Podcast #985: Kef's New Subwoofer and Five Home Tech Trends for 2021

On today's show we discuss a new technology from Kef that gets big sound from a small subwoofer. We also take a look at the top home technology trends for 2021. Pulse we have your emails and the news of the week.

KEF introduces Uni-Core subwoofer technology and its KC62 sub

The KC62 is the first sub to implement KEF's new tech that promises deeper bass from smaller boxes Full article here…

KEF has introduced another new technology, this time focused on subwoofers. Called Uni-Core, it places two drivers in a dual-opposing configuration—that is, mounted on opposite sides of a cabinet. They vibrate in phase with each other, moving inward and outward in unison.

By itself, that's not new; many subwoofers use dual-opposing drivers—including the Sonos Sub—because the force imparted to the cabinet from each one cancels out the force from the other one. This greatly reduces cabinet resonance, which can distort the sound, and prevents smaller subs from "dancing" across the floor.

The sealed cabinet is roughly cubical measuring about 10 inches on a side, and the drivers are only 6.5 inches in diameter. Such a small subwoofer would normally poop out well above 20Hz, but the frequency response of the KC62 is specified to extend from 11Hz (!) to 200Hz (±3 dB). Of course, no one can hear 11Hz, but an extension that low does provide "footroom" so that the lowest audible frequencies do not overly tax the sub's capabilities.

The KC62 offers a pleasing aesthetic. The curved cabinet is crafted from extruded aluminum, and it's available in Carbon Black or Mineral White, allowing it to blend in with just about any décor. Plus, its diminutive size lets it fit just about anywhere.

The subwoofer is available now for $1500

Top 5 Home Tech Trends for 2021: Home Theater is Hotter Than Ever

A confluence of factors including increased time spent at home, higher-quality content, dwindling theatrical-to-home release window, state-of-the-art AV technologies and more create a compelling opportunity. Full article here…