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Description: KEF’s iQ30 is a medium-sized monitor in a bass-reflex cabinet. The basic technology is the company’s proprietary Uni-Q driver system with a 165mm mid/woofer and 19mm tweeter. The former uses a paper sandwich diaphragm reinforced by Titanium on the front. The suspension is rubber. In the center sits the aluminum dome tweeter fronted by a uniquely shaped phase plug. Just below the Uni-Q assembly is the bass-reflex port which may be stuffed with the included sponge plug to alter bass roll-off and amplitude.
The port is very long, rounded over on either end, almost touches the back of the enclosure and the whole is integrated with the plastic grille of the Uni-Q system which covers the basket. The Uni-Q is a solid affair with cast frame and big magnet. The crossover frequency sits at 2.5kHz. Efficiency is a reasonable 89dB and nominal impedance 8Ω. In practice, the iQ30 isn’t as easy to drive as those figures suggest because its impedance drops quite low. In the previous version it went to about 3.2Ω which here was improved only a bit so you'll need a good amplifier.
The cabinet is made from bent MDF and lute-shaped in cross section. Although historically Sonus Faber was first to adopt this shape to minimize internal standing waves, many companies now use it. The top itself appears slightly bowed due to the curved log caps. Inside and just below the Uni-Q there is a reinforcing window-pane brace and the insides are damped with synthetic wool.
The crossover mounts on a small PCB bolted to the back plate. There is an air coil for the tweeter and a cored one for the mid/woofer. All capacitors are electrolytic. Hookup wiring isn’t soldered but runs slip-on connectors. The biwire terminals sit in a plastic panel and are strapped with silver-plated copper jumpers. Grills are included. The loaners came in white laminate which looked nice.
Technical data according to the manufacturer:
Crossover frequency: 2.5kHz
Efficiency (2.83V/1m): 89dB
Maximum sound pressure: 110dB
Nominal impedance: 8Ω
Recommended amplifier power: 15-120W
Magnetic shielding: Yes.
Frequency response: 45Hz - 40kHz
Weight: 6.45kg
Dimensions (HxWxD): 365 x 220 x 327mm
Available finishes: Black Ash, Dark Apple, American Walnut, white.
