When it comes to audio equipment, few brands can match the reputation and innovation of KEF. Their flagship speaker, the Blade One Meta, is a prime example of their dedication to audio excellence. In this review, we'll delve into the features and technology that make the Blade One Meta a standout speaker. We'll also take a close look at its striking design and construction. Finally, we'll share our experiences from extensive listening and performance testing. By the end of this review, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of what makes the KEF Blade One Meta one of the most highly regarded speakers in the audio industry.

Features & Technology

KEF's pursuit of audio excellence has led to some of the most groundbreaking speaker designs in history. In 2009, their engineers were given complete creative freedom to develop a speaker that would showcase KEF's technological leadership and innovation. The result was the revolutionary Concept Blade, the world's first Single Apparent Source loudspeaker. They used their ninth generation of the Uni-Q driver array that they first developed in 1988 to make this possible. In 2011, the Blade series became available to serious audiophiles, and since then, KEF has continued to refine and innovate. The Blade One Meta is the latest and most advanced iteration of this iconic speaker design.

KEF Uni-Q Technology

Traditional loudspeakers have drivers producing various frequencies that radiate from separate points, causing interference as they interact. Single Apparent Source technology eliminates this interference, resulting in a crystal-clear and accurate sound that is more realistic and immersive. This is accomplished with KEF’s signature Uni-Q driver array, where all frequencies radiate from one single point, resulting in remarkably precise imaging and highly accurate sound over a wide listening area.

To achieve the acoustic ideal of a point source, four low-frequency drivers are placed back to back to cancel out any kinetic forces and are arranged in symmetrical pairs around a two-way Uni-Q driver. In addition, every set of low-frequency drivers is positioned in a separate chamber to minimize the possibility of interference and decrease the need for damping, which can negatively impact bass performance. With the woofers and Uni-Q drivers sharing the same acoustic center, the mid and high frequencies merge seamlessly with the low frequencies, creating a coherent, point-source-like sound that is only achievable with this unique driver configuration.

Uni-Q Driver Array

The Single Apparent Source technology relies on the innovative Uni-Q driver array, which is the foundation of KEF's distinctive sound signature. Uni-Q technology is designed to optimize sound dispersion throughout a room by precisely positioning the tweeter at the acoustic center of the bass/midrange cone. By working in tandem as a single point source, this configuration eliminates the typical "sweet spot" limitation and allows for a more even distribution of natural, detailed sound. As a result, everyone in the room can enjoy the same exceptional audio experience, regardless of their seating position.

And in the Blade One Meta’s they are using their latest 12th generation Uni-Q design. The 12th iteration of the Uni-Q now includes Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which reduces coloration and distortion, and comes with a range of new features such as strengthened ribs behind the Tangerine Waveguide, a redesigned tweeter gap damper, Mk2 Cone Neck Control, and an improved mid-frequency motor system.

At Audio Advice, we just love when engineers push the limits of sound and believe that this technology is a true masterpiece of modern-day engineering. On top of that, KEF has used this research to trickle down this technology into many of their other speakers, such as the LS60, LSX II and their new R Meta Series of speakers.

Uni-Core Technology

Uni-Core is an innovative system that effectively addresses performance issues associated with placing force canceling drivers into a smaller cabinet. By combining both back-to-back drivers into a single motor system, Uni-Core® enables more driver excursion than other force canceling designs. This is achieved through overlapping, concentrically arranged voice coils, which provide greater output and depth from a compact space.

The Blade One Meta’s feature two force-canceling woofer arrays, making four 9” woofers in total. The midrange driver is 5 inches, with the aluminum tweeter that sits in the middle being 1”.

Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT)

Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT™) is a game-changing technology in KEF's acoustic toolbox. It features a complex, maze-like structure that efficiently eliminates unwanted sound waves from the rear of the driver. This results in a more natural and pure performance, making MAT™ a truly revolutionary tool in the audio industry.

KEF Blade One Meta's Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT™) features tuned channels that effectively absorb up to 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. This advanced technology outperforms other loudspeakers that use different approaches, which typically only absorb around 60% of unwanted sound.

