More details for KEF Audio

[Wonza]

What Is Uni-Q Technology? | KEF UK

Explore KEF's Revolutionary Uni-Q Technology, providing unparalleled audio precision to deliver immersive sound experiences for your home.

uk.kef.com

Tweeter grilles are there for the base model audio system when launched……

Now that makes sense now. The base model don’t get the KEF audio system.

 

[Porter]

I see. So you’re saying 2 way coaxials. I’ve always thought and know that 2 way component speakers are far superior for sound staging. Also why did they put in a tweeter grille when there is no tweeters.

Automotive coaxials of the type you're remembering are a single 2-way speaker with a cheap inline resistor crossover.

The KEF Uni-Q are like a set of component speakers with the tweeter mounted tightly inside the throat of the cone of the midrange driver, with a phase control waveguide controlling tweeter dispersion along the midrange cone boundary. Both drivers are independently managed by a high quality crossover network.

 

[Wonza]

Automotive coaxials of the type you're remembering are a single 2-way speaker with a cheap inline resistor crossover.

The KEF Uni-Q are like a set of component speakers with the tweeter mounted tightly inside the throat of the cone of the midrange driver, with a phase control waveguide controlling tweeter dispersion along the midrange cone boundary. Both drivers are independently managed by a high quality crossover network.

Ok. I get it now, yes I was referencing to the 2 way component like you said. Interesting to know!!

 

[BarryH]

I was looking at the A-pillar speaker grill at the local open house, and given there is no tweeter in the FE cars it did appear to simply be a hole in the pillar (which you could see into from the drivers seat). Could one of the folk who have a car confirm if this is really the case or they did actually plug the 2-3cm hole underneath the grill (and hence this was an optical illusion in the lighting) - I would have thought a simply flush plug under the grill would have been cleaner or perhaps a solid panel rather than the grill to cover the existence of the hole in the first place (as seen with other car manufacturers who offer multiple stereo options in their cars)

 

[KJD]

Bit more info here:

Post in thread 'Any idea which version is lightest weight ?'
https://www.emiraforum.com/threads/any-idea-which-version-is-lightest-weight.969/post-79612

 

[K_Squared]

One other thing I forgot to mention was about the KEF audio system since I've heard some questionable reports on it.

During my ride along, the Lotus rep hooked his phone up to the audio to 'show it off' but I thought it was very mediocre and far too quiet. However, when I had more time afterwards, I sat in the showroom Emira and hooked up my iPhone via wireless CarPlay and tested some of my own tunes using Spotify and the system sounded AMAZING. I thought it was pretty close in volume/quality to my 12 speaker Harman Kardon system in my 2018 BMW which has always been a big plus in that vehicle. It had excellent treble, mid, and bass sounds and actually far surpassed what I was expecting in this vehicle.

I'm not sure if the difference was due to his phone, the way he connected it (he had the USB cable plugged in), or if the two cars somehow had very different systems (unlikely). However, I know that if my Emira ultimately sounds like the car in the showroom I will be MORE than satisfied with the system. When I checked the equalizer settings on the car (yes there are settings!) it was all set to default in the showroom car so I don't think that was a factor unless someone jacked up the demo car settings. Lastly, we were parked when he first started testing the music so I don't believe road or engine noise was a significant factor, either.

TLDR: The KEF system was AMAZING in the showroom Emira and mediocre in the other due to unknown reasons.

 

[Evotion]

The difference is more likely down to ambient noise.

The stereo, on my drive, without the car starting is 'fine'.

Once moving, the wind noise, road noise and engine dim the power of the system and I do find myself wanting a fair bit more on motorways, etc.

 

[K_Squared]

The difference is more likely down to ambient noise.

The stereo, on my drive, without the car starting is 'fine'.

Once moving, the wind noise, road noise and engine dim the power of the system and I do find myself wanting a fair bit more on motorways, etc.

That's a fair assessment although it was so loud sitting in the showroom it's hard to imagine ambient noise making me want more but you're right, I can't make that call without more hands-on experience.

Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[Drlonline]

That's a fair assessment although it was so loud sitting in the showroom it's hard to imagine ambient noise making me want more but you're right, I can't make that call without more hands-on experience.

Thanks for the thoughts.

Another explanation for the difference in sound quality may have to do with the quality of the audio sources. I currently drive a BMW with the Harman Kardon sound system. There is an amazing difference in the sound when I play music from a low bandwidth, highly compressed source (e.g. Sirius XM) vs. a higher bandwidth, lower compression source (e.g. Amazon Music). I believe Spotify also has a high quality setting.

 

[K_Squared]

Another explanation for the difference in sound quality may have to do with the quality of the audio sources. I currently drive a BMW with the Harman Kardon sound system. There is an amazing difference in the sound when I play music from a low bandwidth, highly compressed source (e.g. Sirius XM) vs. a higher bandwidth, lower compression source (e.g. Amazon Music). I believe Spotify also has a high quality setting.

