KEF Ci 100QR User Manual

The Reference for a new generation

Funny thing, sound.

As the human voice, as music and in film, it’s

one of the great joys of being alive.

But the more you enjoy sound, the more

demanding you become of how it’s

reproduced.Anything that distracts you from

the purity of the original spoils the pleasure -

and with modern recording technologies, the

quality you expect gets higher all the time.

So it is with the legendary Reference Series.

As audiophiles everywhere know, the

Reference Series has always been about

setting new standards. Using the most

advanced digital techniques to analyse the way

sound behaves, we create a new generation of

prototypes that push the boundaries of sonic

performance further still.

After exhaustive measurements under

anechoic conditions and listening tests in

many different real rooms, using various

electronics with both AV and music signals,

these then become the ‘Reference’ to which

every production version must conform, to a

tolerance of just 0.5dB.

components always perform slightly

differently. So as well as carefully matching

each set of speakers, we make sure every

single driver is partnered by units whose

output is as near identical as possible.

As the first Reference Series speakers

designed specifically for modern extended

bandwidth digital formats, the new models

deliver a more complete experience of sound

than ever before.At their heart are completely

®

new Uni-Q

drivers - the ultimate refinement

of KEF’s trademark technology - with a

sophisticated elliptical dome tweeter of

astonishing lucidity and a patented ‘Uni-Form’

flat surround midrange driver.A new titanium

dome hypertweeter that easily outperforms

any conventional supertweeter. Ultra low

distortion bass drivers. Radical new curved

Our obsession with audio integrity doesn’t

stop there, though - because however

meticulously manufactured, individual audio

cabinet designs.

The technical sections in this brochure explain

some of the reasons for these speakers’

phenomenal clarity and accuracy. But no

words can explain how they sound.

So having read, please do go and listen.

In every sense, you’ll find it’s a revelation.

New Uni-Q®array

The new Reference Series embodies an

approach to pure sound using technologies

found nowhere else.

Although the single point source performance

and wide dispersion characteristics of KEF

Uni-Q are well known, the new range is based

on a radically new design: the first ever Uni-Q

driver array dedicated solely to the midrange.

by a patented co-moulding process, while the

cone profile is optimised by Finite Element

Analysis (FEA) to ensure that wavefronts from

the tweeter exit the cavity cleanly.

Another KEF ‘first’ is the small, superlight

compound neodymium magnet assembly that

ensures optimum flux profiles for both MF and

HF coils. Its low mass allows effective

decoupling from the cabinet to prevent box

colouration, and the open chassis design

(in die-cast aluminium alloy for stiffness)

minimises acoustic reflections behind the cone.

Determined to set a new standard of

mechanical integrity for metal dome tweeters,

KEF engineers also used FEA to develop a

The limited movement required at these

frequencies allows a perfectly flat new

surround that dramatically reduces diffraction

and intermodulation effects.The filled

polypropylene cone and its thermoplastic

rubber surround are produced as one entity

unit whose resonance threshold exceeded

30kHz.The result is a deep drawn 25mm

titanium dome with elliptical profile and

optimised surround that substantially

outperforms conventional high-end units.

The imaging therefore becomes even

sharper, with virtually no colouration.

Integration is flawless; the off-axis response,

unrivalled anywhere.

Less distortion at lower frequencies

A lightweight neodymium magnet ‘pot’ and

relatively small cone movements allow the

lower midrange driver in the Model 207 to be

fitted with KEF’s short coil/long gap motor

system.Although this has an inherently linear

flux profile anyway, the design incorporates a

single aluminium Faraday ring around the pole

HD (dB)

60

50

40

30

20

20

10"LF unit: 2nd harmonic

FREQUENCY (Hz)

200

to eliminate any residual distortion.The

500

software, the system incorporates twin

balanced Faraday rings above and below the

coil to maintain a perfectly symmetrical flux

profile (both in and out of the gap) that

minimises flux modulation.Together with the

use of an ‘undercut’ T-pole, this configuration

has the effect of reducing second harmonic

HD (dB)

60

50

40

30

20

20

10"LF unit: 3rd harmonic

FREQUENCY (Hz)

200

distortion by as much as 20dB (for 1W input),

500

configuration also allows the diaphragm to

be thinner and lighter for increased sensitivity,

with a phase plug shaped to optimise

smooth response.

