LoudspeakerKEF85% by External Reviewers

KEF R3

Bookshelf Loudspeaker

Product Gallery

Photo 0of KEF R3Photo 1of KEF R3Photo 2of KEF R3Photo 3of KEF R3Photo 4of KEF R3

Product Overview

KEF R3 is a bookshelf floorstanding loudspeaker in KEF's mid-level R series designed for both stereo and home theatre applications. The R3 features a 3-way design with KEF's Uni-Q tweeter-midrange unit and a 6.5" woofer for superior dynamic range and soundstage control.
The KEF R series lends many technological innovations made during the development of the company's Reference series. These loudspeakers feature KEF's 12th-generation Uni-Q array with the latest "Shadow Flare" trim ring design, a new smaller, more powerful bass driver, and Constrained Layer Damping internal bracing system.
The R Series share a new microfiber grille that balances protection and sonic performance and flexible ports that reduce resonances. The classic wood veneer with KEF's tone-on-tone aluminium drivers and grilles give the speakers a subdued yet exquisite look.
Other models in the R series include three floorstanders, R11, R7, and R5, one center channel, R2c, and one wall-mount / surround speaker, R8a.

Ratings

What we found

Pros
  • Excellent build and finish
  • Impressive bass and highs
  • Excellent build quality
Cons
  • Nothing in particular

What external reviewers found

External score 85%
Pros
  • Excellent build quality
  • Impressive detail resolution
  • Excellent imaging
  • Well-balanced presentation
  • Clear, detailed sound
Cons
  • Expensive compared to rivals
  • Not the smallest stand

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Price Comparison

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Specifications

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Related Articles

KEF Speaker Lineup: What Separates the REFERENCE, R Series, and Q Series Loudspeakers, and What May Be Their Applications?
KEF is a well-known British maker of loudspeakers, and the availability of its products is high—comparable to Bowers & Wilkins. While many would drool over the iconic MUON or the exclusive Blade, it is KEF's main-line speakers that most of us earth...
15 May 2020

External Reviews

hifinews[1]

Reviewer score 86% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from hifinews have found:
The KEF R3 is a relatively unfussy design when it comes to positioning and partnering equipment. A feeling of precision is the most obvious first impression, with clear, focused soundstaging and excellent resolution of voices and instruments alike. All this is underpinned with bass that's both weighty and well-controlled, with no sense of lack of extension.
Pros
  • Clear, detailed sound
  • Excellent imaging
  • Excellent build quality
Cons
  • Not the smallest stand

whathifi[2]

Reviewer score 83% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from whathifi have found:
KEF's Uni-Q array disperses the sound in a wide and consistent manner. The enclosure feels immensely rigid thanks to some clever bracing techniques that combine reinforcement with damping. Despite being relatively slim and compact boxes – the KEFs stand just 42cm high – the R3s are capable of delivering a good amount of bass weight.
Pros
  • Well-balanced presentation
  • Impressive detail resolution
  • Excellent build quality
Cons
  • Expensive compared to rivals

References

  1. ^ KEF R3 loudspeaker. [hifinews].
  2. ^ KEF R3 review. [whathifi].

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