KEF R3 Meta Speaker Review, Best Speaker For Your Money?

KEF R3 Meta Speaker
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ½
Price: 2200 USD (Oct, 2023)
amzn.to/46VGo69
Sound Stage: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ½
Stereo Image: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Highs: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Midrange: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Bass: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ½
Build Quality:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Price: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pros: Clean & Transparent Sound.
Cons: Can Sound Flat Unengaging with Some Paring.
(All Rating is based on price and sound quality, Product Sample Provided By Manufacturer)
Sound Sample with,
Music by Garce Mahya: ebay.us/tNmIAv , amzn.to/3KmR2di
Pre DAC: Loxjie D40 Pro: amzn.to/46Ebxvm
Sony HAP-Z1ES: ebay.us/zqQRFU
Power Amp: Sabaj A8 ICE Power Monoblocks: • Sabaj A8 Class D Monob...
Q Acoustics Concept Stands: amzn.to/3O7aBbX
Associated Components
Speakers,
KEF R3 Meta Speaker: amzn.to/46VGo69
Musician Knight 1 Speaker: ebay.us/xHwHjR
Pioneer TAD S-1EX Speaker: • Pioneer S-1EX Speaker ...
JBL L100 Classic 75th Speaker: • JBL L100 Classic 75th ...
Front End,
WiiM Pro Music Streamer: amzn.to/44d2EqC
Denafrips Pontus II R2R DAC: ebay.us/3trQ7c
Loxjie D40 Pro: amzn.to/46Ebxvm
Sony HAP-Z1ES: ebay.us/zqQRFU
Denon DP-47F Turntable (fully modified) with DL-301MK II MC Cartridge: amzn.to/3FxjTbK
Amplifiers,
Accuphase E-4000 Amp: • Accuphase E-4000 Ampli...
SMSL AO300 Integrated Amplifier: amzn.to/45xT2qI
Cables & Accessories,
Mogami XLR Cables: amzn.to/3Wxvqhp
Viborg Pure Silver RCA Cable: ebay.us/v5eCov
iFi Nova AC Power Cable: amzn.to/447GeGP
Oyaide Black Mamba Alpha Power Cable: ebay.us/5T2uZP
Viborg VM80 AC Power Distributor: amzn.to/3Z2zaKs
Audiocrast Isolation Footers: amzn.to/3WtiKsW, amzn.to/3EZ1zrR
Ricable Dedalus XLR, Power, MKII Speaker Cables: • Ri cable Dedalus High ...
Fanmuisc ZY-363 USB A to C Cable: amzn.to/47FrstM
Tharbamar Custom Speaker Cables: • Mogami W3082 Could Be ...
Viborg VS901 Speaker Cables: amzn.to/491Ez9w
Belden 9497 Speaker Cables: amzn.to/3tENE81
PS Audio AC-5/AC-12 Power Cables: ebay.us/DlSPgY
Hey!
Only Option To Listen KZread Sound Demo is with good headphones, not your favorite sound system because listening to two rooms at once is not a good thing, no matter how good your sound system is.,
Closest to listen my sound sample is with
Sony MDR-7506 amzn.to/2wAkk54 or
MDR-CD900St amzn.to/3p4PHNM
If you use these links above to purchase any items from Amazon or eBay (No Extra Cost To You), I get a small percentage which help support my work and helps me keep going.
Video Timeline:
0:00 Review
15:36 Sound Sample

Пікірлер: 164

  • @Tharbamar
    @Tharbamar8 ай бұрын

    300 watts power recommendation is based on most openness in sound quality with Class D amplification I have in hand. Good quality 100 watts @8 ohm Class AB Amplification will be more than sufficient for up to 90-95db range.

  • @jaimeceularcarranco340

    @jaimeceularcarranco340

    7 ай бұрын

    Hello, nice review, how would they get along paired with Schiit Ragnarok 2 (100W@4 Ohms)? I am between this KEFs and SF Sonetto I/II. Thanks

  • @Lifestylecoach602

    @Lifestylecoach602

    5 ай бұрын

    Could you try dali epicon 2? I really want to know what you would think of them😊

  • @pistopit7142

    @pistopit7142

    3 ай бұрын

    I finally got these speakers. Paired with Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 (got it instead of Marantz as I was convinced by Lyngdorf's RoomPerfect correction). This amplifier is 120W per channel into @4 ohm. To my ear it keeps Kefs more open than a pub on Saturday night. Amazing sound.

  • @liamporter1137
    @liamporter11379 ай бұрын

    Don't get upset with negative comments. Don't bother them as they don't worth your attention, time, energy and emotion. Everyone has their own views. Just carry on to share your own views as that's what you fans need. Your reviews are much appreciated 👏👏👏👍.

