image over a much larger area than the narrow sweet spotā of a conventional speaker. In addition to delivering hefty bass punch throughout the room from a 250 mm (10%) bass driver, the unobtrusive subwoofer contains the system's five high-power amplifiers, allowing the DVD player to be exceptionally compact.

The rear effects signal is directed to NXT panels mounted vertically behind the main drivers. KEF's innovation is to use freestanding (rather than wall-mounted) NXT panels, allowing the sound to reflect off the side walls to the back of the room. Like the dipole rear speakers of high end home cinema systems, this generates the wide, diffuse soundfield needed for convincing ambient effects.

The head unit is about the same size as the front speakers, and styled to match. Whatever is played - DVDs, CDs or MP3s, it automatically recognises what's been loaded. The decoding circuits also give the full benefit of Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS surround sound from any other equipment played through the system. With clear VFD displays and intuitive controls, the unit also has an AM/FM radio with RDS, alarm and sleep functions. With built-in amplifiers for all channels alongside the 250 mm (10%) bass driver, the omni-directional subwoofer can be placed wherever it suits the user - behind the TV or next to a wall. KEF instant theatre recognises whatever type of disc is loaded and automatically configures the system accordingly. The new KEF instant theatre system comes complete with its own full-function remote control.

Suggested UK Retail Price: around £1,200.00 (including VAT).
Availability: February 2004.

www.kef.com