Essential Install September 2016 | Page 28

Essential Install | Speakers KEF is ready to rock the new 3D audio formats with its Ci Series finishes, but when a discrete finish is required, the in-wall/in-ceiling speakers fit flush to the wall with a paintable grille. Rayner concludes: “We see high resolution audio systems as the future of home audio. Many of Meridian’s products, including our loudspeakers, are optimised for high-res audio, meaning that your solution will able to adapt to the demands of future audio systems.” Fifty years of innovation have been poured into KEF’s state-of-the-art listening room at company HQ in Kent, a resource which is constantly refreshed to show the company’s products off at their best. The latest incarnation has KEF showing its Dolby Atmos capabilities with a 7.2.4 AV system made up of KEF’s Ci200RR-THX in-ceiling speakers for the height channels, the Ci3160RL-THX inwall speakers for the surround channels supported with the Ci3160RLb-THX in-wall subwoofer. A Class-D Dual 250WPC amp, the KEF KASA500 is used to deliver the bass from the KEF Ci subwoofers. An ONKYO TX-NR3030, Epson TW9200 projector and Chord Company HDMI Active Silver Plus cables join the party. KEF says its Ci Series is ideal to specify for rooms with limited space or for clients who wish to hide their speakers, with the THX in-wall Ci R Series delivering the same acoustic capabilities of the traditional loudspeaker range which it is named after. The speakers are also designed to provide the vertical sound dimension that is imperative to a Dolby Atmos setup. The KEF R50 speaker is also set up to deliver Dolby Atmos. Designed to sit above freestanding or wallmounted home theatre satellite speakers, the R50 is angled specifically to radiate the sound upwards to deliver a multi-dimensional soundscape. KEF’s commitment to the format has been recognised with a special award from Dolby in appreciation of KEF’s role in introducing Dolby Atmos to the home. KEF distributor AWE Europe has also chosen models from KEF’s Ci Series for its own Dolby Atmos cinema room. Showcasing a real-world example of an integrated smart home, the 7.5.4 Dolby Atmos surround sound system is made up of KEF’s in-wall and in-ceiling Ci Series speakers including the recently released Ci200RR-THX in-ceiling speakers for the front and rear height channels along with the in-wall Ci3160RL-THX speakers and Ci3160RLb-THX in-wall subwoofers. KEF is also proud of its record in technical support and hosts training sessions at the Maidstone office and through AWE. The company encourages installers to check out the performance at either of the two venues. WE’VE DESIGNED THE PERFECT LOUDSPEAKER, NOW LET US HELP YOU DESIGN THE THE PERFECT INSTALLATION. Call 01480 445678 meridian-audio.com 26 | September 2016 Speakers.indd 26 26/09/2016 15:24