KEF R3 Meta Bookshelf Speaker Review | Thomas Tan

[@LandlubberDave]

I purchased these speakers (in the walnut finish) last December, driving them with my 20 year old Cyrus amps which drove them with ease at low or normal volume levels. In December l traded my ageing Cyrus amps in for the Exposure 3510 integrated amp and wow, especially now that the speakers and amp are pretty much run in, I’m playing and enjoying my music like never before and the fact that the speakers play well at low volume means l can play the system of an evening without disturbing anyone. I’ve been an Audiophile for decades but never has my wife, family or friends who simply just enjoy music been so keen to listen to their favourite tunes on these Kef’s.

[@kjbiz]

Congratulations on being a part of the Absolute Sound team. You deserve the support. cheers

[@soowat1190]

Congrats Thomas! The Absolute Sound picks only the cream of the crop. 🎉💙

[@HotSause]

I hope your analytical format and philosophy doesn't change. It's one of rhe things that makes Thomas and Stereo special from the rest, along with your creditability. Press on.

[@alkebulansan]

Well I bought a pair. This man is not lying! The Kef R3 Meta blew my mind. Wowzers. Like, really, Wowzers. Vocals are nuts, Dominique Fils Aime "Nameless" was absolutely mind blowing as was Karin Krog "Open Space". Just incredible detail. BTW the the sticker is just that, a sticker! You peel it off and under it imbedded in the wood about a micron thick in metal is the beautiful Kef logo that you see in this vid@11.36. The workmanship and detail on these speakers is second to none. Start saving!

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

yes tm9 lvl cans are great, swans too tiny difference really just different tune, but anv is more preferable bcs of 1-2 things, gr should lead at this level bcs of the ciem driver/sound

[@MasterofPlay7]

why get this while you can get the rp600m ii for $300? lmao

[@themeatspot5020]

What about for movies.

[@lgmediapcsalon9440]

@@themeatspot5020 Impeccable. In my room they go loud at 40hz, then taper off... Matched with a sub, seamless. Excellent for any content. If you're only into movies, I'd likely get something else, as they are probably a bit wasted if you don't get them for music first. btw, they are power hungry. But they reward you so damn much when you give it to them. I find myself having to turn it down not because they sound bad, but because my ears aren't forever. If you listen to music you really like, prepare to grin.

[@lgmediapcsalon9440]

@@MasterofPlay7 A quick listen with quality signal will answer all your questions my guy.

[@evi1yoda]

I had to double check I had the right channel when I saw “Thomas&Stereo” at the end! Way to go!

[@alanmcivor2916]

Congratulations on the new 'gig' Thomas. Your reviews deserve a wider audience. I bought the R3 Metas last month (in Indigo) based on Sean (Zero Fidelity) and Steve (Steve Huff Photo & HiFi) reviews. I'm glad you agree with them. They replace Wharfedale EVO 4.2's and surpass them in all aspects. (the logo is in raised gold letters on the Indigos- very classy) I'm running a Emotiva preamp and amp(160wpc) and Klipsch sub.

[@phibonez]

You should try them on a respectable vacuum tube amp. Trust me, it's a cheat code to. Getting high end sound which is $$$$$$$.

[@Llenzinator]

Hi... What Emotiva Pre Amp are you using? How do you like the sound with your R3 Metas?

[@marklawrence4116]

Congratulations Thomas This is wonderful

[@linnemeyerhere]

That sticker is coming right off my set !

[@mixedbassoon]

About the sticker that you complained about, it has a protective film that you have to take off (in the video it was still on the speaker). Once you take off the protective film, I find the logo to be minimalistic and I like it :)

[@MichelPlante-d9q]

There is no doubt that you are the best Canadian video reviewer and the most followed. Kudo Thomas!

[@SuperMcgenius]

I really like your straight on review, you address the questions many want to know. 👍

[@sethfm9773]

Congratulations Thomas!

[@sidvicious3129]

Thomas, congratulations on being a part of the team, I'm quite proud. Keep up the outstanding work. You deserve this!!!

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

don't it feel like you just watched a small piece of history?

