This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:28:44
The video reviews the KEF Reference One Meta bookshelf speaker, noting its high cost compared to other models. The speaker incorporates meta technology for cleaner sound, has two port options for improved performance, and shows good tolerance levels and speaker pair matching. It delivers detailed sound with a balanced response, creating a 3D sound stage. The speaker performs well at low and moderate volumes but may require a subwoofer at higher levels. Its soundstage is praised, and it responds well to EQ adjustments. Detailed analysis of the speaker's performance, including frequency response, distortion levels, and directivity, is discussed. The video concludes by highlighting the speaker's solid performance across various audio applications.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, Aaron from Aaron’s Audio Corner reviews the KEF Reference One Meta bookshelf speaker, emphasizing its high cost compared to other models like the KEF R3. The speaker incorporates meta technology, including a Helmholtz resonator at the back of the tweeter for cleaner sound. Aaron shares that while he did not delve into the technical details, objective performance data shows the speaker performs well, reaching down to about 40 Hz in-room. The speaker comes with two port options, with the foam port effectively minimizing turbulence and vent resonances.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker reviewer highlights an issue with the speaker’s bass sound initially feeling off. Upon consulting the user manual, they discover two different ports – a long port for wall placement and a short port for room placement. By switching to the short port, the reviewer found a significant improvement in the bass extension. The process of changing the ports is shown, emphasizing its ease. The reviewer discusses the impact of port configuration on speaker performance and construction details, such as the manual and speaker calibration process.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker’s tolerance of half a decibel is highlighted as a positive attribute, indicating good matching in speaker pairs. The speaker discusses variations in speaker drivers’ responses and the importance of tolerance levels, emphasizing the impact on sound quality in different room settings. The speaker shares their listening experience in both their home theater and living room, comparing the effects of port options in different scenarios. Additionally, information about the speaker system’s power, sensitivity, and volume levels is provided. The speaker also directs viewers to their website for further details.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker being discussed has lower sensitivity but still delivers good dynamics and low distortion, especially at low volume levels. The speaker can be enjoyed without a subwoofer at moderate volumes but may benefit from one at higher volume levels. The on-axis response of the speaker was found to be surprisingly nice, with a balanced high-frequency output. The reviewer initially positioned the speaker off-axis but preferred the sound when it was towed back on axis for a more pleasing listening experience.
00:12:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker being reviewed is highlighted for its tonally balanced response with sharp detail but without harshness in the 5 to 8k range. The speaker is praised for providing a detailed sound without causing ear fatigue, unlike other speakers that may have upper high-frequency boosts. The reviewer notes that the speaker offers one of the most 3D sound stages they’ve heard, with great depth and layering of images within the sound stage. While ranked second in soundstage against a more expensive set of speakers, the reviewer finds the tonality of this speaker more to their liking. The speaker’s 3D soundstage and details are commended, with a mention of the speaker’s ability to handle dynamics and distortion at loud volumes.
00:15:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker’s limits are tested with a volume level of 98 dB at three and a half meters. The speaker showed low distortion levels, but the bass started to sound compressed and lacked fullness under high volume. The speaker showcased exceptional detail in playing tracks like Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” allowing for clear visualization of the sound pulsing. However, the speaker’s soundstage could have been wider according to the speaker’s evaluation.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker being reviewed is praised for its spacious soundstage, wider than the KEF R3. The speaker is noted to respond well to EQ adjustments, particularly in the high frequencies. Objective data is then discussed, collected using a state-of-the-art robotic scanner in a non-anechoic environment. The data helps understand how the speaker performs pre-room placement, aiding in room adjustments and speaker positioning. The on-axis response of the speaker is described as mostly smooth with minor deviations in amplitude. The data comparison between the short and long port versions is briefly touched upon.
00:21:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses a directivity mismatch around the two-kilohertz area in a coincident speaker design. They mention the differences between the short port and long port measurements, noting that the long port may have a more neutral bass response. The estimated in-room response for the short port shows linear performance, with minimal deviations. The horizontal response is highlighted as being uniform across various angles. The overall speaker response without EQ is praised as one of the best seen, particularly the short port version. Further analysis of the vertical response is planned to understand any potential anomalies in the sound output.
00:24:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker’s vertical response is noted to be uniform and excellent. The speaker’s horizontal response shows good directivity, with a purposely tapered high frequency response for a balanced in-room output. The impedance and phase details of the speaker are discussed, highlighting a minimum impedance of 1.8 ohms. It is mentioned that a stable 4-ohm amplifier should drive the speaker without issues. The response linearity of the speaker is also examined, showing some peaks and dips but averaging around 82.5 dB with slight variance. Adjustment and EQ work mainly focused on the bass to add reinforcement without needing a subwoofer at lower volumes.
00:27:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker’s frequency response from 80 Hz to 16 kHz is highlighted as excellent with a slight taper in the high frequency region. Distortion levels are very low, staying below 1% at 86 dB and below 3% at 96 dB across various frequencies. The speaker demonstrates solid performance with no deviation in high frequencies even at higher volume levels, ensuring good dynamic range. The speaker’s linearity and performance are commended, making it a good choice for various audio applications. The speaker also features low distortion and good dynamic range. The speaker’s performance at varying volume levels is discussed, emphasizing its solid performance. The video concludes with a call to consider subscribing or joining the creator’s Patreon for further support.