On 2 October 1961, Raymond Cooke OBE (1925-1995) founds KEF to pioneer the use of synthetic materials in creating superior speakers. In 1966, KEF introduces the first driver to commercially exploit the stability of the Bextrene as a cone material, the B110 mid-range driver. KEF also introduces a new tweeter, the T27. Paired together, the B110 and T27 feature in outstanding speakers including, from 1974 onwards, the legendary BBC LS3/5A.

In 1971, KEF becomes the first company to use computers in loudspeaker testing and design. This pioneering work allows KEF to match pairs of speakers to within half a decibel, for near-perfect stereo reproduction. It also helps with designing new and improved speakers. The first speaker to benefit from the new techniques is the Model 104. This is also the first of KEF’s premium Reference Series, which has since become synonymous with acoustic excellence. In 1977, KEF launches one of the most radical and sophisticated speakers ever – Reference Series Model 105, with treble and mid-range housings atop the bass enclosure.

This decade sees the emergence of KEF’s signature technology: the Uni-Q point source driver array. Using neodymium magnets ten times more powerful than conventional materials allows KEF to engineer a tweeter small enough to mount at the acoustic centre of the bass unit voice coil. This unifies the sound directivity – the Q – of the two drivers, and with the sounds spreading in near-identical patterns, there is no longer just one “sweet spot” for enjoying the best stereo imaging. There are additions to the Reference Series, including the first in the series to include Uni-Q technology, Model 105/3.

In 1992, KEF is acquired by the Gold Peak Group. Founder Raymond Cooke dies in 1995. Though there are changes, there is continuity, notably the ongoing innovation in sound. KEF becomes a pioneer in home theatre, applying the performance advantages of Uni-Q to the UK’s first dedicated centre speaker, the Model 100, and releasing one of the first THX approved home theatre systems. Audio speakers include the advanced Reference Series Model 109, known as “The Maidstone”, and a new, affordable Coda Series – with the Coda 7 becoming the best selling speaker of KEF’s first 50 years.

In 2000, KEF introduces the KHT2005, first of the iconic, highly successful “Egg” series of home theatre speakers. Later, KEF’s Acoustic Compliance Enhancement technology is especially well deployed in the T Series, with slender high performance speakers designed to match flat panel televisions. In its custom installation range, KEF introduces the first motorised ceiling speaker, and the discreet Ci50R Spotlight Speaker. Inspired by Victor Lo, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Gold Peak Group, KEF develops the futuristic Muon sound sculpture, and the Blade – an evolution of the Uni-Q concept that’s the world’s first single apparent source speaker.