Before the Review: Kef R3 Unboxing and Highlights

Obviously this isn't a review. That's coming later. But for now, here's some highlights and discussion about a very high-quality concentric speaker design from Kef.

Amazon affiliate link if you want to purchase this item and help me keep grease on the wheels via a small commission.

Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:25 - Random Bits
1:20 - Unboxing
3:55 - Highlights - Aesthetic
5:30 - Trim Rings (and their benefit)
6:54 - Binding Posts and Port
8:19 - I want to open this speaker up...
10:05 - End

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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]

^If you plan to purchase this item please consider using my Amazon affiliate link which helps me earn a small commission and keep this channel going.

[homeboi]

As for bi-wiring (second pair of cables, and not just to a short strip to replace the bridge, not that you can in these), Paul Barton of PSB noted that you are going to be enlarging the gauge by 3 (2 pairs of 14awg = 11awg), so if you are using just wire off a spool and not “fancy” cables, cut off an extra pair of strips; otherwise just pay more for a larger gauge “fancy” cable.

[davidheid]

Nice Erin! I remember those old Uni-Q car drivers from Kef.

[vintageflanker]

Hey Erin, Can't wait to have your thoughts on this one. Whatever the stellar measured performance of R3... subjective impression was kind of "OK" for me, but nothing to rave about.

[snootz]

Looking forward to your impressions, as I am using the mentioned R300's + R600c for my front stage currently. A couple weeks ago I picked up the KEF KF92 subwoofer, and I really hope you can get your hands on one for testing because I think it will shock most reviewers. I have good output to 10Hz in my mid-sized open living space from a compact 13" box that will pass every WAF. It doesn't have a ton of headroom though, so it's really not for reference volume level setups.

[fedrichorlandineumann]

Erin, i have a question, i have kef r3 now it's coming the meta version. Onestly it' s another world the Reference

[adrianegowski]

Really interested in your opinion on this speaker. If I am not mistaken, their price is comparable to Dynadio Confidence 20 which I intended to purchase. Though... Dynaudio is more about "liking their distortion" than quality ;P

[stevenswall]

This speaker has a lot of potential. Close the gap between the tweeter and midrange, and make it active to compete with The Ones by Genelec.

[lancebartlett]

Its like you con read my mind....This is exactly the speaker I what I want data on. I have a feeling this speaker with a sub and EQ can ace a spinorama. Please pull that concentric driver and test it!!!

I would very much like to know what SPL that concentric is limited to with low distortion. If we can get north of 105db without massive distortion, we have a winner.

Armin has shown that it has a bass drop off. I guess it is designed to be used on a bookshelf/ next to a wall, can you test it in that environment? Thanks

[joeyholthusen]

Try a review on Rockville 10 home subwoofer

[fredfungalspore]

I watch your speaker reviews all the time ...i am not sure but could you comment on the speaker cabinet say by tapping it and your thoughts on the weight. I am in the market for a replacement for my Jamo Concert 11s This Kef model seems to tick all the boxes as a Fine speaker all round for the price would you from DownUnder...

[anandshah]

What would be a great coaxial driver according to you if we
Make something like a R3
Subs have many options coaxial not finding something great or a full range 6” and 8-10” sub driver

[nhennessy]

So what is the status of your review and measurement of the D & D 8c's you had in house? I was expecting to see the review about now.

[derekjarman]

Very nice finish but lets see the inside!

[thisisntnine]

The Kef R3 is the only speaker in the R series range that is not featuring a d'Appolito design. Would love to know how this impact its sound profile versus its siblings (R5/R7/R11).

[WillDoesStuff]

Any chance you could do a video walking through the other kef speakers\drivers you have measured? I would be really interested to hear your explanation of how they performed.

[AllboroLCD]

Aww man those Kefs are nice! Bi-Amping as i know really helps when you want to drive a speaker loud/hard, the driver is playing a cleaner more linear signal or something to that effect. A tear down of those bad boys would be awesome!! I fear however you may need a heat gun to properly take them apart, could be wrong though.

[JanPatrickLucas]

It will be interesting to hear your thought on these Erin. I was underwhelmed at first by them, as I expected too much based on the positive reviews. It took some time and alternate components for me to warm up to them. Great bass, detail and sound stage for the size. I ended up really enjoying them but I didn't hang on to them given my audio addiction. For my bookshelf speaker set up I'm currently using PMC 25.22's and Elac Adante's, together, which surprisingly sounds great. Technically probably not advised but I'm enjoying the music.

[zatara]

didnt see in the vid. do these speakers come with mounting screws?

[kschulwitz]

Can you link to your R900 review you mention in this video? I love my R900s and would love to see how they measure up. Thanks. BTW the R3 that Amir @ ASR reviewed was sent by me.