KEF KIT580w User manual

life in a day
GP Acoustics (UK) Ltd.,
Eccleston Road, Tovil, Maidstone,
Kent, ME15 6QP U.K.
Telephone: + 44 (0)1622 672261
Fax: + 44 (0)1622 750653
GP Acoustics (US) Inc.,
10 Timber Lane, Marlboro,
New Jersey 07746 U.S.A.
Telephone: +(1) 732 683 2356
Fax: +(1) 732 683 2358
GP Acoustics GmbH,
Heinrichstraße 51, D-44536 Lünen,
Deutschland.
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
GP Acoustics (France) SAS,
39 Rue des Granges Galand - BP414,
37554 Saint Avertin CEDEX, France.
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
GP Acoustics (HK) Ltd.,
6F, Gold Peak Building,
30 Kwai Wing Road, Kwai Chung,
N.T., Hong Kong.
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
KEF JAPAN,
1-11-17, Honcho, Koganei-city,
Tokyo, JAPAN. 184-0004.
Telephone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
KEF and Uni-Q are registered
trademarks. Uni-Q is protected under
GB patent 2 236929, U.S. Pat. No.
5,548,657 and other worldwide patents.
HDMI, the HDMI logo and
High-Definition Multimedia Interface are
trademarks or registered trademarks of
HDMI Licensing LLC.
Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D
symbol are registered trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories.
DTS is a registered trademark of Digital
Theatre Systems Inc.
NXT is a trademark of New Transducers
Limited.
KEF reserve the right, in line with
continuing research and development,
to amend or change specifications.
www.kef.com
www.kef.com
PL1654EN

The story began two generations ago, with Raymond Cooke,
an acoustic engineering genius who was driven by a passion and belief
in the power of revolutionary design, technology and new materials to
enhance the enjoyment of recorded sound. His radical innovations,
and those of the company he founded, have led to KEF loudspeakers
ranking among the finest in the world ever since. No other
manufacturer has done more to advance the principles of loudspeaker
design technology.
So when such a forward-thinking audiophile company enters the
multi-media world of modern home entertainment, expectations run
high. National and international awards follow - and whether you’re
into music, movies or games, the latest KEF Instant Theatre (KIT)
systems set new standards of sound quality, ease of use and sheer
listening pleasure for every room in your house.
KEF - The story so far

The KIT concept brings true simplicity and convenience to high-end
audio, comprising four distinct ranges, each offering logical steps in
price and performance (including wireless speaker connectivity).
The KIT systems come complete with everything you need: two or five
main loudspeakers, a powered subwoofer and a matching DVD/CD
player incorporating HDMITM technology.
Right from the start, each system has been designed to be easy to set
up and use, with a single cable connection between subwoofer and
loudspeakers, plus one for the DVD player. They all share KEF’s
legendary sound quality: the ability to recreate a detailed,
distortion-free 3D sound picture evenly throughout the room.
As the story unfolds in the following pages, you’ll see that there’s a
KIT system for every home and lifestyle. To help you choose the right
one for you, read on…
KEF Instant Theatre
2
3
easy set up
1

07
kit120 09
A complete surround sound system from only two compact front
speakers. Ingeniously designed lateral radiators generate virtual centre
and rear effects channels.
kit140 13
True surround sound from just two mid-size Uni-Q®front speakers
each with 7 drivers to produce an incredible sound stage.
kit160 17
Two slim floorstanders with 11 drivers each, including front-firing
Uni-Q arrays and lateral radiators generating rear and centre effects.
kit510 21
A full 5.1 system based on KEF’s ultra-compact and deceptively
powerful ‘egg’ speakers with 75mm (3in.) Uni-Q drivers.
kit520 25
A more powerful 5.1 system based on five award-winning ‘egg’
speakers incorporating KEF’s 100mm (4in.) Uni-Q drivers and 19mm
(0.75in.) tweeter.
kit540 33
Perfect for large flat screen TVs, with five slender wall or
floor-mounted speakers housing 75mm (3in.) long-throw bass drivers
alongside each Uni-Q array.
kit550 37
With the revolutionary Uni-Q array flanked by four long-throw
midrange/bass drivers per speaker and KEF’s ACE technology, this is
one of the best sounding surround systems that money can buy.
kit530 29
The ultimate ‘egg’ 5.1 system, combining the latest ribbed cone
115mm (4.5in.) Uni-Q array, Sealed Suspension Technology and
dedicated high performance centre channel.
kit DVD player
All KIT systems come with a compact DVD/CD player incorporating
HDMI technology. Complete with a radio tuner, USB connection and
MP3 capability via KEFDock (KEFDock sold separately).
kit570w 41
All the performance of the kit540 with the addition of KEF’s clever
wireless technology for the rear speakers. CD quality surround sound
with no cables to run across the room.
kit580w 45
Identical to the kit550 in specification and performance, but with
wireless signal transmission to the rear speakers for even greater
convenience and ease of set up.
kit subwoofer
Every KIT system comes with a closed box 250mm (10in.) long-throw
high performance subwoofer with integral power amplifier.
which one’s for you?
start here

