KEF R11 Loudspeaker

[Mr Spock]

Now in its twelfth version, the unique Uni-Q point-source has long been the gem in KEF’s crown—or in this case, its literal centerpiece: In this D’Appolito configuration it’s nestled between four 6.5" aluminum (hybrid with paper) woofers, two above the Uni-Q and two below. The Uni-Q driver array is identified by name in small grey letters on the front panel. The speaker also bears the KEF logo at the top of the MDF cabinet’s front—in silvery-grey lettering on my white review samples. Sleek and modern in style, the R11 is available in three finish options: white or black gloss with tone-on-tone diaphragms, or walnut wood veneer with rose-gold-colored diaphragms.


In some cases, different amplifier pairings can be like trying different base spirits in a cocktail. With Beefeater gin in your gin and tonic, the drink might taste more straightforwardly of juniper; if you choose Hendricks it might take on a more herbal tinge. Different prices aside, these different flavors register as distinct rather than divergent in any strongly pronounced/exaggerated way. Such were the R11 pairing comparisons between the Sprout100 and the Hegel H90. The Hegel H90’s own clarity seemed to heighten the R11’s smooth-handling coherence and neutral accuracy, while the Sprout100 added a bit more “spice” to the mix on certain tracks—sometimes it enhanced musicality, other times, well, it didn’t. But seldom did its “additives” detract, and the amp’s bass boost function provides some extra fun possibilities. I didn’t prefer one integrated over the other outright; the outcomes depended on the source material and, of course, many other variables. By design, the KEF R11 loudspeakers deliver a kind of purity or neutrality to the sound that can often reveal finer details that result in greater accuracy and realism—attributes that aren’t found every day in more approachably priced speakers like these. They seemingly play well with various amps and within home-theater setups, as well. But I believe it was their top-to-bottom coherence and even dispersion that kept me listening; it helped the speakers sound less like speakers—less like boxes with drivers firing soundwaves at you—and more like music itself. Compelling as it was, this naturalness meant fatigue was never an issue. Setup is simpler compared to many other speakers, and the R series flagship R11s don’t require a palatial room to work their magic. Pleasing presence—sonically and aesthetically—remarkable realism and inter-driver coherence, high value in the cost-to-performance arena…there’s a lot to love about the R11s. With good reason, they’re popular and selling like the proverbial hotcakes. Get ’em while they’re hot!

KEF R11 Loudspeaker Review Review - The Absolute Sound

The KEF R11 loudspeakers deliver a neutrality to the sound that can often reveal finer details that result in greater accuracy and realism.

www.theabsolutesound.com

Model	R11
Design	Three-way bass reflex
Drive Units	Uni-Q Driver Array: HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome MF: 125mm (5in.) aluminium cone Bass Driver: LF: 4 x 165mm (6.5in.) hybrid aluminium
Crossover frequency	400Hz, 2.9kHz
Frequency range (-6dB) Typical in-room bass response (-6dB)	30Hz - 50kHz 26Hz
Frequency response (±3dB)	46Hz - 28kHz
Harmonic distortion (90dB, 1m)	<0.3% 0.3% 120Hz - 20kHz
Maximum output	113dB
Amplifier power (recommended)	15 - 300W
Nominal Impedance	8Ω (min.3.2Ω)
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m)	90dB
Weight *	37.7 kg (83.1 lbs.)
Dimension (H x W x D) with terminal *	1249 x 200 x 383.5 mm (49.2 x 7.9 x 15.1 in.)
Dimension (H x W x D) with terminal with Plinth *	1295.5 x 310.6 x 383.5 mm (51 x 12.2 x 15.1 in.)
Finishes	Black Gloss / White Gloss / Walnut

R11

R11 is the flagship of the new R Series range. Boasting four 165mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium bass drivers, R11 digs deep and retrieves an exceptionally clean and musical low-end performance. Nestled in the centre of these lies the new 12th generation Uni-Q driver array. The 125mm (5 in.)...

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