KEF Reference model four Full Range Driver

1 week ago 53

Region/State

(QLD) Queensland/Australia

Suburb or Town

Gold Coast

Condition/Warranty

Condition: Excellent
Warranty: None or Limited Warranty (in compliance with Consumer Law)

Original Receipt Available

Shipping & Pickup Options

Shipping: Available
Pickup: Available

Reason for Selling

Downsizing

These are not just speakers — they’re a statement. The KEF Reference Model 4 represented the absolute pinnacle of KEF’s Reference lineup at the time and were hand-built in the UK, pair-matched and finished to uncompromising standards. This was KEF engineering at its most obsessive, when “Reference” truly meant reference.

I’ve loved owning these, and they’ve been the heart of my system. They have a way of pulling you into the music rather than just playing it — effortless, spacious, and incredibly natural. They don’t exaggerate or colour the sound; they simply let the recording shine.

Driver configuration (per speaker):

2 × 10” internally mounted bass drivers delivering deep, powerful, and controlled low frequencies

2 dedicated midrange drivers that give vocals and instruments real body and realism

KEF Uni-Q driver array, with the tweeter concentrically mounted for outstanding coherence, imaging, and a huge soundstage

This reference-grade multi-driver design allows each driver to do exactly what it’s best at, resulting in a speaker that stays composed, detailed, and musical even at higher listening levels.

Amplification & matching:

Despite their size and capability, these speakers are surprisingly easy to drive. They’re currently running on V3 monoblocks and sound absolutely amazing — open, controlled, and dynamic. That said, give them serious amplification and they shine like few speakers I’ve ever heard. They scale effortlessly with better gear, rewarding quality power with deeper bass control, greater resolution, and an even more holographic soundstage.

Condition: Excellent

Price: $3,600

They are in excellentcondition ,some small marks on the top as per pics and sun fade variation from the grills but otherwisepristine.

these are something special and deserve a proper audition.

I can box them up on a pallet but buyer needs to arrange the shipping

Happy to answer questions or arrange a listening session for genuine buyers.

They are priced at a bargain price point, they rarely come up for sale let alone at this price

WARRANTY INFORMATION (Private Seller)

The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.

This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.

Users praise the KEF Reference Model Four (and closely related variants like 4.2 or Meta) for its astonishing bass depth and power, crystal-clear mids and highs, and overall musicality when paired with high-power amplification, though some note it can sound overly polite or bass-heavy without optimal setup.

### Sound Quality
- Strengths: Deep, powerful, and rich bass that rivals subwoofers; clean, sweet, and low-coloration midrange and highs with solid imaging and depth in the sweet spot; forgiving and polite on aggressive recordings, becoming more transparent and lively with bi-wiring, powerful amps (e.g., Aragon 8008), and precise room positioning.
- Weaknesses: Bass can lack tightness and definition (too much quantity, too little quality); initial setups may yield dry highs, forward midrange, phasiness, or a closed-in feel without "snap" or air; requires significant clean power to avoid sounding lead-footed.

### Build Quality
Heavily constructed at over 100 lbs per speaker with robust drivers (e.g., large aluminum voice coils, stiff alloy cones in related models); well-crafted with durable rubber surrounds expected to last; hand-built craftsmanship noted in Meta variant.

### Reliability
Rubber cone surrounds reported in good shape after years, suggesting longevity; no widespread failure complaints in discussions, though extreme weight (50kg/110lbs) demands careful handling and pickup-only transport.

### Overall Reputation
Highly regarded as "fabulous" towers that "sing" with proper power and setup, offering value even at used prices near original $12K; mixed early reviews resolve positively with optimization, earning loyalty among owners who won't part with them. Community consensus emphasizes its full-bodied, high-end performance for music and home theater L/R use, best for those with capable amplification.

The fair market price for a new KEF Reference 4 Meta centre speaker (a three-way bass reflex design with four 6.5-inch bass drivers and a 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array) is approximately AUD $14,000, with a typical range of AUD $13,500–$14,500 based on Australian retailer listings. Used prices are significantly lower, around AUD $2,500–$3,500 for older KEF Reference Model 4 speakers in very good condition, though current Meta models (launched post-2022) have limited used data and may hold closer to 70–80% of new value depending on age and condition.

### Price Variation by Condition
- New: Consistently listed at AUD $14,000 by major Australian retailers like Audio Connection, with availability in finishes such as Satin Walnut/Silver or High-Gloss Black/Grey; other sites confirm stock but no divergent pricing.
- Used: A 2014 listing for "KEF Reference Model Four" speakers (likely pre-Meta version) sought AUD $3,000 (guide price, originally ~$12,000 new), in very good condition with pickup-only due to weight; expect similar or slightly higher for Meta versions based on depreciation trends for high-end audio.

### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Condition: New units command full retail; used depreciate 60–80% over 10+ years, faster for older non-Meta models; minor wear or missing grilles reduces value further.
- Model Generation: Reference 4 Meta includes advanced features like Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and enhanced Uni-Q, justifying premium over legacy Reference 4; confirm "Meta" in listings.
- Finish and Accessories: High-gloss finishes (e.g., Black/Copper) may add 5–10%; separate grille sets or stands (e.g., KEF S-RF1) sold extra affect completeness.
- Location and Demand: Australia-wide free shipping on new units; used sales (e.g., NSW) emphasize local pickup due to 45kg weight, limiting reach and supporting conservative estimates.
- Market Trends: High-end home theatre demand drives stability for new Meta series; limited recent used listings suggest prices could soften with more supply.

These estimates use 2026 retailer data and historical sales, conservatively adjusted for inflation and scarcity of used Meta units.