News

Kef's Stylish 3000 Series an all-new Benchmark 5.1 Home Cinema Speaker System (9/1/2006)

Stand C27, ISE 2006

Building on the huge success of the popular KHT2005.2 system, KEF is unveiling its all-new 'next generation' 3000 series Home Cinema system and will showcase the stylish KHT3005 5.1 speaker package. Clearly an evolution Ð in styling terms - of the signature "egg" shape, the KHT3005 is a completely new design from the company and it looks better, sounds sweeter and plays louder than any of its competitors.

KEY FEATURES OF THE KHT3005 SYSTEM ARE

¥ Four Uni-Q(R) technology satellite speakers in specially shaped cast-aluminium enclosures, incorporating radical new drive units to give a cleaner, smoother response.
¥ A class-leading, dedicated Uni-Q technology centre speaker with two additional 75mm (3.0in.) bass drivers, giving superior output capability and enhanced dialogue intelligibility.
¥ A high-efficiency subwoofer with 250mm (10in.) driver and matching auxiliary base radiator (ABR) powered by an all-new 250W class D amplifier housed in a stylish, acoustically inert moulded casing.

At the heart of the 3000 series is a totally new version of KEF's patented Uni-Q driver, which draws upon aerospace technology to mount the tweeter in the centre of the bass/midrange cone, creating a single point source of sound. The satellites and centre speaker also introduce another KEF first; sealed suspension technology, or SST (patent applied for). This effectively seals the gap between a Uni-Q driver's moving mid-range cone and tweeter to prevent high-pressure air passing through, producing a markedly more powerful and cleaner sound. Furthermore, radial reinforcing ribs, visible on the midrange cone, improve stiffness, delivering a seamless transition to the tweeter for a much smoother response free from break-up artefacts.

It is often an overlooked fact that, in any home cinema system, the centre speaker carries up to 60 percent of the total sound. In addition to this, accurate reproduction of dialogue is vital for enjoyment of the movie. KEF has therefore given these factors special attention. With the same latest-generation 115mm (4.5in.) Uni-Q array as the satellites, and flanked by two additional 75mm (3.0in.) bass drivers, this speaker supplies the extra output and clarity that consumers demand Ð a benefit absent from so many rival systems which simply use one of the satellite speakers turned on its side as a centre channel.

The subwoofer is almost a work of art in its own right. It uses a highefficiency, 250W amplifier to power the main 250mm (10in.) driver, and combined with an auxiliary bass radiator, produces impressive low frequency output which integrates seamlessly with the other speakers. The SmartBass 'connect and go' functionality means that set-up is simpler than ever, and its dramatically shaped housing can be positioned upright or horizontally for convenient placement flexibility.

Another typically KEF feature is the use of closed loop (hence shielded and interference free) magnets to retain the easily removable grilles. This provides a really tactile experience and is typical of the attention to detail embodied by the new product.

"With a reputation for technical innovation stretching back nearly 50 years, KEF was a pioneer in the home entertainment revolution," says Steve Halsall, KEF's UK Managing Director. "Since then we have been constantly refining each element of the original design and technology of the KHT2005. Every single component of the 3000 series has been designed, analysed, and then improved to produce a system that sets totally new benchmarks in terms of low distortion, power handling and imaging. KHT3005 is the result, and it's an impressive advancement - even on its multi-award-winning predecessors."

Available in high-gloss black or high-gloss silver, the KHT3005 system is expected to retail at around £1,000 complete in the UK or €1,500 in Europe. It will be available from March 2006.

www.kef.com