If it's the function of the home theater loudspeaker to be heard and not seen, KEF has one-upped the competition with its custom speakers—motorized units that swing—which are designed to be installed in walls and ceilings.
The new CiFDT matches audiophile obsession with aesthetic sensibilities. The unit combines a 5-inch bass/midrange cone with a high-frequency driver. The latter is on a motorized mount, which swings to sit at a right-angle to the wall when the theater system is switched on.
TREND SETTER: Buyers crave technology that performs well but doesn't clash with de'cor. KEF's swing-unit speakers answer that need.
KEF claims the pair of drivers creates a lifelike soundstage, even for listeners who may be seated off axis to the speakers or outside the customary “sweet spot.” When the sound system is off, the unit is flush to the wall. The bezel and grill can be painted to match surroundings.
Ceilings quite often aren't considered a crucial part of the surround-sound package, and placement overhead presents a unique challenge to installers. But KEF believes that sonics from above add to the complete experience.
The new Ci 3-80QT is the only in-ceiling speaker that automatically extends down from its flush-mounted position to project sound directly toward listeners. While at rest, the 80QT remains flush against the surface.
The 80QT employs KEF's Uni-Q driver to create a widely dispersed and lifelike soundstage. Uni-Q places its aluminum dome tweeter in the acoustic center of a mid-bass cone, resulting in a single-point-source driver. This alignment ensures that both drivers' frequency ranges are delivered in phase and in focus.
“This speaker creates the robust performance of a free-standing or bookshelf speaker without altering a home's interior,” says Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “It's the perfect solution for someone who wants the audio system to stand out through its sound rather than its looks.”
The Ci 3-80QT comes in a soft white finish, which can be painted. Both products retail for about $500. (www.kef.com)