By: Dipin Sehdev
KEF is taking a natural next step beyond the listening room with a new Outdoor Collection that brings its Uni-Q driver technology to purpose-built outdoor speakers for the first time.
The collection spans landscape speakers, bollard speakers, outdoor subwoofers and full-range three-way models designed for gardens, patios, pool areas and larger residential or commercial installations. KEF is also introducing its KASA line of network DSP amplifiers to power both indoor and outdoor systems.
It is a logical expansion for a company that has increasingly moved beyond traditional freestanding hi-fi speakers. KEF already offers architectural in-wall and in-ceiling speakers alongside its conventional hi-fi lineup. The Outdoor Collection extends that approach into another part of the home while carrying over one of the company's most recognizable technologies.
For the first time, that includes weatherproof versions of KEF's Uni-Q driver array. Uni-Q places the tweeter in the acoustic center of the midrange driver, creating a single point source intended to produce more consistent dispersion across a wider listening area.
That characteristic could be particularly useful outdoors, where there are fewer walls to reinforce sound and listeners are often spread across a much larger area.
SR4Q and SR6Q Bring Uni-Q Into the Landscape
The SR4Q and SR6Q are the most compact Uni-Q models in the collection. Both are designed to blend into landscaping rather than look like conventional box speakers sitting outside.
The SR4Q uses a 4.5-inch Uni-Q array with a 0.75-inch tweeter. It has a frequency response of 108Hz to 20kHz, 86dB sensitivity and a maximum output of 106dB.
The larger SR6Q moves to a 6.5-inch Uni-Q array while retaining the 0.75-inch tweeter. Its frequency response reaches 101Hz to 20kHz, sensitivity rises to 88dB and maximum output increases to 109dB.
Both speakers carry an IP66 rating and are designed to operate from minus 13 degrees to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. KEF says they have also undergone more than 500 hours of salt-spray testing. Ground stakes and surface mounts allow the speakers to be installed in landscaping or attached to walls, eaves and trees, while optional pendant kits support overhead installations.
KEF SR4Q and SR6Q Specs
| Spec | SR4Q | SR6Q |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 4.5-inch Uni-Q + 0.75-inch tweeter | 6.5-inch Uni-Q + 0.75-inch tweeter |
| Nominal impedance | 16 ohms | 16 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB | 88dB |
| Frequency response | 108Hz-20kHz | 101Hz-20kHz |
| Frequency range (-10dB) | 93Hz-20kHz | 85Hz-20kHz |
| Nominal coverage | 90 degrees | 80 degrees |
| Coverage area | 30 square meters | 30 square meters |
| Max SPL | 106dB | 109dB |
| Crossover frequency | 2.7kHz | 2.4kHz |
| Recommended amplifier power | 150W for four in parallel | 240W for four in parallel |
| Dimensions | 6.3 x 6.3 x 7.3 inches | 8 x 8 x 8.7 inches |
| Weight | 4.85 pounds | 7.7 pounds |
| Weather rating | IP66 | IP66 |
| Price | $2,000 / four-pack | $3,000 / four-pack |
BH6Q and BH8Q Bollard Speakers
For installations where a larger speaker can be incorporated into the landscape, KEF is offering the BH6Q and BH8Q bollard speakers.
The BH6Q uses a 6.5-inch Uni-Q array, while the BH8Q steps up to an 8-inch version. Both place the driver near the top of a vertical enclosure designed to provide wide coverage while keeping the speaker integrated into the surrounding landscape.
Like the landscape models, the BH speakers are IP66 rated and built to withstand temperatures from minus 13 degrees to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be secured in landscaped areas using ground stakes or installed on patios, decks and other hard surfaces with hardscape mounts.
KEF also offers mounting columns that can elevate the speakers for installations where a higher listening position is desirable.
