Kef Carina II Brochure 2

Page 1

Carina II is a two-way, three drive
unit loudspeaker of high efficiency
capable of producing high quality
sound loud enough to satisfy the needs
of those who like to listen at realistic,
live volume levels.

The unusual layout of the three drive
units in which the hig-irfrequency unit
is mounted centrally between two
identical low-frequency units was
originally employed by KEF for
professional highrlevel monitoring
loudspeakersi The main benefits are
higher efficiency due to the acoustic
coupling between two closely spaced
lowirequency units and remarkable
stability of the stereo image as a result
of the symmetrical sound radiation
pattern - both vertically and
horizontally 7 right through the
audible spectrum,

The twin bass drivers bring other
advantages including higher power
output and reduced distortion, making
Carina 11 an ideal loudspeaker for
heavy rock music as well as new
digital records and compact discs
which have extended bass response.

A new type of high-frequency unit is
employed with an extremely smooth
frequency response and fluid-cooled
voice coil to reduce volume
compression at high sound pressure
levels.

The dynamic capabilities of modern
recordings are faithfully reproduced
with a slightly forward presentation
ensuring clear mid-range detail to
complement the extended bass
response

Cabinet work is finished in top quality
simulated walnut laminate with
optional brown grilles in knitted cloth
or microcellular foam. For those who
prefer the grille-off technical look the
front baffle is silk screen printed with
smart graphics in a blend of brown,
tan, orange and cream.

See overleaf for full technical
description and data.

DIGITAL RECORDINGS
Carina II is perfectly suitable to
reproduce compact disc and other
types of digital recording, with full
dynamic range.

KEF

Page 2

KEF CARINA II

Carina 11 is designed to meet the
challenge of the digital age in audio at
a price which every music lover and
audiophile can afford. It is a two»way
system in which a computeHlesigned
dividing network produces a
seamless" match between twin bass
drivers and a single centre-mounted
highirequency unit. This arrangement
produces not only directional
characteristics which are symmetrical
in both planes, but also ensures that
the acoustic axis remains normal to
the baffle surface at all frequencies.
The influence of this arrangement is
extremely beneficial in maintaining a
convincing stereo image.

The tun'n low-frequency drivers are
200mm types with impregnated pulp
cones and pressed steel chassis which
have a large rim with inverted profile
to ensure rigidity. The power handling
capacity of the pair is prodigious,
allowing the system to be rated at

150 watts, Carina II also uses KEF:
unique series C loading technique
which gives extended bass without the
slightest risk of overloading by
subsonic signals.

Crossover to the high-frequency unit
is at 2.5kl-Iz and a special computer
design programme developed by
KEFs engineers ensures the transfer
of energy without distortion of musical
timbres.

The high-frequency unit has an
impregnated cloth dome diaphragm
with a 25mm voice coil wound with
highetemperature resins on to an
aluminium former. Fer-roiluid
introduced into the magnetic gap
provides additional cooling for the
voice coil which not only reduces
compression effects caused by high
coil temperatures but also
minimises the risk of thermal damage
due to overloading

The sensitivity of the Carina II is
commendably high - making no great
demands on the amplifier. When fully
driven a pair can produce peak sound
pressure levels up to lOSdB in an
ordinary living room.

There are no fussy matching problems
with Carina 11. Its impedance
characteristic presents an easy load
for any 8 ohm amplifier. Input
connections are made to substantial
4mm binding posts that suit most low-
loss super cables Connection can also
be made using 4mm banana plugsi

KEF

SPECIFICATION

TYPE SP 30

Frequency range:

SSHZ to ZOkHZ i 3dB at 2m on reference axis
(~l0dB at 45H: and 30kHz)

Directional
characteristics:

within 2dB of response on reference axis
up to 20kHz for i 5° vertically
up to leHz for i 20° horizontally

Maximum output:

104d]? spl on programme peaks under typical listening conditions

Characteristic
sensitivity level:

89dB spl at lm on reference axis for pink noise input of [W

Distortion:

Measured at Im on reference axis at mean spl of 90dB,
anechoic conditions

Second harmonic:

less than 1% from 70Hz to 20kI-Iz

Third harmonic:

less than 1% from 60Hz to 20kHz

Enclosure type:

Closed box with third order lowifrequency attenuation characteristic

Internal volume:

33 litres

Nominal impedance:

8 ohms

Maximum amplifier
power.
(see explanatory note)

normal 80W, audiophile 150W

Minimum amplifier
power:

normal 10W

Maximum continuous
sinusoidal input:

20V rms from 80Hz to 2.5kHz reducing to 12V nns above 4KH2

Weight: 9.4x; (20.7113)

Dimensions: 600(h) X 300(w) >< 249(d)mm
23mm >< 11%(h)>< 10(d)in.

Amplifier Power:

The maximum power input that can be applied safely depends on the type of programme and conditions

of use

Normal use: programme with limited dynamic range, e.g. VHF transmissions, pre-recorded tape
cassettes, compressed pop records, etc.
Conditions of use include loud listening levels with power amplifier often driven into
clipping and tone controls or equaliser used to significantly boost low and high frequencies

Audiophile

reproduction of wide dynamic range recordings, erg. direct cut discs, compact discs and
use: digital tapes.

Conditions of use include flat replay characteristics with only occasional overloading of
power amplifierc

This sketch indicates the limits of the listening window, in the
vertical plane, within which optimum tonal balance and
stereophanic we: will be perceived.

For best results the reference axis should be directed towards the listeners. It is therefore preferable to mire the
loudspeaker above the floor. KEF stand ULS 401s suitable for [his purpose.

KEF reserves the right to incorporate developments and amend the specifications without prior
notice, in line with continuous research and development.

KEF products are manufactured in
England and distributed in the
United Kingdom by:

KEF Electronics Ltd

Tovll
Maidstone

Distribution in the USA by:
lntratec

PO Box I74I4

Dulles International Airport
Washington, DC 20041 USA
Telephone: (703) 435 9100

Kent ME15 6Q? England
Telephone: Maidstone (0622) 672261

Telex: 961 40