With
exceptional power handling for a compact loudspeaker Model 103 offers unique
flexibility of installation and precise stereo image formation.
The drive
units are centre-line mounted on a rotable, steel, speaker panel which can be
turned (by successive right angles) through 360°. No matter how the system is
positioned in the room the speaker panel may be placed to give the broadest,
uniform, sound dispersion in the horizontal plane, ensuring accurate stereo
imaging and the minimum of tonal variation.
Colouration
The greatest
enemy of natural sound reproduction is colouration. It alters the tonal
character of instrumental sounds, upsets balance and distorts acoustic
perspective.
Colouration
is mainly caused by uncontrolled vibrations in the drive units and the cabinet
enclosure. The radiating diaphragms in KEF loudspeakers are made from highly
damped plastic materials pioneered by KEF in conjunction with renowned
organisations such as the BBC, the diaphragm of the low frequency unit in Model
103 is made of a specially formulated rubber-modified polystyrene laminated to
a visco-elastic damping layer with a high internal loss factor. This
construction effectively dissipates unwanted stored energy in the diaphragm
thus preventing diaphragm colouration.
Coloruation
due to cabinet wall vibration is reduced by internal bracing partitions and the
use of laminated materials. Layered bituminous, anti-resonant linings
effecticely cancel any remaining resonances.
Power
Handling Capability
Wide range
loudspeakers of compact size are necessarily inefficient and high power
amplifiers make great demands on power handling capabilities if realistic sound
pressure levels are to be achieved. The special motor construction of the Model
103 low frequency unit is designed fro low distortion and high heat
dissipation. The anodised aluminium voice coil former and special heat
resistant epoxy resin allow the coil to operate safely at temperatures up to
350°C whilst the advanced design of the magnet assembly ensures perfect
magnetic linearity. Model 103 will handle the output from 100 watt amplifiers
on musical programme.
Drive Units
and Dividing Network
High
Frequency Radiator T52 Type SP1049.
A new high
frequency unit providing high power handling capabilities with exceptional
transient response, wide dispersion and smooth frequency response.
Low
Frequency Radiator B200 Type Sp1039.
This very
special low/mid frequency unit is fitted with a coated Bextrene diaphragm and
plasticised PVC cone suspension. The voice coil assembly will safely with stand
short term overload to at least 350°C and continuous operation at 250°C
Dividing
Network DN16 Type SP1050.
Capacitors
selected to a 5% tolerance range and low hystersis ferrite cored inductors
ensure close adherence to design crossover frequencies and slopes. Total
harmonic distortion due to filter network is less than 0-1% at 50 watts (20V
RMS)
Environmental
Adaptability
Model 103
provides broad, uniform sound dispersion for accurate stereo image formation.
This is accomplished by centre-line mounting the low and high frequency unit
very close together on a rigid steel panel with accurate matching of phase and
amplitude between systems.
Accurate
stereo image formation over the widest possible listening area also demands
precise location of the loudspeaker systems. Multi-unit bookshelf systems can
only provide maximum horizontal dispersion when used vertically or horizontally
- but not both. When, for practical or visual considerations the systems cannot
be used in the intended manner the acoustic performance will be degraded or
compromises must be made.
Model 103
frees the user from these restrictions and anables positive stereo image
formation whatever cabinet attitude is adopted. This is simply achieved by
rotation of the steel speaker panel.
KEF
engineers developed the rotatable speaker panel which permits Model 103 to be
used on any of its four sides even in elevated locations
Specification: Model 103
System
Type: Two-way, bookshelf/stand-mount
Enclosure
Type: Closed box
Input
Impedance: 8 Ω
Rated
Maximum Power: 100W programme
Amplifier
Requirements: 25-100 watts per channel
into 8 Ω
System
Resonance: 58 Hz, Q=0.9
Nominal
Frequency Range: 30 - 20,000 Hz
Specific Frequency Response: 50 - 20,000 Hz ±2dB
Sensitivity: 25 watts into nominal 8 Ω produces 96 dB at 1
m and 400 Hz in anechoic conditions
Harmonic
Distortion: 1% T.H.D. 100 - 20,000 Hz
ralative to 96 dB SPL at 400 Hz, 3% T.H.D. at 50 Hz
Crossover
Frequency: 3,000 Hz (electrical cut-off
slope 18 dB/8ve)
Finishes: Walnut, Teak
Grille: black microcellularfoam
System: SP1048
Drive
units:
B200 bass
unit (SP1039),
T52 tweeter
(SP1049)
Crossover: SP1050
Internal
Volume: 25,4 litres
Dimensions
(W x H x D): 500 x 303 x 225 mm
(19.7" x 13" x 8.9")
Weight: 19.5 kg (41,88 lb)