kef kc62 sub

KEF Uni-Core subwoofer technology maximum bass and minimum volume

In the company itself, KC62 is called “The Biggest Small Subwoofer”, with British humor playing around the word “biggest” and using it not in the literal sense (“bigger than others”), but in the meaning of “the most important, significant, grandiose”.

The KEF KC62 subwoofer uses Uni-Core technology, which is said to significantly reduce the size of the novelty. We have already written about this architecture, in which a pair of oppositely directed drivers uses a common magnet system for two coaxial voice coils of different diameters.

In addition to Uni-Core, the Kef KC62 subwoofer received other proprietary technologies. First of all, it is the "pleated" shape of the external suspension of both P-Flex Surround cones, nicknamed "Origami Surround" for its shape. KEF assured that such a suspension better resists acoustic pressure inside the cabinet, without limiting the sensitivity and maximum amplitude of the driver.

Another technology - Smart Distortion Control - reduces non-linear distortion, acting similarly to the EMOS (electromechanical feedback) system. True, it does not use any additional sensors to measure the diffuser displacement, but “simply” measures the current in the voice coil.

The built-in class D amplifier in KEF KC62 sub receives a signal from the DSP processor, in which signal processing algorithms are wired - such as iBX (Intelligent Bass Extension) or SmartLimiter.

The extruded aluminum housing further reduces the size of the sub. The result of all efforts was the following parameters: the declared frequency response is 11–200 Hz (±3 dB) and the maximum sound pressure is 105 dB.

The novelty received flexible connectivity options, including compatibility with the KW1 wireless adapter kit. There is also a line output with a high-pass filter, and KEF SmartConnect technology solves connection problems.

The two 165mm cones are equipped with suspensions  that KEF calls P-Flex or "Origami".

“P-Flex is a brand new speaker surround (the manufacturer has applied for a patent). It resists the acoustic pressure inside the cabinet without limiting the sensitivity, as traditional semi-circular surrounds do in conventional speakers. At KEF, it is called "origami" because the appearance of the hanger is reminiscent of the Japanese art of paper folding. 

However, whatever name you choose, the fact remains that the suspension allows the drivers to move with greater amplitude, resulting in deeper bass and more accurate bass reproduction with significantly reduced distortion.

Finally, Smart Distortion Control technology reduces non-linear distortion. The principle used is similar to an electromechanical feedback system. But unlike EMOS, special sensors are not used - instead, the current in the voice coil is measured, which allows you to instantly compensate for the detected non-linear distortions.

“Essentially, the circuit continuously monitors the current in the voice coil, detecting and then correcting any non-linear distortion. SDCT works in conjunction with KEF's DSP iBX (Intelligent Bass Extension) and SmartLimiter algorithms to ensure that the two 500W Class D amplifiers that power the drivers deliver the perfect signal.”

The Kef KC62 sub is versatile and equally effective when listening to music, watching movies or playing video games.

The KC62 1000 watt subwoofer exceeds traditional expectations of what a subwoofer can achieve depending on its size.

Technical features of the active subwoofer KEF KC62 Sub

Equipped with a 1000W RMS Class D amplifier (2 x 500W).

Frequency range 11 - 200 Hz (±3 dB), maximum sound pressure 105 dB.

Music Integrity Engine Intelligent Distortion Control

with iBX, SmartLimiter and Room Placement settings

Built into the processor are signal processing algorithms and five room alignment presets that allow you to optimize the KC62's performance no matter where you place it in the room - side by side with a wall, in a corner, inside a closet or on a platform right in the open air, another mode involves adjusting directly to the features of the room.

The body is made of extruded (pressed) aluminum;

Colors - black (Carbon Black) and white (Mineral White).

Dimensions (H x W x D) - 246 x 256 x 248 mm;

The subwoofer weighs 14 kg.

The presence of a high-frequency line output means that the subwoofer can be used in conjunction with external active speakers such as the popular KEF LS50 bookshelf monitors or the KEF LSX wireless speakers.

It is quite possible that with the advent of Uni-Core technology developed by KEF engineers, the rule “If you want deep juicy bass, buy a huge sub” no longer works, and the era of bulky subwoofers is coming to an end ... 

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VERDICT 

From Some Top Sites

Sterenet

There is no doubt in my mind that KEF’s new KC62 is a breakthrough product, one that redefines what is expected from a small subwoofer. It’s not inexpensive, but when you consider what it does and how it compares to bigger more expensive designs, it actually offers very good value. 

