KEF is expanding its architectural audio portfolio outdoors with the introduction of a new collection of landscape speakers, bollards and subwoofers, along with a family of KASA network DSP amplifiers designed for both indoor and outdoor systems.
Announced Sept. 1, the KEF Outdoor Collection marks the first time the company has brought its Uni-Q driver technology to a dedicated outdoor speaker. The lineup is designed for residential outdoor entertainment areas as well as larger commercial and hospitality applications.
KEF Outdoor Collection Brings Uni-Q Technology Outside
The new lineup includes the SR4Q and SR6Q Landscape Satellites, BH6Q and BH8Q Bollard Speakers, BL8b and BL12b Bollard Subwoofers, and BQ9 and BQ11 three-way bollard speakers.
The BQ9 and BQ11 combine a speaker and integrated subwoofer in a single tower-style enclosure, essentially functioning as three-way outdoor floorstanding speakers. KEF is positioning the models for both distributed outdoor audio and outdoor home theater applications.
The company’s existing Ventura 5 and Ventura 6 surface-mount speakers round out the outdoor portfolio.
A notable addition across the new speakers is KEF’s Uni-Q driver array, which places the tweeter within the midrange and bass cone. For the Outdoor Collection, KEF says it developed weatherproof versions of the Uni-Q array specifically for exterior environments.
Durability is also a major focus. Depending on the model, speakers carry IP66 or IPX5 ratings and feature UV-resistant, weather-sealed construction. KEF says the products have undergone more than 500 hours of salt-spray testing and are designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -13°F to 158°F.
Multiple Mounting Options Target Custom Installation
For integrators, KEF is offering several installation approaches intended to accommodate different landscapes and hardscapes.
Landscape satellites, subwoofers and bollard speakers can be installed using ground stakes, while certain subwoofers and three-way bollards can be partially buried. Optional accessories support pendant mounting, installation on patios and decks, under-deck placement and elevated mounting across larger properties.
KEF is also offering three packaged systems. The Landscape P4F includes four-inch full-range landscape satellites in a 4.1 configuration for $2,000 MSRP. The Landscape P4Q combines 4.5-inch Uni-Q landscape satellites with amplification for $5,000, while the Landscape P6Q uses 6.5-inch Uni-Q satellites and carries an $8,000 MSRP.
For outdoor theaters, KEF says the BQ9 and BQ11 can be combined with an AV receiver or processor and amplifier, along with the company’s outdoor subwoofers, for systems ranging from conventional 5.1 arrangements to larger Dolby Atmos configurations.
KASA Network DSP Amplifiers Support Indoor and Outdoor Systems
Alongside the speakers, KEF is introducing its KASA line of network DSP amplifiers.
The amplifiers use Class D amplification with GaN technology, AKM Velvet Sound DAC and ADC converters and KEF’s Music Integrity Engine (MIE) DSP. The KASA-M models also include built-in profiles for KEF architectural speakers, allowing installers to apply model-specific DSP configurations without manually tuning each speaker.
System configuration and management are handled through a browser-based interface rather than a dedicated application. The amplifiers are IP controlled and support matrixed multi-source and multi-zone systems, including independent volume control for individual zones. KEF says IP drivers for major home automation platforms will also be available.
Four KASA models are planned: the two-channel KASA 2-250M at $1,600 MSRP; four-channel KASA 4-250M at $3,200; eight-channel KASA 8-150M at $3,300; and eight-channel KASA 8-250M at $4,000.
The Outdoor Collection will be offered in black, while the Ventura speakers will also be available in white.