  • @roninnovastar1321
    @roninnovastar13218 ай бұрын

    Nice that you give honest explanation,, and give sound sample in your review.

  • @erikjohansson1488
    @erikjohansson14889 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your honest opinion. One of the best reviewer.

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    9 ай бұрын

    My pleasure

  • @6mmBRA
    @6mmBRA9 ай бұрын

    I have the same pair. After toeing out and bringing them into the room plus adding a Rel 7x, I couldn’t be happier. At this reasonable price you’re getting your moneys worth.

  • @allandresner

    @allandresner

    8 ай бұрын

    About to buy the same speakers / sub.

  • @liamporter1137
    @liamporter11379 ай бұрын

    Another great review 👍. Happy surprise to hear you say that Musician Knight 1 is comparable to KEF Reference speaker as I've the Knight 1🤭. Thanks for sharing.

  • @joaquinbarreto9398
    @joaquinbarreto93989 ай бұрын

    Excellent review as always! Thank you for specifying how it is in low level listening. I’m in an apartment and that is paramount for me and many audiophiles!

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    9 ай бұрын

    As I stated in the video Low level listening is ok, thanks

  • @davidrivera2165
    @davidrivera21659 ай бұрын

    I purchased the same Indigo blue 3R meta two months ago. I used two different subwoofers with these KEFs. They replaced a $6k full range floor standing speaker. Not quite as detailed as the ones they replaced, but the r3 meta have a great soundstage and airy imaging. I'm quite pleased.

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    9 ай бұрын

    Yep they could be a great choice in right paring, I’m still enjoying them, thanks

  • @tomb375

    @tomb375

    7 ай бұрын

    What sub did you use? Also how did you like it?

  • @MasterofPlay7
    @MasterofPlay724 күн бұрын

    you are spot on about midrange leanness/thinnest on the R3, i found the same to be true as well

  • @rmeyer52
    @rmeyer528 ай бұрын

    I have had the R3. Etas for over a month. They’re excellent

  • @surfeymcsurfer
    @surfeymcsurfer6 ай бұрын

    Thank you for mentioning the break in. I was literally thinking about whether or not reviewers take that into consideration and at that moment you spoke about that. I am new to this but my Kef LS50 Meta definitely needed to run for several hours. I did notice a positive change. From very veiled and uninspiring to finally sounding much better. New Hegel H190 driving them, Tidal/Roon through laptop, H190 DAC. Transitioning my music from away from my beginner AVR setup / Marantz SR8015 with Klipsch RP280, RP center and surrounds, 5.2 / Dual SVS sealed subs. Keeping the 2 setups, 1 for movies the other for music. Klipsch are really good sounding but with all the typical Klipsch concerns - a little bright on some songs, a little fatiguing. The towers really fill the room and sound very good so the smaller soundstage of the KEF takes a little getting used to. Both systems sit together just like the view in this video so I can easily switch between systems to compare. KEF/Hegel is cleaner/tighter, warmer, sibilants not nearly as ear piercing. The Klipsch are very good, the Hegel/KEF are easier to listen to for hours on end. Not using the subs for music to keep the peace with neighbors - apartment living blues. They get fair warning on movies though as it is not as often as music. The dual sealed subs really dig deep and shake the walls just the right amount. Fun fact: best soundproofing in the world is being courteous to your great neighbors and kindly offer to shut it down at any time if it is too much. They always say blast it and they appreciate the offer. Love my neighbors.

  • @rayoux

    @rayoux

    6 ай бұрын

    Hey hey, can you please tell me more about he Hegel with the Meta? I got them with the Powernode since everyone was praising this "combo" for the price - but I do want to upgrade to get more power/sound - I m mostly listening to Funk Boogie House music - any feedback ?

  • @iluxman
    @iluxman6 ай бұрын

    Great review. Most important point: You let the viewers hear the sound of the speakers, unlike ton of other nonsence youtubers "reviewers" keep talking, blathering the whole clip w/o let the viewers here the sound! that's sucked!. Again, Great clip. You know what the youtube viewers really want to , thanks for share.

  • @cremersalex
    @cremersalex9 ай бұрын

    The lighting on the speakers (the left speaker) give the impression that they have wooden side panels. And they look much better that way!

  • @Lovelacewatkins139

    @Lovelacewatkins139

    9 ай бұрын

    They would , maybe you should get on to kef

  • @yasenstoykov1563
    @yasenstoykov15636 ай бұрын

    Great review, thanks! Do you think the R3 Meta is a better speaker then the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition you reviewed earlier? I can get the B&W for 1000 EUR second hand or the metas for 1500 EUR new. Thanks!

  • @mehmetcamat4458
    @mehmetcamat44589 ай бұрын

    I run my KEF R3 Metas with Hegel H190 - Gustard R26 dac - KEF KC62 Sub and it sounds fantastic. I am pretty happy with this setup. The sound is pretty warm , transparent and holographic as well. The imaging is pretty good.

