Kef R3 are at the very top of my list for an endgame set of speakers. I've got it narrowed down to either the R3 Meta or Harbeth compacts. (similar price range) The Kefs are the technically superior speaker, but Harbeth's have an old school smoothness that measurements don't do justice to. Tough choice ... I'm sure I'd be more than happy with either. Currently loving my KEF q150s ..
So thrilled you compared these to audio physics! I've lived with audio physic classic 20s for the last 9 years. No one ever talks about them. I have yet to get a better sounding speaker in my home.
It ' s a while ago, that you reviewed these speakers. Due to moving in our house from an apartment , we decided to buy a bigger loudspeaker. So we have listened close to META and non META KEF R 7 and R 11. My wife heard no difference between META and non META and I thought that I hear a small difference. But it turned out that in a blind test , I was not able to identify the META speaker. So we decided for a pair of KEF R 11 non META in walnut. The price was 2.530 € / pair. And I agree with your review, but also for the R 11: relaxed sound , good midrange,no harsh treble , clean and fast dry bass. Exactly what I need. Former main speaker I used in our former apartment: Harbeth M30.2 40th anniversary Greetings from Germany Oliver
I subscribed and also live in Australia and have NEVER purchased any of my hi fi components that are Made in China. And I never will. @@sidsreviews1110
I have KEF XQ series in my HT. R900, R 300 and R100 in audio rooms. Sweet monsters these are... R3 meta and R7 meta are in my list...and the pocket is empty as of now.
I used to be a huge Kef fan but I've felt over a good few years now with Kef standmounts they've lost the nice warmth and detailed bass I think they're losing it with the meta technology it's becoming way too clinical now
Auditioning is really problematic for me because I live in Cambodia, so I'm hoping to narrow the field before I start throwing myself all over the place. Specifically I'm looking for a speaker that will do well under these conditions: Low to very low sound pressures -- say 82dB Lots of off-axis listening, including moving around the room. "Hotel bar jazz" -- Tommy Flanagan, Cyrus Chestnut, Beegie Adair Placement about 100cm from the front- and side walls. Emphasis on cohesive musicality with excellent bass grip and control. Bottom octave not required. No chocolate factory candidates need apply (e.g. Harbeth, LS3/5a, Proac). Amplification is a NAIM XS3, subwoofer is a REL t5/X. Is this the speaker, or is there something else I should be thinking about?
I scroll through video to see the deal breaking "Made in China" sticker. For that BIG price this is absolutely outrageous. I will never touch ANY old school speaker or hi fidelity manufacturer that have moved their previous staff to the unemployment line and hired cheap Chinese labour. Utterly disgraceful. Shame shame shame!!!!!!! @@sidsreviews1110
@@daledrolet1332 I hope that at some point you are able to home test some. I think they will become your favorite. They give you everything you would want from a speaker.
Hi, thank you for the review. It would be great to know how these compare to the Swan D200? We can pretty much guess that similarly priced, reputable brands will offer similar performance, but what does x3 the cost bring to the table? Specifically, how do these compare to the Swans in soundstage depth, timbre, etc? Thank you in advance for your assistance.
In every sonic category, the Kefs are the much better speaker except for bass output. That said, the Kefs bass is much more controlled and refined. Overall, not in the same class.
Kef R3 are at the very top of my list for an endgame set of speakers. I've got it narrowed down to either the R3 Meta or Harbeth compacts. (similar price range)
The Kefs are the technically superior speaker, but Harbeth's have an old school smoothness that measurements don't do justice to. Tough choice ... I'm sure I'd be more than happy with either. Currently loving my KEF q150s ..
Good Review Dale, good points. Kef R3 Meta have a really good performance!!! I like to pair them tube amp and Hybrid!
So thrilled you compared these to audio physics! I've lived with audio physic classic 20s for the last 9 years. No one ever talks about them. I have yet to get a better sounding speaker in my home.
I had a pair of Spark IIII's and I would still have them if my cats didn't keep knocking them over. Super-super-*super* impressed with those.
Really good video! Sensible analysis. Just discovered your channel and will be back for more.
Thanks Syd…
Appreciate your comprehensive review
It certainly helps with the decision-making process..
Respect KCB👍😁🇬🇧
Thanks for the kind words. Cheers!
It ' s a while ago, that you reviewed these speakers.
