KEF R11 Meta Review

KEF introduces the new R-Series with Meta technology and numerous detailed improvements. The goal is to bring the highest quality of the Reference models, especially the flagship R11 Meta, into a more affordable range. Tested at around €6,500.

by Tom Frantzen

Test equipment
CD Players: Audiolab 8300 CDQ, T+A MP 2000R
Integrated Amplifiers: Audionet WATT, Cyrus Classic Amp, Cyrus 3i, Musical Fidelity M8xi
Speakers: DALI Epicon 6, Martin Logan Motion 60XTi
Cables: HMS, Silent Wire, Supra

The Uni-Q coaxial driver, refined and optimized over generations, is a signature feature of KEF. It forms the acoustic center of the R11 Meta and its six siblings in the R-Series, acting as the highlight or crown jewel of their design. Here, we will present the latest generation of this top-tier driver, based on the MTA/Meta technology, and compare it to its predecessor, which we have had the chance to experience in various forms, from compact to high-end models like the KEF Reference 5 Meta and Blade 2 Meta.

In particular, the developments in the “Formula 1” tier of KEF’s portfolio, led by Dr. Jack Oclee-Brown, have greatly benefited the R Meta series.

KEF R11 Meta accessories
The included accessories are high-quality and well-designed. They ensure that the KEF is acoustically sound, stable, and safe from tipping.
KEF R11 Meta connection panel
The specialized terminal eliminates the need for clumsy, easy-to-lose metal or cable bridges. The internal connection is screwable (see the middle).

The term “Meta” refers to KEF’s “Metamaterial Absorption Technology” (MAT), which uses a labyrinthine structure of fine channels behind the tweeter to absorb 99% of unwanted rearward sound, including its distortions. This provides incredibly clean and detailed sound articulation and greater natural accuracy.

Small modifications to the waveguide of the Uni-Q, the damping of the tweeter embedded in the Uni-Q, the decoupling of drivers from the cabinet, and tweaks to the bass drivers have led to numerous improvements. The bass reflex ports, known as “Flexible Ports,” also combat resonances due to the material of their walls. While this doesn’t significantly affect the sound, it does make the KEF terminal more user-friendly, allowing users to toggle connections with a pair of “Link” knobs rather than dealing with cable bridges in the bi-wiring terminal.

The "Flexible Ports" of the KEF R11 Meta
The “Flexible Ports” of the KEF R11 Meta include foam inserts to dampen the bass if necessary, particularly in small rooms or when placed near walls.

As part of the “Meta” upgrade, the crossover was carefully reworked, with special attention given to optimizing the signal path. The KEF design reflects the latest simulation and analysis techniques, alongside extensive listening sessions where certain aspects were reassessed.

12th-generation Uni-Q coaxial driver
The 12th-generation Uni-Q coaxial driver is a technological marvel in acoustics.

The “Constrained Layer Damping” of the cabinet, with its intricate bracing, ensures remarkable stability and acoustic neutrality by minimizing vibrations and discolorations. At 36.5 kilograms, the R11 Meta is no lightweight, but combined with the decoupling of the drivers, it enhances sound quality significantly.

The slightly “midrange-focused” tuning from the previous generation remains, related to the Uni-Q, which handles the crucial frequency range from about 330 Hertz. To make it clear, the Uni-Q’s extraordinary timing and imaging abilities are, in my opinion, preferable to the inclusion of an additional super tweeter, which KEF attempted years ago. The Uni-Q’s characteristically subtle brilliance might initially seem lacking, but this is actually due to its extremely low distortion and seamless frequency response. In fact, distortion in the mid-high range has been reduced from an impressive 0.2% to a remarkable 0.04%!

The inside of the KEF R11 Meta
The inside of the KEF R11 Meta features extensive bracing and damping. The multi-part crossover is also visible.

As mentioned, the Uni-Q doesn’t require upper extension, but the R11’s large cabinet needs appropriate drivers for the lower frequencies. The engineers from KEF’s Kent Engineering & Foundry in Maidstone faced the challenge of complementing the Uni-Q’s strengths with matching qualities for the bass frequencies. A look at the Meta’s impulse response shows an almost perfect performance, especially for a three-way speaker.

The chosen drivers are four hybrid woofers with concave 165 mm aluminum membranes, supported by acoustic-friendly paper cones. These offer more excursion, and combined with their agility, they effectively act as a larger driver without the mass’s inertia.

new Meta lineup consists of three floor-standing speakers, one bookshelf speaker, and two center speakers and Dolby Atmos modules for home theater setups
The new Meta lineup consists of three floor-standing speakers, one bookshelf speaker, and two center speakers and Dolby Atmos modules for home theater setups.

Even though the price of the KEF R11 increased with the introduction of the Meta version, this is understandable considering the quality improvements. Spoiler alert: the R11 Meta’s performance fully justifies the price increase.

Silvia Droste’s expressive voice is perfectly focused between the two tall speakers, thanks to their excellent depth layering on the well-lit stage, and it extends slightly beyond the speakers’ width.

