About The KEF Q6 Meta Centre Speaker
Carefully designed to be used as an LCR (left, centre, right) speaker, the Q6 Meta is the perfect addition to any home theatre or audio system. Engineered to seamlessly integrate with any Q Series speakers, the Q6 Meta features a 12th generation Uni-Q driver array equipped with MAT™.
The Q6 Meta 3-way centre speaker features the same Uni-Q driver as the main speakers, providing a perfect tonal match and a seamless soundstage. This ensures voices are crisp and clear, delivering excellent dialogue clarity. This versatile closed-box speaker is also designed to be used as an LCR speaker that can be positioned in cabinets and alcoves.
The centre speaker serves a vital function, reproducing dialogue, vocals, and other crucial audio elements. By having a dedicated channel for these primary sound sources, they can be precisely positioned and maintained in clear focus within the overall soundscape. Furthermore, the centre speaker helps to generate a wider, more cohesive front audio environment when used in conjunction with the left and right speakers. This provides greater flexibility in how sound can be placed and dynamically moved about the listening area. Ultimately, the centre speaker is an essential component in surround sound and home cinema systems, balancing the mix to deliver an immersive, theatre-like audio experience.
What is an LCR Speaker? An LCR speaker, short for "Left, Centre, Right" speaker, is a versatile audio configuration that can be used either as a set of front left and right speakers, or as a dedicated centre channel speaker. LCR speakers are commonly employed in home cinema, surround sound, and professional audio setups to create a wider, more immersive soundscape. By positioning dialogue, music, and sound effects across the three distinct left, centre, and right channels, LCR speaker systems allow for precise control over the placement and directionality of audio elements.
Revolutionary Sound Absorption with MAT: The crucial new advancement in the Q Series is the integration of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), a revolutionary innovation that takes the performance of the latest 12th generation Uni-Q driver array to another level in terms of accuracy and clarity.
MAT is a highly complex maze-like structure, in which each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency. When combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound that comes from the rear of the tweeter. This eliminates the resulting distortion for a purer, more natural acoustic performance.
An Extra Half Way: The evolved Q Series has been upgraded from a 2.5-way to a 3-way speaker design. This updated configuration separates the frequency ranges, with the Uni-Q driver handling the high and midrange frequencies, and a newly designed bass driver dedicated to the low frequencies management.
The optimisation of the drivers for their respective frequency bands allows the 12th Uni-Q driver to perform even better. By minimising the motion of the mid-frequency cone, the tweeter can transmit high frequency sound over a smoother and more stable surface. This reduction in movement leads to a diminished distortion in the lower midrange frequencies, resulting in a significant improvement in detail and clarity.
Deep and Clean Bass: The Q Series features a new bass driver design – a hybrid structure with a shallow, concave, aluminium skin atop a paper cone – which gives stiffness to achieve a piston-like movement for better bass punch and speed. Combined with a 3D FEA-optimised surround geometry, this significantly improves linearity at higher excursions. This results in a precise and agile bass management even at high output.
Additionally, the flared port, modelled with computational fluid dynamics, minimises turbulence and reduces chuffing noise. This enables the ported speakers to produce bass that is cleaner and more controlled.
Refined Crossover from 1000 Measurements: A critical component of the Q Series is the refined crossover, which ensures seamless integration of all speaker parts. To achieve this, KEF's engineers take more than 1,000 specific measurements for each speaker model using a custom-built reference microphone array in KEF's anechoic chamber in Maidstone, UK. These extensive on and off-axis measurements allow the team to thoroughly understand each model's acoustic interactions, enabling precise crossover design through advanced simulation and prototyping.
This meticulous process draws from the development of the LS50 Meta and has been further enhanced through the creation of the latest Blade, The Reference and R Series, allowing each speaker model precise signal path optimisation and the best possible performance.
Shadow Flare for Improved Clarity: Derived from the flagship models, Shadow Flare is a further upgrade for the evolved Q Series. It reduces unwanted cabinet diffraction, allowing the 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT to work at its highest potential. Shadow Flare is a precision-designed surface that extends the waveguide effect of the Uni-Q driver array. This means the tweeter no longer has a line of sight to the cabinet edges, creating a 'shadow region' where the potential for diffraction is highest, minimising the acoustic impact to negligible levels. The improved clarity and reproduction of fine details make listening a thrilling experience. Subtle nuances, such as the delicate brushwork on cymbals or the intricate overtones of a piano, are clearer on the Q Series.
Detail by Design: The Q Series speakers feature a contemporary minimalist design with a satin finish that offers a premium, subtle glow. Available in Satin Black, Satin White, and Walnut finishes with carefully selected colour driver units, they are designed to blend effortlessly into any interior.
Dedicated grilles are included with the speakers, providing the option to protect the drivers if needed. These colour-matched grilles maintain the cohesive aesthetic, while the magnetic fixing provides a secure and precise fit, in keeping with the clean and seamless styling of the Q Series.
Home Theatre Made Versatile: Mix and match with other Q Series speakers and KEF subwoofers for a versatile home theatre experience that transports you to the heart of the action.
Perfected For Your Enjoyment: The Q Series comprises eight distinct models. The range extends from compact bookshelf speakers to powerful floorstanders, as well as a slender on-wall speaker and high-performance home cinema models. Whether installed in a spacious living room or a cosy corner, the diversity of form factors and capabilities within the Q Series allows you to curate your desired system set up to suit your space and listening preferences, from music to movies and gaming.
Our Take
The KEF Q6 Meta Centre Speaker is an expertly designed 3-way speaker, perfect for use in home theatres as a left, centre, or right speaker. With KEF's 12th generation Uni-Q driver array and advanced Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT™), it delivers precise, clear dialogue and a rich soundstage. Its closed-box design makes it ideal for placement in cabinets or alcoves, and its refined crossover ensures seamless integration with other Q Series speakers. Combining deep, controlled bass and sleek, minimalist aesthetics, the Q6 Meta is a versatile and high-performance addition to any audio system.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Three-Way Infinite Baffle (Closed Box) Centre Speaker
- Drive Units
- Uni-Q Driver Array
- High Frequencies: 19 mm (0.75") Vented Aluminium Dome with MAT
- Midrange Frequencies: 100 mm (4") Aluminium Cone
- Low Frequencies: 2 x 165 mm (6.5") Hybrid Aluminium Cones
- Frequency Range (-6dB): 52 Hz - 20 kHz
- Typical In-Room Bass Response (-6dB): 36 Hz
- Frequency Response (±3dB): 63 Hz - 20 kHz
- Crossover Frequencies: 560 Hz, 2.7 kHz
- Amplifier Requirements: 15 - 200 W
- Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 86 dB
- Harmonic Distortion (90dB, 1m)
- <2% 20 Hz and above
- <1% 68 Hz - 20 kHz
- Maximum Output: 109 dB
- Impedance: 4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)
- Included Accessories: Magnetic Grille, Rubber Feet, User Manual & Warranty Information
- Available Finishes: Satin Black, Satin White, Walnut
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 629 x 210 x 303mm (with terminals)
- Weight: 14.1 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years + 1 Extended Year when Registered at KEF.com
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.