[@sidvicious3129]

@@WeeWeeJumbo Actually, yes.

[@davidrivera2165]

I never thought I would buy a a KEF speaker. Well after Sean at Zero fidelity gave a great review of the 🎉R3 Mets, I demoed them and loved the imaging. I purchased the gorgeous blue indigo color. My wife loves the look and the fact that they're 1/5 the size of my previous floorstanding Deftech ST-L. R3 META are excellent speakers for the price. Not world class sound qualuty level, but worth every penny of $2,200 usd.

[@mpi5850]

World class sound is beyond all of our budgets so that’s never a relevant comment, lol.

[@DBravo29er]

THOMAS + TAS = ❤😎🤘

[@604Basshead]

Thomas is a Beast! Was not expecting to see him here.

[@twenty4seven368]

Here for Thomas. Love Thomas!

[@curtdiesner4667]

I'm very happy with my KEF R3 Meta speakers powered by a 150 WPC Parasound and used with a SVS sub. Nice balanced detailed sound.

[@Peter-ii4xq]

Not cheap.

[@parkarlsson3833]

Can 85 w Roksan m5 feed KEF R3 ?

[@parkarlsson3833]

M2 sorry

[@curtdiesner4667]

If your Roksan amp has a rating @ 4 ohms, and your room is not too large you should be fine. My amp is basically 3 db louder than yours and is in a 17 x 14 foot room which is open to another room. The system will play louder than what I would ever desire.

[@EskWIRED]

It's truly great to see you on the TAS Channel, Thomas. I have great respect for your viewpoints and advice. Seemingly, the editors at TAS share my opinion.

[@dougg1075]

The absolute reviewer the absolute sound:) THOMAS!

[@miguelflo2]

Thomas is a good story teller.

[@De132an]

If you ever have the opportunity to hear the Meta Ref 1, it will knock your socks off. As close to TAD bookshelf’s as possible when compared even side by side. Thank you Andrew Jones for that!

[@NickWyant-y9q]

Congratulations Thomas.

[@SmallRoomAudio]

THOMAS! You are the best, great content as always and now with TAS! 💥

[@mehmetcamat4458]

I recently bought a pair of KEF R3 Meta I am very happy with them. They match very well with my Hegel H95 amp and the KC62 sub. With my Gustard R26 DAC It sounds very transparent with holographic sound stage and good imaging but at the same time warm which I love it.

[@nepomo1]

I just did the same thing. Originally had the metas paired with bluesound node n130 (and Billie amp) and it sounded good but a little muffled. When I added the R26, the detail and resolution went through the roof. The R26 is still breaking in. I’m hoping I get a little bit more warmth, just a tad more as it breaks in, but the overall sound is incredible now. Very happy as is. So, lesson to me is, the DAC makes a significant difference in maximizing the capabilities of the R3 Metas. Feels like I went from a wall sconce to a chandelier (acoustically).

[@robmaxwell3678]

Let me tell you a story.... ha, love it! TAS, great idea adding Thomas to your team. Not only is he a great reviewer, Thomas is imminenty entertaining and relatable.

[@larryh9525]

What a pleasant surprise to find you at TAS. I really enjoy our work. I have a pair of LS50 Meta and love them. I'm not in a huge room, so they fit the room well. However, if I were in a slightly bigger place, then the R3s would be on my shopping list. I find that for movies, TV, or music, the Uni-Q is phenomenal. I even have a set of their desktop speakers The Egg, which in a small room, sound excellent when driven by a good low-end DAC like the SMSL-SU1. I've had such an enjoyable experience with the KEFs, that I would find it hard to buy anything else.

[@denzelmarshall1988]

Congrats Thomas!!

[@redstepable]

Best R3 review I've seen

[@stephenbosze2207]

Great review. I just purchased this speaker and I’ve fallen in love with it. I’m using the Technics SU-R1000 integrated amp and as you mentioned in your review, it can power these at lower volumes with beautifully resolved detail. BTW, I thought the same about the logo sticker, however it’s just a protective film on both the speaker and the stands. And thank you for the introduction to Haevn and Katie. I can’t wait to listen to these artists through the KEF’s.

