Floorstanding loudspeakers — KEF R5 Meta

The R5 Meta is a floorstanding loudspeaker from KEF, sitting above the Q550 within the brand's more accomplished R series, built with a demanding impedance and Metamaterial Absorption Technology. The R5 Meta brings KEF's more accomplished current engineering to a substantial floorstanding format.

Key specs that matter

Rated response is 52Hz to 28,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Sensitivity is 87dB into a demanding 4 ohm load, matching the Q550's sensitivity at a more demanding impedance. Recommended amplifier power spans 15-200W. At 107.2 x 27.2 x 34.4cm and 24.5kg, the R5 Meta represents a meaningful step up in scale and weight from the Q550.

Sound and use context

Expect the coherent, point-source imaging character KEF's Uni-Q driver technology is broadly known for, combined with the brand's Metamaterial Absorption Technology specifically engineered to reduce unwanted resonances for cleaner sound reproduction.

Pairing

The demanding 4 ohm impedance calls for an amplifier with genuine current delivery to fully exploit this speaker's dynamic potential.

Alternatives

KEF's own Q550 offers a more accessible alternative within the entry-level Q series without the Metamaterial Absorption Technology.