Home Multitest bookshelf speakers – 2500 Euro – part 3

Multitest bookshelf speakers – 2500 Euro – part 3

4

KEF R3 Meta

Britain’s KEF has had the R series in its lineup for some time. This version, however, is new. It is, in fact, the META version. And that means that the new “metamaterial” also sees in this R3. In particular, this involves absorption behind the driver. These are materials that do not occur in nature. And by developing your own materials, you have things under your own control, although it is complex. The system looks like a kind of labyrinth. The channels, of course, are all tuned to certain wavelengths. According to KEF, the new META absorber absorbs 99% of all frequencies between 600 – 20000 Hz.

Looking further into the speaker we see a three-way bass reflex system in a neatly finished unit. The cabinet is heavy and solid, which should prevent resonances. At the back we find a bi-wire capability.

The sound

The KEF speakers have a clear signature in sound. It is warm and it sounds polite, there is nothing to offend the listener. If as a listener you like to be on the edge of your seat listening, then KEF is not what you are looking for. If you like to have the music wash over you like a hot shower, then KEF is what you’re looking for. The somewhat polite reproduction also makes the speaker forgiving.

Bass control is very good. With Sohn’s track, the KEFs continue to do their job quite stoically. With the Nilai, the soundstage is large and majestic. The soundstage is set back slightly, which also helps with the relaxed listening experience.

There is an issue with the timing of the music though, the bass clearly lags behind mids and highs. The matching with the Nilai is much better than with the Pass Labs. At least the matching of the KEF speakers with an amplifier is critical, but that doesn’t completely eliminate the timing issue. We don’t know if it’s because the speakers haven’t put in enough hours or if the KEFs’ placement is rather sensitive, but it’s something to consider at home.

Specifications KEF R3 Meta

Type 3-way bass reflex
Units 1 x coaxial – 25mm alu tweeter, 5-inch mid (alu) – 6.5-inch alu woofer.
Range 38 – 50000 Hz
Load capacity 15 – 180 watts
Sensitivity 87 dB
Impedance 4 Ohm
Crossover 400 / 2300 Hz
Dimensions / Weight 20 x 42 x 33cm (W_H_D), 12.4 Kg
Price 2200 per pair exc stand

Measurements KEF R3 Meta

Boy: that measures well! Apart from some “extra warmth” that KEF adds between 200 – 300 Hz, we see a fairly straight response. Where things go really nicely, however, is distortion. It is incredibly low. Almost all distortion is below -60dB. It reaches close to -70dB, which is unprecedented in this class. That means almost everything we can measure is below 0.1% and even reaches 0.05%. Hats off.

The KEF isn’t really difficult to drive, because we see indeed two humps of the bass reflex system: but it is only 9 Ohm. And the KEF doens’t go any lower than 3 Ohm. A stable amplifier is recommended, though. Especially for the bass.

Type test
Multitest
Production country
Differs
Properties
  • Brand and model: KEF R3 Meta
  • Build quality: Very sturdy, nicely finished
  • Overall impression: Warm speaker, superbly built, very clean in reproduction. Timing could be better
  • Price: €2200
  • Brand and model: Elac Vela BS403
  • Build quality: Beautifully made. Sturdy, compact.
  • Overall impression: Fine, neutral speaker. Layed back character.
  • Price: €2200
  • Brand and model: Monitor Audio Gold 100
  • Build quality: Neat, sturdy, stylish
  • Overall impression: Rhythmic, extroverted sound, lively
  • Price: €2135
  • Brand and model: ATC SCM11
  • Build quality: Solid, no-nonsense
  • Overall impression: Fine, neutral speaker. Very correct, May need a sub.
  • Price: €1925
  • Winkels met ATC

    Emrikweg 25
    2031 BT Haarlem, NL
    Korevaarstraat 2 e-f
    2311 JS Leiden, NL
    Hennesweg 20
    6035 AD Ospel, NL

    Winkels met Elac

    Grotestraat 23
    5931 CS Tegelen, NL
    St. Ceciliastraat 28
    5038 HA Tilburg, NL
    Beethovenstraat 9-b
    1077 HL Amsterdam, Noord Holland, NL

    Winkels met Kef

    Sint-Antoniusstraat 15
    2300 Turnhout, BE
    Joseph Bensstraat 21
    1180 Ukkel, BE
    Bredabaan 1031
    B-2930 Brasschaat, BE
    Pelikaanstraat 126
    2018 Antwerpen, BE
    Laat 29A
    1811EB Alkmaar, NL
    Schoenmakersstraat 19
    6041EX Roermond, NL
    Grotestraat 23
    5931 CS Tegelen, NL
    St. Ceciliastraat 28
    5038 HA Tilburg, NL
    Geldropseweg 105
    5611 SE Eindhoven, NL
    Breestraat 146-148
    2311CX Leiden, Zuid Holland, NL
    Hermesweg 2
    3741 GP Baarn, Utrecht, NL
    Steenstraat 54
    6828 CM Arnhem, Gelderland, NL
    St.-Katelijnevest 53
    2000 Antwerpen, BE
    Beethovenstraat 9-b
    1077 HL Amsterdam, Noord Holland, NL

    Winkels met Monitor Audio

    Sint-Antoniusstraat 15
    2300 Turnhout, BE
    Joseph Bensstraat 21
    1180 Ukkel, BE
    Pleinweg 136
    3083 EP Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, NL
    Bredabaan 1031
    B-2930 Brasschaat, BE
    Pelikaanstraat 126
    2018 Antwerpen, BE
    Schoenmakersstraat 19
    6041EX Roermond, NL
    St. Ceciliastraat 28
    5038 HA Tilburg, NL
    Korevaarstraat 2 e-f
    2311 JS Leiden, NL
    Koningsstraat 35
    2011TC Haarlem, Noord Holland, NL
    Beethovenstraat 9-b
    1077 HL Amsterdam, Noord Holland, NL

    4 COMMENTS

    1. Old KEF R3, by Erin
      https://erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/kef_r3

      -> Shadow Flare Position Impact on Frequency Response

      and…

      [ While using the speakers full-range is OK, I found that when I added a subwoofer (SVS SB-2000 Pro and SB-3000, separately), the entire sound became immensely more enveloping. Somehow, it even seems to increase the overall sense of “space” these speakers provide with the right recording. For that reason, I do suggest a subwoofer with these speakers. ]

    2. KEF R3 meta measurements

      You forgot: KEF R3 meta – decay – straight – 3ms.png

      I think they still have not solved the problem of the woofer integration with the excellent coaxial, as it happened with the previous model, the R3.

      I will listen again to the part of the test referring to them.

      Thank you very much (to ALL) for your work.

      – Greetings from Tarragona (SPAIN) –