[@JordanPhegley]

Thomas, congratulations!

[@rosswarren436]

Wow. Pretty prolific. Good for you! Good review too.

[@arun2995]

Ha ha ha, I have zero interest in the KEF speaker but watched the video just because it's Thomas. Its great because now he has a lot more options out there to review and I would love to hear his thoughts on some of the crazy expensive gear that Absolute Sound covers. Congrats to Thomas and Absolute Sound!!

[@hamidrezahabibi8111]

I admire KEF and as its former exclusive agent in Iran; and of course Magnepan for that matter; just from the price point of view; I will definitely go for MG-1.7. But if I have a greenhouse, I’ll go for the KEF.

[@klaymoon1]

Amazing review! The best reviewer!!

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

oh my goodness, it's HIM, but he's HERE

[@crimsonghost6454]

Great review as always. Great job Thomas

[@milanulrich]

I own original R3. Hope I can compare my self, as I really dig the sound of those. Btw, that logo is printed on speaker. You have to peel off the tape. 😊 thank you for great comparison.

[@ryanray6215]

I own the original R300 :-) They are so fantastic , that I'm not interested replacing them . My Onkyo A-9050 loves them too . 🙂

[@dajikbatarang1]

Congrats on the gig, Thomas! Well deserved!

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Thanks Thomas ' the blue edition has me almost making a purchase ! KEF KNOWS HOW TO BUILD DRIVERS ' this is why they dont have to go to extreams with their crossovers IMHO I am a huge KeF fan boy The Absolute sound is a awesome company for sure and they make for an easy recommendation ! 5🌟 Co.

[@aceofspades6667]

Digging the new channel Thomas, subscribed!

[@jesuscostantino2925]

No way! Had no idea you’d be doing a video for the Absolute Sound! Congrats, and great review.

[@davide9920]

Thomas, good job as always

[@vangelo2252]

The impression I get from these Meta reviews is the labyrinth applied to the back of the driver absorbing the rear treble wave is making all the difference. In fact, its a completely redesigned speaker, where the crossover point has been moved from 2900 of the R3 to 2300 of the Meta. Bass extension has also been reduced, so I figure these changes are responsible for the 'improvement' of SQ rather than the plastic maze glued on the back.

[@deputy3690]

Great review Thomas!

[@mcjonner]

Miss your reviews, appreciate your format a lot

[@dhaneshvarma]

Would definitely audition this since recommend by Thomas

[@dannyyin9663]

You hired Thomas to do reviews? Subscribed.

[@Maxxumus]

KEF is still the best speaker i have ever owned @ 18 yrs old. Imagery is outstanding and highs are effortless and stage. Tweeter still the best Ive ever heard !!

[@parkermackenzie9848]

I like your review and it's interesting that you mention KEF introducing new advanced technology in an affordable line, because it's not the first time. The 3001SE introduced an early version of what became the Blade's mid driver "pod", so it still punches well above its weight as a lost leader.

[@estenray5385]

Hey Thomas great review! I’ll definitely have to audition these. It’s also nice to see you here. ❤😊

[@goombatommy]

Extremely happy with my R7 Metas paired with a MICHI X3 Integrated Amp. No need for a subwoofer due to my room, and I play these pretty loud. Absolutely floored with these speakers.

[@ajjb21]

I have the exact same combo… super happy with it! What did you have paired with the X3 before the R7’s?

[@goombatommy]

@ajjb21 Yeah, it's an incredible combo! Before this, I had a Cambridge Audio Evo 150 paired with Dynaudio Emit 30 speakers. The upgrade is beyond night and day lol.

[@ajjb21]

@@goombatommy oh nice so you bought the X3 with the R7’s… well done!

[@goombatommy]

@@ajjb21 Indeed! Thank you!

[@Justwantahover]

I got some large 3-ways with a coaxial + woofer. The speakers sound really clear in the voice sound, even when cranked to hell and also at super low (hardly can hear) levels, and the detail is still as clear as day. Point source is really good for the med range. My speakers are dipole as well (with an open coaxial driver on the box and a big woofer in the box). Dipole and point source is even more holographic! 🎉

[@toddstyles7194]

Have them up and running. My tube amp is on par with a 20,000.00 tube amp. Utterly fantastic. Have about 12 hours on them. Timbre is to die for. Very very pleased 😀 Nothing thin about the sound with my system. Don't hesitate to buy.

