As a current R11 owner - I would share a few points for people interested in purchasing these speakers. First thing - they are gorgeous and I get a lot of compliments from people visiting our home. 2nd - the video nails it about how huge/grand the presentation is of the sound from these. Once you hear these or a big cabinet speaker, every other speaker sounds like an iPhone. 3rd - they need to be paired with Valves - Pre amp valve with SS power and you are in heaven. I use a Croft phono RS with AS2100. The AS2100 has the perfect tone but the valves add so much depth to the soundstage, it’s incredible. 4th - they reveal everything. Cable burn in. Yep, they will make you a believer too.
No need to explain your sample music choices! Not only do we get the copyright issues (most of us anyways), I actually am surprised and excited by the beauty of the music you share with us. Other reviewers who play samples use such cheesy music... It's one of the reasons I come back to your channel and reviews. (The other reasons being your incredible insight and delicacy in explaining your perceptions!)
you have a fan/subscriber here in Texas, I appreciate your sincere reviews. You have great taste in audio sir. Your room is always so tastefully done. So its mostly for sound but that visual can only enrich the review in my honest opinion. So the visual grabs my attention but then the sound EMBRACES it.
@@jerryjohnson3801 i absolutely love them! The low-medium register is to Die for. Highs clearly there but never aggressive nor overbright. Bass is deep enough and really articulate. I particularly enjoy the cello&contrabass string vibrations, also trombones and brass instruments sound really spot on. I highly recommend !! They’re really massive though. I also reaaaally love their natural-looking microfiber front panel BUT at the shop I saw one (from an R7 i think) that was bent on each corner so it made me suspicious about their lifespan (talking about the front cover). The speaker itself looks sturdy enough to survive me. Edit : be sure to have a serious amp to feed them, as 2x4woofers covered with aluminium is a heavy load to move, specially if you want a fast and precise bass response (which they are perfectly able to deliver). I compared them with B&W 702 anniversary edition and my decision was easy. Please remember that this is my opinion, my ears are not your ears, my listening room is not your listening room and my expectations probably vary from yours ;)
KEF huh. I enjoy the surprises you bring to your channel. First it was Denon over Luxman. Which did surprise me? But, you justified it with qualities I happen to agree with! Now it's KEF over Wharfedale! The Wharfedales do look nicer. Curved cabinets of beautiful grain wood. KEF missed that ascetic contribution with their industrial looking box column speakers of late. With all that being said, I never got rid of my KEF 105/3. I've sold my B&W 802 Matrix Series 3, Kept my KEF! They've been powered over the years with Classe CA-150; Parasound HCA 3500; then settling into BAT VK-500 with the bat-pack!
Thank you so much for several video review and sound demo for KEF R11. If it wasn't your video review, I won't have much of knowleges about KEF speakers. So after watched your video (many times), i finally pulled the trigger and purchase a pair of R11 on local store. It has been a week now, and I am pleased to tell you that I am very happy about the speakers. Its sound stage is incredible! It comes alive at certain high volume. Basically, it is very much what you have reviewed. I still play with my old components but plan to upgrade to a good 2 channels amp in very near future. Again, thanks for your video, which had led me to KEF speakers and my purchase decision.
@@Tharbamar Thanks! I have one additional question regarding pairing amp with the KEF R11. I have just added the Marantz MM7025, 140W per channel (8ohm). What a difference it makes. It sounds great. However, I feel a little underwelming to have 140W amp driving a 300W speaker. So, I am thinking about changing from this MM7025 to Rotel RB-1582 MKII which has 200W p/c (8 ohm). I think if R11 speakers are paried with a more powerful and capable amp like the Rotel RB-1582, it can sound even better. I just want to get your opinion on where my thinking are. Thanks in advance!
Bought a pair last summer, it works both very good on home theater and classical music, the slim shape would work very well with large screen like 150 inchs, only difficultie is chose AMP for movie playing, HiFi AMP may work with classical music but can't fit with movies, currently using IcePower 1200 AS2 to drive them and keep looking others.