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    9 ай бұрын

    Great to hear!

  • @yhakaede

    @yhakaede

    7 ай бұрын

    Do you use R26 as streamer as well? Thanks

  • @mehmetcamat4458

    @mehmetcamat4458

    7 ай бұрын

    Yes I use it as Roon EndPoint

  • @user-bq8rq8cv4g

    @user-bq8rq8cv4g

    4 ай бұрын

    ​@mehmetcamat4458 - what type of music do you play on your Kef speakers?

  • @mehmetcamat4458

    @mehmetcamat4458

    4 ай бұрын

    Mostly jazz and vocals and some classical

  • @LencoTB
    @LencoTB9 ай бұрын

    What are the gold isolation feet you have under your amps? They look awesome

  • @MrJohnny333
    @MrJohnny3338 ай бұрын

    Can you make please a review with the Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G?

  • @WanderingSword
    @WanderingSword9 ай бұрын

    I'll chime in my review of the KEF R3 Meta. So a while back my buddy had these speakers and he loaned them to me to test against my "speaker setup". My "setup" was a pair of Logan Martin 35XT and a pair of smaller Klipsch reference satellites (yes, that's 4 speakers total stacked together in 2 pairs of 2). I used one amp to drive the pair 35XT's, and another separate amp to drive the pair of Klipsch satellites. The Klipsch satellites had a 3/4" titanium dome tweeter and a 3" mid driver. My amps were just average Onkyo stuff, nothing fancy. I was also using a Martin Logan 10" powered sub when test all speakers. When testing these KEF's against my setup, the KEF's sounded a little subpar. The Kef sounded a bit muted and needed more power than the Martin Logan to deliver the same perceived decibel. The Martin is superior in the high octave range, some listeners may even consider it too harsh, but for opera music, this is a must requirement from the speakers. What the Martin lacks in the mid's is then completed by the Klipsch satellites 3" drivers. And when listening to the Kef's, it just doesn't have as strong a mid, and Kef sounded a bit muted and muddle in the high to mid frequencies. Yes, I realize this is NOT an apple to apple comparison, but I was curious what a pair of high-end bookshelf speakers would do against 2 pairs of lower-end speakers (that still cost much less). I was pleaseantly surprised at the outcomes of my test. The only "issue" is that having 2 pairs of speakers take up a little more room and doesn't look as aesthetic. I'm sure some will questioned if using a higher end amp would do the Kef more justice, and perhaps it may make the Kef sound better, but IMO the Kef would still not come close to my 4-speaker setup. So just to quench my curiousity further, a local Best Buys at the time were carrying the Martin 35XT and the KEF R3 (regular R3, not the Meta). So I asked the sales guy to demo these speakers for me in their music demo room. Now I'm not sure how Best Buys setup their demo equipment, so I can't say if they used the same amp or different amps for different speakers. At any rate, I got a chance to demo them, and again, the Martin 35XT sounded stronger, with better clarity, in the high to mid frequencies, and the Kef R3 sounded muted and subdued and had to be given more power for them to deliver the same perceived decibel to the ear. The Martins were better at listening at low decibel, I still can get clarity of highs and mids (and bass can be independently adjusted with powered sub). With the Kef, listening at low decibels makes it even more muted and muddle in the highs and mids. Again, not it was not an apple to apple comparison, but to me personally, it will take a lot to move me away from my 4-speaker setup.

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    9 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing.

  • @Kami84

    @Kami84

    5 ай бұрын

    I have had the martin logan 35 xti for a few years and while they’re great they can be fatiguing and I do think they’re harsh in the upper register. I’m replacing them with the Kef R3 Meta because the highs aren’t as piercing. It is true that the kef doesn’t have as much sparkle up high but after having the martin logan for several years I value versatility and being able to enjoy a wide variety of music without fatigue. The Kefs mid range is more full and the bass is loader.

  • @hubert-williams3379
    @hubert-williams33798 ай бұрын

    Hello Tharbamar, Thanks for your recommendations in this audio world of so many.. because of you I am a pround owner of the Musician Knight 1.. love em!.. I am currently pushing them with Denon PMA 1600NE and SACD DCD 1600 speaker cables vibrog vs 901.. Heavenly sound.. My plan is to invest in another intergrated amp.. Musical fidelity or Naim. The Kef R3 Meta is my next speaker.. I currently have Kefs reference III in a 9.2 Home theater... I think Kef is very good speaker, it all depends on the many factors in your listening environment and components

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    8 ай бұрын

    R3 Meta is not as good as Knight 1 in sound quality but if you like KEF sound it’s a very good choice, thanks

  • @hubert-williams3379

    @hubert-williams3379

    8 ай бұрын

    ok, That's an interesting opinion.. My pairing components are not at a level where I can make a decerning decision.. sometimes I make a decision based on looks as well as performance, but thanks for your response@@Tharbamar

  • @pistopit7142
    @pistopit71424 ай бұрын

    Thanks for this demo. How about 70 watts @8 ohm moving to 100 watts @4 ohm for listening between 60-70db? Would that be enough amplification? I am about to pair these speakers with Marantz 40n.

