[joe]

 

KEF Launches M Series Hi-Fidelity Headphones​

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Legendary speaker brand creates its first over-ear and in-ear headphones for perfect blend of sound and design​

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[size=10pt]MARLBORO, N.J. – April 24, 2013 – [/size][size=10pt]KEF has announced its first-ever range of headphones, the KEF M Series, offering consumers the benefit of enjoying KEF’s unparalleled audio expertise in portable form.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]The introduction of the M Series sees the launch of the M500 over-ear headphones and the M200 in-ear buds.Both models have been painstakingly created to deliver a unique blend of sophisticated industrial design, outstanding build quality and the unbeatable sound performance that KEF has brought to its speakers for more than 50 years. This audio expertise is unique in a thriving headphone market that now demands top quality.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]Both the M500 and M200 headphones have already been honored with the 2013 red dot Award, one of the most internationally recognized product design prizes in the world.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]KEF’s new headphones carry an attached legacy that no other pair of ‘cans’ can offer. More than 50 years of speaker engineering, in pursuit of the clearest and most accurate audio production possible, means that KEF’s engineers—with an enviable track record of technical innovation and award-winning products—have brought every ounce of this history to the design of the M500 and M200 headphones.[/size]
[size=10pt]KEF has a simple ethos, one that it now brings to the headphone market: Quality design and state-of-the-art acoustic engineering should result in the enjoyment of truly excellent sound.[/size]

[size=10pt]The KEF M500 – Making Hi-Fidelity Truly Portable[/size]
                        
[size=10pt]The over-ear M500s were designed to provide speaker-quality reproduction in a form that makes high fidelity sound truly portable. The headphones use a full-range 40mm neodymium driver with a high-quality, super light, copper clad  aluminum voice-coil that has been painstakingly tuned by KEF’s engineers to deliver a powerfully musical sound with a tight, clean bass.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]The M500s feature an elegant, precision-engineered aluminum frame, with breathable and sweat resistant memory foam earpads and headband. As a result, the M500s offer class-leading comfort for prolonged listening.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]The frame design also features a ‘Smart Hinge’; unlike most headphones that require two hinges to fold and rotate the ear pads, the M500s’ Smart Hinge can cleverly rotate on two axes, making them more adaptable to different sized (and shaped) heads than any rival. It also allows you to fold them up into a highly compact form for carrying around.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]The KEF M200 – Technical Innovation Means Exquisite Sound[/size]
 
[size=10pt]The in-ear M200 earphones utilize an innovative and comfortable user-adjustable Secure Arm that helps to keep them snug in the ear, and a rigid aluminum driver housing that eliminates unwanted vibrations and raises sound performance to new levels.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]The M200s also use unique ‘DDD’ (Dual Dynamic Driver) tech, a two-way system with a 10mm driver for the bass and a 5.5mm dynamic neodymium driver for midrange and high frequencies.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]The new M500 and M200 headphones share and continue in KEF’s long-standing philosophy – with powerfully innovative design, incredibly high-quality build and finish, and a sonic signature that testifies to the KEF tradition of making products that get the very most from your music.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]KEF’s new headphones are also compliant with the CENELEC standard (EN60065/A12) for protection against hearing damage caused by excessive sound volume.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]Key Points for Editors – M500[/size]

1. [size=10pt]Mobile closed-back on-ear hi-fi headphones[/size]
2. [size=10pt]Elegant and distinctive design[/size]
3. [size=10pt]Full aluminum frame with high-quality, sweat resistant, durable and breathable high performance earpads and headband for maximum comfort[/size]
4. [size=10pt]‘Smart Hinge’ multi-angle hinge designed to offer a more flexible headphone structure for different users’ heads[/size]
5. [size=10pt]Full-range 40mm neodymium driver with CCAW (Copper Clad Aluminum Wire) high quality voice coil[/size]
6. [size=10pt]Foldable design – perfect for travelling[/size]
7. [size=10pt]Apple product compatible – full remote functions allow you to switch between calls and music[/size]
8. [size=10pt]Protective case and flight adapter designed for business travelers[/size]
9. [size=10pt]MSRP: $299.99[/size]

 
[size=10pt]Key Points for Editors – M200[/size]

1. [size=10pt]Mobile in-ear hi-fi earphones with free-form Secure Arm for maximum fit and comfort[/size]
2. [size=10pt]Elegant and rugged design perfect for travelling[/size]
3. [size=10pt]Dual Dynamic Driver (‘DDD’) technology using 10mm and 5.5mm drivers with crossover[/size]
4. [size=10pt]Ergonomic shell designed to fit the concha of the ear with a tight seal and a comfortable fit[/size]
5. [size=10pt]Aluminum driver housing provides rigid metal cabinet to get rid of unwanted vibrations[/size]
6. [size=10pt]Ultra-thin silicone ear tips that adapt to the ear canal and provide very comfortable fit[/size]
7. [size=10pt]Apple product compatible – full remote functions allow you to switch between calls and music[/size]
8. [size=10pt]Uniquely designed Protective case and flight adapter – perfect for travelers[/size]
9. [size=10pt]MSRP: $199.99[/size]

