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| Tuner & Amplifier |
Connections |
The People's Choice |
| Although T+A have concentrated on progressive sources, this is not to the detriment of the DAB and FM tuners: T+A have fine-tuned their design to make best possible use of signals delivered by high-quality domestic aerials. The entire amplifier section is controlled by the integral DSP, which linearises and optimises the frequency response, switches and manages all the inputs and outputs, and controls the high-performance output stages. The latter are designed to cope with a vast range of loudspeaker types, are completely stable under load, capable of handling very high currents and are distortion-free even up to extreme volume levels. The mains section is totally stable over the full operating range, i.e. it never collapses, and has very high current reserves. |
The connection area on the back panel is an impressive reflection of the Caruso R’s versatile nature. From the first day of its development programme the Caruso R was intended to be the centrepiece of a versatile, high-quality Hi-Fi system. One key feature of this was the requirement for a wide-ranging array of sources, as sources should not represent a restriction: analogue and digital inputs cover every conceivable need from turntable with phono pre-amplifier to TVs and set-top boxes. USB inputs cater for mobile and network sources, while LAN, WLAN and Bluetooth sockets are also available, their signals converted by the SC 100 – the T+A streaming client. The Caruso is our first product to exploit SC 100, which provides access to services such as Gracenote Music ID, Airable Music Services, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay and Amazon Music via Alexa. The capabilities of the Internet are no longer just used – they are raised to a new level. |
It was back in the year 2008 that T+A introduced the first Caruso, and within a very short time the device won numerous prizes, gaining absolute cult status due to its unique overall design. In 2020 a new generation of the Caruso appeared, and this constituted the greatest advance yet in the history of these devices: the new version represented a completely new development – both externally and in technical terms. Although its heritage remains clear, the new Caruso epitomised the transformation of the machine from an all-in-one device to a series of individual products. |
KEF R3
R3 redefines standmount performance. That's no surprise, as it shares the same drivers as the range-topping R11. A true three-way speaker, the 165mm (6 in.) bass driver pushes bass performance to new extremes. The 125mm (5 in.) midrange driver and 25mm (1 in.) aluminium dome tweeter create a Uni-Q array that defies the expectations from the most compact main speaker in the range. Developed by KEF in 1988, the Uni-Q driver array acts as a single point source, providing pristine sound across a wider area. The R Series benefits from a new incarnation of this driver array, with advantages over its predecessors that include a new midrange motor system that drastically reduces distortion. Air moving across the minute gaps between Uni-Q’s separate elements creates tiny resonances, but KEF engineers have reduced the impact of these necessary gaps by opening a cavity behind the drivers and adding resonance-absorbing damping material for more precise, purer treble.
Derived from the Reference Series, the Shadow Flare reduces harmful cabinet diffraction and allows the Uni-Q to work at its highest level. More than just a trim ring, Shadow flare is a precision-designed surface that extends the waveguide effect of Uni-Q. The tweeter no longer has line of sight of the cabinet edges, creating a ‘shadow region’ at the points where the potential for diffraction is highest, minimising the acoustic impact to negligible levels. The result is improved clarity, particularly when it comes to the subtle nuances of plucked strings and percussive sounds.
The R Series’ dedicated low-frequency drivers have a two-part structure, where a shallow concave aluminium skin sits atop a paper cone. This adds stiffness, while the cone’s unique geometry reduces resonances and delivers the pistonic movement that makes these drivers time so well. The new drivers also have a completely redesigned magnet system that creates a more even magnetic field, and a design of spider that reduces harmonic distortion for a cleaner, more precise sound.
KEF engineers computer-modeled the ideal crossover networks before exhaustively auditioning every high grade component, individually and together, to select those with the lowest distortion and the smoothest response. Perfectionism takes time, but the difference is plain to hear. Nothing is overlooked - Reference crossovers are even mounted on separate boards and decoupled from the cabinet walls to minimize vibration and crosstalk.
