KEF Q11 Meta Speakers
The Q11 Meta is the largest, most powerful model in the Q Series collection. This flagship 3-way floorstanding speaker is designed for immersive performance in larger rooms and home theatres. Equipped with a 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™ technology, along with three 6.5" (165 mm) hybrid aluminium bass drivers, it delivers music and movies with refined detail, powerful bass, and uncompromising depth.
Revolutionary Sound Absorption with MAT: The crucial new advancement in the Q Series is the integration of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), a revolutionary innovation that takes the performance of the latest 12th generation Uni-Q driver array to another level in terms of accuracy and clarity.
MAT is a highly complex maze-like structure, in which each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency. When combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound that comes from the rear of the tweeter. This eliminates the resulting distortion for a purer, more natural acoustic performance.
An Extra Half Way: The evolved Q Series has been upgraded from a 2.5-way to a 3-way speaker design. This updated configuration separates the frequency ranges, with the Uni-Q driver handling the high and midrange frequencies, and a newly designed bass driver dedicated to the low frequencies management.
The optimisation of the drivers for their respective frequency bands allows the 12th Uni-Q driver to perform even better. By minimising the motion of the mid-frequency cone, the tweeter can transmit high frequency sound over a smoother and more stable surface. This reduction in movement leads to a diminished distortion in the lower midrange frequencies, resulting in a significant improvement in detail and clarity.
Deep and Clean Bass: The Q Series features a new bass driver design – a hybrid structure with a shallow, concave, aluminium skin atop a paper cone – which gives stiffness to achieve a piston-like movement for better bass punch and speed. Combined with a 3D FEA-optimised surround geometry, this significantly improves linearity at higher excursions. This results in a precise and agile bass management even at high output.
Additionally, the flared port, modelled with computational fluid dynamics, minimises turbulence and reduces chuffing noise. This enables the ported speakers to produce bass that is cleaner and more controlled.
Refined Crossover from 1000 Measurements: A critical component of the Q Series is the refined crossover, which ensures seamless integration of all speaker parts. To achieve this, KEF's engineers take more than 1,000 specific measurements for each speaker model using a custom-built reference microphone array in KEF's anechoic chamber in Maidstone, UK. These extensive on and off-axis measurements allow the team to thoroughly understand each model's acoustic interactions, enabling precise crossover design through advanced simulation and prototyping.
This meticulous process draws from the development of the LS50 Meta and has been further enhanced through the creation of the latest Blade, The Reference and R Series, allowing each speaker model precise signal path optimisation and the best possible performance.
Shadow Flare for Improved Clarity: Derived from the flagship models, Shadow Flare is a further upgrade for the evolved Q Series. It reduces unwanted cabinet diffraction, allowing the 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT to work at its highest potential. Shadow Flare is a precision-designed surface that extends the waveguide effect of the Uni-Q driver array. This means the tweeter no longer has a line of sight to the cabinet edges, creating a 'shadow region' where the potential for diffraction is highest, minimising the acoustic impact to negligible levels. The improved clarity and reproduction of fine details make listening a thrilling experience. Subtle nuances, such as the delicate brushwork on cymbals or the intricate overtones of a piano, are clearer on the Q Series.
Detail by Design: The Q Series speakers feature a contemporary minimalist design with a satin finish that offers a premium, subtle glow. Available in Satin Black, Satin White, and Walnut finishes with carefully selected colour driver units, they are designed to blend effortlessly into any interior.
Dedicated grilles are included with the speakers, providing the option to protect the drivers if needed. These colour-matched grilles maintain the cohesive aesthetic, while the magnetic fixing provides a secure and precise fit, in keeping with the clean and seamless styling of the Q Series.
Home Theatre Made Versatile: Mix and match with other Q Series speakers and KEF subwoofers for a versatile home theatre experience that transports you to the heart of the action.
Our Take On The KEF Q11 Meta
The KEF Q11 Meta, the flagship model in the Q Series, is designed to deliver powerful and immersive sound, ideal for larger rooms and home theatre setups. This 3-way floorstanding speaker boasts a 12th-generation Uni-Q® driver array, incorporating Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) to enhance clarity and reduce distortion. With three 6.5" hybrid aluminium bass drivers, the Q11 Meta produces refined, deep bass, bringing movies and music to life with impressive detail. The 3-way design allows for precise handling of low, mid, and high frequencies, ensuring that sound is delivered with uncompromising accuracy.
Key innovations, such as MAT, absorb 99% of unwanted sound, improving the purity of audio reproduction. The hybrid bass driver, featuring a concave aluminium skin over a paper cone, enhances bass performance, while the Shadow Flare technology minimises unwanted cabinet diffraction, further refining sound clarity. The speakers also feature a sophisticated minimalist design with satin finishes available in black, white, and walnut, blending seamlessly into various interiors. The result is a speaker that delivers high-end performance with a clean, contemporary look, making it a versatile addition to any audio setup.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Three-Way Bass Reflex Floorstanding Speakers
- Drive Units
- Uni-Q Driver Array
- High Frequencies: 19mm (0.75") Vented Aluminium Dome with MAT
- Midrange Frequencies: 100mm (4") Aluminium Cone
- Low Frequencies: 3 x 165mm (6.5") Hybrid Aluminium Cones
- Frequency Range (-6dB): 37 Hz - 20 kHz
- Typical In-Room Bass Response (-6dB): 26 Hz
- Frequency Response (±3dB): 44 Hz - 20 kHz
- Crossover Frequencies: 480 Hz, 2.7 kHz
- Amplifier Requirements: 15 - 225 W
- Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 89 dB
- Harmonic Distortion (90dB, 1m)
- <2% 29 Hz and above
- <1% 31 Hz - 20 kHz
- Maximum Output: 113 dB
- Impedance: 4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)
- Optional KEF PQ1 Spike Kit Available Separately
- Included Accessories: Magnetic Grilles, Plinths & Rubber Feet, Port Bungs, User Manual & Warranty Information
- Available Finishes: Satin Black, Satin White, Walnut
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 210 x 1,061 x 380mm (with terminals)
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 317 x 1,112 x 380mm (with terminals & plinth)
- Weight: 22.5 kg each
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years + 1 Extended Year when Registered at KEF.com
- Learn more about KEF
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.