KEF 30B (circa 1996)

Little is documented about the KEF 30B. The Archive's research file has no KEF literature, no catalog listings and no manufacturer specifications for this model. All it has is a single period review from HiFI-Stereo (July 1996, p.58). Going by that review, the 30B appears to have been a subwoofer/satellite speaker system aimed at home-theatre use.

The HiFI-Stereo report is fragmentary, but it gives a few concrete details. The subwoofer handled the low frequencies, with response cited from 40 Hz to 2 kHz. The satellites were crossed over high, around 150 Hz, and the system's output rolled off altogether below roughly 32 Hz. The subwoofer cabinet had an adjustable rear foot that could extend about an inch and a half below the front feet, so the unit could sit on top of a television with a curved top. A switch on the subwoofer altered the bass balance. KEF's own guidance, paraphrased in the review, was to set it according to musical taste, subwoofer placement and room size. The reviewer noted a slight localization effect, "a smidgen of imaging at the subwoofer's position", with some program material. That is a predictable trade-off at such a high crossover point.

Beyond that, the record is silent. No price, no driver complement, no production span and no other period press have surfaced. If you own a 30B, or have a brochure or manual for one, the Archive would welcome a note via the feedback link below.

Known from period press:

Subwoofer/satellite configuration; satellites crossed over near 150 Hz
Subwoofer response cited from 40 Hz to 2 kHz; system output fell off below ~32 Hz
Adjustable rear foot (~1.5 in. extension) for TV-top placement on curved surfaces
User-adjustable bass switch; KEF advised setting by taste, placement, and room size