Design & Build Quality

KEF has been producing award-winning loudspeakers since 1961 at their UK headquarters in Maidstone, Kent. Blade, their flagship HiFi speaker, is still designed, engineered, and handcrafted in Maidstone by their in-house KEF product design team. Working with Eric Chan of ECCO Design, the team created Blade's distinctive visual identity inspired by Brancusi's "Bird in Space." The cabinet's slim proportions, tapering gracefully from top to bottom and front to rear, give Blade a sculptural presence. It is available in eight finishes, with five cabinet finishes blended with six Uni-Q driver cone colors, including high-gloss and matte satin cabinet finishes.

Every Blade speaker is built as a pair by one single craftsman from the very start to the end. And this is clear when you look at the details in the finishes on this speaker. Every line and curve is well thought out and pieced together with precision. It stands 61 inches tall and weighs 126 pounds. There are two force-canceling woofer arrays, making four 9” woofers in total. They have a sensitivity of 88 dB and an impedance of 4 ohms. Their frequency range is from 35 Hz to 35 kHz (+/- 3 dB). Their spikes are well-made and are easily adjustable to get the speaker perfectly level.

Performance

Cigarettes by Noah Gundersen (2014 album, Ledges)
There’s something about a musical performance that is so true to the artist, you can not only hear it in their voice but feel it in your bones as they sing. Noah Gundersen’s song, Cigarettes, is a hauntingly beautiful, melancholic, and introspective folk song that explores the emotional side of addiction, love, and heartbreak. Acoustic guitar, harmonica, piano, vocals, violin, and drums all play out in a stripped-down arrangement with a raw emotional power behind every note.

On the Blade One Meta’s, this song was emotive and expressive with slow, mournful guitar and somber, breathy vocals that were rendered with exceptional detail and clarity that really allowed us to appreciate the nuances in this track. The subtle harmonies floated beautifully in the background while the lead vocals were front and center with a sense of intimacy that really drew us into the song. The soundstage was wide, with great instrument separation even as we moved around the room to listen. There was a sense of depth that made it feel more like a live performance and allowed us to appreciate the complexity of the song as it progressed, with more rich, full-sounding instruments being added throughout the song.

Mirror by Madison Ryann Ward (2018 album, Mirror)
This song has beautiful vocals that are perfect for testing the Blade One Meta’s midrange. Madison’s vocals were detailed and accurate and really shined while still having a well-defined low end from the bassline. Striking clarity and realism in Madison’s voice puts you in the middle of her performance as if she was in front of you recording the song. The piano was rich and resonant, with each press of every key producing a well-defined and accurate sound.

The sound of a piano comes from the vibrations of strings, which creates a rich and harmonic structure that can be difficult for a speaker to reproduce faithfully. They cover a wide range of frequencies, and the speaker needs to be able to handle the fundamental notes along with the overtones, which are the higher-pitched harmonics that give pianos their distinctive sound. The Blade One Meta’s handled the piano and all the instruments on this track by Madison extremely well, with no detail being lost in the mix.

Lingus by Snarky Puppy (2014 Album, We Like It Here)
The KEF Blade One Meta speakers delivered a stunning presentation of Lingus by Snarky Puppy, highlighting the intricate rhythms, complex harmonies, and wide dynamic range of the track. The Uni-Q driver array of the KEF Blade One Meta speakers created a seamless and coherent soundstage, allowing for easy distinction between the various layers and instruments of the track. The speakers excelled at reproducing the brass and woodwind sections of the song, which can often sound muddled or unclear on lesser speaker systems.

Moreover, the KEF Blade One Meta's unique cabinet design, engineered to eliminate resonance and reduce unwanted vibrations, enabled the speakers to deliver this track with a high level of clarity and detail, particularly in the midrange frequencies.

Experience The KEF Blade One Meta Speakers Live In-Person!

Our award-winning Raleigh showroom currently has a pair of these incredible speakers on display for you to test in person and see what you think! Stop by anytime Tuesday - Saturday, 10 AM - 7 PM, and our expert sales team would be happy to give you a demo.

Overall Recommendation

In conclusion, the KEF Blade One Meta speakers are an exceptional addition to any audiophile's sound system. With their advanced technology, unique design, and meticulous engineering, they offer an unparalleled listening experience that truly immerses the listener in the music. Whether you're listening to classic rock, jazz, or modern funk, the KEF Blade One Meta speakers deliver an astonishing level of accuracy, precision, and clarity that allows you to fully appreciate the details and nuances of your favorite tracks. With the KEF Blade One Meta speakers, you can experience music the way it was meant to be heard, with every note and beat delivered with unparalleled fidelity and clarity.

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