 
[size=10pt]About KEF[/size]
[size=10pt]KEF’s ethos has always been based on the continuing quest to find new and better ways of reproducing sound.  Since the company’s establishment in Maidstone, Kent in 1961 by Raymond Cooke O.B.E., KEF has maintained a flair for unusual and controversial speaker engineering, design and material use. KEF has always driven innovation in sound with examples including its iconic ‘egg’, Muon and Blade speakers[/size][size=10pt] and, recently, the globally acclaimed, award-winning LS50[/size][size=10pt]. KEF is a member of the Gold Peak Group and its products are available in more than 60 countries. In 2011, KEF celebrated its 50th anniversary and continues its commitment to building on its strong heritage.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]About KEF America, Inc.[/size]
[size=10pt]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 and unique technology, please visit [/size][size=10pt]www.kef.com[/size][size=10pt].[/size]
 

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

I think the M500 is a beatiful looking headphone. I'll keep a close eye on this one.

 

[dleblanc343]

First the B&W P5, then the Martin Logan Mikros and now the KEF headphones; all with the same style of earpad cushion? What's with the speaker companies' similar decisions?
 
So far only PSB got it right for sound, B&W got it right for build and looks and Martin Logan failed in all aspects. Anxious to hear these KEF's... 

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

After having felt the B&W P5, I'm a huge fan of THIS type of on ear padding. The main headphone companies need to take note. Other on ear padding just feels like crap in comparison.

 

[dleblanc343]

Quote:

After having felt the B&W P5, I'm a huge fan of THIS type of on ear padding. The main headphone companies need to take note. Other on ear padding just feels like crap in comparison.

I agree, it is comfortable. If only the martin logan were more ergonomic, it would be more comfortable than the P5 ( would still sound bad though). The KEF should be more comfortable since they have larger cups (and circular).

 

[ScuderiaHeadFi]

Here I was thinking I would break the news to the whole Head-Fi global community, and joe beat me to it hours ago.  Am I too slow?  Probably.
 
Anyhow, those supraaurals look gorgeous, and I hope the sound is somewhere up near that level of achievement.  I'll be staying tuned to learn more. 

 

[Craigster75]

Regarding the M500, I like the design.  It reminds me of a more stylish PSB M4U1.  KEF has a challenge to make them sound as good as those.
 
Regarding the M200, the dual drivers have piqued my curiosity and I like the design with the flexible arm to secure them as my B&W C5's are one of the only IEMs I have used that offer a secure fit for working out.

 

[zzffnn]

I don't see anything special about the M500s. The dual-driver M200s, however, are surprisingly insensitive in terms of their 94+/-4 db/mw rating. And in view of their 12 ohm impedance and dual driver design, the M200s may be harder to drive than the most earphones. 

 

[Trunks159]

Now that adds to the 2-300 dollar headphone list. They've got some serious competition between the mdr 1r, momentum, m100, fidelio l1, maybe focal spirit one (another speaker brand!), p5... The list goes on.

When are they coming out?

 

[VolcomStone]

Dual dynamic? That's hot.

 

[ToddTheMetalGod]

Quote:

First the B&W P5, then the Martin Logan Mikros and now the KEF headphones; all with the same style of earpad cushion? What's with the speaker companies' similar decisions?
 
So far only PSB got it right for sound, B&W got it right for build and looks and Martin Logan failed in all aspects. Anxious to hear these KEF's... 

In the audio realm, the headphone market is growing rapidly and consumers are spending more money on their equipment each year. The speaker companies realize how large the headphone market is and want in on it. This article gave some statistics that surprised me http://www.marketnews.ca/content/index/page?pid=12005 .

 

[Hutnicks]

I'm going to wait for the Wilsons.
 
 
Only a matter of time

 

 

[AmberOzL]

Dude, that headphone doesn't look like an over-design. Pads have a flat surface. It is so going to be 'on' ears. Okay it has a larger area than regular on ears like dt1350 or hd25 but still it will put bloody pressure on the ears.

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

Have you worn the BW P5? They are on ears, and they may as well be the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. I tend to absolutely hate on ears.

 

[AmberOzL]

Quote:

Have you worn the BW P5? They are on ears, and they may as well be the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. I tend to absolutely hate on ears.

I demoed them for something like 10 15 mins. I must admit they were comfortable. But for long listening sessions I can't say anything about them and honestly anything that sits on my ears would be uncomfortable after a while I believe. I prefer my ears to be free, not touching anything.