Stunning New Dedicated Speaker Delivers Cinema-Like Frontal Impact
MARLBORO, NJ — June 23, 2006 — British-born producer of audiophile-grade home theater speakers has turned its European-inspired approach to product design in the development of the latest offering from its KEF Home Theatre speaker line. As part of the KHT 3000 Series 5.1 home cinema system, the HTC3001 dedicated center channel speaker has taken sound in a new direction delivering distinct “vocal intelligibility,” or crisp transparency to all dialogue–whether whispered or shouted–even when competing with ambient noise.
Unlike rival systems which simply utilize one of the satellite speakers turned on its side, KEF engineered the HTC3001 as its own powerful speaker, accounting for the fact that up to 60 percent of sound effects in home theater are produced through the center channel speaker. The result? Amazingly clear dialogue and perfect timber for both video and audio reproduction.
Just like the satellite speakers in the system, the center channel features KEF’s signature Uni-Q driver array. This is the only configuration that uses a tweeter mounted at the acoustic center of the bass/midrange cone to create a single-point source for an exceptional broad frequency range. Dialogue is no longer lost, quiet passages can be heard and voices are not buried beneath a crescendo of action. Everyone in the room has a great seat, wherever they sit. In addition to the 4.5-inch Uni-Q driver, the center incorporates two 3-inch bass drivers that allow the speaker to play at more robust volume levels augmenting bass.
“KEF’s traditional attention to detail is evident in our decision to design a separate center channel to complement the system,” said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “The HTC3001 offers superior vocal intelligibility, the most critical test of any centre channel speaker. No other system at this price offers a beautifully crafted design and untouchable sound performance.”
The HTC3001 features an all-new sealed suspension system (SST), which eliminates the air noise between woofer and tweeter. The grilles are held in position by magnets, giving a high quality, tactile feel. This closed loop magnet system allows the speaker cone greater movement for extended bass, and it will in no way interfere with televisions or any other nearby electronic equipment.
The KEF Home Theatre 3000 Series 5.1 system delivers the dialogue and sound effects of today’s digital soundtracks, as well as the streamlined looks design-conscious consumers demand. Currently available, the system comprised of 4 satellites, 1 HTC3001 center channel and a powered subwoofer, retails at an MSRP of $1,500. To match a variety of home interiors, KEF offers a high-gloss silver finish or a stunningly new high-gloss black finish. Matching speaker stands are also available. A la carte, the HTC3001 retails at $330.
About KEF Audio
KEF, a division of GP Acoustics, is a UK based company that has earned a reputation as the premier manufacturer of stunning, audiophile-quality speakers for modern home cinema, hi-fi and custom installation applications. KEF products which are distributed around the globe, have won awards from both sides of the Atlantic, as KEF is a brand name long associated with style, quality and technical innovation.
Founded in 1961 by a British electrical engineer named Raymond Cooke on the banks of the River Medway, KEF is driven by a passionate belief in the power of new materials, new technologies and design ingenuity. Still occupying the same riverbank site, KEF passionately remains true to its patented, proven technologies such as Uni-Q and ACE. These characteristics, traditions and above all sound quality, secure KEF’s world-class reputation.
About KEF America, Inc.
KEF America, a division of GP Acoustics, offers loyal North American audiophiles a stream of innovative speakers and components unmatched in the industry. Headquartered in Marlboro, New Jersey, KEF America shares the same guiding principles as its British counterpart: ground-breaking design, exceptional sound and an unshakeable commitment to excellence.
For additional information about KEF America and its award-winning products, please visit www.kefamerica.com.
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