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  1. #1
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    New KEF R series

    Not much KEF talk on here except Randy. Anyone considering or have looked at the new R series coming out? I am going to give the R11 a try in walnut.
    Marty

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  2. #2
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    Re: New KEF R series

    From what I've read they are a major advancement over the previous version of the R series, with over 1000 changes in production. Apparently the Uni-Q driver in the previous version was quite an old design and this brings it more in line with their Reference series. Of course the Reference series is still claimed to perform at an even higher level as you'd expect given the price differential. As far as finishes they're available in gloss black or white which are supposed to be exceptional in quality, as well as the walnut. I've read some user comments on the walnut which were less than favorable, saying that the color surrounding the drivers are almost pink in color. So if you're interested in the walnut finish I'd definitely suggest checking it out in person before ordering it. They do seem to offer an exceptional value if their sonics are up to expectations, with the TOTL R11 retailing for $5K per pair.

  3. #3
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    Re: New KEF R series

    Thanks Bill, I like the different and unsusual so if they come and they are pink so be it. Now if they sound terrible I will put them up for sell as being mauve.
    Marty

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  4. #4
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    Re: New KEF R series

    Quote Originally Posted by nc42acc View Post
    Thanks Bill, I like the different and unsusual so if they come and they are pink so be it. Now if they sound terrible I will put them up for sell as being mauve.
    Marty - Sounds like a good fallback marketing strategy! I just got back from hearing the new R11s at a Magnolia Design Center (standard Magnolias near me didn't have KEFs.) They had them in gloss black so I can't comment on the walnut finish, and I thought they sounded pretty good. I have to qualify any impressions by the fact that they were driving them through their matrix switcher being powered by a Rotel receiver, so the electronics were not at the level of what I'm accustomed to. Imaging was very stable and consistent as you'd expect with the Uni-Q driver, and from what I could tell the bit of sibilance or grain in the treble that I was sensitive to in the previous incarnation seems to have been eliminated given good source material. The cabinets are very well braced and non-resonant which is surprising given their pricing. Looks to be a very good value if their sonics are to your liking... please let us know your thoughts once you get them. Enjoy them in the best of health!

  5. #5
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    Re: New KEF R series

    Bill you must have a well stocked Magnolia near you since I think the R11 were just released to stores. My dealer said it may be mid November before they ship out the walnut versions. Looking forward to going pink in my listening space.
    Marty

    Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
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  6. #6
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    Re: New KEF R series

    Looks interesting.... I am very happy with my R700s and R400b. The R7 look to be very similar, maybe an updated version to my R700.

    I know that KEF representatives have came to refer to the R series as the baby references. I know my R700's were of the exact design as the Reference 3's is size and configuration (a friend has a pair of the Ref 3's). The Ref 3's are certainly more refined but as a huge price difference.
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  7. #7
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    Re: New KEF R series

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    Looks interesting.... I am very happy with my R700s and R400b. The R7 look to be very similar, maybe an updated version to my R700.

    I know that KEF representatives have came to refer to the R series as the baby references. I know my R700's were of the exact design as the Reference 3's is size and configuration (a friend has a pair of the Ref 3's). The Ref 3's are certainly more refined but as a huge price difference.
    Correct Randy, the new R7 is the evolutionary speaker replacing the R700 in the lineup. There are over 1000 improvements incorporated in production of the new design which is a clear step forward, incorporating many of the refinements to the Uni-Q driver which were already in the Reference models. Of course there are also cabinet and crossover improvements and they were able to make all these improvements and only raise the R7's retail price by $100 each ($1,900).

  8. #8
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    Re: New KEF R series

    Here's a nice overview of the changes incorporated in the new KEF R Series speakers from StereoLife.

  9. #9
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    Re: New KEF R series

    Interesting. Thanks for sharing the link. It also appears that they have not replaced the R Series subwoofer, keeping the R400b as the R Series sub. I am very satisfied with my R700s, so I can only imagine how the new models perform.

    The R series is fantastic in that it allows for getting very close to the Reference series performance at a price range that working people (such as me) can afford!
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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New KEF R series

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