KEF BH6Q and BH8Q Specs
| Spec | BH6Q | BH8Q |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 6.5-inch Uni-Q + 0.75-inch tweeter | 8-inch Uni-Q + 0.75-inch tweeter |
| Nominal impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 88dB | 91dB |
| Frequency response | 81Hz-20kHz | 75Hz-20kHz |
| Frequency range (-10dB) | 62Hz-20kHz | 55Hz-20kHz |
| Nominal coverage | 130 degrees | 100 degrees |
| Max SPL | 109dB | 112dB |
| Recommended amplifier power | 240W | 240W |
| Weather rating | IP66 | IP66 |
| Price | $1,500 each | $2,000 each |
BL8b and BL12b Add Outdoor Bass
KEF is backing up those speakers with two dedicated outdoor subwoofers.
The BL8b uses an 8-inch long-throw woofer, while the larger BL12b moves to a 12-inch driver. KEF designed both to provide the low-frequency output that can be difficult to maintain in an open-air environment.
Installation is flexible. Both can be secured using ground stakes, and part of the enclosure can be buried to make the subwoofer less conspicuous. Hardscape mounts accommodate patios, decks and concrete surfaces, while an optional wood deck mount allows the subwoofer to sit below wooden decking.
Unlike the SR and BH speakers, the subwoofers carry an IPX5 water-resistance rating rather than IP66. They remain UV resistant, weather sealed and rated for temperatures from minus 13 degrees to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. KEF says the enclosures have undergone more than 500 hours of salt-spray testing.
KEF BL8b and BL12b Specs
| Spec | BL8b | BL12b |
|---|---|---|
| Woofer | 8-inch long-throw | 12-inch long-throw |
| Nominal impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 87dB | 88dB |
| Frequency response | 27Hz-300Hz | 24Hz-300Hz |
| Frequency range (-10dB) | 25Hz-330Hz | 21Hz-330Hz |
| Nominal coverage | 360 degrees | 360 degrees |
| Coverage area | 120 square meters | 200 square meters |
| Max SPL | 109dB | 115dB |
| Recommended amplifier power | 150W | 400W |
| Weather rating | IPX5 | IPX5 |
| Price | $2,000 | $2,500 |
BQ9 and BQ11 Are Essentially Outdoor Floorstanding Speakers
The BQ9 and BQ11 sit at the top of the outdoor speaker lineup and take a different approach.
Instead of requiring separate satellite speakers and subwoofers, each tower combines a Uni-Q array with a dedicated long-throw bass driver and an internal passive crossover. The result is essentially KEF's interpretation of a three-way floorstanding speaker built for permanent outdoor use.
The BQ9 combines an 8-inch woofer with a 6.5-inch Uni-Q array and 0.75-inch tweeter. The larger BQ11 combines a 12-inch woofer with an 8-inch Uni-Q array and 0.75-inch tweeter.
Two BQ speakers can operate as a conventional left-right stereo pair, something that makes these models particularly interesting for someone looking to bring a more traditional hi-fi configuration outside.
KEF is also positioning the BQ9 and BQ11 for outdoor home theater. Paired with a suitable AV receiver or processor and amplification, the company says they can form the foundation of systems ranging from 5.1 to larger immersive Dolby Atmos configurations.
Both speakers are IPX5 rated and can be installed using ground stakes or hardscape mounts. Part of the enclosure can also be buried for a less conspicuous installation.
KEF BQ9 and BQ11 Specs
| Spec | BQ9 | BQ11 |
|---|---|---|
| Woofer | 8-inch | 12-inch |
| Uni-Q driver | 6.5-inch | 8-inch |
| Tweeter | 0.75-inch | 0.75-inch |
| Nominal impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 88dB | 90dB |
| Frequency response | 35Hz-20kHz | 30Hz-20kHz |
| Frequency range (-10dB) | 27Hz-20kHz | 23Hz-20kHz |
| Nominal coverage | 130 degrees | 100 degrees |
| Max SPL | 109dB | 112dB |
| Recommended amplifier power | 240W | 400W |
| Weather rating | IPX5 | IPX5 |
| Price | $3,000 each | $4,000 each |
KASA Amplifiers Tie the System Together
The other major part of KEF's outdoor push is KASA, a new family of network DSP amplifiers that can power outdoor installations as well as indoor architectural audio systems.
