The Novel KIT120, KIT540, & KIT570w Feature Ease and Performance in Three Stylish Designs; New KIT570w Includes Wireless Rear Surrounds
MARLBORO, NJ — September 25, 2007 — KEF, renowned British manufacturer of audiophile-quality speakers, announced the upcoming release of the three of its latest additions to the highly acclaimed KEF Instant Theatre family of complete Home Theatre Systems, the new KIT120, KIT540, and KIT570w.
KEF’s award winning Instant Theatre (KIT) systems eliminate the need for choosing between ease and performance. They represent the first complete, self-contained Home Theatre Systems that are not only far simpler to set-up and operate than anything else available, but feature strikingly elegant aesthetics, satisfyingly-solid die-cast aluminum and zinc construction, and the superb sound quality on which KEF has built its enviable reputation. And now, with the introduction of the new KIT120, KIT540, and KIT570w, KEF further raises the bar.
“Homeowners love the combination of compact size, robust sound performance and simplified, easy to use electronics,” said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “With three beautifully styled, highly versatile systems we are able to deliver a breathtaking theatrical performance from a system that fits perfectly into apartments, offices and vacation homes, as well as decor conscious living rooms. The new KEF Instant Theatre systems are unlike anything else available and rise to new levels of aesthetic design, ease, sophistication and performance. We’re giving consumes what they want with several other KIT System options scheduled for release later in the year.”
The KIT120 is a new, complete DVD-based Home Theater System that includes everything necessary to experience 5.1 digital surround sound from just two compact front speakers and a hide-away subwoofer, eliminating the need to run wires and place speakers in the rear of the room. By combining KEF’s proprietary Uni-Q ‘sit anywhere’ drivers with patented flat panel technology, KEF engineers have discovered a way to deliver all the subtleties and spatial depth encoded in today’s digital formats from just two small speakers and a subwoofer. Remarkably quick and easy to set up, with no confusing configuration or menus required, The KIT120 recognizes whatever type of disc is loaded and automatically configures the system accordingly — simply insert a disc and press ‘play’!
The KIT120 is comprised of two small, uniquely attractive speaker enclosures and a compact head unit/DVD player — both finished in a gorgeous, stylish, high gloss black — and an all new subwoofer that –despite its diminutive size — will absolutely astonish with its depth, power, and impact.
iPod and USB 2.0 compatible, the KIT120 also features an HDMI output providing the latest, simplest, highest quality all-digital connection to today’s High-Definition televisions — through a single cable! The remote is a brand new, ergonomically designed controller with optimized positioning of ‘main’ buttons and a very cool metallic feel. Solidly built and of obvious quality, it also features ‘KEF Blue’ back-lit buttons to improve visibility in darker environments.
Available in September 2007, the KIT120 carries an MSRP of $1,499.99.
The KIT540 is a complete DVD-based Home Theater System matched with KEF’s KHT5005.2 speakers. This 5.1 speaker package features 2 sleekly-elegant front satellite speakers, 1 matching center channel speaker, and 2 matching surround effects speakers. Also matched with KEF’s KHT5005.2 5.1 Speaker System is the new KIT570w, which adds wireless rear surround effects speakers to a complete DVD-based Home Theater package. The KIT570w features 2 front satellite speakers, 1 matching center channel speaker, and 2 matching wireless rear surrounds, making it possible to have discrete, separate rear-channel speakers without the difficulty, expense or mess of having to run speaker wire to the back of the room! This package includes the specially designed KEF Wireless Kit for the KHT5005.2 speakers (1 transmitter and two receiver modules).
Aside from speakers, both KIT540 and KIT570w come equipped with a compact but robust die-cast zinc head unit/DVD player — all finished in striking high gloss black, and an all-new subwoofer of modest physical proportions but capable of thoroughly immodest, thunderous bass response. The driver complement in each of the front/center/rear speakers consists of KEF’s patented Uni-Q ‘sit anywhere’ driver array flanked by a pair of 75 mm (3″) long throw bass drivers with ultra-low distortion motor systems. The Uni-Q driver features KEF’s 15 mm (0.6″) metal dome HF driver at the acoustic centre of the 75 mm (3″) midrange cone to disperse a seamless sonic image evenly throughout the listening area. And what an image it is — richly textured and spatially precise in every dimension.
The ‘smart’ KIT540 and KIT570w systems, in addition to being ‘KIT Easy’ to set-up, instantly recognize the format of whatever disc is inserted and configure the system accordingly — no complex set-up procedure required.
Like the new KIT120, the new KIT540 and KIT570w are iPod and USB 2.0 compatible and feature an HDMI output for high-performance, all-digital connection to today’s High-Definition televisions via a single cable. They also feature KEF’s beautifully-built new ergonomically designed remote with optimized positioning of ‘main’ buttons, a very cool metallic feel and ‘KEF Blue’ back-lit buttons to improve visibility in darker environments.
The KIT540 and KIT570w will be available September 2007, at a suggested MSRP of $2,799.99 and $3,399.99 respectively.
All three KIT Systems feature a simple to use, graphically elegant on-screen Graphical User Interface (GUI). In keeping with the design philosophy behind the KIT family of systems, the GUI, while providing for any desired customized user settings, is remarkably easy to access and use. While many home theater systems offer the customer a seemingly endless glut of complicated tweaking and adjustments, the new KIT120, KIT540, and KIT570 feature a GUI that is simple and straightforward, yet still provides all the necessary options. And KEF’s engineers have a designed a GUI that goes well beyond the interfaces found on most home theater systems and receivers. With its colorful, swirling background and simple icons, the new KIT GUI is a pleasure to look at and operate, and far more attractive graphically than traditional black-and-white text based menus.
The uniquely KEF combination of stunning, high-style design; highest quality materials, fit and finish; famous KEF Instant Theatre ease of set-up and operation; and legendary KEF sonic performance make the new KIT Systems the ideal solution for those seeking the very finest in Home Theater.
Talking Points:
• KEF introduces three new KEF Instant Theatre (KIT) systems; the KIT120, KIT540, and KIT570w.
• Each features unparalleled ease of set-up and use coupled with superb sound.
• Each features strikingly elegant aesthetics and the finest fit, finish and materials including die-cast zinc and aluminum enclosures.
• Each is finished in stunning High Gloss Black.
• State-of-the-art features include iPod, USB 2.0 and HDMI compatibility.
• New ergonomically designed remote.
• Simple, yet graphically attractive and sophisticated GUI (graphical user interface).
• The KIT120 provides true 5.1 digital surround from just two speakers — without rear or center channel speakers.
• The KIT540 features KEF’s KHT5005.2 speakers for a complete 5.1 DVD-based home theater package.
• The KIT570w features KEF’s revolutionary KHT5005.2 wireless rear surround speakers combining discrete speaker performance with hassle-free installation.
• The KIT120 carries an MSRP of $1,499.99; the KIT540 retails at $2,799.99; the KIT570w retails at $3,399.99.
• All three KIT Systems will be available September 2007.
About KEF Audio
KEF Audio, 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 theater, hi-fi and custom installation applications. KEF products, distributed around the world, have won awards on both sides of the Atlantic. 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 innovation and quality. Still occupying the same riverbank site, KEF remains passionate about its patented, proven technologies such as Uni-Q and ACE. These characteristics, traditions and, above all, quality, secure KEF’s reputation as a world class manufacturer of the best speakers in the world.
About KEF America, Inc.
KEF America, a division of KEF Audio, offers loyal North American audiophiles a line of innovative speakers and components unmatched in the industry for quality and innovation. 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 and its award-winning products, please visit www.kef.com.
