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History of KEF Loudspeakers

KEF, a British loudspeaker manufacturer, has been at the forefront of audio innovation since its inception in 1961. Founded by Raymond Cooke, an ex-BBC electrical engineer, KEF quickly established itself as a leading force in the audio industry. This article will explore the history of KEF loudspeakers, their technological advancements, and the impact they have had on the audio world.

The Early Years (1961-1970)

In 1961, Raymond Cooke established KEF Electronics Ltd. in Tovil, Maidstone, Kent. The company's name, KEF, was derived from Kent Engineering & Foundry, a metalworking company that previously occupied the site. KEF's early years were marked by a focus on research and development, resulting in several ground-breaking innovations.

In 1962, KEF introduced the first commercially available "coincident" driver, the K1, which combined the high and low-frequency drivers on the same axis. This design improved phase coherence and reduced distortion, providing a more accurate and natural sound.

In 1966, KEF launched the Model 104, the first speaker to use a Neoprene surround for the bass driver. This material helped to reduce distortion and improve bass response.

The 1970s: Expanding Horizons

During the 1970s, KEF continued to innovate and expand its product range. In 1970, the company introduced the Model 105, which featured the first use of a polypropylene diaphragm in a speaker. This material offered improved durability and performance compared to traditional paper cones.

In 1975, KEF launched its Reference Series, which remains a flagship line for the company today. The first model in this series, the Model 104/2, featured a unique "coupled cavity" bass driver design, which allowed for greater bass extension and reduced distortion.

The 1980s: Digital Revolution

The 1980s saw KEF embrace the emerging digital audio technology. In 1980, the company introduced the world's first digitally controlled speaker, the DMC-1. This innovative design allowed users to adjust the speaker's frequency response using digital filters.

In 1988, KEF launched the Uni-Q driver, a significant advancement in speaker technology. The Uni-Q driver combined the tweeter and midrange driver into a single unit, resulting in a more cohesive and accurate sound reproduction.

The 1990s: International Expansion

The 1990s marked a period of international expansion for KEF, with the company establishing subsidiaries in the United States and Asia. KEF also continued to innovate, launching the KHT series of home theater speakers in 1998, which featured the company's signature Uni-Q technology.

The 2000s: New Ownership and Continued Innovation

In 2003, KEF was acquired by GP Acoustics, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Gold Peak Industries. Under new ownership, KEF continued to push the boundaries of audio technology.

In 2005, the company introduced the Muon, a limited-edition, high-end speaker designed in collaboration with renowned industrial designer Ross Lovegrove. The Muon combined cutting-edge materials and design with KEF's advanced audio technology, resulting in a visually stunning and acoustically superior speaker.

The 2010s: Wireless and Smart Speakers

The 2010s saw KEF embrace wireless and smart speaker technology. In 2014, the company launched the LS50 Wireless, a high-performance wireless speaker system that offered audiophile-grade sound quality without the need for separate amplifiers or cables.

In 2018, KEF introduced the LSX, a compact wireless speaker system that offered many of the same features as the LS50 Wireless, but in a smaller, more affordable package.

Conclusion

Over the past six decades, KEF has consistently been at the forefront of audio innovation, introducing ground-breaking technologies and designs that have shaped the audio industry. From the early days of the coincident driver to the latest wireless and smart speaker systems, KEF's commitment to research, development, and excellence has made the company a respected leader in the world of high-fidelity audio.

For More Info Contact:

For more information on the ranges of KEF Loud Speakers or If you have any questions or queries or would like to have a demonstration and listen to your favourite vinyl and your favourite tracks in our demonstration rooms, please get in touch with our team of experts on 02476 631707 or 02476 525200 or use our Contact Form. We would love to hear from you.

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