Oh it was in my old house, if I remember correctly it was placed about 9ft apart, 4.5-5ft from the wall behind, 3-4ft from the side wall with about 15-20 degrees toes-in. Thanks
I agree.. the r11 lacks a bit of air in the high frequency range. A pair of super tweeters may solve the problem. I am quite surprised that the Elysian 2 is no more your (Tharmabar) "end game" speakers..😉
Hey man I just wanted to say I've watched most of your reviews and you're a legend - I hope I can do great reviews like you someday! Keep it real my friend and let the music be our guide
KEF Flagship's 400 Watts Peak RMS Power Handling Version Was Awesome Following Ross Lovegrove First Project In 2007 Muon KEF Flagship Model, Blade Series: Blade One Meta and Blade Two Meta Reference Series: Reference 5 Meta
I find it amazing what kef can do with that little concentric driver, it looks quite out of proportion in that behemoth of a tower but it still performs!
My personal opinion would be kef r11’s. I have owned monitor audio platinum 300 and B&w 702. The kef while perhaps not as “exciting” as some speakers they just sound better and better the louder they go.
There's a big sale going on the the US on these $2400 each (not for long). Would you happen to know how these stack up against the Focal Aria 948? That's second on my list.
It looks nice and clean but a bit off in the high freq. Maybe in the near future if you could review a Focal Sopra No.3 or the Kanta No.3 Great review Tharbamar and more power.
Thanks for your wonderful review. I am going to buy R11 soon, just wonder amplifier for this speaker, does Marantz pm 12 ose or Denon pma-2500ne should be right for listen to vinyl from tunable phono out
In 2019 on Hifi Show, KEF R11 connected with Denon PMA 250NE and the sound was soo horrible the showman cranked up the volume it got way worse! It was playing rock music. I was disappointed mabue something whas wrong. Good video👍🏻
I know what you mean. I have been a fan of KEF for years. This new downsized thing they got going doesn't impress me. I'll take their Reference Model 105/3; Model 4; or Model 207 over anything offered by them today. Can't fool Physics. It's a constant. If you want to feel bass, as it was intended? You have to move a lot of air! Skinny columns are a great decor. WEF.
@@Tharbamar The Room is a constant. Early KEF's figured into their design. Hence the exclusive use of their Uni-Q driver. However, I've heard lifeless sounding KEF Reference 207's and Blade's which were probably the result of mismatched electronics/cables/recordings, and rooms as the conspiracy culprits? Aesthetically their Blades are awful-looking with a low W.E.F. Like I've heard you mention often, "expensive equipment should look the part" also!
@@jamiesmith6838 KEF or any passive speaker design cannot do anything about the room, in Japan KEF and Denon combo is famous for great synergy between them, my advice is you can't judge fully until you have them in your room otherwise irrelevant.
Yes Jim, only in Japan. In Denon’s two channel line up, top of the line is pure class A balanced SX1 Limited $8k, SX11 $4.5k and below that is their anniversary model A110 etc, thanks
I really enjoy watching your channel. Pls try to review Elac Vela FS 409 Floorstanders. They are more expensive than this but i think they kind of fill the gap between R11s and Reference 5s!
Kef and Parasound are a very good match. I have R900 ,JC1 mono blocks and D1 DAC and I am very happy with the sound. Although I am sure my system would sound even better with the R11s. My LS 50s never sounded so good until I hooked them to the JC1s. I must have fed them at least 150 watts and they stayed tight, whereas on some of my lesser amps (even 150 watts and high current) the LS 50s started to sound strained even below 100 watts. Once the bass gets sloppy on the LS50s it ruins everything, because the mids and highs also radiate from the same point. The LS50s are also very detailed, so they need a sweet DAC to really shine. The LS 50s are not for everyone, but how many speakers at the same price point can keep playing up (sounding better) to at least a $20,000 front end?