  • @ke5943
    @ke59438 ай бұрын

    Thank you for your review. Can I ask where did you get your white speaker stands from please? They look great with the blue Kefs 👍

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    8 ай бұрын

    Stable and Stylish Q Acoustics Concept Speaker Stand kzread.info/dash/bejne/daNmla2PnZzUcrw.html

  • @34332
    @343329 ай бұрын

    I suspect you're referring to Erin's Audio Corner re. 10° toe-out? He explains that when the tweeter is directly facing you, toe them out by 10° or your liking. 😉 It's prob. not the most bass heavy speaker, however, for a lot of rooms or closer to walls, that may be a blessing.

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    9 ай бұрын

    On-Axis position is right on direction of a speaker is facing like when I measure a speaker but since we're not listening to one speaker toe-in would more correct term. Thanks

  • @thisisme999
    @thisisme9995 ай бұрын

    Hi, Were your measurements done after the speakers burn in or out of the box? Do you see it in measurement since you said they sound "muddy" and "congested"?

  • @michael-4k4000
    @michael-4k40008 ай бұрын

    Hello is Kef good? Have the Q750 and enjoy them, but I’m no audiophile at all

  • @galactusgalan4233
    @galactusgalan42339 ай бұрын

    Great review Thar. I was a little taken back about 300 watt in 4ohms needed to ideally drive these. Is that the same recommendation with your knight 1 and R11? Isn’t the e4000 and sx11 under 300 watts. Just trying to understand your logic. I do understand how more power can always be a benefit, but didn’t think it was needed on the speakers in your collection. Thanks again!

  • @vladimirkurov3417
    @vladimirkurov34179 ай бұрын

    Hello, Thabamar! Please advise me of good bookshelf acoustics to listen to in the evening at a low amplifier volume. jazz, vocals, classical. Budget from 1000 to 2000$

  • @surf6d769
    @surf6d7699 ай бұрын

    When you say pianos can sound a bit hard, do you mean bright and harsh, or something else? Does that hardness show up on other sounds too, e.g. Vocals or percussion?

  • @airworthy777
    @airworthy777Ай бұрын

    After listening from KLH Model 3 and Model 5, I found this speaker sounds more analytical than having a live perfomance like on the Model 3, I really wish the Model 5 has the same music track as this and Model 3 to know the bass performance of it. Honestly this is one of the best or the best of the best yt channel to sound demo speaker, I can really hear the soundstage.

  • @davidrivera2165
    @davidrivera21659 ай бұрын

    Thabamar, what other reviewers mean is to set the speaker 10 degrees toe in from straighr position, which pretty much how you have yours set.

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    9 ай бұрын

    I understand but On-Axis position is right on direction of a speaker is facing like when I measure a speaker but since we're not listening to one speaker toe-in would more correct term. Thanks

  • @jorgeluisfernandez2560
    @jorgeluisfernandez25604 ай бұрын

    Do you think the nad m10 v2 would be a good option for this r3? Thanks

  • @whisperingdreams3170
    @whisperingdreams31708 ай бұрын

    Hiya. How o they compare to the r7 meta? I can't make up mind witch one to buy.

  • @fauzanmuharram4202
    @fauzanmuharram42029 ай бұрын

    can you review hivi swans speaker like d200 and m300 mkii please ?

  • @boris.terechshenko
    @boris.terechshenko9 ай бұрын

    Kef r3 meta, 706 s2, Martin logan motion 35 xti. What is better?

  • @chrislynch8914
    @chrislynch8914Ай бұрын

    These vs musician knight? What are your thoughts please? Thank you sir.

  • @Sentinel88
    @Sentinel883 ай бұрын

    Given the fact that R2R works better with the R3 Meta than the Loxjie, will those speakers work better with a D400 EX dac, than with an ESS ? (I like midrange, i don't like r2r 😅)

  • @tunesart4542
    @tunesart45429 ай бұрын

    Was waiting for this review, so I have a r7 non meta . Thinking to move to r3 meta . Is it going to be a good upgrade or no ? My room is small to medium only . So bookshelf is good size wise . Please advise

  • @ryanray6215

    @ryanray6215

    8 ай бұрын

    I had before R700 and change to R 300 about 6y. ago . Very happy with the R 300 , R700 where just too big to my room .

