![]() In the Reference 1 Meta, it involves significant re-engineering. And once again, it's done with great success.Īdding MAT to KEF’s trademark Uni-Q driver array – where the 25mm aluminium tweeter sits in the throat of the midrange unit – is a lot more involved than just plonking the tech on the back of the driver. Much like the new KEF R3 Meta speakers in this list, KEF has updated its higher-end Reference 1 speaker with its innovative Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which absorbs around 99 per cent of the unwanted, distorting sound waves from the back of the tweeter. Pair them with equally talented partnering kit, and these KEF R3 Meta speakers will soar and shine. ![]() You'll be drawn into emotive vocals, punchy bass and tactile guitar plucks and everything in between with whatever song you throw at them. Best of all, they're also hugely fun to listen to. These R3 Metas are spacious, dig deep, perform admirably both at loud and low volumes (a rare talent), and are delivered with a precision and accuracy that seems to come oh-so-easily to them. It's a huge step up from the MAT-less R3 (a previous five-star model) in terms of refinement, crystal-clear vocals and dynamism. They’re wonderfully transparent, at ease with any genre thrown at them: heavy metal, ’90s pop and classical works are all played over the testing period and the KEFs take it all in stride, simply relaying the music as faithfully as possible. The KEFs have a graceful nature to them that hides just how accomplished they are. KEF's 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array has been tweaked to accommodate the puck-sized MAT contraption (which absorbs 99 per cent of unwanted back radiation from the tweeter), and the resulting sound is astonishingly clear and insightful. These are gorgeous-looking speakers, with impeccable finish and build quality. Sure enough, the new R3 Meta standmounter features both MAT and KEF's Uni-Q driver array to great success. KEF's MAT ( Meta Material Absorption Technology) innovation has been elevating the performance of its most recent speakers (the Award-winning LS50 Meta above is a prime example), so it was only a matter of time before the tech was integrated into its 2023 R Series of speakers. Sounds best when positioned away from a wall and paired with equally talented kit If you have the budget - and space - for these speakers, they're worth an audition. It’s a musically cohesive presentation that’s controlled and nicely organised. Songs are delivered with wide-ranging dynamics, impressive authority and scale. The speakers have a slightly forward balance, especially with the clear and expressive midrange, that sounds lively and engaging – but thankfully never too aggressive. ![]() ![]() They sound taut and agile, but also delicate in the way they paint bass textures and resolve low-level information. They have so much finesse when it comes to delivering extended bass. ![]() While the retro link will be the main attraction for some, for us that’s put in the shade by the speakers' excellent all-round performance. The 770 have a range of sonic talents that sets them apart from most rivals and earns them a warm recommendation. Mission takes design inspiration from the original 770 speakers launched in the 1970s, but has improved and modernised every other element: from the cabinet design to the drivers and even new dedicated stands. We think these new Mission 770 are right up there with the very best at this price. Want something bigger? Check out our best floorstanding speakers. Below you'll find our selection of our favourite standmount speakers that are great picks for anyone. We've tested every speaker on this list in our dedicated listening rooms, to ensure you get the best sound-per-pound performance and have a range of options to choose from that suit your listening needs and budget. Building a hi-fi setup can quickly become complicated when there are thousands of different products out there, so if that's what you're doing, check out our ultimate guide to building the perfect hi-fi system. Whether your stereo speakers will be in your living room, home office or bedroom, it's crucial to see what fits your space – and what you can afford. Are you after a small, affordable pair that can go into the corner of your room? Are you after a large pair of speakers, or have an extensive budget for premium standmounters? Whatever the case, remember to also factor in speaker cables and the demands of the rest of your hi-fi system.Īs far as audio quality goes, it's definitely important to find a great-sounding pair of speakers, but how your speakers sound is naturally tied to what you're using to drive them. Budget and size are the biggest considerations. ![]()
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