How does it sound?

This is where the point source truly shines. The same applies to the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra under Mariss Jansons during Dvorak’s “Symphony from the New World,” where the R11 delivers an almost perfect rendering, missing no detail.

The dynamic shifts and tempo changes in this work are handled with ease, and the speaker conveys the emotional depth of the music. The slightly dark timbre and highly contoured bass performance add to the experience. Some adjustments to wall placement and cabling may be needed to optimize the sound. In the kick bass region, the KEF is somewhat restrained, but this is a matter of personal taste and easily solvable.

Even though we measured a lower cutoff frequency (-3 dB) of around 50 Hz, the KEF fills the room with authority, making tracks like Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy The Silence” and Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” a real treat. In terms of timing and image precision, the KEF is nearly unbeatable. So, the “little sister” of the Reference models is not so little after all, especially with its almost 130 cm height.

what we listened to
Silvia Droste: Audiophile Voicings
Silvia Droste: Audiophile Voicings
The Jeton classic featuring the German jazz singer is one of my rediscoveries of the year.
Michael Jackson: Thriller
Michael Jackson: Thriller
In addition to its musical significance, it is a true production highlight!

The new R11 Meta is now available in high-gloss white, black, and walnut finishes. I highly recommend taking a look at the beautiful walnut version. The microfiber grilles, which balance sound, aesthetics, and protection, were not available at the time of testing but will be included upon market release.

The other models in the R Meta series, including the smaller R7 and R5 floor-standing speakers, the R3 bookshelf speaker, and the R2 and R6 center speakers, along with the upward-firing Dolby Atmos modules, are also available in the same finishes. The R3 Meta is also available as a special edition in “Indigo Gloss,” while the R7 Meta comes in “Titanium Gloss.”

The R11 Meta is an absolutely fantastic and visually stunning speaker that brings some of the qualities of KEF’s high-end Meta models into a more accessible price range.

If you’re considering investing around €7,000, you should definitely give these speakers a personal listening test and take the time to experience KEF’s subtle but powerful performance. They don’t aim to impress with quick, flashy effects but provide a fatigue-free, long-term listening experience during extended sessions.

The spikes are adjustable in height, ensuring good coupling and high stability.

Once you fully engage with the KEF R11 Meta, it will continue to impress and easily become a long-term favorite for discerning listeners. Its improvements in the critical midrange and overall tuning make it audibly better than its already impressive predecessor, largely thanks to the lower distortion of the Uni-Q driver. Thank you, “Meta.”

In fact, considering how well the R11 Meta performed in our listening room, you might cheekily calculate that for roughly one-third the price of the nearly unaffordable Reference 5 Meta, you get about 90% of its sound quality. Now, if that’s not a tempting offer, I don’t know what is.

three versions of the R11 Meta, side by side, show off the elegant design: high-gloss black, white, and walnut.
The three versions of the R11 Meta, side by side, show off the elegant design: high-gloss black, white, and walnut.
The new KEF speakers – with the Uni-Q Meta coaxial driver on top, and the bass driver below – are not decoupled but utilize light, elastic materials for partial decoupling in their construction.

Specifications

Price: around €6,500 (available in high-gloss white, black, or walnut veneer)

Dimensions: 20x128x39 cm (WxHxD)

Warranty: 5 years

Attractive, slim floor-standing speaker with a very precise, organized, audiophile soundstage, strong foundation, and excellent timing. Its restrained tuning makes it ideal for long listening sessions without fatigue. Excellent!

Features: Three-way bass reflex design with Uni-Q coaxial driver, bi-wiring terminal with a special link instead of a cable bridge


DC Resistance


4 ohms


Minimum Impedance


2.93 ohms at 630 Hz


Maximum Impedance


8 ohms at 2448 Hz


Sensitivity (2.83 V/m)


86.3 dBSPL


Power required for 94 dBSPL


13.37 W


Lower cutoff frequency (-3 dBSPL)


55 Hz

Distortion at 63/3k/10k Hz:

0.46/0.04/0.14 %

Measurement Results

KEF R11 Meta Measurement Report

Lab Comment: Slightly midrange-focused, but still balanced frequency response. The speakers should be slightly toed-in. Good efficiency, fairly easy-to-drive impedance, extremely low distortion, and perfect timing.

Verdict

SOUND LEVEL: 9/10

PRICE/PERFORMANCE: 8/10

9 Total Score
KEF R11 Meta Review

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KEF R11 Meta: Price Comparison

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KEF R11 Meta (Black Gloss, Each)
$3,249.99 2 new from $3,249.99
in stock
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KEF - R11 Meta Floorstanding Loudspeaker (Each) - Black
$3,249.99
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KEF R11 Meta Tower Speaker - Gloss Black - Each
$3,249.99
in stock
Audio Advice
Last Amazon price update was: October 3, 2024 12:30 am
× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

What makes a SPEAKER the BEST? KEF R11 Meta Review! All around speaker

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