In the new bass drivers, KEF’s ultra-low

distortion motor system dramatically reduces

low frequency distortions.After extensive

research using the latest magnetics simulation

Hypertweeter™

Time aligned with the

main array and

mounted in its

own chrome-plated

and third harmonic distortion by 10dB.

An open chassis and vented poles minimise any

noise from air trapped internally, and each bass

driver radiates directly from its own subdivided

internal enclosure to avoid the standing wave

distortions that usually afflict tall cabinets.With

less damping required, you get more sensitivity

- and the result is the clearest, most open bass

you’ve ever heard.

With flat response to

50kHz and useful energy

up to 80kHz, this massively

extended performance

steel pod, KEF’s new 19mm

titanium dome hypertweeter is

essentially a scaled down version of the new

Uni-Q®tweeter, with the same low distortion

characteristics at ‘super audio’ frequencies.

envelope delivers every last

sonic detail encoded in the

latest wideband formats like SACD, SACD

multi-channel and DVD Audio.What you

actually hear is simply a sweeter, more

natural sound with crystal clear highs.

Inert enclosures

The distinctive design of the new cabinets

is a logical extension of KEF’s longstanding

commitment to enclosures that minimise both

internal acoustic radiation and mechanical

vibrations directly transmitted from the

drive units.

The theoretical sonic advantages of curved

enclosures have been known since we

introduced the first pod system on the

Reference 105 back in the ’70s - but now,

modern production technologies allow these

to be precision cast in thick section aluminium,

which is exceptionally inert.The pod on

the Model 207 is mechanically damped by a

viscoelastic lining and acoustically damped by a

sandwich of melamine foam and light wadding -

measures that both contribute to a more

natural sounding upper frequency response.

The inherently stiff curved

panels of the main cabinets

are engineered from thick

MDF and extensively

braced internally, with the

optimum position of each

brace determined by

laser interferometry. Add

independent driver loading

and KEF’s proven decoupling

techniques, and you get an

enclosure that allows the

quality of the components

within to shine through unimpaired.

Total attention to detail

The componentry is of the highest standards,

as you would expect. Polypropylene capacitors,

carefully chosen in comparative listening

tests. Metal oxide film resistors. Iron

powder inductor cores - selected

for their superior performance

where large values and low DC

resistance are involved.

And for the best possible signal

®

transmission, the WBT

terminals are plated in gold, and

KEF’s own oxygen-free copper cable

is meticulously graded and soldered by hand.

tri-wire

Naturally, performance can be fine-tuned for

the acoustics of the room.A boundary control

device allows you to reduce LF radiation

to compensate for bass gain from

energy reflected by a wall close to the

speaker. This device now has a third

setting, which boosts LF radiation for

rooms that are subjectively bass light.

Electromagnetic shielding is provided

for home theatre use.

Each new Reference Series Model is

always a landmark in speaker design, and

the new range is no exception. By objective

measurement and in subjective tests, every

single technical innovation advances the state

Reference Model 205

of the art.

Meet the Reference for a new generation.

Created by KEF because only KEF can.

IDL - independent driver (bass) loading

MODEL 207

MODEL

207

Awe.Tenderness. Lyricism. Joy.

The spellbinding Reference Model 207 has the

power to create heightened emotional states.

Not by magic, but through technology.

A true five-way design with crossover

frequencies at 120, 400, 3000 and 15000Hz, it

exemplifies everything you’d expect from a

no-holds-barred extended bandwidth speaker

for the 21st century: fabulous imaging over a

commanding sound stage, and the kind of

realism that gives you goose bumps.

Beneath the FEA-developed elliptical dome

titanium hypertweeter, the distinctive cast

aluminium pod houses the new generation

®

Uni-Q

HF/upper midrange array that gives

the range its stunningly clear voice.

The dedicated 250mm (10") lower midrange

driver features KEF’s superlight neodymium

magnet assembly, which minimises colouration

by allowing the unit to be effectively decoupled

from the cabinet.

The paired long-throw 250mm (10") bass

drivers operate in parallel at low frequencies

where throw is critical, but the lower unit is

rolled off early to allow the upper driver to

dominate at the crossover to the Uni-Q for

near-perfect integration. Separately loaded

into individual direct radiator sub-enclosures,

they deliver staggering bass extension of

exceptional purity.

