Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Reference 4 Meta
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Design: Three-way bass reflex
- Drive units: Uni-Q driver array: HF: 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT, MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone, Bass units: LF: 4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone
- Frequency range free field (-6dB): Short port: 43Hz - 45kHz, Long port: 40Hz - 45kHz
- Frequency range typical in room bass response (-6dB): 33Hz
- Frequency response (±3dB): 48Hz – 35kHz
- Crossover frequency: 450Hz, 2.1kHz
- Amplifier requirements: 50-400W
- Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 88dB
- Harmonic distortion: 2nd & 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m) <0.5% 40Hz – 100kHz, <0.2% 200Hz – 2kHz, <0.1% 2kHz - 20kHz
- Maximum output: 116dB
- Impedance: 4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)
- Weight: 45.2 kg (99.6 lbs.)
- Dimensions (H x W x D)(with grille and terminal): 205 x 1090 x 463 mm (8.1 x 42.9 x 18.2 in.)
Description
For movie lovers looking for total immersion, Reference 4 Meta is the last word in absolute quality. Featuring four bass drivers and 12th generation Uni-Q ® driver array with MAT™, this centre speaker (can be used as Left-Centre-Right speaker) is a revelation for clarity, detail and emotional depth.
For movie lovers looking for total immersion, Reference 4 Meta is the last word in absolute quality. Featuring four bass drivers and 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™, this centre speaker (can be used as Left-Centre-Right speaker) is a revelation for clarity, detail and emotional depth.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- KEF's designs prioritize a "Single Apparent Source" through coaxial driver technology, aiming for a coherent soundstage where frequencies appear to originate from a single point, enhancing realism and spatial accuracy.
- The brand incorporates "Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT)" into its drivers, utilizing a maze-like structure to absorb unwanted sound waves from the rear of the driver, resulting in cleaner and more defined output.
- They offer a wide range of streaming and connectivity options, with their powered loudspeakers responding to the proprietary KEF Connect app, which delivers multiple streaming services and facilitates setup and customization.
- KEF frequently collaborates with renowned industrial designers to create visually striking products that seamlessly blend into modern living spaces, balancing aesthetic appeal with acoustic performance.
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T Series
- Positioning: The ultra-slim speaker line, designed to complement modern flat-screen TVs with a minimal footprint.
- Description: While delivering a sleek aesthetic, the flat diaphragm driver maintains rigidity and minimizes resonance, providing clean and accurate sound. However, compared to other KEF lines like the Q or R Series, it may offer less depth in bass response due to its slim design.
Q Series
- Positioning: The entry-level range offers versatile speakers suitable for both stereo and home theater setups.
- Description: Features Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, delivering detailed and natural sound. While it provides excellent value, it lacks some of the advanced damping and driver technologies found in the higher-end R and Reference Series, which offer more refined sound reproduction.
R Series
- Positioning: Bridges the gap between the entry-level Q Series and the high-end Reference Series, incorporating technologies from the latter to enhance performance.
- Description: Equipped with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, delivers precise and immersive sound. Unlike the Q Series, it includes Shadow Flare technology to reduce cabinet diffraction, resulting in clearer high frequencies.
The Reference
- Positioning: As KEF's high-end line, sets the benchmark for audiophile-grade sound reproduction.
- Description: Incorporating Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and a 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, offers exceptional clarity and detail. It also features advanced cabinet construction and flexible port technology for cleaner bass compared to the R Series. However, it doesn't achieve the Single Apparent Source configuration found in the Blade Series, which provides even more precise imaging.
Blade Series
- Positioning: Represents KEF's innovative approach to speaker design, featuring the world's first Single Apparent Source loudspeakers.
- Description: With Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, delivers coherent and precise sound. Its unique cabinet design minimizes resonances and diffraction, surpassing the traditional enclosures of The Reference Series.
MUON
- Positioning: Stands as KEF's flagship speaker, combining cutting-edge acoustic engineering with avant-garde industrial design.
- Description: Crafted from super-formed aluminum, the rigid structure minimizes vibrations, delivering ultra-wide bandwidth and immersive sound. While it shares the Uni-Q driver array with other KEF models, its exclusive design and limited production make it a collector's item.
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Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used For Sale
574
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
1
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
95
Founding Year
1961
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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What competes at this price?
Perlisten
S7c
7995
/
Released
2021
At the center of it all and always the focus of any studio or home theater is the critical tonal balance provided by the center channel.
Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The S7c center channel speaker is a standout performer and a tonal match to the mains and surrounds, creating a seamless blend across the main channels
- Movie dialogue was crystal clear from every seat with the S7c, and levels required no additional tweaking post-calibration
- Innovative in design and heavy duty in build quality
Product Considerations
- The price of the S7c and the system as a whole, may be intimidating for some
- The review sample had a lustrous high-gloss black with chromed silver binding posts and terminal plate
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Perlisten S7t speakers seem to be able to bend the room to their will to an even higher degree than the Revel F328Be speakers that were reviewed earlier
Takeaway: The S7c is a top-tier center channel speaker that delivers exceptional clarity and seamless integration with other speakers, making it a great choice for a high-end home theater system. It's a high-performing product, making movies and music sound their best.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
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Perlisten
S5c
5995
/
Released
2022
With the success of the S7c, the request for the S5c center for slightly smaller rooms and screens became too numerous to ignore. A world class center similar to the S7c with nearly the same SPL, sensitivity, and low frequency output. The S5c is sealed for the best integration into any room, and the same exquisite DPC array, for THX certified Dominus surround, or Ultra LCR home theater applications.
Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact center channel designed to match the S7Ts without taking up too much space
- Properly designed to be a center channel, providing great off-axis performance
- When integrated as part of a system with S7Ts, it provides a cohesive sound, sounding very similar to the mains
Product Considerations
- Review mentions having to seal the bass drivers in the subwoofers and redo setup
- Review mentions it sounds best with 'really good musical subwoofers', which may mean it sounds less good without subwoofers
Takeaway: The S5C is a well-engineered center channel option that can be paired with other speakers to create an immersive sound experience. It offers great off-axis performance and a cohesive sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
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Monitor
Platinum C250 3G
5900
/
Released
2022
The Platinum C250 3G centre channel boasts an MPD III transducer, a 2,5" RDT III mid-range driver and two 6" RDT III bass drivers. It's designed to be the perfect partner with any combination of Platinum loudspeakers to create the last word in home theatre sound.
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- New features and performance for the brand's high-end home theater speakers
- The slim profile allows for easy integration into any room, distinguishing them from bulkier alternatives
- Cabinets are crafted using multiple laminated layers of MDF with a 36mm front baffle and feature dual binding posts, plus high-quality jumpers for better performance
- The series features an updated top-tier midrange and woofer with Rigid Diaphragm Technology III for improved audio performance
- Build quality is first-rate with no expense spared in using today's technology
Product Considerations
- The speakers sometimes seemed like they were holding back from being their best—lacking a live and emotional connection
Takeaway: The Platinum 3G speakers from Monitor Audio are an achievement in engineering and aesthetic design and are built for easy integration into any home. They presented very good technical performance and compatibility with different amplifier types.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
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Bowers & Wilkins
HTM81 D4
9500
/
Released
2021
The center-channel speaker is arguably the most important in home theater – and the HTM81 D4 has an enviable array of advanced technologies to reinforce that point, including Solid Body tweeter-on-top, a decoupled Continuum™ Cone midrange drive unit and twin 200mm (8-in) Aerofoil™ bass cones.
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The HTM81 D4 is designed specifically as a center speaker to partner with the 801, sharing the same tweeter and midrange assembly
- A very serious center speaker, with a frequency response of +/- 3dB at 28Hz
Product Considerations
- A large speaker, it takes up considerable space
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The HTM81 D4 is a physical center speaker, preferred by Bowers & Wilkins over in-wall designs for optimal performance when paired with the 801
Takeaway: The HTM81 is a serious center speaker that ensures tonal consistency across the front channels, making movies and music sound great. This center channel is worth considering for the best possible home theater experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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Meridian
Special Edition DSP5200HC
10000
/
Released
A perfect partner for the freestanding Special Edition DSP5200, the Special Edition DSP5200HC provides full-range playback in a horizontal centre-channel package. The DSP5200SE HC is designed for mounting under a large-screen TV, behind an acoustically-transparent projection screen and is ideal for partnering with other Meridian free-standing or in-wall loudspeakers.
Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Confident, solid, and real presentation
- Beefy-solid sound with very good imaging and focus, and with much better layering front to back than anticipated
- Tweeters have a near-perfect combination of articulation and musical purpose, and are absolutely never bright or in your face
- Arguably, the strongest point is their solid and unwavering presentation regardless of volume level
- Has a live-performance-like quality
Product Considerations
- Overall resolution is good, but not spectacular, and perhaps less than one should reasonably expect at this price
- Tonal balance, compared to Apogee speakers, is definitely on the dark side
- Exact same toe in is needed, otherwise focus will tend to either side
- Bass was initially thumb–but was resolved by placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Apogee: DSP 5200's have a lower stage, also, tonal balance is darker
- Compared to Kharma: Kharma's are more open-sounding–but can be ear-piercing, while the DSP 5200's are never aggressive or harsh
Takeaway: The DSP 5200 SE speakers deliver a confident and solid sound, that does not lack power, and performs well at all volume levels. They are great at filling the room with sound and creating a thrilling listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
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