Greetings! Between B&W 705s2 and kef r11. I know they are very different in size but i can get them now for about the same price. If you can only pick one, which pair would you choose for your only speakers? Appreciate it!
Great review, and thank-you for including the mic'd sound sample. Other hi-fi reviewers refuse to do these, but its adds greatly to the entertainment value of the review, and it does convey useful info about tonality.
What is that turning nob in the middle of the binding post ???, and are you still happy with them (not to bright) i like heavy metal and thinking abot buy these speakers i have the luxmann l-509 x and can not listen to the speakers before buying them so i have to be sure that it's a good match, Thanks in advance
Turning knob is for terminal connection to use with bi-wiring, Luxman would be good match for them with natural sound but for heavy metal music they are not the best choice in my opinion, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks, do you have any surgestions what i should look after since i only listen to Metal and Prog they should not be too bright ?? Been looking at the Aperion but unfortunally they are not sold in Denmark
I did the Belden 8402 from your videos, they sound 👍. I am also using Mogami cables as XLR from another video that you suggested. Would love to see how you made the speaker cables for this setup they seem to play very well
Hi Tharbamar, I read in a couple of comments below that you don't like listening to music with the subwoofer. I would be interested in what the difference is in terms of listening. (I'm deciding which to buy between the R7 or R11, but the price difference is considerable)
Yes when the speakers are capable of producing great sound quality, added sub making it less artistic for me, but I would definitely recommend R7 with sub which will be very musical, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thank you very much. So there is no musical reason due to the consistency of the reproduction and the quality of the reproduced bass? Assuming, of course, that the subwoofer is properly integrated.
@@streamnoremorse Bass quality is great on all R series, major different is sound stage, scale and dynamic range. Evo 4.2 is great but not in the same class as R3 in overall sound quality and power handling, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks. I heard 4.1 and R3 but on a different condition (room, setup). R3 have 58Hz min minus 3dB. What is lower is minus 6dB. But after your words if you heard R3 I would choose them. R11 is differently another level from R3 cause you show me that. In room resonse from 30Hz in bass area is perfect! Maybe room influence on sound. Even on youtube it sounds better than R3. What amp? Anyway I would like to hear R3 in your room on youtube.
Value in Australia is a joke we have just about the worst Kef prices in the world $10000 for a pair of these -they jacked the price up $3 grand since release -Every Kef speaker in Australia is way over the top
Here what I experienced. I tried to change my old Canton Ergo 100 Dc speakers from the `90s so I listed to Dali Rubicon 6 (4000 euro) and Dynaudio Focus 220 II (3000 euro).Both of them too laid back sound for me.So, I got a pair of Canton Vento 896 (3000 euro) but still I don´t hear the punch bass of the old ones and I am not tottaly satisfied.My vinyl and cd collection:classic rock,some blues and jazz.Plinius 9200 XLR amp,MOFI turntable with Hana MC cartridge,Audioquest cables,Bryston cd player.I want punch bass when necessary and refinement when is required. I wonder if some KEF , Monitor Audio or some else would do a better job.
Hi Tharbamar! Since the crossover components are not of the highest quality, do you think that replacing them with better ones would improve the sound quality? In my opinion, cement resistors, iron inductors and electrolytic caps are not the best for these speakers.
Yes it will improve the sound quality in some way but some caps may not really be much of the improvement over the one KEF is using because better caps may get results in brighter sound and may change the sound signature, it will be depending on what your preference is, thanks
Two questions: how they compare in soundstage department with omnidirectional speakers? Are Crown PA amps good match with them? Or tube preamp with Crown as power amp?
Great review. What amp (integrated with DAC) would you recommend under $2000? And would you say a sub would add depth to the music, if it's missing? Thanks
I do not like sub for my music listening and not missing at all, I stay away from amplifier with built in DAC so I cannot give you right advice, thanks
I wish I had a larger listening space for my 2ch setup. I love that "wall of sound" experience, so I've dedicated my HT to my larger space. Great to hear that these KEFs provide that spaciousness and generous imaging. Great review overall. So are the Elysians going into your smaller den listening room?
i recently got R11s (and an R2C) and driving them with my 10yr old Pioneer VSX 1021 receiver and it still sounds great! very happy with it. may i know why you don’t use subwoofer? a lot of people online in the forums are suggesting me to get one but i’m not sure.
