KEF Introduces Flagship Custom Installation Series In-Wall Loudspeaker

MARLBORO, NJ — August 15, 2005 — As the flagship system of the KHT family (KEF Home Theater), the KHT9000ACE has received accolades from reviewers, audiophiles and custom installers for its outstanding sonic performance. And now, KEF is proud to introduce the Ci Series 9000ACE UNI-Q In-Wall Loudspeaker as the latest product offering in its award-winning Ci Architectural Series of custom-install loudspeakers. KEF’s new Ci9000ACE speaker envelopes the audience with unprecedented sound quality and sets new standards for hi-fidelity performance for an in-wall speaker, thanks in large part to the revolutionary ACE (Acoustic Compliance Enhancement) technology and KEF’s own Uni-Q drivers that create a widely dispersed sound pattern and lifelike soundstage. With the introduction of the Ci9000ACE, KEF gives home entertainment system installers the power to design a virtually invisible home theater that truly rivals the performance of free-standing speakers.

“Homeowners love in-wall speaker systems because they have virtually no impact on the surrounding decor, but by nature in-wall speakers are challenged at producing wide dispersion patterns and frequently lack bass impact,” said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “The Ci9000ACE overcomes these liabilities with the incorporation of our propriety ACE and Uni-Q technologies. This speaker creates the robust performance of a free-standing speaker without altering a home’s interior. It’s the perfect solution for someone who wants their audio system to deliver incredible sound without compromising interior design decor.”

The 6-1/2′ Uni-Q driver array brings out the full emotional depth and texture of vocals, whether sung, shouted, spoken or whispered, achieving a distinct “vocal intelligibility” or crisp transparency to all dialogue. On either side, a matching pair of long throw bass drivers with ultra-low distortion motors provide low frequency response that’s as lucid as it is gutsy. And thanks to KEF’s Acoustic Compliance Enhancement (ACE), a level of bass extension that’s only normally obtainable with much larger speakers.

The new Ci Series 9000ACE provides more range, more depth, and is more alive. Purpose built for flush mounting into walls, the 3-way Ci9000ACE combines 150W power handling and 88dB sensitivity. The Ci9000ACE features a 6-1/2″ polypropylene cone midrange unit with a coincident mounted, twin neodymium magnet, ≤” aluminum dome, high frequency unit and two 6-1/2″ bass drivers in a sealed back-box. HF output can be increased through alternative terminal connection to compensate for grille coverings.

The Ci9000ACE comes complete with two grille options: a black cloth covered grille, or a white overhanging grille. Also included is a customizable plain grille frame, which can be painted to match virtually any setting, perfect for consumers who wish to use a fabric or covering of their choice.

The Ci Series 9000ACE will be available to KEF dealers in Mid-November. MSRP is $999.99 each.

About KEF Audio

KEF was founded in 1961 by an electrical engineer named Raymond Cooke in a Nissen Hut on the premises of a metal working operation called Kent Engineering & Foundry (hence KEF), on the banks of the River Medway, near Maidstone in Kent. From the beginning KEF was destined to become a company with a flair for uniqueness and innovation in engineering, design and materials. The four cornerstones of KEF’s success over 45 years are Quality, Honesty, Dedication and Innovation.

The company is professional from top to bottom. Still occupying the same river-bank site in Kent, the company services export markets throughout the world, manufacturing high performance speakers for home cinema, hi-fi and custom installation applications. KEF firmly and passionately remains true to its proprietary, proven technologies such as Uni-Q and ACE. It is these characteristics, traditions and above all sound quality that have ensured that KEF’s reputation for audio excellence is among the finest in the world.

About KEF America, Inc.

KEF America is the wholly owned subsidiary of KEF Audio, an award winning British manufacturer of quality, audiophile-standard speakers and home theater systems. Headquartered in Marlboro, New Jersey, KEF America has built the KEF brand by offering loyal North American audiophiles a stream of innovative speakers and components unmatched in the industry. Many KEF products have won awards from both sides of the Atlantic, as KEF is a brand name long associated with quality and technical innovation.

For additional information about KEF America and its award-winning products, please visit www.kefamerica.com .

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