[@davidlai399]

Surprised to find Thomas here. Congrats!

[@daveyurkovich9459]

Hey Thomas appreciate you!❤

[@seanlefebvre438]

Congrats Thomas! Great video and review as always! 👍

[@igaldins]

Thomas is great! 👍

[@dannyfannyfoodle]

❤ U, Thomas!!!

[@phibonez]

Hi Thomas! I have the R11 meta paired with a vacuum tube. It's a cheat code entrance to high end audiophile music which cost $$$$$$. Trust me ya'll, this Metas are excellent.

[@naveenthakur9303]

Waiting for this video for 100 years

[@kopczas]

I hope that it doesn't mean the end of Thomas & Stereo channel.

[@richarde3237]

Nice review but I would have liked to see more comparisons with the R3. Also the logo looks better if you peel off the plastic cover 😊

[@Linnyuk]

As others have said, it’s not a kef sticker. The logo has a clear film over it to protect it in shipping. It peels right off. I thought the same to begin with.

[@carlitomelon4610]

Mr. Thom-AS !! CONGRATULATIONS ON THE UPGRADE TO ABSOLUTE SOUND. You earned it! 🎶😀👍🎶

[@trey81373]

All I know is whatever “Meta” ingredients they incorporated into my LS60’s sure do make them magical. 😮💜

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

it's meta-sensory.

[@STPONLINE_SA]

We sell these in South Africa as we are a dealer for KEF, they are brilliant for Music 🎶Agree with you they are indeed good for vocals, a nice wide sound stage and brilliant for instrument separation

[@RedSinter]

Hey Thomas 👍 Congratulations on the Upgrade... well affiliation... I have no doubt the broader exposure will be awesome. And I hope your business is going well also. Nice review having had a secret love of KEF speakers, had I the room literally, having not heard them I'd 😂 buy them site unseen. What I'd truly love is a version as close as possible to their voicing in a Desktop Speaker say 15Tx8Wx10-12D of course a Sub. Of course a Sub would be needed which goes without saying. Thanks as always for the views, reviews, and our correspondence as it is.

[@fhaquuu]

Great review. Cheers

[@nhennessy6434]

The LS 50 has always been considered to be one of Kef's top of the line speakers. As a matter of policy, it gets the cutting edge innovations first. There is nothing trickle down about the LS 50.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

I had to double check what channel I was on when I saw Thomas.

[@francisdelacruz6439]

My cheat code , sounds natural 😮

[@bill3931]

Thanks Thomas, up to your usual high standards. Would be interested in a follow up to expand your thoughts on equipment matching, easy or difficult load to drive? Benefits from big power? Speaker placement? Is there enough bass without a sub? If not, is it better to spend on a sub or move up the range? What's the sound stage like? Cheers

[@carlitomelon4610]

He did touch on most of that list, matey😅

[@akent46]

They are so detailed that I heard Lars Ulrich's sweat hit the studio floor after he held timing for a whole song!

[@slashmatt]

It would be nice to combine this concept with the old Boston Acoustics AMD from the Lynnfield VR range which put a small series of tuned pipes in front of the tweeter in order to give it a flatter response.

[@NeilBlanchard]

If I am not mistaken, the MAT tech is on the tweeter? It seems then that the midrange and the bass clarity is "coming" from something else - driver quality, crossover design and parts quality, etc?

[@20CycleMonger]

Mr T: Very professional presentation. Time to review the KEF "Flagship" Ls50meta? (Not really trickle down from that level is it? Its not the price but level of performance after all, right?) I have a Ls50/REL 2.2 living room system. Would be interested in your Ls50/Meta/R3m comparison. Sean says the Ls50s image better? Something to do with the diffraction caused by the non curved baffles maybe. But for a family the grilles are a good idea !

[@ralex3697]

Thomas speaks I click.