Profoundly musical and virtually distortion-

free, the Model 207 is capable of taking you to

the further reaches of the art of sound.

MODEL 205

MODEL

205

Whether for music or auditorium quality

home theatre, Model 205 is one of the finest

full bandwidth floorstanders you can buy

at any price.

With KEF’s wide dispersion new Uni-Q

hypertweeter pod faired into the cabinet, it

®

/

looks as majestic as it sounds.As the wave

fronts from the 25mm (1") elliptical dome

titanium tweeter are optimised by the

computer-modelled profile of the Uni-Form

cone/surround, the upper frequency response

is incredibly lucid - especially the human voice.

Both MF and HF coils in the Uni-Q array

have compound twin neodymium magnet

assemblies, and the two ultra-low distortion

200mm (8") bass drivers have balanced Faraday

loops above and below the coil to ensure even

flux profiles - and therefore minimum distortion

and maximum smoothness.

But however complex the technologies, their

combined effect is very simple indeed: you

hear more.Your soundscape is more alive.

Your enjoyment is more complete, wherever

you sit in the room.You feel more. And that’s

what entertainment should be about.

MODEL 203

MODEL

203

Model 203 has all the ingredients that make

the larger floorstanders great, but on a slightly

smaller scale - the same new generation KEF

technologies, the same carefully chosen high

order components and the same unrivalled

build quality.

Computer optimised audiophile grade four-

way crossovers ensure that transitions are

imperceptible between the five drivers:

KEF’s patented hypertweeter, the radical new

®

Uni-Q

midrange/HF array with elliptical

dome titanium tweeter and the two high

performance 165mm (61/2") LF drivers. And

with the latest motor systems and lightweight

reinforced diaphragms, bass response is

unusually open, with negligible distortion even

at high volume.

Acoustically inert, the curved section cabinets

are heavily braced to eliminate box

colourations, and finished in a choice of hand-

matched wood veneers. Magnetically shielded

like the rest of the range, Model 203

combines intense musicality with real power -

and the sonic imaging is never less than

immaculate, right down to the tiniest detail. A

purist’s loudspeaker.

MODEL 201

MODEL

201

Whether you’re into music or moving image,

Model 201 packs all the benefits of latest

Reference Series technology into the

definitive extended bandwidth bookshelf

speaker. The same elliptical titanium dome

hypertweeter.The same die-cast aluminium

frame for the new Uni-Q®array, with its

lightweight neodymium compound magnet

assembly and computer modelled Uni-Form

waveguide.The same ultra-low distortion LF

motors for hefty bass extension with

uncompromised accuracy.

No compromise anywhere, in fact. Graded

OFC wiring, soldered by hand.Audiophile

crossovers with iron powder core inductors

and high order polypropylene capacitors. Gold

plated WBT

Model 201 can be tri-wired and comes with

a boundary control device to fine tune

response to your room.And with magnetic

shielding and Uni-Q’s inherently wide

dispersion characteristics, you can place them

more or less wherever you like.

Smooth. Sweet. Spine-tingling clarity,

off-axis as well as on. Not big - but most

definitely beautiful.

®

terminals. Like all of the range,

MODEL 204c

MODEL

204c & 202c

The extended bandwidth technology of the

new Reference Series really comes into its

own for home theatre use - especially in the

centre channel, which carries around two-

thirds of the audio information encoded in the

average movie soundtrack.

With KEF’s titanium dome hypertweeter in

addition to the most sophisticated Uni-Q

®

point source array we’ve ever built, Model

204c (shown opposite) has the extra

dynamic range to do justice to the latest

digital formats. It’s the ideal combination for

MODEL 202c

As with the 204c, the enhanced single point

source effect of KEF’s radically new Uni-Q

design delivers massive listening benefits in

®

reproducing dialogue and vocals - eerily

natural sounding, and sensitive enough to hear

the slightest intake of breath. Flanked on either

side by pairs of audiophile quality 165mm

1

/2") LF drivers with ultra-low distortion

(6

motors and reinforced lightweight diaphragms,

you enjoy pin-sharp frontal effects with

gloriously extended, open bass. Naturally, the

timbre match with the other speakers in the

range is perfect.

