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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/758586
If you tapped a piece of it, it doesn't ring for a long time. We shifted to metal at the point where we thought we could get a better result from it. And the key thing about our metal cone, is that we control the breakup. TB > Is there a priority that you would suggest for someone who is looking to grow into a more mature speaker system, but can’t afford a full set all at once? JOB > The priority depends on if you're a movies person or a music person. If you're a movies person, the center channel is probably the most important If you're a music guy, then the front left and right speakers, since the majority of music is still produced in stereo. TB > How do you see speakers evolving? Where are you trying to push audio design to the next level as you look forward? DS > What we just announced is our LS50 Wireless. There are two factors to this - there is a shift in the market on the way people like to do setup, and the amount of knowledge and investment it takes to do a setup. What we've done is come out with a powered version of [our LS40 loudspeaker] for this particular reason. Its filled with tons of connectivity for the person who wants that high fi sound but doesn't have the knowledge or time to invest in putting together a system - we've sort of done it for you. TB > Do you foresee a future of wireless, high fidelity home theatre systems at any point? JOB > I'd love to do that! From a technology point of view, I do find it quite interesting that the kind of drivers we're talking about are magnet, a bit of wire, and a cone. In very basic terms, that's all we're looking at. Going to a system where you have everything in the speaker, so you know which amp is connected to the tweeter and you know which amp is connected to the woofer, and you can separately control the signal using a DSP, that suddenly gives you a change in the technology that's big enough to make a big step up in performance. DS > We're very big music lovers, and we enjoy sound. And one of the biggest things that I reject is when people say, "I can't hear the difference." Everyone can hear the difference! It's just a matter of whether you like it or not. JOB > That's a really good point to finish with. It is the music that inspires us to do this really, and that comes first. The main thing is that I'm pleased people are listening to music. If all they can afford is some $20 speaker, as long as they're listening to music, that's the key. But at some point maybe they'll want to explore it a bit more, buy something a bit better, and that's where companies like KEF exist, to do the research, do a thorough job, and come up with more ways to give pleasure from this wonderful thing that is listening to music. For more information, visit: http://kef.com