[@Justwantahover]

Point source not only is an advantage in itself, but any improvement on the sound is exponential, rather than just linear as with normal 2-ways and 3-ways. 😂 🎉

[@晴朗-0618]

Is the Galion TS A75 a good match for KEF’s R3 Meta?

[@geevee1045]

The Meta material is pretty much a sales gimmick since it's effect would be small, but Kef also redesigned the Xover, which accounts for the real sound difference. I must say though, I'm surprised that you dismissed the Kef LS50 Meta as a minor change over the original LS50 sound, without even hearing it, but love the same changes in the R3 Meta. I think you should have at least given the LS50 Meta a listen before pronouncing that the original LS50 and LS50 Meta sound almost identical. But, please don't be offended by my comment. I still think you're one of the best audio reviewers out there, and I really appreciate the effort and expertise you bring to your reviews.

[@adnanhukic1974]

Thanks for nice review, many reviewers states this is not speakers for low volume listening but you mentioned that is not problem, is these speakers able to perform nice detail and pleasent in low volume around 60db to 65db ??

[@bigpicture3]

Away back in the day (when I was an avid audiophile) I had 4 KEF 104s, these were not the easiest speakers to impedance match and drive. (even with 400 watt mono amps) I would like if these R3s were available in "amplified" versions, because then the manufacturer can match up the electronic qualities as well as the mechanical qualities of producing sound. It used to be all about the room and placement of the speakers, and the mechanical qualities of the cabinets. And the electronics was somebody else's problem. When it is all in one package, then it is all in the speaker manufacturer's control.

[@stoicar]

Wath dac mr quad is using?

[@mikehuntington4440]

Buchardt S400 mk2...or these?

[@steeveabitbol2466]

I am currently using Q350's for my rear and side bookshelves, 99% movies, would you think I would benefit to upgrade all 4 speakers, sides and rear to R3 metas?

[@thepandolfster8510]

Regarding tonality, how do the Metas compare to the Rogers LS 5/9?

[@TheEvolvingAudioNut]

That logo is NOT a sticker. What you are describing is the plastic cover that protects the logo during shipping. Peel it off! Yikes.

[@JJ-no2ob]

😂

[@carlitomelon4610]

Sloppy? No bonus MrT! 😅

[@xstensl8823]

i live in a hotel room so out of the question. my Rega RS1's are pretty good and are rated 90db. Kef should make a mini version of this with more sensitivity. Kef are you listening?

[@Audfile]

Love my Ls50 Meta on Orchard Audio Starkrimsons. I love them so much I just had them vinyl wrapped gloss metallic, they look incredible.

[@JaibirSethi]

How do these sound on mediocre or poor recordings? That’s the worry that comes to mind given the statements around transparency

[@manvalerio]

I got the R3’s and center channel for $900 from Best Buy last year and I can’t justify upgrading. My previous setup was the Klipsch 600M. I also have a setup of the Elac Uni-Fi B5 slim’s. Do you know if there is any difference between the the regular and Slim Uni-Fi B5’s?

[@Luca84v]

are they comparable sonically with KeF LS50 Meta?

[@user-jm8ky1kn2t]

Im new to the audio space and just want to understand how the LS50 is different than the Q150 or Q350? The gentleman mentioned that Kef introduced the meta on the affordable line but they are in the thousands and the Q series are in the hundreds. Is there something im missing?

[@ralex3697]

This is reference and the others are budget series. Still they manufacture a very decent speaker through all their lines. Used to be my go to speaker back in the day when they were Made in the UK.

[@cooluser23]

Do you think KEF will ever make speakers with Atmos built in?

[@michael-4k4000]

Try the killer Q750’s for pure audio bliss!

[@phpn99]

How do they compare to KEF's active speakers ? On one hand you could have an unlimited budget for DAC, Pre and Amp(s), but having perfectly-tuned all-of-the-above in the speaker enclosure, could be hard to beat and hard to approach at any price difference.

[@francisdelacruz6439]

Nice!😀

[@michaelburton5198]

So These And The R11 Meta Speakers And So For KEF Speakers, Would Be Great For A HOME THEATER 🎥 SYSTEM????