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New KEF Q Series Speakers Feature “Acoustic Black Hole” Tech

10.28.24 | By
New KEF Q Series Speakers Feature “Acoustic Black Hole” Tech

KEF is renowned for its high-quality speakers that deliver excellent sound while enhancing the aesthetics of any space. Now, with the release of its latest Q Series speakers, KEF is bringing its cutting-edge Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) to a more accessible price point.

Modern living room with wall-mounted TV, wooden console, and shelves. Includes sofa, armchair, speakers, plants, and minimalist decor. Sunlight enters from a large window on the left.

Q4 Meta

MAT isn’t totally new for the Q Series, though. The company first launched the tech in the R Series Metacollection last year. At the time, we wondered if and when the tech would bleed down into more affordable speakers. Seemingly, that’s what’s happening now. The new Q Series with integrated MAT starts at $600 for a pair and going up to $2,200. While still an investment, these prices offer a more affordable option for audiophiles seeking top-tier sound quality without completely breaking the bank.

A wall-mounted flat-screen TV is flanked by sleek KEF speakers in a modern living room, featuring a potted plant and a green lamp elegantly placed on white shelves.

Q4 Meta

Modern home office setup with a desk, chair, computer, turntable, plants, vinyl records, books, and decor items on wall-mounted shelves. Natural light coming from the right.

Q1 Meta

Metamaterial Absorption Technology

So what exactly is MAT? MAT, or Metamaterial Absorption Technology, is a maze-like structure inside the speakers that absorbs unwanted sound frequencies, described by KEF as an “acoustic black hole.” This innovative technology eliminates 99% of sound distortions, resulting in clearer, more natural audio. MAT’s effectiveness has already been proven in KEF’s R Series, and its introduction into the Q Series is expected to deliver the same high-quality experience.

It all sounds a little nebulous, but the results speak for themselves, and KEF received plenty of excellent reviews after launching the R-series last year. That’s certainly not surprising. As mentioned, KEF knows what it’s doing and has a history of high-end speakers.

Modern living room with beige wooden furniture, a landscape photo on the wall, speakers, books, and a floor lamp with multiple small shades.

Q6 Meta

Key Upgrades and Features

The new Q Series includes eight models, all featuring KEF’s 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array, which integrates MAT for enhanced performance. Several models, such as the Q11 Meta, Q7 Meta, and Q Concerto Meta, have been upgraded to a 3-way design, offering better separation of frequencies. These speakers use the Uni-Q driver for high and mid-range sounds, while a new bass driver handles lower frequencies, providing a deeper, richer bass response.

A modern living room featuring a green sectional sofa, a large flat-screen TV mounted on a gray wall, surround sound speakers, a wooden coffee table, and a tall indoor plant.

Q Meta Theater

Additionally, the series introduces the Q4 Meta, the first on-wall speaker in the range, perfect for surround sound setups without taking up floor space. The Q8 Meta can be placed atop another speaker to add height channels for a Dolby Atmos experience, bouncing sound off the ceiling for more immersive audio.

A vinyl record player with speakers is placed on a black storage unit filled with records. The unit is positioned near a window in a room with wooden flooring.

Q Concerto Meta

Design and Availability

KEF has maintained the sleek, premium design of its Q Series with MAT™ speakers, which are available in a variety of colors to suit any interior. However, the rollout is staggered. The Q Concerto Meta is available to myKEF members only, while the rest of the Q Series – including the Q11 Meta, Q7 Meta, and others – is available for everyone now. The Q4 Meta and additional accessories are expected to be available later in winter.

A modern living room with a fireplace, two floor-standing speakers, a mirror above the mantle, a small lamp, a blue sofa, a glass coffee table, and a large window on the right side.

Q7 Meta

For more information or to purchase from the Q Series with MAT™ series, visit us.kef.com.

Christian de Looper is a consumer tech reporter based in sunny Santa Cruz, California. Christian has reported on tech for over 10 years, with bylines in many of the largest tech publications, including Digital Trends, Forbes, CNN Underscored, Tom’s Guide, and PCMag. Christian has an obsession with how tech companies balance great design with great functionality, and lives at home with his wife, daughter, and cat.