The Chorale III
Chorale III is a very compact two-way bookshelf loudspeaker which, despite its being unobtrusive, nevertheless produces the full-bodied detailed sound quality associated with larger KEF loudspeakers. Styling is simple and uncluttered with front baffle graphics for those who prefer to listen with the grille removed.
Efficiency is in the medium to high range at 86db/W/m and the output from a 60W amplifier can be handled safely under audiophile conditions. (see over)
The design of small loudspeakers is actually more difficult than for larger models. Every parameter is more critical and only a ‘complete system’ approach is likely to be successful. The performance of each component must be studied first in isolation and then in relation to the others because drive units, dividing network and enclosure all react together to produce a musically integrated sound.
Chorale III Specifications
| Frequency range | 79Hz to 20kHz ± 3dB at 2m on reference axis ( -10dB at 50Hz and 30kHz) |
| Directional characteristics | within 2dB of response on reference axis up to 20kHz for ± 5º vertically up to 12kHz for ± 20º horizontally |
| Maximum output | 104dB spl on programme peaks under typical listening conditions |
| Character sensitivity level: | 87dB spl at 1m on reference axis for pink noise input of 1W |
| Distortion | Measured at 1m on reference axis at mean spl of 90dB, anechoic conditions Second harmonic: less than 1% from 170Hz to 20kHz Third harmonic: less than 1% from 80Hz to 20kHz |
| Enclosure type | Closed box |
| Internal volume | 9.4 litres |
| Maximum amplifier power: (see explanatory note*) |
normal 50W, audiophile 60W |
| Minimum amplifier power: | normal 10W |
| Nominal impedance | 8 ohms |
| Weight | 4.33kg |
| Dimensions | 370 (h) x 220 (w) x 180mm (d) mm |
Normal use:
programme with limited dynamic range, e.g. VHF transmissions, pre-recorded tape cassettes, compressed pop records etc.
Conditions of use include loud listening levels with power amplifier often driven into clipping and tone controls or equaliser used to significantly boost low and high frequencies.
Audiophile use:
reproduction of wide dynamic range recordings, e.g. direct cut discs, compact discs and digital tapes.
Conditions of use include ‘flat’ replay characteristics with only occasional overloading of power amplifier.
For best results the reference axis should be directed towards the listeners. It is therefore preferable to raise the loudspeakers above the floor. KEF stand ULS 40 is suitable for this purpose.