Due to moving in our house from an apartment , we decided to buy a bigger loudspeaker.
So we have listened close to META and non META KEF R 7 and R 11.
My wife heard no difference between META and non META and I thought that I hear a small difference. But it turned out that in a blind test , I was not able to identify the META speaker.
So we decided for a pair of KEF R 11 non META in walnut. The price was 2.530 € / pair.
And I agree with your review, but also for the R 11: relaxed sound , good midrange,no harsh treble , clean and fast dry bass. Exactly what I need.
Former main speaker I used in our former apartment: Harbeth M30.2 40th anniversary
Greetings from Germany
Oliver
Nice review, I’d love a pair
I have the Triangle comete and auditioned the R3 meta (hype) sticking with Comete, more sparkle on top.
I agree definitely more sparkle. Cheers.
Great review Sid very Refreshing keep them coming please from your friends in Australia...👍
Thank you. Appreciate it. Another review coming this week. Be on the lookout!
I subscribed and also live in Australia and have NEVER purchased any of my hi fi components that are Made in China. And I never will. @@sidsreviews1110
I have KEF XQ series in my HT. R900, R 300 and R100 in audio rooms. Sweet monsters these are... R3 meta and R7 meta are in my list...and the pocket is empty as of now.
Superb review !!
Thanks Arnand . Cheers!
No, the META tech eliminates sound at the back of the driver instead of using foam. It does NOT add anything back to the sound.
I used to be a huge Kef fan but I've felt over a good few years now with Kef standmounts they've lost the nice warmth and detailed bass I think they're losing it with the meta technology it's becoming way too clinical now
I think you’re right but paired with a sub and then you distress it so that its mid- and high range comes through clinically and effortlessly.
Thanks for the review!
Glad it was helpful!
Would not touch these. @@sidsreviews1110
Jeez thats handsome looking guy.. the speaker 😊 keep up the vids Sid
subed , and good review ! 👊
Thanks Gunnar! Appreciate it. Cheers!
Liked the review. All is true. Kef is neutral.
Miss the Peg. I grew up there.
Auditioning is really problematic for me because I live in Cambodia, so I'm hoping to narrow the field before I start throwing myself all over the place. Specifically I'm looking for a speaker that will do well under these conditions:
Low to very low sound pressures -- say 82dB
Lots of off-axis listening, including moving around the room.
"Hotel bar jazz" -- Tommy Flanagan, Cyrus Chestnut, Beegie Adair
Placement about 100cm from the front- and side walls.
Emphasis on cohesive musicality with excellent bass grip and control. Bottom octave not required. No chocolate factory candidates need apply (e.g. Harbeth, LS3/5a, Proac).
Amplification is a NAIM XS3, subwoofer is a REL t5/X.
Is this the speaker, or is there something else I should be thinking about?
Absolutely!!
The Kefs are a 3 way speaker are they not? The mid range and tweeter are together in the same enclosure. Your comparison speakers are two ways.
Technically yes it’s a three way design speaker. My mistake.
I scroll through video to see the deal breaking "Made in China" sticker. For that BIG price this is absolutely outrageous. I will never touch ANY old school speaker or hi fidelity manufacturer that have moved their previous staff to the unemployment line and hired cheap Chinese labour. Utterly disgraceful. Shame shame shame!!!!!!! @@sidsreviews1110
So how does it compare to the Buckhart speakers. Some viewers suggest it's smoother in the midrange and thus more suitable for classical music.
No idea. Never heard the Buchardt
Hmmmmmm. I repeat my suggestion that the Buchardts get good reviews, so to ignored them is an aberration.......@@sidsreviews1110
Between this and magnepan LRS+ which one you think is a better option? Thanks
Have you tried Focal?
Just for a bit in a store.
@@daledrolet1332
I hope that at some point you are able to home test some. I think they will become your favorite.
They give you everything you would want from a speaker.
will you review that opera callas bookshelf also ?
Maybe I’ll try them out at some point.
Hi, thank you for the review.
It would be great to know how these compare to the Swan D200?
We can pretty much guess that similarly priced, reputable brands will offer similar performance, but what does x3 the cost bring to the table?
Specifically, how do these compare to the Swans in soundstage depth, timbre, etc?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
In every sonic category, the Kefs are the much better speaker except for bass output. That said, the Kefs bass is much more controlled and refined. Overall, not in the same class.