Reference 1 Meta

Reference 1 Meta is a passive, three-way bass-reflex standmount speaker. Its Uni-Q driver array combines a 25 mm aluminium dome tweeter with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and a 125 mm aluminium midrange cone on a single axis, which spreads sound evenly through the room. A 165 mm aluminium cone handles the bass. MAT is a maze-like structure that absorbs 99% of the unwanted sound radiated from the rear of the tweeter.

The cabinet was shaped and braced using finite element analysis to limit secondary radiation, and Constrained Layer Damping converts remaining vibration into heat. A Shadow Flare surround reduces cabinet diffraction around the Uni-Q array. Flexible Port Technology lets the user tune bass output to the room with a short or long port, and the speaker is not demanding about placement.

The speaker is a passive model, so it needs a separate amplifier delivering 50 to 200 W. It is built by hand in Maidstone, Kent, UK, and each pair is matched within 0.5 dB to a laboratory reference standard. The optional S-RF1 floor stand is designed for it and has integrated cable management.