KEF R3 Meta: The Speaker to Beat.

Written review/data can be found here:

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All of my tests are conducted using KLIPPEL Hardware and Software. KLIPPEL is an innovative leader in providing unique test equipment for electro-acoustical transducers and audio systems. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Wolfgang Klippel, the novel techniques developed for control and measurement systems of loudspeakers and other transducers are the result of over 30 years of fundamental research. This provides more accurate physical models of loudspeakers, micro-speakers and headphones valid for both small and large amplitudes. The focus is on revealing the root causes of signal distortion and defects and giving practical indications for improvements in design and manufacturing of audio products. For information on KLIPPEL products, please visit their site below:

[ErinsAudioCorner]

Generic Affiliate Links:

If you are shopping at any of the above stores then please consider using my generic affiliate links above to make the purchase through. Purchases through these links can earn me a small commission - at no additional cost to you - and help me continue to provide the community with free content and reviews. Doesn't matter if it's a TV from Crutchfield, budget speakers from Audio Advice or a pair of socks from Amazon, just use the link above before you make your purchase. Thank you!

[thesecretninjaboy]

Your data approach and thoughts convinced me to dip my toe into the audio world with these speakers as my first. These reviews are very helpful for people with no prior knowledge as you break down characteristics of what makes a good speaker and explain it very well.

I'm on the other side of the world so it didn't make sense with the affiliate links. Here's me showing my appreciation. Thanks and keep up the good work Erin!

[stevenma]

Outstanding review of a speaker i definitely want to own. I especially appreciate the comparison to other speakers, as well as the comparison to the regular Kef R3. But most of all I love your ear, because you have the same sensitivity to overly-boosted treble that I do, and insist on neutrality above all in the speakers you review. Thanks, Erin!

[williambracken]

A superbly comprehensive and informative review. Thanks for including some helpful comparisons in the same price range, as well as the advice for anyone deciding between the new “meta” version and the previous model.

[ken]

Love it, you are the few ones that tell like it is and not try to sell everything being "reviewed" unlike many others.

[frankenzizschen]

Thank you, Erin! Keep up the good work. Always informative and balanced.

[Boxkerp]

I just bought the Indigo Blue version. Can't wait until they get here. I'm going to connect them to my McIntosh MC6700 integrated.

[biffulatr]

Thank you for this comparison - as usual, top notch work sir.

Since owning the non-meta R3s, my wife likes them so much she wants that sound (and look) for the system on our TV as well. Any plans on an R5 or R7 review?

[nhennessy]

Congrats for being the first to put these on the Klippel, Erin. As always, a teriffic review. Given that I already have a pair of SVS SB 2000s, these may be a great move up from my LS 50 Metas, which would then go to surround duty.

[rogerrotor]

Glad to have you back with your thorough reviews.

[Aquadon]

Thanks Erin.. good to see you back in the saddle again! Please review Ascendo "The6" Passive on wall speaker

[zefrog]

Awesome review and awesome speaker.🙂
Really is an absolute steal, when you compare the measurements of this thing to the Reference variant that is 5 times the price, it's as near as the very same with a different finish. I think Kef have really made a speaker that is genuinely aimed at being attainable without sacrificing much if anything. I don't normally buy speakers as I DIY, but I'm tempted to get a pair of these as a reference for future builds.
Only other speaker I've been tempted to buy is the JBL L100, although literally just for the 70's vibe and those orange grills.😂 Would love to see you review those if you ever get the opportunity.

[chriswindham]

Wondering how the Ascend Acoustic LX would stack up against this one?

[matthewfrazee]

Thanks for the review Erin. I currently own both the revel 126be and the 226be but have previously owned the original kef ls50 and R3. Although I think both revels are phenomenal speakers I plan on selling the 126 and bring back the either the meta version of the R3 or the ls50. The point source nature of the kefs is a nice change of pace from the revels.

[Dasbeerboots]

Another excellent review, Erin. I just purchased the R7, R2C, 2 pairs of R8s, and two KF92s during that huge sale. I wish I could afford the Metas, but this sale was exactly the one I needed to get into KEF. I'll be keeping an eye out for the R6 Meta review! And I know it's a long shot, but an R7 review would give me the full EAC measurement series. That would be awesome.

[AbsoluteFidelity]

Does the R3 Meta sound more like the LS50 Meta? Reason asking is because I definitely liked how the LS50 Meta sounded more than the OG R3. Have yet to listen to the R3 Meta, although I personally prefer a wider dispersion speaker.

[rytmziemi]

I have an old one, original R3 and I am happy with them. There are so smooth and warm sound with rotel A12 mk2. I can listen them all day long comfortable. The new one maybe are most detalic but, more sharper and dry too. Many users report hearing sibilance in vocals. No reason to change them for me.

[vintageflanker]

Thanks Erin. Still need to watch, but I'm sure it performs great. BTW, the company is indeed called "KEF", not "Kef". For "Kent Engineering & Foundry". 😉

[hubert-williams]

Good review, How does the B&W 706 S3 compare with the KEF R3 Meta? Which speaker has a better sound stage or better lows and are they equal in high frequency?

[mikegoddard]

Very nice, I just got the Kef R7's since they were discontinued and honestly it's a great speaker. I tried the OG R3, but without a sub it didn't really cut it.