The business of sound technology is literally booming. Long established brands and newcomers are eager to gain a piece of the pie. KEF is a company dedicated exclusively to audio systems that has been around for decades, yet remains a secret to most with the exception of the truly knowledgeable. Now the brand is introducing MUO, a portable wireless speaker system that will change all that and expand the brand’s reach beyond sophisticated audiophiles. Fittingly KEF introduced their latest product at New York’s Museum of Arts and Design.

The stunning new KEF MUO is a breakthrough in portable wireless speakers because the revolutionary new miniature “Sit-Anywhere” Uni-Q driver array transcends the acoustic limitations of conventional products. Whether from your computer or mobile device, at home, at work or on your travels, MUO combines KEF standards of sound reproduction with the convenience of streaming full bandwidth CD-like quality music wirelessly via Bluetooth aptX. With three versatile configurations – solo, stereo pair or ‘dual-connect’ party mode – and design by Ross Lovegrove, these speakers look as special as they sound.

KEF’s MUON Speakers

It’s no coincidence that the design of the MUO echoes the distinctive form of KEF’s iconic MUON speakers – they’re both designed by the same man, just as the innovative technology inside was developed by the same KEF engineers.

One of the world’s leading industrial designers, Ross Lovegrove worked with the KEF team to develop an extremely strong molded internal enclosure to house the innovative speakers, high performance digital-to-analogue converter and other internal components. These are encased in an acoustically inert outer shell of extruded aluminium with soft rubber feet optimally positioned to allow MUO to be sat exactly at the right angle for desktop use.

Using premium quality materials throughout, this satisfyingly hefty structure effectively eliminates unwanted cabinet vibration – all you hear is the rich, natural and breathtakingly detailed output of the drivers themselves, and the broad, intricate soundstage they create. The MUO’s distinctive contours are complemented by five suitably cool finishes: Horizon Gold, Storm Grey, Light Silver, Neptune Blue and Sunset Orange.

Synchronize a pair of MUO speakers to stream superb CD-like quality stereo sound wirelessly via Bluetooth aptX. When placed far apart – for a party or another large gathering, for example – you can select the ‘dual-connect’ party mode to replicate the same full range response in each speaker, so that everybody gets the full benefit of the music you’re playing.

And it gets even smarter, MUO has an internal sensor that automatically optimizes output to suit its orientation. So whether standing upright or horizontally, it delivers the same outstanding acoustic depth and definition. Connection to any computer or mobile device is straightforward via the 3.5mm Aux input. With NFC Android mobile devices, you can also benefit from the ‘tap-to-pair’ function – just hold the device against MUO and they’re paired ready to stream your music in seconds.  The rechargeable battery allows up to 12 hours of play time, and it automatically switches off after 10 minutes without signal to maximize battery life.

KEF was founded in 1961 by Raymond Cooke and was initially headquartered in a Nissen Hut on the premises of Kent Engineering & Foundry (from where the name KEF is derived) – a metal-working company on the banks of the River Medway. Cooke, an ex-BBC Electrical Engineer, was keen to experiment with new materials and technologies in order to create products with superior acoustic quality that could reproduce recordings as natural as the original performance. From the very beginning, the pioneering inventiveness of KEF loudspeakers was undeniable and now for several decades, audiophiles around the world have revered KEF for its innovative, high-performance speakers.

For more information visit www.kef.com