The KEF Reference line on Speaker Ranking spans 3 generations and 9 models, from the KEF Reference 203, KEF Reference 5 and KEF Reference 4c to the KEF Reference 1 Meta, KEF Reference 3 Meta and KEF Reference 5 Meta. Ratings run from 4.1/5 to 4.8/5. Of these, 5 are still sold.
Each column below is one generation, oldest on the left. Each row follows one model into the model that replaced it; a long arrow means a model skipped a generation. Ratings are out of 5, and an estimated rating comes from measured models in the same family.
More from this brand: every KEF speaker ranked.
Generation by generation
Reference 203 to Reference 3
The KEF Reference 3 replaced the KEF Reference 203. Both rate 4.6/5.
| Spec | Reference 203 | Reference 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 1x 0.75” supertweeter, coaxial 1” dome tweeter + 6.5” midrange, 2x 6.5” woofers | 1x 1” Uni-Q dome tweeter, 1x 5” Uni-Q midrange, 2x 6.5” aluminum woofers |
| Sensitivity | 88dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87.5dB |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51Hz | 43Hz |
| Weight | 58 lbs (26.3 kg) | 113.1 lbs (51.3 kg) each |
Full Reference 203 vs Reference 3 comparison
Reference 3 to Reference 3 Meta
The KEF Reference 3 Meta replaced the KEF Reference 3. Both rate 4.6/5.
| Spec | Reference 3 | Reference 3 Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 1x 1” Uni-Q dome tweeter, 1x 5” Uni-Q midrange, 2x 6.5” aluminum woofers | Uni-Q: 125mm aluminium cone midrange, 25mm aluminium dome tweeter with MAT; 2x 165mm aluminium cone woofers |
| Sensitivity | 87.5dB | 86dB |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz | 42.2Hz |
| Weight | 113.1 lbs (51.3 kg) each | 113.1 lbs (51.3 kg) |
Reference 5 to Reference 5 Meta
The KEF Reference 5 Meta replaced the KEF Reference 5. It rates higher, 4.8/5 against 4.6/5.
| Spec | Reference 5 | Reference 5 Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | Uni-Q array: 1” (25mm) aluminium dome tweeter, 5” (125mm) aluminium midrange; 4x 6.5” (165mm) aluminium woofers | 1” aluminum dome with MAT tweeter, 5” aluminum midrange, quad 6.5” aluminum woofers |
| Sensitivity | 90dB | 88dB |
| Weight | 132.3 lbs (60 kg) each | 132.7 lbs (60.2 kg) each |
Reference 4c to Reference 4 Meta
The KEF Reference 4 Meta replaced the KEF Reference 4c. It rates higher, 4.4/5 against 4.1/5.
| Spec | Reference 4c | Reference 4 Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | Uni-Q: 1” vented aluminum dome tweeter, 5” aluminum midrange; 4x 6.5” aluminum bass units | Uni-Q: 25mm aluminium dome tweeter with MAT, 125mm aluminium midrange; 4x 165mm (6.5”) aluminium bass units |
| Sensitivity | 90dB | 88dB |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz | 46.5Hz |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many generations of the KEF Reference are there?
Speaker Ranking covers 3 generations of the KEF Reference, from the KEF Reference 203, KEF Reference 5 and KEF Reference 4c to the KEF Reference 1 Meta, KEF Reference 3 Meta and KEF Reference 5 Meta.
What replaced the KEF Reference 203?
The KEF Reference 3 replaced the KEF Reference 203. Both are rated 4.6/5.
What replaced the KEF Reference 3?
The KEF Reference 3 Meta replaced the KEF Reference 3. Both are rated 4.6/5.
What replaced the KEF Reference 5?
The KEF Reference 5 Meta replaced the KEF Reference 5. It is rated 4.8/5, against 4.6/5 for the KEF Reference 5.
What replaced the KEF Reference 4c?
The KEF Reference 4 Meta replaced the KEF Reference 4c. It is rated 4.4/5, against 4.1/5 for the KEF Reference 4c.