Yes, I have noticed this as well on the bimmer system. I think the key takeaway for me is that the KEF system seems highly capable from my personal experience and particular use-case (iPhone + Spotify on high quality) which was reassuring. I wonder how many of those with Emiras today might benefit from trying a higher quality audio source?

 

[Drlonline]

Yes, I have noticed this as well on the bimmer system. I think the key takeaway for me is that the KEF system seems highly capable from my personal experience and particular use-case (iPhone + Spotify on high quality) which was reassuring. I wonder how many of those with Emiras today might benefit from trying a higher quality audio source?

And it's not only Emira owners. Anyone with a higher end sound system may be experiencing reduced quality because they have their audio source set to lower quality. The music apps usually have the lowest quality set as default because it entails lower data rates over cellular connections such as used when driving. If one has an unlimited cellular data plan, the higher data rates is not an issue, and the improvement in sound quality is certainly worth it, as we noted.

 

[eriegz]

One other thing I forgot to mention was about the KEF audio system since I've heard some questionable reports on it.

During my ride along, the Lotus rep hooked his phone up to the audio to 'show it off' but I thought it was very mediocre and far too quiet. However, when I had more time afterwards, I sat in the showroom Emira and hooked up my iPhone via wireless CarPlay and tested some of my own tunes using Spotify and the system sounded AMAZING. I thought it was pretty close in volume/quality to my 12 speaker Harman Kardon system in my 2018 BMW which has always been a big plus in that vehicle. It had excellent treble, mid, and bass sounds and actually far surpassed what I was expecting in this vehicle.

I'm not sure if the difference was due to his phone, the way he connected it (he had the USB cable plugged in), or if the two cars somehow had very different systems (unlikely). However, I know that if my Emira ultimately sounds like the car in the showroom I will be MORE than satisfied with the system. When I checked the equalizer settings on the car (yes there are settings!) it was all set to default in the showroom car so I don't think that was a factor unless someone jacked up the demo car settings. Lastly, we were parked when he first started testing the music so I don't believe road or engine noise was a significant factor, either.

TLDR: The KEF system was AMAZING in the showroom Emira and mediocre in the other due to unknown reasons.

He could've even been playing poor-quality mp3s?

 

[FederGigant]

From my experience with the system in my car: KEF simply missed the brief that car people tend to prefer at least a bass heavy, if not a bass only system. They rather created a true HiFi system in a small sports car. With a bit of playing on the equalizer settings, it sounds truly amazing (think I have bass +5, mid +3, treble +4, quite unusual, but it works).
The stereo imaging is very impressive, the system is sounding super clear and crisp, bass is better than in any other car I know in terms of quality, but maybe not in terms of quantity. It simply is as it should be if you are an audiophile.
Regarding volume, my system can easily make my ears hurt after 30 mins or more and this is not even on full volume. It‘s ridiculously loud if you want it to be, but always plays very controlled.
All this is with an iPhone 14 Pro and wireless CarPlay using Apple Music on the highest Settings.

 

[eriegz]

From my experience with the system in my car: KEF simply missed the brief that car people tend to prefer at least a bass heavy, if not a bass only system. They rather created a true HiFi system in a small sports car. With a bit of playing on the equalizer settings, it sounds truly amazing (think I have bass +5, mid +3, treble +4, quite unusual, but it works).
The stereo imaging is very impressive, the system is sounding super clear and crisp, bass is better than in any other car I know in terms of quality, but maybe not in terms of quantity. It simply is as it should be if you are an audiophile.
Regarding volume, my system can easily make my ears hurt after 30 mins or more and this is not even on full volume. It‘s ridiculously loud if you want it to be, but always plays very controlled.
All this is with an iPhone 14 Pro and wireless CarPlay using Apple Music on the highest Settings.

I think I've had to "bass: 10, treble: 10" every car stereo I've ever owned. Haha

 

[Tokion]

Another explanation for the difference in sound quality may have to do with the quality of the audio sources. I currently drive a BMW with the Harman Kardon sound system. There is an amazing difference in the sound when I play music from a low bandwidth, highly compressed source (e.g. Sirius XM) vs. a higher bandwidth, lower compression source (e.g. Amazon Music). I believe Spotify also has a high quality setting.

Totally agreed. I have two BMW - one 2008 E93 Cabriolet/Convertible, and one F31 Alpina B3 with upgraded 7-channel Harman Kardon system (that sounds considerably better than the former). What you said about the difference in quality of the sound sources is spot on. Other suggestions herein like wind-noise or road-noise when moving is actually less relevant, since an experienced listener will compensate (mentally) for that.

I am really looking forward to experiencing and experimenting with my upcoming EMIRA I4 FE KEF System. Here in Japan we have some advanced car stereo services, and I have noticed one that have intriguing devices to improve the conditions for the audio power supply. I may also explore a replacement for the main power amp (if we can find out how it Interfaces with the remainder of the system). Obviously the entire speaker system will not be touched, but stay constant. I want to improve the equipment and power supply surrounding and feeding that speaker system to see how much the sound will improve (with the original speaker system untouched).

 

[Tokion]

Now that makes sense now. The base model don’t get the KEF audio system.

But I suppose you can spec it as an option for your particular build?

 

[Drlonline]

LOL yeah I'm active, just not as active as before. I've greatly reduced my engagement with the forum mostly for my health and sanity, but I check in now and then to see how everybody's doing.

To my great disappointment and surprise, after several inquiries, there hasn't been a single communication back from KEF after that initial first contact. I never would have expected that kind of lack of response from a company with the pedigree of KEF. I honestly have no idea what's going on there. You would think since this is the debut of their entry into the automotive market, they would at least be somewhat interested in talking to their customer base about it. If they are communicating, it certainly isn't with me.

Everything about this car seems to be like something out of Area 51 or the Lockheed Skunkworks. It may exist, it does exist, it may show up, it may not show up. The word "soon" was found etched in a strange looking material out in the desert, and it doesn't appear to be like anything known to man....

(In the voice of Rod Serling) "A remarkably plain and ordinary looking door with the word "Customer Service" on it. Upon entry, there's a lone person behind a desk. All inquiries are welcome, they just won't be acknowledged. And if pressed, they may be acknowledged... soon. If you do get any actual information, it's not likely to be accurate."

I want to make a complaint. "That office is down the hall." The only door down the hall is marked "Complaints and arguments". Once inside... Is this the Complaints and Arguments department? "No, it isn't" But it says so on the door! "No it doesn't".

I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs....I don't remember falling down a rabbit hole.... I think I'm awake... it doesn't feel like I'm dreaming... and yet it seems like I'm on some kind of trip here. How did this happen?

The normal rules of the universe seem to be warped and non-functioning with this car, this company, and anything associated with it. This is the strangest car forum I've ever encountered. People are going through various stages of agony, some bordering on toxic denial. A very few have gotten their fix, and have the idiot grin of the satiated on their face, but everyone else is in various states of.... something. It seems nearly impossible to quit. Some are trying, but they keep coming back. Some are curled up on the sidewalk, asleep. Some are staggering around raging at no one in particular, or maybe just the sky. Some are sitting with their back against the wall, muttering in a low voice to no one. If you lean close enough to hear what they're saying, they seem to be repeating the same word... "emira". The car seems to incur a bizarre obsession with detail like nothing else I've ever seen. I know more details about this car than my own actual car I've had for the last 5 years. Why?? What the hell have they given us?

I went down the hall and looked, but there's no door with the word KEF on it. The only other door has an EXIT sign above it, but when you open it, it's the entrance you walked through in the first place. Why is Hotel California playing continuously on the sound system?? Help MEEEEE.

@Eagle7, I love the "Twilight Zone" reference. Although I'm new to this forum, I have to say the emotions on display closely mirror what I experienced years ago on BMW i8 forums, as we were all waiting for initial delivery of those cars. Hopefully the wait for the Emira will be as worth it as it was for the i8.

 

[TomE]

But I suppose you can spec it as an option for your particular build?

Correct, KEF audio will be a cost option on the Base Edition.

 

[Wonza]

Totally agreed. I have two BMW - one 2008 E93 Cabriolet/Convertible, and one F31 Alpina B3 with upgraded 7-channel Harman Kardon system (that sounds considerably better than the former). What you said about the difference in quality of the sound sources is spot on. Other suggestions herein like wind-noise or road-noise when moving is actually less relevant, since an experienced listener will compensate (mentally) for that.

I am really looking forward to experiencing and experimenting with my upcoming EMIRA I4 FE KEF System. Here in Japan we have some advanced car stereo services, and I have noticed one that have intriguing devices to improve the conditions for the audio power supply. I may also explore a replacement for the main power amp (if we can find out how it Interfaces with the remainder of the system). Obviously the entire speaker system will not be touched, but stay constant. I want to improve the equipment and power supply surrounding and feeding that speaker system to see how much the sound will improve (with the original speaker system untouched).

Do you mean improving by adding extra earthing to the negative terminal by using gold plated ICE earth bolts and OFC earthing wire terminals

 

[lynchy73]

There are aftermarket dsp devices with multiple built in amps that are intended to interface with a standard infotainment system. They can apply eq and various processing from the standard infotainment, then send that to the original speaker (or aftermarket) after amplification. These typically come with a kit to be plug and play with specific cars but in theory can be fitted to anything, with the correct connections. You can also add bigger external amps if the onboard amps are not enough.