Unlock Great Sound At KEF Experience Locations Across Asia

1960s: The first KEF speaker, the three-way K1, was launched. During this time, KEF also developed Celeste, the first ultra-compact two-way speaker system designed to deliver true high-fidelity performance.

1970s: KEF received its first prestigious Queen’s Award for Export Achievement. They were also the first loudspeaker manufacturer in the world to use computers in design and measurement. The Reference Model 105 was introduced as the predecessor to the iconic Reference series, which remains in production to this day.

1980s: KEF designed and patented its Uni-Q speaker driver, which has since become the cornerstone of their signature sound and continues to be at the heart of nearly all KEF speakers.

1990s: At a time when HiFi sound systems were gaining popularity, KEF became one of the first companies to release a THX-approved home theatre system. The Reference series Model 105/3 was also voted "Best Imported Speaker" by the Japanese press.

2000s: KEF developed advanced techniques in speaker design to achieve high-fidelity sound and audio immersion that had not been previously available. MUON, KEF’s most remarkable speaker to date, was launched in collaboration with renowned industrial designer Ross Lovegrove.

2010s: The Blade series was introduced, featuring a unique single apparent source configuration. LS50 and LS50 Wireless also marked significant technological breakthroughs, bringing HiFi stereo sound into homes. Additionally, many wireless products, including MUO, were developed.

2020s and Beyond: KEF introduced Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), a sound-absorption innovation that garnered multiple awards from prestigious audio publications. This advancement enabled the creation of LS50 and LS60 Wireless speakers, which integrated user-friendly digital features. Q Series also received a facelift, offering a comprehensive lineup for both stereo and home theatre setups.

Though it originated in the UK, KEF has established a significant presence in Asia, building an ever-growing fanbase that appreciates the beauty of high-fidelity sound. This expansion led to the birth of KEF Music Gallery. In addition to its home base in London, KEF Music Gallery has extended its reach to major metropolitan cities in Asia, bringing its ethos closer to audiences in Hong Kong, Tokyo, and most recently, Beijing.

Designed for guests to experience the magic of great sound, this audiophile store offers a venue for audio immersion at its finest - whether it's discovering KEF’s latest releases ahead of others, participating in private listening sessions, or mingling with industry opinion leaders.

Designed by renowned interior firm Conran and Partners, KEF Music Gallery Hong Kong is the perfect environment for music and audio appreciation. The intimate living room setup features a turntable, allowing guests to take their time and indulge in one of the finest vinyl collections in the city.

Meanwhile, original artworks from artists such as Nancy Chu Woo (Hong Kong), Toshio Shibata (Japan), Julian Opie (Britain) and Luke Shadbolt (Australia) adorn the walls, setting the tone for the music events and immersive experiences that regularly take place here, including those mentioned below.

Reliving Summer Festivals
Veteran music expert DJ/Dr Chi Chung WONG shared his personal collection of memorabilia and anecdotes gathered from the celebrated Woodstock and Glastonbury music festivals. Guests were transported back in time through time-stamped anthems, brought to life on KEF’s high-fidelity speakers.

Beatcraft: The New Wave Of Cantopop
The classic genre of Cantonese pop, fondly known as Cantopop, brought together producer Gareth Chan and creative director Colin Mak as they discussed the creation of hit songs. Attendees gained rare insights into the inner workings of catchy hooks that capture Hong Kong’s signature sound before embarking on a sonic journey through the vibrant history of Cantopop.

 From sharing sessions with various parties to exploring how the interplay of scents and melodies can evoke emotions, events at KEF Music Gallery Hong Kong showcase how sound is an integral part of life, creating one-of-a-kind experiences for KEF owners and members.

Situated in the trendy district of Aoyama, this dynamic two-storey space is designed for discerning music lovers. At first glance, KEF’s signature Uni-Q speaker driver array is instantly recognisable, integrated into the building’s glass facade. Inside, two experiential spaces and three distinct sound rooms await - The Gallery and The Studio feature floor-to-ceiling sound-absorption walls, fitted with floating shelves that showcase KEF’s award-winning wireless speakers, making them ideal for installations and collaborative works by artists, designers, musicians and sound producers.

Each of the Sound Rooms, on the other hand, features a different signature KEF product, such as the legendary 2-metre tall MUON loudspeakers, the LS Wireless collection and a top-tier extreme home theatre setup starring the revered Blade Series.

Unique Generative Artwork
To celebrate KEF’s Journey Through Sound, artist Daito Manabe collaborated with Parameta to create an exclusive generative audio-visual artwork titled Latent Body, which is accompanied by a soundscape inspired by and optimised for Blade One Meta and Mu7. During the pre-opening event, Manabe also performed several of his original tracks.

Sensory Awakenings
KEF Music Gallery Tokyo hosted its inaugural masterclass with meditation expert and sound therapist Juri Ko, where members of the myKEF community experienced audio immersion through LS50 Wireless II. Juri illustrated the correlation between sound and the senses, demonstrating the healing power of music and nature through guided sound therapy sessions.

Near the end of 2024, Beijing became the first location in Mainland China to host a flagship KEF Music Gallery. Nestled in the 798 Art District of Chaoyang, this 2,700 square foot space aims to foster a vibrant community of creators, partners and artists. Like its counterparts, KEF Music Gallery Beijing invites audiophiles to embark on their own “Listen and believe” journeys, allowing them to discover KEF products at their leisure.

What sets KEF Music Gallery Beijing apart is the inclusion of Immersion Spaces on the second floor, where guests can fully immerse themselves in sound. The Ultimate Experience Room is a sight to behold, featuring Dolby Atmos technology seamlessly presented through MUON or Ci-Reference speakers. For those looking to test how KEF speakers would sound in a home setting, the Living Room is designed to resemble a contemporary living space. The pièce de résistance, however, is the Patio, where the sound of silence envelops the area, allowing visitors to enjoy a tranquil moment beside a magnificent 70-year-old elm tree that beautifully ties together nature and the magic of sound.

Sound artist Li Xingyu recently showcased his work at KEF Music Gallery Beijing, merging soundscapes from his expeditions into the Amazon rainforest with recordings of whale songs gathered across the ocean. Presented through headphones, the presence of sound was significantly enhanced, creating an intimate experience for visitors. A sound installation on the second floor combined the natural sounds with an impressive eight-channel setup by KEF, resulting in HiFi stereo sound that evokes an intricate sense of time and space.

At the end of the day, music transcends the mere act of listening - it shapes our emotions, transports us to different places and deepens our connection to the world. Whether in Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Beijing, each visit to KEF Music Gallery offers fresh ideas and inspirations that transform the way you experience life. Here, sound is not just heard, but truly felt. As KEF founder Raymond Cooke once said: “Of all the fine arts, music is the most magical and the most precise.” We couldn't agree more.