  • @CandidUploads
    @CandidUploads17 күн бұрын

    Thank you for the great review. Appreciate the honest review. I'm considering these speakers but am concerned about you mentioning that they "bottom out" or distort at high volumes. I vaguely recall you saying something similar about the LS50s. Do you think this is a common issue in general for these KEF standmount speakers? How likely is someone to encounter this issue. Is this distortion evident just at excessive listening levels?

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    17 күн бұрын

    No distortion in average listening levels, mostly they sound good but they don’t like it when you play them hard, you’ll have to use towers in KEF R series for that purpose, thanks

  • @CandidUploads

    @CandidUploads

    16 күн бұрын

    @@Tharbamar thank you for the reply. Just a last question. What volume level do you consider "hard"? Does that happen with all your amplifiers at that volume? Thanks.

  • @fernandopiresmarques899
    @fernandopiresmarques8994 сағат бұрын

    In your opinion, what would be the ideal room size for the Kef R 3 Meta model?

  • @johnvranic9681
    @johnvranic96818 ай бұрын

    Really good review (as always). The white entertainment stand is exactly what I'm looking for. Who makes it? thanks

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    8 ай бұрын

    Hi Thanks, built-in stand is custom made.

  • @johnvranic9681

    @johnvranic9681

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the reply - it looks great.

  • @woody168
    @woody1689 ай бұрын

    How does it compare to Musician Knight 1? Which is better, and why? Thanks. Finished the video and you had said that low level listening goes to Knight 1. But overall, which do you pick overall?

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    9 ай бұрын

    I will give R3 Meta to my brother as a birthday gift next year and keep the Knight 1 for now.

  • @alanboughey2450
    @alanboughey24506 ай бұрын

    Hi - Thank you for your informative reviews. Could I ask for opinions please? Would I be better with the these speakers or the Knight Ones? Both are quite expensive for my limited budget (at UK prices) but I would be willing to spend the money to get very good ones. Or maybe KEF LS50 would be OK? I am playing mainly indie rock CDs from an Arcam CD5 using an Arcam SA-20 amp in a small/medium sized room. Thank you so much.

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    6 ай бұрын

    For your music selection I would suggest you to try Dynaudio Emit 10 or 20.

  • @alanboughey2450

    @alanboughey2450

    6 ай бұрын

    @@Tharbamar Many thanks for your suggestion.

  • @roberleiton
    @roberleitonАй бұрын

    Hi Tharbamar thanks for yours reviews. I really enjoy your content. About Kef r3 Meta. In this Price Point, If is by your ears, do you prefer KLH Model 5 o Kef r3 Meta

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    Ай бұрын

    Hi, R3 Meta is great but I would go for Model 5 if I have to choose one, thanks

  • @2HatHudders
    @2HatHudders9 ай бұрын

    How dos compare to your red speakers?

  • @dragonstone6594
    @dragonstone65942 ай бұрын

    Appreciate the honest review. How do the KEF R3 Meta compare to the Wharfedale Elysian 2 you have reviewed? Are the Elysians worth spending more €1.5K more? Also can you review the Wharfedale Aura 2 and the Arendal 1723 Monitor S THX? And compare these 4 speakers? Thank you.

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    2 ай бұрын

    I would if they send me samples, thanks

  • @Bulee
    @Bulee9 ай бұрын

    Hello Tharbamar. I have a question for you because as a Japanese you will be a competent person. There is a Luxman L505uXII amplifier on ebay, which can be bought twice cheaper than in Poland. The problem is that the voltage is AC100V. Will using a voltage converter from 230V to 110V negatively affect the sound quality?

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    9 ай бұрын

    Hi, Sound quality will not effect with step down voltage converter but try to get at least 3 times the maximum power consumption of the amplifier, thanks

  • @a.h.d.h.2803
    @a.h.d.h.28039 ай бұрын

    "Toe in, toe -out", one could understand 'toe -in' and 'toe-out' taken from the position where the axis of the drivers are faced front. 'On Axis' or 'Off axis' on the otherhand, means whether the axis of the drivers are pointed straight to your ears or not. And I have the impression you are referring with your 10 degrees toe-out to the remarks of Erin during his review of the R3 Meta on his channel Erin's audio Corner? If you do, than you might misunderstood Erin, or Erin was not clear enough; Erin talks about 10 degrees toe-out from the On Axis position as I understand him, while the manual of the R3 Meta advises to toe the R3 Meta in as of 'face front' to 15 degrees inward. Thanks for your review. You do have a way with words to describe sounds you hear! As a viewer I can hear the sounds of the speakers you recorded to judge for myself and you supply the in-room measurements as well, great!