Indeed I would call it a bargain, no less. This really is one instance where you get what you pay for. While the small size is a huge benefit, the KC62 is also superbly made, beautifully styled, and very pleasing to look at in both its Mineral White and Carbon Black finish options. Me? I’m totally smitten. No question, the KC62 vastly exceeded my expectations.

7review

10TOTAL SCORE

KEF KC62 Review

KEF's mini woofer looks as cool as a cucumber and sounds it too. Bass is deep and plenty loud enough, and always totally controlled. A thing of beauty, priced accordingly

lbtecgreviews

Who better than KEF itself, when it comes to making a subwoofer that matches the small but excellent LS50 speakers? The British speaker manufacturer is known for its smart solutions, and with the KC62 they have managed to make a big fuss out of a small box. It is easy to place and definitely plays on teams with small compact speakers.

This is not a subwoofer that makes the trouser legs flutter or tickle the nose hairs when the explosions hit the movie screen, but rather a practical subwoofer that complements the smaller KEF speakers in an excellent way. If you want massive, untamed deep bass that makes the floorboards tremble, you are better off looking for a larger bass box. For example, KEF’s own KF92, which uses double 9-inch in a slightly larger cabinet.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a small subwoofer that can fit almost anywhere, the KC62 fits right in the picture. In fact, we can not remember hearing a more potent subwoofer of this size!

Soundandvision

KEF’s KC62 delivers impressively deep bass in an elegant, ultra-compact package, though its output is best suited for smaller rooms or listening at more moderate levels.

Homecinemachoice

KEF's mini woofer looks as cool as a cucumber and sounds it too. Bass is deep and plenty loud enough, and always totally controlled. A thing of beauty, priced accordingly.

WHAT HIFI?

One aspect of the KC62’s performance that KEF’s ‘White Paper’ does not mention when it’s talking about ‘Iron Laws’ is that ‘bending laws’ costs money! And the additional costs involved in doing that are considerable and clearly evidenced in the build quality required in order to enable the KC62 to deliver the high levels of performance that it does. 

For example the KEF KC62 has to have an expensive aluminium cabinet to withstand the high pressures involved, rather than an inexpensive wooden one. It also has to have two enormously powerful amplifiers inside, rather than a single less powerful one. 

It also has to have an extremely complex, very difficult-to-build ‘Uni-Core’ driver inside, rather than two ordinary drivers. Plus it needs to have unique and complex ‘Smart Distortion Control Technology’ built-in in order to control the motion of that expensive Uni-Core driver, whereas many subwoofers have no ‘smart’ technology built-in to them at all. 

All of which means that in the end, someone has to pick up the tab for ‘bending the laws’ in order to deliver the bass you’ll hear from a KEF KC62. But if you want this level of performance from subwoofer of the KC62’s size, you really have no other option. 

You can also rest safe in the knowledge that you are investing in an award-winning subwoofer, because the KEF KC62 was recently announced as the ‘Best Product’ in the Hi-Fi Subwoofer Category (2021–2022) by the Expert Sound and Imaging Association (EISA), which is comprised of expert reviewers from more than 60 technology magazines and websites based around the world.

hometheaterhifi

The KEF KC62 is a first-rate subwoofer for either a straight stereo system or a multi-channel home theater system. It’s specified to get up to 105 dB which is quite loud. Both my rooms are medium to small, so it’s possible in a larger room cranked up really loud it might falter, but when I drove it hard, I would have had to leave the room to tolerate the volume it could cleanly reproduce.

I haven’t heard any of the other well-regarded small subwoofers, and I have no doubt they are excellent. I can say that while expensive, the KEF KC62 certainly punches above its weight, and provided clean, distortion-free deep bass from every subwoofer killer demo I could throw at it. You could spend less on other subs, of course, but I doubt they would equal the breakthrough design and capabilities of something that is so diminutive. Listening to a 15” subwoofer I have in my living room audio system, the KC62 seems to go deeper, but of course, it’s in a smaller, more easily driven room. Still, with the right room and the right high-quality equipment feeding the content, the KEF KC62 is a winner and worthy of your consideration.

In a large room, listening at very loud levels, the laws of physics will take over and the KC62 will run out of amplifier headroom if driven to maximum levels. You’d want large, maybe multiple subwoofers in a situation like that. But for mid to smaller rooms, the KEF sounds superb.

With its small size, very deep undistorted bass, and easy integration with rooms and speakers, the KEF is well worth its price.

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