emybaneesim
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- May 12, 2022
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I spoke with a dealer today about buying discounted R series and was told the Meta was imminent with stock arriving any day. I enquired further and was told:
I then asked if it was just the addition of metamaterial justifying this hike and was told there were significant updates, including to the Uni-Q.
In case anyone asks:
In any case, it makes for some interesting buying quandaries. For example, now:
R3 Meta + S3 stand = £2550 ~ R11 non-Meta
I guess we’ll have to see what the measurements look like*… of course, that one will also depend on taste for looks, room size, whether you have/want subs, how loud you want to go, etc. (Ok, there are cheaper stands than the S3 as well, but personally I want one that bolts on and tidies cables.)
What to choose? The answer must be to buy both for controlled blind tests at home, fail to tell the difference, keep the Meta for fronts to be safe anyway, pick up more non-Meta on sale for surrounds and then upgrade everything to Blades after a couple of years
*Would seriously consider buying and drop-shipping for testing as soon as available but I don't think there's anyone in or close enough to the UK with a Klippel providing Amir's outstanding service to us. Anyway, have a number of questions to resolve on my own system build first, but that's for another thread.
- Kef R3 Meta pricing £1900
- Kef R11 Meta pricing £5500
I then asked if it was just the addition of metamaterial justifying this hike and was told there were significant updates, including to the Uni-Q.
In case anyone asks:
- I didn't ask pricing for R5 or R7 - I thought this could be easily extrapolated.
- I have no insider connection to Kef or the dealer, was just calling to discuss a sale and was surprised they were so candid.
- I was not told this information was under NDA or other embargo – so don’t consider it to be “private or confidential” under ASR rules - but don't want to cause trouble for anyone, so FWIW happy to delete anything sensitive at the request of Kef. From the ASR perspective, moderators do what you gotta do... just thought some exciting gossip and in general feel a bit of news pre-official announcement is good for manufacturers.
- I have no idea if Kef will call this a new generation of Uni-Q. Already find it curious they are undercutting their own Reference series so soon. IIRC, the biggest difference in the Uni-Q was the neodymium magnet that shadows the cone less. Pure speculation on my behalf, if that's trickling down (we only have neodymium to last to 2035 per some reports, so better get in soon!).
- I’ve seen some hefty discounts on the in-wall and in-ceiling speakers too (though they are getting on), so I wonder if the R series partners there may get the Meta treatment too.
- I have no information to share beyond what I've stated here. No idea about pricing or availability outside UK, though from previous experience Euro prices follow FX quite closely whilst our American friends have to pay a large premium (one of the rare cases where we are better off!)
In any case, it makes for some interesting buying quandaries. For example, now:
R3 Meta + S3 stand = £2550 ~ R11 non-Meta
I guess we’ll have to see what the measurements look like*… of course, that one will also depend on taste for looks, room size, whether you have/want subs, how loud you want to go, etc. (Ok, there are cheaper stands than the S3 as well, but personally I want one that bolts on and tidies cables.)
What to choose? The answer must be to buy both for controlled blind tests at home, fail to tell the difference, keep the Meta for fronts to be safe anyway, pick up more non-Meta on sale for surrounds and then upgrade everything to Blades after a couple of years
*Would seriously consider buying and drop-shipping for testing as soon as available but I don't think there's anyone in or close enough to the UK with a Klippel providing Amir's outstanding service to us. Anyway, have a number of questions to resolve on my own system build first, but that's for another thread.