kit120
09

kit120 Full surround sound from just two speakers: combining vertical NXTTM radiators that generate rear effects channels and
phantom centre speakers and KEF’s wide dispersion Uni-Q driver array, the innovative kit120 delivers a truly three-dimensional
soundfield. Complete with a powered subwoofer, matching DVD/CD player incorporating HDMI technology and remote control.
Matt silver or high gloss black finish.
Music pumping - sounding awesome. Surrounded by animated voices.
Everyone smiling, dancing, having fun. Feeling happy and relaxed.
A gap appears between the people and through it a quick glimpse of
hair flying as her head turns and eyes briefly meet.
Suddenly there is nothing except a blinding white light,
engulfing everything. Eyes screw closed against the intrusion.
The voices disappear but the band continues to play.
Braving the glare, one tired eye opens and is bathed in the bright
morning light seeping across the bed through the blinds.
Searching the room for the source of the music, settling on the
elegant kit120 speakers in the corner of the room, a flicker of
recognition then the broadening of a smile.
A groggy hand reaches out and locating the remote, turns up the
volume. Two discreet speakers emanate a clear and detailed 3D
surround sound which fills the room as though the band are really
there, enhanced by the full bass from the subwoofer.
Sliding contentedly back into the warm bed, a smile now illuminating
the whole face, the day begins.
07.34am

kit140
13

Take 1 fresh green mango, slice it in half lengthways, cutting carefully
around the stone. Pull the two halves apart, remove the stone and
discard then scoop the flesh into a bowl with a spoon. Repeat with the
second mango. Take 2 limes, cut in half and squeeze - adding the juice
to the mango flesh. Take 2 ripe bananas, remove the skins
and discard...
The problem with making smoothies is that the whole process can
become very mundane. To eliminate any boredom it is strongly
recommended that you insert your favourite music, (CD or DVD -
the system will instantly recognise it and adapt accordingly) into your
kit140 and allow yourself to be carried away by the full
three-dimensional sound effect from only 2 speakers and subwoofer,
enjoying the rich, spacious, truly natural-sounds, on both vocal and
instrumental tracks.
07.45am
kit140 With 7 drivers each including KEF’s signature Uni-Q ‘point source’ arrays and NXT technology, kit140 speakers combine
two advanced audio technologies to deliver accurate, full-bodied virtual surround sound throughout the room. Complete with
hide-away powered subwoofer, matching DVD/CD player incorporating HDMI technology and remote control. Matt silver or high
gloss black finish.

kit160
17

09.10am
kit160 The same radical design concept as kit140, but with no less than 11 drivers in each floorstanding column
(including front-firing Uni-Q arrays and lateral radiators for creating virtual rear and centre effects) for even more authority,
spaciousness and depth. Complete with powered subwoofer, matching DVD/CD player incorporating HDMI technology and remote
control. Matt silver or high gloss black finish.
Excitement can hardly be contained. One hand holding the package,
fingers fumble, working as fast as they can to release the bonds that
hold the reward.
Quick eyes dart around the room for something sharp to make the job
easier and distractedly, settle momentarily on the sleek aluminium
shape of the kit160 speakers. Attention back to the task in hand,
fingernails scratch at the cardboard, make a tear, and finally the DVD
emerges from its prison.
Eagerly it is placed into the kit160 DVD player and all the intricacies
of the soundtrack are reproduced loud and clear, precisely positioned
in space. Sounds even manage to come from behind, or so it seems.
The instant benefit is definitely worth the wait.

kit510
21

Ideas drying up, motivation dwindling.
Thoughts drifting, looking for inspiration.
A need to re-energise.
The clock hits 10. DVD already loaded into the sleek kit510 DVD
player and ready to go, play is pressed and the five compact
aluminium egg speakers spring to life, generating an intensely
involving soundfield.
Within seconds the drudgery of work is long forgotten and the
concert captures full attention. Sucked into another world the relief
and joy is unmistakable.
Time speeds up and in what seems like minutes, break time is over.
Refreshed and revitalised work begins again with renewed vigour.
10.06am
kit510 A full 5.1 system based on KEF’s ultra-compact and deceptively powerful ‘egg’ speakers. With 75mm (3in.) Uni-Q drivers
in distinctive cast aluminium enclosures creating a rich, spacious, natural-sounding soundscape out of all proportion to their modest
size. Complete with powered subwoofer, matching DVD/CD player incorporating HDMI technology and remote control. Matt silver or
high gloss black finish.

