Kef R3 Meta Speakers, The best stand mount under $2500? Review- AudioPursuit

[@davidp419]

Thank you for that well-informed, well-thought out review. I am on the 2 yard line and am getting ready to purchase these speakers. Currently I have the KEF Q350's. They sound good but they leave me wanting more. How do you think these would pair with a PS Audio Stellar Strata integrated amp? It's class D but it puts out about 120 watts into 4 ohms. Thank you in advance!

[@surf6d769]

Good review. I hear such conflicting opinions about the highs of the R3 Meta. Anything from beautifully smooth, refined (and even understated) to a bit edgy and bright. I know you commented on setup/toe in, but generally speaking - whether sat in the ideal sweet spot or not - do you find them bright or metallic in the highs compared to other speakers you've heard?

[@stereofanoregon6481]

No, I don't find them bright or edgy even with the measured bump rise starting at about 7-8Khz. The Meta technology from what I've heard from others tamed it. As I mentioned, both Totem and Paradigm (companies I'm a fan of their house sound) are much brighter.

[@mbvx7]

I would love to try these but I have a Naim UNITI ATOM "rated" @ 40wpc. I don't have a large room and I listen at 75/80dB or less 99% of the time I might hit 83dB if I am really getting loud. (hardly ever) Just not sure if the naim would be ok

[@ClassMPlanet-Yo]

Great review! I’m looking for new speakers and was considering the KEF R3 Metas. Do you think they would pair well with a Peachtree audio Nova500? Also, I’ve bought a Foz SS-X sound stage expander from Black Ice Audio and hooked it up to my nova500 with the loop connection… in addition to making my Klipsch speakers disappear, I have a nice tube warmth in the music. Definitely a great set up… If I had better speakers, I think it would make an even bigger difference.

[@stereofanoregon6481]

The Nova is a bit brighter than the Carina integrateds from Peachtree. Since KEF's have a more open top end, this will be a personal choice, as some will say too sparkly, while others will believe it's a match made in heaven. I would consider how well treated your room is. Ordering from Peachtree direct gives you time to try it out. Power-wise, you'll get the R3 metas jumping, like i did when I ran it with my Peachtree amp500. Thanks for watching!

[@Linux_Lucy]

Whilst recently at a dealer checking out 'other gear', he suggested I have a listen to the new R3 Meta's. My main amp for the past 2 years was the Hegel H390. ( I have just 'Down-Sized' to the New H190v ) They do sound very good with Hegel Amps. I'd say the best Bang for Buck would be the new H190v. Though they did very well with the 75 Watt H120. I've never really been a fan of KEF. Always found them Bright and 'Tizzy'. Alanis Morissette on any previous KEF was just 'Un-Listenable' ! A Sibelence 'Mess' ! 😖.... And Agnes Obel / Joni Mitchell / Tori Amos were just TOO MUCH on the older KEF's ! ... On the R3 Meta's they were all very good / tolerable ... Having said all of that, there are better speakers out there for around the same price, IMO ... Try the excellent Amphion Argon 3S ( Rear 'Radiator' so they 'do' work closer to the Wall ) ... And Yes, I bought a pair. 😍... ( But, I am an ATC 'Fan Girl' ... I own 3 different models of ATC's - SCM 11's / Passive SCM 40's & ''Active'' 19's 🙂) I have just 'Sub'd .... ATB

[@stereofanoregon6481]

Lucy, I appreciate your detailed reply, and agree that the KEF sound is definitely not for everyone. I personally tried out the R500, but would agree with your pre Meta description. The upper frequencies (800hz and above) IMHO is where the debate seems to ensue. I do have a couple of the competition reviews coming by Christmas. Thanks for watching!

[@calvincurry8496]

How do these sound vs the LSA 80s

[@markmarcantonio2796]

The R3 Meta's are more airy, the upper frequencies more resolving, and a wider soundstage due to the UniQ driver and wave guide. The LS80's have a chestier sound, and require more power and volume number to get the same output level. The midrange is warmer. Switching back and forth with my Adcom speaker selector had to be followed with several presses of the volume on the remote to get the same decibel level. Thanks for watching!

[@MasterofPlay7]

@@markmarcantonio2796 like klipsch said is all bs, the r3 meta sounds thin in my opinion

[@CCPL-z9p]

Second question: how they compare to floor speakers - KEF R5 (non-Meta)?

[@stereofanoregon6481]

Heard the R5 non-meta for all of one song 4-5 years ago. My speculation would be a bit more bass, but the mid- and treble wouldn't be as smooth or detailed. Thanks for watching.

[@CCPL-z9p]

How they compare to Monitor Audio Gold 100 or Chario Constellation Dolphines MK2 ??

[@stereofanoregon6481]

Haven't heard a pair of Monitor Audio speakers in a decade. Only fair that I pass on commenting.

[@MasterofPlay7]

too expensive, i can get the same fineness and dynamic with klipsch rp600m ii paring with class a amp

[@markmarcantonio2796]

I get it, we all have our budget limits, I lived for years in the under $500 world. Your Klipsch are dynamic, but the horn sound is not for everybody, myself included. Having heard your model, I also found that they lack the resolution that R3 Meta's have. But, if you're happy, that's all that matters. After all, speakers are like shoes, you wear the pair that fits the best. Thanks for watching.

[@MasterofPlay7]

@@markmarcantonio2796 resolution is about the source, plus I have class a amp so no distortion

[@johnbeaker8721]

Lmao, no you can't.

[@TruthTube1111]

Hmmmm, no you cannot.