The amplifiers use Class D amplification with Advanced GaN technology alongside AKM Velvet Sound DAC and ADC converters and KEF's Music Integrity Engine DSP.
KASA-M models also include built-in KEF speaker profiles. Rather than requiring an installer to manually tune the DSP for each speaker, selecting the appropriate KEF model applies a processing chain designed specifically for that speaker.
System management takes place through a browser-based interface instead of a dedicated app. The amplifiers support matrixed multi-source and multi-zone operation with independent volume control for each zone. Multiple KASA amplifiers can also be linked for larger whole-home and outdoor installations, and KEF says IP drivers for major home automation control systems will be available.
Four configurations will be offered.
KEF KASA Amplifier Specs and Pricing
| Model | Channels | Power | Amplification | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KASA 2-250M | 2 | 250W per channel | GaN Class D | $1,600 |
| KASA 4-250M | 4 | 250W per channel | GaN Class D | $3,200 |
| KASA 8-150M | 8 | 150W per channel | GaN Class D | $3,300 |
| KASA 8-250M | 8 | 250W per channel | GaN Class D | $4,000 |
The KASA amplifiers also support bridging channels into 4- or 8-ohm speaker loads when more power is required. Optical, coaxial and RCA connections are available for integrating different sources.
Complete Outdoor Systems Start at $2,000
Buyers and integrators do not necessarily have to assemble a system component by component. KEF is also introducing three packaged landscape systems.
The Landscape P4F combines four 4-inch SR4F full-range landscape satellites with an 8-inch BL8Sb bollard subwoofer. KEF positions the 4.1-channel system for patios, decks and smaller gardens, although it can be expanded to an 8.2 configuration or scaled further for larger spaces.
The Landscape P4Q steps up to 4.5-inch Uni-Q landscape satellites and includes amplification, while the P6Q uses the larger 6.5-inch Uni-Q satellites.
KEF Outdoor System Pricing
| Package | Configuration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape P4F | Four 4-inch full-range satellites + subwoofer | $2,000 |
| Landscape P4Q | Four 4.5-inch Uni-Q satellites + subwoofer + amplifier | $5,000 |
| Landscape P6Q | Four 6.5-inch Uni-Q satellites + subwoofer + amplifier | $8,000 |
Existing Ventura 5 and Ventura 6 surface-mount outdoor speakers round out the collection at $500 and $600 per pair, respectively.
Built for Permanent Outdoor Installation
Durability is just as important as acoustics for a permanent outdoor speaker system.
Across the collection, KEF uses weather-sealed, UV-resistant enclosures and aluminum grilles. Depending on the model, speakers carry either IP66 or IPX5 ratings. KEF says its outdoor models have undergone more than 500 hours of salt-spray testing and are designed to operate between minus 13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
KEF has also built considerable installation flexibility into the lineup. Landscape speakers can sit on ground stakes or mount to structures, while bollard speakers and subwoofers can be installed in landscaping or on hard surfaces. Some models can be partially buried, and optional mounting hardware expands the possibilities to overhead and under-deck installations.
The components can be mixed and matched as the installation grows, making it possible to start with a relatively small garden system and expand into multiple outdoor listening zones.
KEF Outdoor Collection Price and Availability
KEF announced the Outdoor Collection on Sept. 1, 2026. The company's supplied launch materials do not specify a retail availability date.
The main Outdoor Collection will be available in black, while the Ventura speakers will also be offered in white.
Pricing starts at $1,500 for an individual BH6Q bollard speaker. The flagship BQ11 costs $4,000 each, while KEF's preconfigured landscape systems range from $2,000 to $8,000.
The move outdoors is a natural extension of what KEF has already been doing inside the home. Rather than developing a completely separate identity for its outdoor products, KEF is bringing Uni-Q, dedicated DSP profiles and the same system-oriented approach used across its hi-fi and architectural products into a category where those technologies have not previously been available from the brand.
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