![]() ![]() The Uni-Q in the Blade Two is a bit different. presents a more transparent window into the recorded soundstage." (footnote 1) This 12th generation technology has already appeared in the LS50 Meta, and John Atkinson said that in comparing it to its predecessor, it "improves on its presentation of low-level detail and. So, what's new in 2022? Uni-Q, KEF's unique, concentric tweeter/midrange driver, is now in its 12th generation as the "Meta" name indicates, it incorporates Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) to reduce the influence of the reflection of the tweeter's backwave back onto its own diaphragm. Yes, the price is higher, but taking inflation into account, the new speaker is actually about 10% cheaper. ![]() Even the speaker terminals look the same. Superficially, the Blade Two Meta looks just like its predecessor: same shape, same dimensions, same weight, a single Uni-Q driver on the front, two pairs of force-canceling woofers mounted on the cabinet's two sides, and two large ports, each venting a separate chamber for each woofer pair. This time, anticipating updates to the Blades (and the Reference line) for KEF's 60th birthday, I presumptuously requested a pair of the new Blade Twos well before they were announced. Still, I was jealous when John Atkinson reviewed the smaller com/Blade Two in 2015. The latter is significant because I enjoy the view from my Manhattan apartment, unobstructed on the inside, at least. ![]() They looked like no other speaker, and they were tall. When the original Blade was released in 2009, I was fascinated but also intimidated. These technologies and others combine in what KEF calls a "Single Apparent Source." All are incorporated in the new Blade Meta speakers. During his tenure, we have seen the maturation and refinement of the Uni-Q coaxial driver, the development and implementation of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), the use of force-canceling woofers to minimize cabinet vibration and coloration, and the introduction of stiff, glass-reinforced composite cabinet material shaped to reduce diffraction. The project Cooke started has been sustained by a succession of notable designers and engineers (Laurie Fincham Andrew Jones), and it seems to be flourishing under the current VP of technology, Jack Oclee-Brown. Regrettably, they were always priced out of my reach. They always seemed to strike the right balance of intelligent engineering, solid construction, and domestic suitability. Shortly thereafter, I commenced decades of building loudspeakers, mostly with KEF drivers, and, beginning with the 104 in 1973, pining for their Reference speakers. As a teenager, I was introduced to founder Raymond Cooke and his innovative "race-track" woofer, Mylar tweeter dome, and Bextrene cones in Bud Fried's IMF Newsletter. Not in any existential sense, but in a literal, practical way: The arrival of the Blade Two Meta is the culmination of a lifelong fascination with KEF. Note that all items valued over $750 will require a signature upon delivery.It seems as if I have been waiting for these all my life. When factory packaging not available re-usable shipping box with custom injected-foam mold will be used. Items with factory packaging will be double boxed. For all other locations including Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska, please request a quote prior to purchase. Shipping: Cost to ship this item within the contiguous United States is a flat rate of $55 - including packaging and insurance. That makes it a bargain." - Kalman Rubinson, Stereophile That makes the AHB2 more than a Benchmark. Combine the AHB2's superb sound quality with its low weight, low noise, low heat, and low cost, and it's clearly an amplifier that must be heard-even by those who can afford amps costing as much as 10 times more. "The AHB2 was capable of drawing more music from my B&W 800 Diamonds than I'd anticipated, and, mostly, sounded better than the other amplifiers I've used to drive those speakers. Other Notes: 5-way binding posts and Speakon outputs. What is Included: Amplifier, Trigger cable, Power cable, Factory packagingįunctional Notes: Operational condition of this item is excellent, fully tested and no issues found. You'll have to examine very closely to find any signs of wear. Product: Benchmark AHB2 Balanced Stereo Power Amplifier AHB-2Ĭosmetic Description: 8/10 Very good condition with minimal visible cosmetic wear including a few small scratches on the top surface. This item looks like new from just a few feet away. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |