WOW. Just WOW. KEF R3 Meta review.

[@alkebulansan]

Hi. I just bought a pair of these speakers, 3 days ago. I have a Music Hall Ikura turntable with an Ortofon 2m blue cart and an Accuphase e211 amplifier. I am totally blown away by these speakers. Bloody hell! Vocals, guitar, instrument separation bass clarity which keeps on going and giving. I couldn't /can't believe the soundstage it's so clear so pronounced so, I dunno, perfect. Perfect in a luxurious, sexy way! Blew my mind, incredible. Prior to these speakers I had B and W Cdm 1se. I thought they were good and they are but these Kef R3 meta are just MAD. Music I've been listening to for years just grew and opened, breathed and spread out so much detail has been released. Nitin Sawney's Beyond Skin, Dominique Fils Aime Nameless, Karin Krog, Air Pocket Fly On were some of the albums I played. All shone. Save some money, go shopping! Holy smokes people, holy smokes!

[@MinhTran-zm2ws]

Finally there is timestamp for your videos.... THANK YOU!!!! BIG HELP non-native English speaker like me absolutely appreciate this because it can be super difficult to keep track of what topic are being discuss, sometimes.

[@DarkoAudio]

Finally? Most videos nowadays have time stamps.

[@jakubbor9188]

I bought them last week. Transparent and expressive sound. Deep bass, dynamics, power..

[@SUPERDAVOR]

Great insight as always. I tested the R3 Meta and the LS50 Meta side by side a couple of weeks ago. Also had the KC62 subwoofer at hand. The R3 Metas are pretty spectacular, but if I had to pick one for my smaller room (16 square meters, acoustically treated), I'd opt for the LS50 Meta + KC62. The bass of the R3 Metas is simply too hard to control in my room. Plugging the ports with the supplied foam plugs helps greatly (partial plugging was enough), but I would still rather opt for the added flexibility of the bass control with the KC62 sub. It integrates with the LS50 Metas beautifully, and it allows you to select the volume level best suited for your room. For me, that was the starting quarter of its volume range. I should also note I was able to distort the LS50 Metas' Uni-Q driver at high volumes on certain bass-heavy tracks. In the end I decided to stick with the KEF Q550 + KC62 combo, as that's the combo that plays with my room best, has the most flexibility, doesn't distort where the LS50 Metas did, and gives me most enjoyment overall. And after a couple of hours of listening, I completely forgot about the slightly improved clarity I was getting from the LS50 Metas. My takeaway would be - don't feel bad if the R3 Meta is out of your financial reach. Depending on your room size, composition and sound, you might get better results from a less expensive option(s). After my experience, I wouldn't consider the R3 Meta for a room smaller than 25 square meters.

[@Z-u-m-a]

'Songs are really just interesting things to be doing with the air.' Tom Waits. Your cool reference to air reminded me of that. Solid review John.

[@sebastianbirch2187]

Great review, like the genuine excitement. This is another „proof” that KEF and NAD is a match made in heavens. I have owned 9 pairs of KEFs, four run by NAD electrics, that always was my favorite combination.

[@scottward7813]

These metas are the most amazing things I've ever heard!

[@TedHull]

Definitely picking up your enthusiasm for the speakers, and really glad you like the Nad M23. And big thank you for all the music you listed into the review, you gave us enough to listen all week! Keep up the great work!

[@daveg7878]

fun video to watch. Nice to see you so enthusiastic about a product.

[@purnendupaliwal]

I purchased R3 meta, paired it with McIntosh 252 and SMSL D300. Together, they sound awesome!

[@matthewfrazee3352]

I did a side by side r3 meta with reference 1 meta when shopping for replacement of my original ls50. The reference 1 meta superior but not a huge delta as John would say. I did bust my budget and get the reference 1 but wouid have been totally happy with the r3.

[@kelvinhung9434]

Reference 1 is more superior in what ways? I’m on the same boat. Have a LS50 meta and want to upgrade to ref 1 but my local dealer only has ref 3 so I did a AB comparison between LS50 meta with Ref 3. Ref 3 wins by a far margin. Much more clarify, more silent background. But they don’t have R3.

[@6315javis]

Besides the great information on equipment, I love your videos because I always find new music to listen to as well.

[@fairmania]

Wire wool treble, and unnecessary chafing. Oh John, a superb choice of phrasing as always. Keep up the good work!

[@mehmetcamat4458]

Yes I had LS50 Meta connected to the same amp Hegel H95 that now is replaced with R3 Meta and definitely there is a change in sound. R3 Meta is more transparent on the high frequency and has more dynamic on the low end. It is a better allrounder but still they both have that nice warmth at the same time.

[@cabronesse386]

WOW 300K subs! Congrats John!

[@stevenbrooke7558]

The blue cabinets are gorgeous

[@rickruffin7336]

Just put together your “triple play”: ideas, cinematography and playlists. After watching this video, I patiently waited until I could get to the”big rig” to listen to the music in the playlist. So much fun. Thanks, John.

[@jamesflood893]

A wonderful review. I've only discovered your channel recently and you bring a warmth and personality which is very similar as (from a cooking stand point) Sam the Cooking Guy. I think You've swung me from LS50s to R3s, thank you.

[@imammarc]

About a year ago I gave up on loudspeakers after dropping some serious dough because I just wasn't able to overcome the crappy room acoustics. I hope when we relocate in a few years our new spot will be more friendly audio-wise. Will keep these KEF's in mind.

[@snakeobias]

I demoed a pair of LS50 wireless and R3 metas in the KEF store (I have LS50 metas at home though). I asked the clerk to hook up a KC62 subwoofer to the LS50s. The R3 sound better than the 2.1 system. Such a beautiful speaker and a massive step up from the LS50 range. But, if you have the LS50ms, you could probably just add the sub and get a similar response. Although the R3s are tuned for it, so I'd probably go for the single 2 speaker system

[@c0mbat15]

Did you listen to the R3 Metas with the KC62? I have the KC62 already but have the Q Acoustics Q Active 200 speakers.

[@wolverine3344]

@@c0mbat15my perception of the LS50 Meta vs R3 Meta (both in blue w matching stands, disclaimer, Kef dealer here) is as such. The LS50 meta even without a sub sounds incredibly detailed and lush. Adding the little kc62 (not blue ) fills in those missing octaves that you didn’t know you were missing. For near field listening from just a few feet away the LS50 are perfect. Once I got the R3 meta it was immediate how these guys “project” sound much further into the room, and do not need a sub. Truly fantastic speakers, and I’m using less than spectacular electronics than Darko. Can’t go wrong either way. Meta is a true game changer.

[@soupistasty5]

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you so much for all your candid, entertaining audio review videos. I have found them enlightening & very practical, over the years. Also, you mention your love of larger, stand mounted monitor speakers near the close of this video; as well as mentioning why you shy away from floor standing speakers, in general (limited storage space). I was wondering, if at all possible, if it would be possible for you to 'break' that rule, to do a review of the Zu Druid 6s? They are a fair bit more expensive than you generally review. They also, well, aren't stand mounted. So, that's 2 strikes against them. However, I feel like speakers in the $10K USD range are just at that point that those of us who have been into audio for some time, may begin to aspire to owning something in that range. I for one, would love to hear your take on equipment that is in that 'next tier' for cost! Does it live up to its greater investment? Either way, all the best as 2023 nears its close. Cheers!

[@bevancourt4819]

I've been the LS50, the R3 Meta and the R5 Meta at my local dealership. The R3 and R5 are so good, trying to work out which I can make work in my room.

[@justinmaccreery2490]

Love the Kef LSX's purchased as great near-field, low volume speakers for my office so much that my next bookshelves will definitely be R3 Metas. Thanks for another great review, and thanks for sharing all the music you listen to. My tastes are similar, so whenever you talks about music that's somehow passed me by, it's my signal to go check it out!

[@a.h.d.h.2803]

Since two weeks I got the KEF LSX II as well as speakers for near field listening and me too find they're great even at low level. I tried them as midfield with a subwoofer, to enlighten the tasks for the amps and the drivers of the LSX, and they sounded great! I've been on the fence for the R3's as well a year ago, but I ended up buying the R7 (non meta) because of the price of the stands, which I don not like either.

[@Audfile]

Love my LS50 Metas on Orchard Audio monoblocks paired with 2 RSL Speedwoofer mkii. It. Is. Glorious.

[@ipman8646]

I agree in particular with the comparison of Bowers 'flashy' vs KEF 'subdued' when demo'ing at a store. You go into to the store wanting to be wow'd, and the Bowers do that, while the KEF sound boring. I bought the OG R3 purely based on reviews, and it has been a long journey of finally falling in love with their sound, clean and non fatiguing. I will say, that recently adding a class A pre-amp really woke up the speakers with better dynamics and emotion. I think the KEF R3 scale really well, so if you like to fiddle with your system, or upgrades, then this might be a speaker that will have a long life for you. BTW, I demo'd a $100K Bowers + McIntosh system at the store, this will impress your friends for a quick demo, but I actually found it a bit fatiguing after only a couple of tracks. The KEF may not give your buddies a wow moment, it takes more time and longer sessions to appreciate what they do.

[@kazzzer4876]

I agree, my cousin always loves bw and I preferred kef. As I started with orginal ls50, then ls50 meta, kef r3 meta and since two months reference 1 meta. With the latter I found my end game. But I must admit that the r3 meta are amazing for the money.

[@semihkarakus4475]

Thank you so much for this perfect review. I will order the r3 meta after hearing them with the rotel ar 1592 mk2. Such lovely speakers...

[@FlixTraveler]

The KEF Blades on a home build tube amplifier sounds angelic. I can believe how this sounds already. I am saving money for years to get my hand on the Blades. The Tube amplifier is getting form already.

[@esce69]

Wow! Never seen you this enthusiastic. You forgot to mention though that they look absolutely fabulous. I am an "Keffie" myself and started with a floor standing KEF DIY kit (constructor series model CS7 - some 35 years ago and they're still playing beautifully at my parents') but since moved to a smaller apartment and very happy with my (also white) LS50W (pre-meta) and Kube 8b. Just can't be bothered with all the extra gear.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

_an “Keffie”_

[@ke5943]

Have been waiting for this review. Thank you!

[@blairholmesproductionsinc.9432]

Terrific video as always, John! Thank you!

[@robmaxwell3678]

300,000 subscribers! congratulations, John!!

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

Nice review John ! 🙂 I know the color has no effect on the sound but the blue does have that "this is color you want" pull to it.

[@florisdeerenberg9315]

Next to the great reviews you provide, that guide me through the vast and confusing landscape of quality audio equipment (with a budget) I also really enjoy your taste in music and discovering new music through you video's. I love the subjective approach and also not assuming you have the answers, but more a preferred way of listening to things. I bought the Klipsch RP600m's because of your review. Also, as a designer, I really enjoy how well put together your video's are and the quality of the cinematography. It's rare in this content creators landscape, where quantity trumps quality far too often. Thank you so much.

[@russellwelton813]

Awesome overall frequency reponse, bass response for this size, and what an observation that they sounded so good - even in another room. Telling.

[@SouthernTribe]

2 things. 1. thanks for the heads up on the Sabres of Paradise album, its fantastic. 2. Really looking forward to your experience adding in subs. Really interested in your thoughts on 2 subs vs one especially.

[@allanwhittle3041]

As always , excellent presentation , from a man who knows what he’s on about 👍😆 Good stuff Love it 🥂

[@Joshuadanielcohen]

thanks for this enjoyable review! as someone not even in the market for hi-fi speakers, stumbling upon this video was a delight. your description is so accessible yet appropriately technical for those who know (i don't, but appreciate the effort!)

[@VintageVic93]

It’s cool hearing Darko mention Built to Spill. I just found out about them a few weeks ago as they opened for Sylvan Esso! What a great show.

[@DarkoAudio]

Built to Spill are one of my fav bands of all time.

[@jeffreypeterson4020]

Thanks for the review. Bought these a few months ago for my living room where we mostly watch television and movies. My main listening room is downstairs in the man cave where I have Bryston amps and Walsh speakers. Since installing the KEFs, I’ve been overstaying my welcome in the living room as the sound blows my other music system away. Who would have thought . . .

[@arvind0rjillako]

What's the amp you've paired up with the R3 Meta?

[@jeffreypeterson4020]

@@arvind0rjillako Marantz NR1510 av receiver as preamp only feeding Emotiva BasX A2 power amp.

[@vjn5270]

Just purchased R11 Metas in Walnut!~ I have a Cambridge audio evo 150 to power them but was thinking about trying out the HiFi Rose RS520.

[@akarshsahni]

I bought the KEF LS50s in 2016. Seven years on they are still a joy to listen to. For my main listening room, I invested in the Dali Rubicon 6 BE. After listening to this review, I am keen to hear the KEF R3 Metas in action. I have an inkling that they might be my next acquisition. Or one of the larger R MEta series for that matter. Thanks for the great review!!!

[@Krell666]

Nice review. The R3 being a true 3-way is a huge win, I run a pair of Dynaudio 2-ways (Contour 20) and wonder how much more the R3 could give.

[@ErwinvanMaanen]

Mmmm…..listened to my ole B&W CDM1 nt’s last night with the Roksan amp and cd player candy set, and was impressed by how well they sound, despite the age of the speakers. Making me wonder why I would need a new set of speakers or better invest in the music collection🌟I think i’ll stick to enjoying the actual music rather than the perpetual frustration of chasing a better sound each time the market dictates a new audio set🌟

[@ravington666]

So elegant, so beautiful, just looking like a wow !

[@KITFLETCH1]

I was lucky enough to hear these in a side by side with the Lintons (your other recent knockout award winners) and made a choice to buy based on this. I’ve not heard my purchase at home yet in my room but your point about personal taste is so important. Let’s hope I made the right choice!

[@ramondelgado6778]

Please provide your thoughts. Thank you!

[@DrOz-007]

Yes, please report back!

[@KITFLETCH1]

I’ve just unboxed the Lintons and have been listening to them for 4 hours solid. Incredible. Your description and advice was so helpful, John.

[@claudec2588]

I like your videos, they are well produced and organized, even though most of the time the products you review are out of my price range. Finally the KEF R3 Meta is in my price range.

[@Nephilim-81]

So cool. Love the enthusiasm. ❤

[@wkapteijn]

Great to see you smile, joke & thoroughly enjoy yourself again. Love the Kef R3 Meta, really good video!

[@HitsuHits]

Speaking of KEF; I bought the LSX early in 2023 after seeing your videos talking about it. One of my better buys of the year, cheers!

[@andriivaskovets5438]

So good reviews that you produce! So much taste in your representation!!!

[@nurbsenvi]

Kef is killing it with Meta technology

[@HugoCoolDude]

its interesting to note that for an audiophile, the coffee grinder you use (the baratza sette) is one of the loudest around :p.

[@andreymerzlyakov8581]

Why am I doing this, I mean, continue to watch John’s reviews, I have a complete set of equipment, I don’t need anything, and now I just have to listen to these speakers😅

[@kloppsliverpudlians88]

2 years ago I compared these against the ATC SCM 19v2, and ended up picking the ATC’s (currently paired with my Hegel H390). While the R3s were indeed very good, I found the the ATCs to be in a different league altogether. Really looking forward to the day we see an ATC review on this channel :)

[@1922peter]

But you didn’t hear the R3 Meta two years ago, or did you? (I have ATC SCM40 so I know the sound you enjoy!)

[@ΠαναγιώτηςΠαναγιώτου-μ1ψ]

Hi John Would you pick [and why] these KEF s over the BUCHARDT 400 MKII at a similar price? thanks in advance

[@overskou34]

Jordan the comeback❤

[@vladburdyak9300]

Great review John, thank you. Would really like to see DALI Rubicon 2 here, should be perfect. Around 2000$ price point quality, as me and my friends desided after comparising in a store, are too good. I would bet on DALI vs KEF meta 2 or R3. And personally I think you must to listen Monitor Audio Gold 100. Highly appresiate your work. Best Regards

[@brianesbaugh6897]

Very high production quality in all your vids brother. Actually enjoy those inserted ads, how they’re informative yet perfectly brief

[@jimlad24]

Brilliant video, bought a pair of R3 Meta on their launch in the UK. I was confused as I wanted to demo the S3's and the R3 meta but this was not possible at the time. Now I know I made the correct choice and saved around £600 pounds not buying the d&w s3's I love my r3 meta's, they are truly amazing at this price point. Buy a pair and be blown away.... Listen to Prodigy's poison on R3's with a sub as minimal fill in.. Bass bonkers that track 😂

[@mr.advocatusdiaboli1745]

Great review as ever, +1 for The Horse With No Name! Also a guilty pleasure when testing speakers!

[@pcfreakx]

I have R3's in white (4 of them and a center for a 5.1 system). Love them.

[@randomAnnanoumousDude2134]

It was great to rewatch this Darko😊 This review lead to my own purchase. I have seen other reviews that found the R3 Meta like a heavy damping factor on the amplifier to open up more. Both of my amplifiers have DF around 100 and the speakers sound amazing like end sate amazing for my hi fi.

[@citytianyu]

I had exactly the same preamp and amp. The most refined sounding system I have ever heard in my room.

[@shunpillay]

Thanks for an awesome review. ☺

[@thierrybernot9369]

Hi John. Thank you for this review and showing what you're listening at. Different tastes but still very interesting your thoughts about new loudspeakers and other components. I'll lend them an ear next time I'll see them. Cheers.

[@Unicorn-ST]

@Darko Audio I have been waiting for this review since I seen the R3 behind you in others videos. I was about to buy those speakers, but I waited a bit longer and got a pair of Acoustic Research AR94 that were almost new, except for the suspensions, which I already replaced. I have two pairs of Kef C55, which are from the first Uni-Q generation, wonderful speakers that feature an 8" Uni-Q driver and an 8" passive radiator. The R3 speakers are the closest match to my C55s, and I have my eye on them. In reality, the AR94 also have a certain resemblance, although they haven't a concentric driver, with two 8" woofers and a 1" tweeter in a configuration that I believe is one of the early 2.5-way setups. I'm convinced that they would also give you that room-filling sensation you mentioned. I'm glad to see that the R3 has caught your attention! I have the R3s on my radar, but for now, I'm so satisfied with my C55s and the AR94s that I think it will be a while before I switch to new speakers.

[@ajs-qv5fe]

great review on the KEF R3M, john, and your attitude is perfecto 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 keep up the good work, mate ...

[@guy_autordie]

I always enjoy very much each track you use in your videos

[@adsph]

Sounds like these loudspeakers really impressed you. Great review.

[@farighdesi]

Kef should also build in future a powered/wireless version of KEF R3 speakers

[@liamporter1137]

How about Buchardt comparison?😮. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulgain7275]

They are sublime. I paired with an Audiolab 7000A I found them to work a treat. Lovely mids and treble with enough bass for my room. I think they’ll easily take an amp upgrade when the time comes. Don’t think despite them being 4 ohm that need worry anybody. The blue looks lovely. Only thing I’m not sure about is what the tiny screws into the spikes are for!

[@WMalven]

Thanks, John. Bddn waiting on this one, ever since I spotted them behind you in an earlier review. Even though I just bought a pair of Q Accoustics 3030i's. I still am exicted to hear about these.

[@sgandrew]

Watching on my R3 metas 😂 what made me try them finally was the larger center channel for home theater. I know not your cup of tea but for me I need the full package. Great review!

[@Michael-xz1nk]

I have been waiting and alas, no surprise the R3’s are a knock out. KEF rocks! Would love you to review the R5…the R3 as a floor stander at some point. Thanks for a great review!!

[@michaelwang9535]

I bought r3 meta and listened side by side with ls50 meta for a month, both supported by a single kc62. I found r3 meta was certainly sounding more detailed given that it’s a 3 way, ls50 meta sounded a little less detailed but warmer and more cohesive partnered with kc62. And I prefer that pairing better, so I returned r3 meta.

[@dannymunroe6996]

Greetings Darko,very enjoyable as usual listening to your commentary..appreciate your choice of music that really space out the base & treble .Dub plate is the order of the day.👊🏾🇯🇲

[@stro_photography]

congrats to 300k

[@KASmonkeys]

Just what I needed to hear! Thanks

[@chawonytube]

Always on point. Great review.

[@idahocartel]

My home town hero’s Built to spill!! Watching from Boise Idaho🤘🏽

[@karinensink]

Wonderful review. Delighted that KEF is up to standard again!

[@ranelime]

Thank you John! Delightful video! Any chance of a M23 review?