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    9 ай бұрын

    It's clear enough, On-Axis position is right on direction of a speaker is facing like when I measure a speaker but since we're not listening to one speaker toe-in would more correct term. Thanks

  • @a.h.d.h.2803

    @a.h.d.h.2803

    9 ай бұрын

    @@Tharbamar Noted. So when listening to one speaker, one listens in a 3D environment and uses analogous terminology to describe the position of a speaker relative to the listener. But when listening to more than one speaker in a 3D environment, one confines oneself to a two dimensional environment using analogous terminology to describe how the position of the speakers relative to the listener opposes. Since you don’t listen to one speaker, there’s nothing to say about the behavior of speakers in the vertical plane. Noted. Yet describing the sound in the room produced by speakers,- as I said earlier, you do have a way with words-, 3D related sound properties do not lack, as if not to say there’s an abundance of such words. Instead of using your gift of having your way with words to try to comprehend someone’s attempt to convey a message and the message itself as well, you deliberately misinterpreted the message just to ridicule a KZreadr compcolleague. Well it is a way to show a disagreement. Apparently it is your way....

  • @RennieAsh
    @RennieAsh5 күн бұрын

    Interesting that in room measurements show a broad emphasis on around 300Hz

  • @bebbop
    @bebbop7 ай бұрын

    Burn-in takes only 50 hrs? Really short time compared to B&W 706 S2 (about 300hrs).

  • @bruceandt
    @bruceandt8 ай бұрын

    How do they compare to those beautiful red Night 1’s? They catch your eye.

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    8 ай бұрын

    I enjoy K1 more, thanks

  • @dmd7472
    @dmd74729 ай бұрын

    Would you take this over the Dali epicon bookshelf? Thanks for the review

  • @jasonme3557

    @jasonme3557

    9 ай бұрын

    that is a huge difference is build and cost. What I can say, I have these and even in the blue. Very well made. I also have Dynaudio specials 40"s The Kef is on a higher level. But the Dali might take a leap as it should for the cost. I am using a Rega Aethos to power them. My Dac is Gold Note. Awesome sound. My next large speaker purchase will be Devore Super 9

  • @dmd7472

    @dmd7472

    6 ай бұрын

    Thank you sir for feedback

  • @CinemaDemocratica
    @CinemaDemocratica6 ай бұрын

    I was an *insufferable* KEF fanboy in the 1980s: My first audiophile purchase was a pair of KEF C80s. But the Uni-Q in the KEF 105/3 just shocked me for how dark and lifeless it sounded -- like listening to the highs and upper mids through a toilet tube. And ever since then it's been really hard for me to get excited again about the brand. I know this next part is going to sound silly, but it almost feels the way I imagine that a divorce would feel. The good news is that I also run an SMSL AO300 so the comp is one-to-one.

  • @herrtrigger7220
    @herrtrigger72202 ай бұрын

    Please show R7 meta vs R11 meta, people are aware of the R3 already. It's better than the previous but still aggressive when loud so it's out. Both R7 / R11 need subs so show us what we lose with the R7. It should be the sweet spot in the R line.

  • @engineer4862
    @engineer48626 ай бұрын

    I auditioned these with Audiolab 7000A and I loved the sound. Compared to Linton 85s in a A/B test, Lintons sounded terrible and nothing special + tiring. I can listen to R3 Metas for hours.

  • @liviudumitrescu2447
    @liviudumitrescu24479 ай бұрын

    Hi,i need your advise. I want to buy an integrated amp Accuphase and i dont know wich one. I got 2 options for my budget. E 280 or E 350 !??? Thank you!

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    9 ай бұрын

    I would choose E350, thanks

  • @liviudumitrescu2447

    @liviudumitrescu2447

    8 ай бұрын

    @@Tharbamar I got Accuphase E 370. I like what you do and thank you for helping us to choose the right stuff

  • @kyawthura9026
    @kyawthura90267 ай бұрын

    I want one but prices is so high

  • @Alextraz
    @Alextraz7 күн бұрын

    Hi I got r3 meta combo with atoll in200se with the AKM dac. Initially i was happy but at some poit i have realized that the amp is pushing the mids and especially the highs more than the bass. At low to normal volume 60db rhe highs are fine but the basa is very weak...if i push the volume to extract the bass the highs are getting slightly agressive for my liking. Changed the cables to mogami w3104 which helped but havent resolved the issue. Now i wonder if adding rel t5x to push the low end very slightly will level my sound and allow me to enjoy those low to normal 60-75db levels or maybe try EQ reducing the 2khz and up register with few db...is the bass idea just putting money at the wrong place?