The ultimate centre speaker - an investment

in pure pleasure.

Uni-Form cone/surround, vocals acquire an

immediacy and presence that you’ve never

experienced before. 165mm (6

1

/2") low

the Model 202c.

With the same hypertweeter and an identical

Uni-Q array incorporating KEF’s latest

elliptical dome titanium tweeter and seamless

distortion bass drivers on either side have

the power to deliver the full slam of frontal

effects without sacrificing accuracy. Like the

rest of the range, it also sets new standards of

smoothness - transitions between units are

literally imperceptible.

The recommended centre speaker for Models

203 and 201, 202c projects a dynamic,

involving and minutely detailed sound stage

with startling realism, wherever you sit.

Immerse yourself.

PSW5000

Powered Subwoofers

PSW5000 & PSW4000

The ultimate powered subwoofer - as it

would have to be in order to match the

awesome performance standards set by the

new Reference Series for which it was

designed. How does a 1kW Class D amplifier

with a 15" long throw woofer sound? Simply

PSW4000

Serious stuff. No less than 500 watts of high

efficiency Class D amplifier power, with a 12"

long throw driver in a hand finished wood

cabinet.As you would expect, bass extension

is more than generous - but what’s really

impressive is the way LF response is

devastating is the answer. From the furniture

quality real wood enclosure in Black Ash,

Maple or Cherry to the tips of its gold-plated

terminal block, PSW5000 exudes performance

without compromise.

immaculately controlled. Output level, phase

(infinitely variable) and the low pass filter

frequency can be adjusted via radio remote

control from anywhere in the home, so the

unit can be concealed wherever you please.

MODEL 201 MODEL 203 MODEL 205 MODEL 207 MODEL 204cMODEL 202c PSW4000 PSW5000

Design Design Design Design Design Design Design Design

4 way reflex 4 way reflex 4 way reflex 5 way reflex 4 way reflex 4 way reflex Bass reflex, downward firing Bass reflex, downward firing

Drive Units Drive Units Drive Units Drive Units Drive Units Drive Units Drive Units Drive Units

1

") LF : 2 x 165 mm (6

LF : 1 x 165 mm (6

MF : 1 x 165 mm (61/2

/2

") MF : 1 x 165 mm (6

HF : 1 x 25 mm (1") HF : 1 x 25 mm (1") HF : 1 x 25 mm (1") MF : 1 x 165 mm (61/2

1

") LF : 2 x 200 mm (8") LF : 2 x 250 mm (10") LF : 2 x 165 mm (6

/2

1

") MF : 1 x 165 mm (6

/2

1

") LMF : 1 x 250 mm (10") MF : 1 x 165 mm (6

/2

") HF : 1 x 25 mm (1") HF : 1 x 25 mm (1")

1

") LF : 4 x 165 mm (6

/2

1

") MF : 1 x 165 mm (6

/2

1

") LF: 300 mm (12") long throw LF: 380 mm (15") long throw

/2

1

")

/2

SHF : 1 x 19 mm (3/4") SHF : 1 x 19 mm (3/4") SHF : 1 x 19 mm (3/4") HF : 1 x 25 mm (1") SHF : 1 x 19 mm (3/4") SHF : 1 x 19 mm (3/4")

3

SHF : 1 x 19 mm (

/4")

Frequency response at 15° Frequency response at 15° Frequency response at 15° Frequency response at 15° Frequency response at 15° Frequency response at 15° Frequency response at ± 3 dB Frequency response at ± 3 dB

horizontally off axis ±3 dB horizontally off axis ±3 dB horizontally off axis ±3 dB horizontally off axis ±3 dB horizontally off axis ±3 dB horizontally off axis ±3 dB horizontally off axis ±3 dB horizontally off axis ±3 dB

58 Hz - 55 kHz 55 Hz - 55 kHz 45 Hz - 55 kHz 40 Hz - 55 kHz 65 Hz - 55 kHz 53 Hz - 55 kHz 25 Hz - 250 Hz 18 Hz - 250 Hz

LF corner -6 dB LF corner -6 dB LF corner -6 dB LF corner -6 dB LF corner -6 dB LF corner -6 dB LF corner -6 dB LF corner -6 dB