[@MrGorpm]

I love my R3's on partington dreadnaught stands. I wonder how much the meta material improves the new model but unfortunately I couldn't afford them ATM anyway. Oh well, I can dream 😴

[@davidmorris8121]

Great video. Stunning speakers, too! As nice as the blue is, agreed, the white ones are the way to go!

[@timball4892]

I must say that you are dead on with this review. It's the first product I have owned that you reviewed and I find your review spot on. I have a dedicated room with extensive treatment with GIK products and typically use Magnepan 3.7i's. The R3's give them a run for their money and surpass them in some ways. Well done indeed!

[@geraldao2010]

It would be interesting to remember the sound of the ls50meta with the sub kc62 and compare it to the sound of the R3 meta. The extra drivers does the same job as the sub in separation of bass from the uni-q-drivers.

[@bpalpha]

I really love your choices in music. Get some Ocean Colour Scene going on too. Not much to say about the KEF. I'm sure they're great, but it wouldn't be my selection in this price range.

[@alfovebraseth]

Side by side comparison is good thing, thanks:-)

[@slapstra1970]

Thank tou ever so much for your great content!

[@earlbee3196]

That was a super awesome review as always.

[@Sonicality]

I bought the R3 Meta to replace my LS50 Meta... but I sent them back! I found them harsh in the upper vocals and boomy in the lower with little gain over using the LS50 Meta with a sub as i would also use these with a sub. Instead i kept the LS50s and also bought Blade 1 non meta for higher volume listening. All powered by Arcam amplification which is considered quite soft and unfatiguing. To be honest i find the Blades quite sharp too, but i am currently trying alternative amplification and room treatments from GIK. The mid range i just find too metallic and thin sounding.

[@MasterMark5]

Speaker and equipment combos are extremely important so it may be the anthem isn't to your personal tastes, you should try different brands if you can

[@rytmziemi7513]

I have old R3 and they don't have this problem. For me first R3 are very good balanced speakers if you like soft and worm sound. New metas maybe are more detalic but they are sharper.

[@claireball3919]

I have 4ohm speakers (totem mani 2) and I get the same feeling.I put a playlist on shuffle whilst pottering about and a song I haven’t heard in a long while grabs my attention causing me to sit and play the track in my listening position 👌the speakers have been hooked up to various amplifiers over my years of ownership.The combination I have now really makes recordings come alive 4ohm speakers need some grunt I bi-amp with leema Tucana 2 /leema hydra power amp AMP choice is crucial on 4ohm speakers 🤞Totem reissue mani2 so mr darko can review them

[@robmaxwell3678]

John, for us homeowners with grandkids, would you provide a shot with grills on the speakers that come with them like the R3 metas, so we get an idea of what they look like? I like to listen to my Q Acoustics mostly with them off, but the grills go on when the grandkids and their Roman fingers come over.

[@michaelwright1602]

Great video John. The PS Audio gear, cannot agree more, I own the Stellar Gaincell DAC/Preamp. It is not a BHK, but it sure has a gorgeous fluidity to it. Then the Kefs, I have not heard those, but I do own a pair of the Zu DW6 Supremes, and I can relate to your experience with the DWX and more complicated techno tracks, they do get "confused", I have only heard it on one recording, a very intense recording, cannot even remember what it was, as I am not a techno fan, and can understand where the Kef's would be better suited with that genre. For now, my Zu's are staying, as they are such a fun and enjoyable speaker to listen to, that present very good separation and a huge soundstage with incredible bass, no subs required.

[@thobekanikhoza4038]

"...it carves and cuts deeper unto the air" is that how it is said😊

[@venvedam]

Spot on with regards to KEF Vs B&W, I will be upgrading from my 10 year old LS50s to these once I make a bit more stash.

[@michaeljohansson3882]

Thanks John. Try the REL T-Zero sub to fill the low end without waking up the room node at 35-36 Hz. It works excellent!

[@alejandrooviedo1981]

Thanks for the information 👍

[@ducky5712]

Been waiting for this review... and trying to find some place to listen to them. I only have some LSX but I think it is time to upgrade my system! :) Always love your videos as well as your music recommendations! By the way, the links to the speakers (blue or white) themselves in your description do not guide me to where they are supposed to, I think.