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    6 күн бұрын

    Adding sub would be easier choice but I would look into something like Eversolo DMP-A6 streaming DAC to tune with PEQ, kzread.info/dash/bejne/oqOfp6Smh8-8eaQ.html

  • @Alextraz

    @Alextraz

    6 күн бұрын

    Thanks for the reply. I have wiim pro so I will try with it first. Are you saying that wiim EQ wont be as good as A6 EQ quality. If i am going to buy new player or sub won't the sub be better investment overall?

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    6 күн бұрын

    @@Alextraz I’m talking about PEQ not regular EQ but regular EQ should work, see my full reviews of them here. WiiM Pro Music Streamer Could Be "The Product Of The Year" kzread.info/dash/bejne/h6x_zbGQmdyXfrw.html EverSolo DMP-A6 Streaming DAC Review kzread.info/dash/bejne/oqOfp6Smh8-8eaQ.html

  • @Alextraz

    @Alextraz

    6 күн бұрын

    Much appreciated sir!

  • @shaunyweaver1144
    @shaunyweaver11448 ай бұрын

    I listened to these in a shop demo, they sounded very good . I walked away with the Atc scm 11s .

  • @serafin1277
    @serafin12773 ай бұрын

    Como se llama la cancion del min 17.

  • @pistopit7142
    @pistopit71423 ай бұрын

    The bass on Kef R3 Meta is pretty strong. I sit on a couch, listening at arround 60-65db and on some songs I can feel like the couch cushons slighlty vibrate from the bass notes. I don't know why anyone would want even more bass than these speakers already deliver.

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    3 ай бұрын

    Speaker bass response is depends on size of the room.

  • @pistopit7142

    @pistopit7142

    2 ай бұрын

    @@Tharbamar That is true my room is arround 20 sq meter with 3m high ceiling. If someone has a bigger room he might need bigger speakers with more bass.

  • @respondent5226
    @respondent52268 ай бұрын

    Hi sir What are the best bookshelf speakers you've ever heard?

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    8 ай бұрын

    Hi, there is no such a thing as best speaker, all case by case and personal preference. Some of my favorites are Joseph Audio Pulser 2, Sonus Faber Extrema etc.,

  • @RennieAsh

    @RennieAsh

    5 күн бұрын

    @@Tharbamar Those two have a little bit of extra treble sparkle in frequency response? I'd love to try some of those interesting designs, but many cost $$$.

  • @marcgallant5270
    @marcgallant52706 ай бұрын

    Anyone planning on pushing the volume of a bookshelf beyond 90db very well knows they need a subwoofer with a 40-60hz HPF... if not shame on them lol. I just wish more Pre-amp's and integrated amps were equipped with bass management.

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    6 ай бұрын

    What’s your point? oh I see you just assume I don’t know, the truth is there are many stand mount speakers can push above 100db, Then why would they rated for 110db max output on white paper?

  • @marcgallant5270

    @marcgallant5270

    6 ай бұрын

    @Tharbamar I agree and liked your review, the comment was not aimed at you. I meant in general a 6 1/2 can only move so much air. Most people should have common sense crossover a 6 1/2" bookshelf if they plan on listening to 90db+ volume. IMO it's not the speakers fault, it has its limitation.

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    6 ай бұрын

    Most people have no idea, all they see is the numbers that’s why real world data and honest reporting is the key for the reviews.

  • @johnbeaker8721

    @johnbeaker8721

    Ай бұрын

    Jesus dude you need to take that chip off your shoulder. ​@@Tharbamar

  • @connorduke4619
    @connorduke46195 ай бұрын

    Excellent detailed review, all your critiques are audible in the test track. This speaker is imo overblown by some other reviewers, but your critique explains well why it is not particularly engaging to my ears. 'Lack of separation in the upper mids' is a genius insight and one that one would not normally expect from KEF.

  • @MasterofPlay7
    @MasterofPlay79 ай бұрын

    Kef sounds stuffed to me

  • @-MarkWinston-
    @-MarkWinston-9 ай бұрын

    You are not supposed to listen to coaxials on axis, so a 10 degree toe out FROM ON AXIS is always recommended. And when you say imaging is not great on the R3 Meta, something must have terribly gone wrong somewhere. All the R Metas I heard recently have crazy good imaging, just like every other KEF. Imaging is the best thing about them.

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    9 ай бұрын

    Well you'll have to listen my other speakers for how real precise stereo image sound like R3m have not contest in pin point imaging. I've been using coaxial speakers for twenty years so I know how they have to set up how they're going to sound, probably no one have more than 10 pairs (6 of them were KEF) of Coaxial speakers like I did. EDIT: Good for you If you think R series have crazy good stereo image.

  • @-MarkWinston-

    @-MarkWinston-

    9 ай бұрын

    @@Tharbamar its clear your definition of imaging is not like the rest of us.

