KEF R11 Meta Speaker Review

4.45 Mixed Usages
4.4 Dialogue & Vocal Accuracy:
4.5 Treble Accuracy:
4.5 Bass Accuracy:
4.4 Imaging & Soundstage:
4.4 Dynamic Range:
Release year: 2023 Rating: 4.6 5 years 1" tweeter 5" midrange 6.5" woofer stereo speaker home theater best for: medium to large rooms usage: overall

KEF R11 Meta tower speaker is an expensive speaker but a powerful one. It is worth the high cost as you can easily use these speakers in a large room even without a home theater. We listened to music with good stereo separation and deep lows. The vocals and instrumental sounds are loud and clear. They are capable of producing lifelike and realistic sound. If you do not have the R11, the R11 Meta will be great for you.

Our Verdict

KEF R11 Meta is a 3-way speaker with 4 woofer drivers. It uses Metamaterial absorption technology that takes in almost all the unwanted sound delivering pure and true sound. Place them in large rooms and enjoy enveloping sound throughout the room. The sound remains clear as you increase the volume. It is a bit costly and delivers quite immersive performance.

PROS
  • Good sonic accuracy
  • Large speakers with good aesthetics
  • Great for larger spaces
  • Includes port foam plug
  • Great bass accuracy
CONS
  • Costly
Where to buy
Specification

GENERAL:

Speaker Type Floor standing speaker
Number Of Channels 3.0 speaker system
Amplification Type Passive Speaker (External Amp)
Power Source AC Powered

DRIVERS

Drive Unit 3
Tweeter Type aluminium dome with MAT
Tweeter Size (inches) 1"
Midrange Size (inches) 5"
Midrange Type Aluminum cone
Woofer Size (inches) 6.5"
Woofer Type hybrid aluminium cone
Other

SPECS

Power Range 15 - 300W
Sensitivity 90 dB
Impedance 4 ohms
Frequency Range 30 Hz - 50 kHz
Crossover Frequencies 330 Hz, 2.5 kHz

CONNECTIVITY:

Speaker Wire Input: Yes
Speaker Level Input N/A
Line Level Input N/A
Digital Input (Optical) N/A
Digital Input (Coaxial) N/A
RCA Input N/A
3.5mm Stereo Analog Input N/A
Aux Input N/A
Bi-amp Input: N/A
HDMI Input N/A
USB Port N/A
Subwoofer Output N/A

WIRELESS FEATURES

Bluetooth N/A
Wi-Fi N/A
Other

CONNECTOR:

Connector Type binding posts
Compatible Connector Types bare wire, pin-connectors, spade-lugs, and banana plugs
Speaker Wire Compatibility standard speaker wire

AUDIO QUALITY ( TESTED )

Bass Accuracy: Impressive and precise bass
Dialogue & Vocal Accuracy: Clear and loud vocals
Treble Accuracy Smooth and rich highs
Imaging & Soundstage: Powerful soundstage and focused imaging
Dynamic Range: Good dynamic range
Power Handling: Easy to drive
Frequency Response: Broad frequency response
Transient Response: Decent transient response

BUILD MATERIAL

Enclosure Ported
Finish MDF
Color Black Gloss / White Gloss / Walnut

SIZE & WEIGHT

Height (inches) 49.2"
Width (inches) 7.9"
Depth (inches) 15.1"
Weight (pounds) 80.5 lbs
Recommended Stand Height (inches) none

CONTROL

Handheld Remote N/A
Control by app N/A
Amazon Alexa N/A
Google Assistant N/A

IN THE BOX

Accessories: a pair of Floorstanding speaker, Grille, Port plugs, Outrigger feet, Spikes, Protective discs, Manual, Warranty Information
User manual: Yes
Where to buy
Details Review

Design and build:

KEF R11 Meta tower speaker is the biggest model in the KEF R series. It also has a KEF R11 model with almost similar specs. It comes with a microfiber grille that is made of multiple layers and completely protects the drivers. The speaker has an MDF body and is available in three different color options. It uses damping and bracing to ensure no resonance and vibration that might affect the sound. It has Shadow flare that is known to eliminate cabinet diffraction.

Place the speakers with the outrigger feet that will make them more stable. For carpet flooring, spike feet are available. Use protective discs for hardwood, vinyl, or tile flooring.  

Performance:

 

KEF R11 Meta has a 12th generation Uni-Q driver array. This speaker has the tweeter in the middle of the midrange driver. The 1” aluminum dome tweeter works with tangerine that delivers smooth highs within a broader area. This driver ensures reduced distortion and detailed sound in the higher frequencies.

It has a 5” aluminum midrange driver with Z-Flex surrounds that produces natural and precise midrange. For low frequencies, the speaker uses 4 6.5” woofer drivers. The bass is deep, clean, and articulate. It has a room filling with impressive soundstage. There are two rear firing ports that will boost the bass. KEF is aware of different room layouts. That is why it includes foam port plugs.

You can insert them into the port in case you want to place them closer to walls. Place the speakers 5 to 10’ apart. The distance will be the same between the speaker and user. Toe-in them with the user within an angle of 5-10 degrees. Keep a gap of 9” from rear wall and 20” from side walls.

KEF R11 Meta vs KEF R11:

 

KEF R11 and R11 Meta have similar specs in terms of number of drivers, driver size, frequency response, power range, etc. The Kef R11 Meta is costlier and has an impedance of 4 ohms. Between KEF R11 Meta and KEF R11 speakers, the major difference is the inclusion of Uni-Q driver in the Meta model. The R11 Meta has also improved in terms of performance.

It has better imaging, less distortion, good off-axis sound in high frequencies. The speaker will not leak any sound and overall, the sound is enhanced especially noticeable for users who want to scrutinize.

Use case:

KEF R11 Meta tower speakers are suitable for larger rooms. They can also be placed in medium sized rooms. We listened to music, movies and TV shows in a stereo setup without any issue.

Compatible device:

KEF R11 Meta speakers are versatile as you can use them as stereo setup or as a part of home theater. Pair the available speakers from KEF: floorstanding loudspeakers (R5 Meta/R7 Meta), stand-mount loudspeaker (R3 Meta), center-channel speakers (R2 Meta/R6 Meta), Dolby Atmos surround speaker (R8 Meta) and a powered subwoofer.

You can also mismatch it with other brands. The R11 Meta has a set of binding posts that you can use for bi-amping and bi-wiring connections. Between these two, the bi-amping is convenient, it needs a single amplifier

Cost:

KEF R11 Meta speakers are costly, and the total cost will increase further if you add a subwoofer and amplifier.

FAQ

KEF R11 vs KEF R11 Meta, which one should I choose?

If you are a fan of KEF and consider yourself an audio enthusiast, then it is better to go for the KEF R11 Meta as it is the improved and upgraded model. If you already own an R11 speaker, then it might not be wise to replace it with the R11 Meta speakers. If you have budget issues, the R11 speaker will be a better option.

How to connect a center channel with the KEF R11 Meta speakers?

Connect an amplifier or receiver with the KEF R11 Meta speakers, set them to the Front L/R ports if they are for front setup. Then look for the center channel port on the back of the receiver. Connect the center channel into the desired port and are good to go.

 

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