First of all I want to say, that I was a real fan of this brand. I owned the Q900, Q350, R11 and now the Reference 1 META.
Due to not real high motivation of the KEF service and the dealer to find a solution for a customer complaint, I anyway try to do a neutral evaluation of each scope.
Sound: ***** (5 Stars :) )
Sound is really neutral with a superb resolution. The basic tuning of the speaker is neutral (which is not a bad thing!). You can do real long sound sessions without being annoyed by the sound. In comparison to the DALI Rubicon 8, for sure the treble and the low frequencies are not highlighted. I drive the speakers with a Yamaha AS 2200. With adjusting the EQ, it is even possible to adjust the V-shape (if you really need/want it). When you do this, you could even emphasize the vocals. Even then, the details will not get lost. So really nice sound capabilities when you see the potential of using the EQ and the capability of high resolution. The bass seems to be stronger than those of the R11, less than those of the Rubicon 8, but far enough to play in a 30m² room.
Design and used material: *****
Design is a private taste. I like the design of the speakers and the stands (stands are really simple). The used materials look like high-class.
Quality: *** (3 Stars)
KEF is promoting its 100% quality check and if they are not satisfied, they will not sell the product. Not in my case sadly.
My high gloss black version has a different polishing on the last lack surface. For sure, the clear varnish is then the final finish - which looks "perfect". Due to the fact, that the last black lacquer coating is polished in a different direction on different areas of the top of the speaker, it looks like there is a dirty surface or a streak. Especially during the day, when the room is bright due to the sun, it is noticeable. When there is only the light of some light bulbs, you cannot see it so easy.
Sure, it is not easy to find this issue in the quality-check in the factory of KEF because they might not have the right light, but even with a flashlight, it is easy to see.
Service: ** (2 Stars)
Because of this polish-issue I was in contact via phone, the live chat and via mail with KEF. I explained several times the issue. KEF was not really motivated to help me out in this case. The only answer I got was (short form: go in contact with the dealer). To be honest - it is a quality-issue, not a topic of the dealer...
Anyway - for sure I was in contact with the dealer (more than 3 times) via phone and mail. The dealer told me, that they will forward this issue to KEF and they will contact me to find a solution.
With KEF and the dealer I shared videos, pictures and a detailed explanation.
Today, so 2 month later, no one ever tried even to go in contact with me. Normally, this behave is only worth it to evaluate with 1 star. Only because of the first phone contact with the KEF-service you got the 2. star.
I also bought the S-RFI stands in a set with the speakers. Even there, KEF has quality issues (residue of lacquers in the **** thread).
When a manufacturer promotes its "sense of sheer quality" and sells a loudspeaker pair + stands for over 10.200€, I would expect more (service + quality)!
From my perspective, it is not worth to pay so much money for the complete package only because of the sound capabilities. It is maximum worth 50% of the OVP.
Really sad to write this review but I cannot give more than 2-3 stars when I sum up all of those points. Quality and service shall be perfect in this price class!