  • @De132an

    @De132an

    9 ай бұрын

    Read the manual. It’s 10 degrees from straight into the room going inward. Not from on axis going outward. Speaker works best straight into the room about 8 feet apart. I base this on my Ref 1 Meta which is pretty much the R3 with upgraded parts but essentially the same characteristics.

  • @-MarkWinston-

    @-MarkWinston-

    9 ай бұрын

    @@De132an it can be anywhere from 10 degrees (from no toe in) to 20 degrees (10 degrees from on axis) with 30 degrees being on axis. With zero toe in the R3 Metas will lose too much of the top end.

  • @De132an

    @De132an

    9 ай бұрын

    @@-MarkWinston-From KEF Speaker setup page… “5. Toe-in Uni-Q means that toe-in is not necessary like it can be with many other loudspeakers. We would always recommend starting with the speakers facing flat into the room. If your side walls aren’t symmetrical in their construction in a drastic way, then maybe some slight toe-in could help with the mismatch by focussing a slightly louder direct sound to the listening position, but you shouldn’t need to go further than 10 degrees. Having the Uni-Q flat into the room also maximises the sweet spot, giving maximal coverage into the room, so more people share the same experience.”

  • @donnowak4304
    @donnowak43049 ай бұрын

    Tharbamar, what ever mic's you are using, their rolled off somewhere in your chain. Love your reviews. Can't believe you don't correct it. A-hole's save the "get the wax out of your ears" fan boy comments. This is now becoming comical.

  • @clarice1001nights
    @clarice1001nights9 ай бұрын

    I would still prefer a KLH Model 5 over the KEF R3 Meta. If you still have the Model 5s, why not compare the KEF R3 to the Model 5s. The KEF doesn't envelope the listener and sounds a bit cold.. The Knights or the Burchardts as well are all warmer. I am looking forward to the DAC reviews you spoke about.

  • @Brett1334

    @Brett1334

    9 ай бұрын

    Pretty sure he doesn’t have that anymore.

  • @oslius
    @oslius9 ай бұрын

    had kef r3(non meta) for 2months, as much as i wanted the gave them a chance because everybody was praise them, i couldn't. 1) harsh, my ears were bleeding after only 20 minutes of listening, because of their metallic tweeter 2) incoherent, for whatever reason they felt disconnected, not engaging 3) because of their narrow dispersion (coaxial) they have a deep soundstage, and because i was limited to pull them more than 40cm from the front wall, the sound gave me the impression it's coming from behind the wall, this was causing my brain going crazy

  • @RennieAsh

    @RennieAsh

    5 күн бұрын

    Maybe not due to the metal tweeter but frequency response in the tweeter's range. There are many metal tweeters that don't sound "metallic"

  • @pietromanno8916
    @pietromanno89168 ай бұрын

    THEY NEED A THOUSAND HOURS BREAK IN !!

  • @ryanray6215

    @ryanray6215

    8 ай бұрын

    That's right . The longer I listen to KEF's the more and more I love their 3D holographic sound .

  • @oluhamilton2121
    @oluhamilton21213 ай бұрын

    Doesn't matter to me with the thin bass. I have a Sunfire sub!

  • @Tharbamar

    @Tharbamar

    3 ай бұрын

    Bass is depends on size of your room, it may work better in your room.

  • @iikatinggangsengii2471
    @iikatinggangsengii24718 ай бұрын

    id buy it if it less than 1000

  • @iikatinggangsengii2471

    @iikatinggangsengii2471

    8 ай бұрын

    2200, sounds great nonetheless

  • @toddstyles7194
    @toddstyles71947 ай бұрын

    Great song not sade who is this??

  • @edwinsnoek2009
    @edwinsnoek20099 ай бұрын

    The treble of these Kefs sounds like a old Classe D amplifier. It sounds dry, harsh and mechanical. It's not my cup of tea.😊

  • @ryanray6215

    @ryanray6215

    8 ай бұрын

    Many audiophiles love their muddy sounds speakers .

  • @82ivaylo
    @82ivaylo9 ай бұрын

    I don't like KEF sound. I had the Q300 then the R300 and sold them. Not my cup of tea. Now i listening to speakers with paper mid range driver. Sounds much better to my ears.

  • @andrefortune8278

    @andrefortune8278

    9 ай бұрын

    Even in the shows they sound rubbish pretty compelling here 👌🏾✌🏾

  • @higobatman

    @higobatman

    9 ай бұрын

    Which speakers are you listening to?

  • @andrefortune8278

    @andrefortune8278

    9 ай бұрын

    @@higobatman buchardt s400 mkii a700 😃

  • @higobatman

    @higobatman

    9 ай бұрын

    @@andrefortune8278 I Recommend Revival Atalante 3 and ATC SCM19 V2.

  • @JamesBlond-nh6jy
    @JamesBlond-nh6jy3 ай бұрын

    What a bullshit is this😂