46 Hz 40 Hz 35 Hz 28 Hz 50 Hz 40 Hz 22 Hz 16 Hz

Crossover frequency Crossover frequency Crossover frequency Crossover frequency Crossover frequency Crossover frequency Crossover frequency Crossover frequency

400 Hz, 2.7 kHz, 15 kHz 400 Hz, 2.7 kHz, 15 kHz 400 Hz, 2.7 kHz, 15 kHz 120 Hz, 400 Hz, 2.7 kHz, 15 kHz 400 Hz, 2.7 kHz, 15 kHz 400 Hz, 2.7 kHz, 15 kHz Variable Variable

Amplifier requirements Amplifier requirements Amplifier requirements Amplifier requirements Amplifier requirements Amplifier requirements Amplifier requirements Amplifier requirements

50 - 150 W 50 - 200 W 50 - 300 W 50 - 400 W 50 - 200 W 50 - 300 W Active system, on board 500W amp Active system, on board 1000W amp

Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) Sensitivity (2.83V/1m)

88 dB 89 dB 90 dB 91 dB 89 dB 90 dB Active system Active system

Maximum output Maximum output Maximum output Maximum output Maximum output Maximum output Maximum output Maximum output

110 dB 113 dB 115 dB 117 dB 113 dB 115 dB 110 dB 118 dB

Impedance Impedance Impedance Impedance Impedance Impedance Impedance Impedance

8 Ω (3.2 Ω min) 8 Ω (3.2 Ω min) 8 Ω (3.2 Ω min) 8 Ω (3.2 Ω min) 8 Ω (3.2 Ω min) 8 Ω (3.2 Ω min) Active system Active system

Magnetic shielding Magnetic shielding Magnetic shielding Magnetic shielding Magnetic shielding Magnetic shielding Magnetic shielding Magnetic shielding

Ye s Ye s Ye s Yes Ye s Ye s Yes Yes

Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight

14.8 kg (32.6 lbs) 26.5 kg (58.3 lbs) 33 kg (72.6 lbs) 66 kg (145 lbs) 16 kg (35.2 lbs) 35 kg (77 lbs) 14 kg (30.9 lbs) 25.3 kg (55.7 lbs)

Dimensions (H x W x D) Dimensions (H x W x D) Dimensions (H x W x D) Dimensions (H x W x D) Dimensions (H x W x D) Dimensions (H x W x D) Dimensions (H x W x D) Dimensions (H x W x D)

557 x 248 x 402 mm 1068 x 248 x 405 mm 1155 x 285 x 433 mm 1290 x 400 x 685 mm 240 x 630 x 315 mm 240 x 1100 x 425 mm 445 x 475 x 475 mm 545 x 590 x 590 mm

21.9 x 9.8 x 15.5 inches 42 x 9.8 x 15.9 inches 45.5 x 11.2 x 17 inches 50.7 x 15.7 x 27 inches 9.4 x 24.8 x 12.4 inches 9.4 x 43.3 x 16.7 inches 17.5 x 18.7 x 18.7 inches 21.5 x 23.2 x 23.2 inches

Finishes Finishes Finishes Finishes Finishes Finishes Finishes Finishes

Black Ash, Maple or Black Ash, Maple or Black Ash, Maple or Black Ash, Maple or Black Ash, Maple or Black Ash, Maple or Black Ash, Maple or Black Ash, Maple or

Cherry real wood veneer Cherr y real wood veneer Cherr y real wood veneer Cherry real wood veneer Cherry real wood veneer Cherry real wood veneer Cherr y real wood veneer Cherr y real wood veneer

Dealer Stamp

KEF and Uni-Q are registered trademarks. Uni-Q is protected under GB patent 2 236929. US patent 5,548,657.Worldwide patents pending.

KEF Audio reserve the right, in line with continuing research and development, to amend or change specifications. Part No. PL1370EN.

KEF Audio (UK) Ltd.,Eccleston Road, Tovil, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6QP UK.Telephone [phone]. Fax: [phone]. www.kef.com

ADCOM, 10 Timber Lane, Marlboro, New Jersey, 07746 USA.Telephone +(1)732 683 2356. Fax: +(1)732 683 2358. www.adcom.com