kit520
25

It has started to rain.
Forced by the weather to the confines of the lounge, the children try
to continue their game inside. Running. Chasing. Flitting around
obstacles or bounding over furniture. Jumping. Pushing. Caught in the
action and desperate to win, they are oblivious to everything else
around them.
The chaos swirls and noise levels build until a new sound is introduced
and filters into the others. Realising the source of the noise,
the children squeal with delight as they clamber onto the sofa to
watch the latest animation blockbuster.
As the kit520 entertains them they are drawn into the story like never
before, the soundtracks are so enveloping, so surprisingly real and
vivid. KEF’s Uni-Q technology ensures everyone in the room finds
themself in the same real 3D surround sound picture.
Stunned into silence, before long the only sound is from the kit520.
12.17pm
kit520 Using five slightly larger ‘egg’ speakers with 100mm (4in.) Uni-Q arrays producing an awesome maximum SPL, kit520 is
as easy to set up as all other models in the range, and combines KEF’s trademark design innovations with uncompromised sound
quality, further enhanced by dedicated EQs tailored to this specific system. Complete with hide-away powered subwoofer,
matching DVD/CD player incorporating HDMI technology and remote control. Matt silver or high gloss black finish.

kit530
29

01.00pm
kit530 The ultimate ‘egg’ 5.1 system, combining the latest 115mm (4.5in.) Uni-Q arrays with Sealed Suspension Technology
(SST) and a dedicated high performance centre channel. Complete with powered subwoofer, matching DVD/CD player incorporating
HDMI technology and remote control. High gloss silver or high gloss black finish.
At the photoshoot the atmosphere is charged. The music is all
encompassing - a solid invisible presence, almost touchable.
Fingertips gliding over frets, the brush caressing the hi-hat,
brass sliding over bass strings, so vivid, so real, and not a musician
in sight.
The whole place is buzzing with activity. The finishing touches are
added to the set. The camera is ready. Waiting in position, the models
flawless complexions need no alteration. Features are fascinatingly
alluring, attention attracted to flecked iris’ at the centre of large
glinting eyes. The lights are switched on and instantly fall upon each
models graceful form, highlighting the illustrious curves.
Now illuminated, the cast aluminium shells of the kit530
exude perfection.

kit540
33

A warm breeze gently rustled their hair as they sat in an idyllic spot by
the edge of a river. The morning sun reflected on calm waters,
turning to ripples as floats splashed the surface. The two of them
happily tucked into the lunch that Dad had made. The calm serenity
didn’t last for long when, as predicted, the outing turned into a fierce
contest to see who could get the biggest catch.
These days Dad is still as competitive as ever, finally replacing those
big, old speakers with the elegantly tall and slender columns of
kit540. At least they can agree on one thing and their mutual love of
music has brought them closer. Now, as they listen to favourite tracks
they are able to hear subtleties they had never heard before.
Bathed in the wash of real and alive sound that surrounds them,
they both enjoy the time together.
Luckily there is plenty of output in reserve, so as Dad strives to take
the limelight, as usual, with his superior knowledge of long-throw bass
drivers, high performance tweeters and of course KEFs unique
Uni-Q technology, it is easy to turn the volume up, allowing Kit540 to
speak for itself.
03.31pm
kit540 With five speakers suitable for floor or wall mounting and ultra-low distortion bass drivers alongside each Uni-Q array,
kit540 combines outstanding dynamics with phenomenal 3D accuracy and perfectly complements large flat screen TVs.
Complete with powered subwoofer, matching DVD/CD player incorporating HDMI technology and remote control. Matt silver or high
gloss black finish.

kit550
37

Running through the darkness, their only chance of escape is to make
it to cover.
The night silent, they can hear with pin sharp clarity the unmistakable
sound behind them of rotor blades turning, the ominous dark form
getting ever nearer. Gaining on them. Overcome with fear, the sound
becoming so intense they expect the helicopters search light to
discover them at any second.
A forest appears in front of them and the darkness turns to pitch black
as they dive inside. Clambering through the trees they hear the sound
of leaves thrashing above, being moved by the down draft form the
helicopter. Exhausted, they eventually find cover in the huge roots of
an up-turned tree. Clinging to each other, the sound of the helicopter
retreating is replaced by a deafening silence, broken only by sharp
shallow breaths when they begin to breathe again. They have made it.
A sigh of relief.
But what was that? A gasp as the snap of a broken twig behind them
echoes through the night. Then darkness.
As the credits start to roll they find themselves back
in their lounge, mesmerized, surrounded by the kit550.
04.22pm
kit550 A lucid and compelling surround system, kit550 boasts the sophisticated Uni-Q array, flanked by no less than four
midrange/bass drivers per speaker and with KEF’s Acoustic Compliance Enhancement (ACE) technology to optimise bass extension.
Complete with powered subwoofer, matching DVD/CD player incorporating HDMI technology and remote control. High gloss silver
or high gloss black finish.