Slim System Design; Wall-Mount Bass Extension - KEF T101 Brochure

SLIM SYSTEM DESIGN
Satellite speakers designed to match the current generation of
plasma and LCD flat panel TVs typically have a depth of around
100mm (4 in.). The KEF KHT6000, for example, is one of the
shallowest at a basic speaker depth of 85mm. However, the
latest LED and OLED flat TVs are significantly shallower than
this and there is a definite requirement for speaker systems of
similar depth propor tions but with true hi-fi performance.
Extremely slim system design
The key to reducing the depth of the T series satellites is a new
ultra-shallow midrange drive unit which has a total depth of
only 27mm (compared to 70mm for the KHT3000 Uni-Q from
which it is derived). This is achieved without any reduction in
cone area, so the acoustic performance of a true 4.5 inch unit is
maintained. This new bass/midrange unit has allowed a total
enclosure depth of only 37mm including the wall bracket.
Enclosures of such shallow dimensions require careful
mechanical design to ensure the internal volume is fully utilized
by the drive units with minimal acoustic losses and that panel
resonances are kept to insignificant levels by suitable bracing. In
addition, the packaging of the internal crossover network,
acoustic damping materials, internal cabling and connections all
require special attention so that the key acoustic parameters
are not compromised and ergonomics are straightforward and
logical.
• The new T Series is designed to look right
at home next to the latest thin screens.
WALL-MOUNT BASS EXTENSION
The sound of a loudspeaker will vary depending on where it is
positioned relative to the walls of a room. Generally,
loudspeakers sound best when they are positioned in "free
space", for example, on a stand, more than 0.5m from any walls.
This is what produces a natural sound, in the same way that the
sound of someone speaking or playing a musical instrument will
be best when they are well away from the walls and corners of
the room.
When a loudspeaker is positioned "on-wall" the sound changes
in a relatively predictable way: the upper bass is enhanced and a
dip appears in the midrange – this is what we instinctively
recognize as the "wall effect". However, if we know that a
par ticular speaker will generally be positioned "on-wall" we can
correct for these effects and ensure that the speaker will sound
natural in that position.
KEF T Series Technologies Explained
• A comparison of a prototype satellite
alongside the prototype HTS3001 satellite
speaker.
• Simulation showing the bass response boost wall effect.
Selecta-Mount
Because the T Series satellites are designed to match the new
generation of super slim TVs and will generally be mounted
"on-wall" using the supplied bracket or positioned very close to
the wall on the desk stand, they have been specifically balanced
for the "on-wall" location. However, for those occasions when
they are used on the floor stand - when they will be a significant
distance from the nearest wall – the KEF Selecta-mount system
automatically adjusts the balance for an "off-wall" location. This is
accomplished by a clever connection arrangement in the stands
which introduces an extra filter section ahead of the speaker's
crossover network to switch the speaker into its "free-space"
balance.
• The floor stand neatly connects to the loudspeaker and automatically adjusts the satellite for
optimum freespace performance.
• Within the stand a small electrical circuit makes the response adjustments, terminals are
located at the base for easy connection.
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