I do not like subwoofer for my music listening, R11 is only for music listening not for watching movies. If you use them with AV receivers in home theater yes you will need subwoofer. Thanks
sorry i use it for both music and movies but currently only using my old receiver to do both. my main intention behind this purchase was of course music so looking for ways to get best out of them.
@@keerthikumar2023 Given enough amplification, any speakers in the R series can produce substantial bass, appropriate to a respective room size. These are also demanding 4ohm (not really 8 ohm as KEF claims), so you proper power to drive these with the full range sound that doesn't require a sub. Most music only go down to 25-30hz. You need a sub with movies because those tracks can go down into the teens, at 15hz and below at substantial SPLs. Try to see if you can audition or borrow a beefier AVR or 2ch amp to confirm if you like the bass extension not using any subs for music/movies.
@@nonametofame the amplifier used in this video review(denon pma-sx11) is capable of 120W per channel for 8ohms so i'm not sure it is enough to produce lot of bass from R11s.
I only paid $1,000 for my 590 so they better be better!🤔😇 Added 2 550p subs at $189 a piece and bet they aren't that much better. The room means a lot!
Dangerously close in performance, if you can get great price for REF 3 I would suggest get REF 3 otherwise R11 is better buy in price to performance, thanks
Got the R3 with 2 subwoofers. I’m thinking to upgrade, dynaudio contour 20i stand mounting is in my short listed. Except bass response, is stereo imaging will be the strength point if I choose R11 as the path, or what will be the other reason to choose this? Imaging with R3 to my opinion is also very good.
I'm thinking about picking up the R11s with an Amrack AVR10. Thoughts? Should I look at Denon instead? Its mainly for home theater. A little Rock music .
![Digital Circus Episode 4 [TRAILER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/abZtsmMUbJo/mqdefault.jpg)
As a current R11 owner - I would share a few points for people interested in purchasing these speakers. First thing - they are gorgeous and I get a lot of compliments from people visiting our home. 2nd - the video nails it about how huge/grand the presentation is of the sound from these. Once you hear these or a big cabinet speaker, every other speaker sounds like an iPhone. 3rd - they need to be paired with Valves - Pre amp valve with SS power and you are in heaven. I use a Croft phono RS with AS2100. The AS2100 has the perfect tone but the valves add so much depth to the soundstage, it’s incredible. 4th - they reveal everything. Cable burn in. Yep, they will make you a believer too.
Thanks for sharing.
Cable burn in hahaha!
@@asianskywalker He's off his meds lmao
No need to explain your sample music choices! Not only do we get the copyright issues (most of us anyways), I actually am surprised and excited by the beauty of the music you share with us. Other reviewers who play samples use such cheesy music... It's one of the reasons I come back to your channel and reviews. (The other reasons being your incredible insight and delicacy in explaining your perceptions!)
Kef R11.. They are amazing.... I heard them.. WOW...
the whole room with those speakers looks absolutely gorgeous, congratulations.
Thank you!
@@Tharbamar congratulations nice , i love is this speaker sound.. congratulations
I would NEVER put those grills on those BEAUTIFUL speakers. NEVER. They look SO much better without them.
you spoke my mind!
you have a fan/subscriber here in Texas, I appreciate your sincere reviews. You have great taste in audio sir. Your room is always so tastefully done. So its mostly for sound but that visual can only enrich the review in my honest opinion. So the visual grabs my attention but then the sound EMBRACES it.
Thank you…I must decide between this and the Elysian 4.4.
Great review ! Just bought a pair last week, supposed to be delivered in 3days from now. Can’t wait !
do you like them still ?
@@jerryjohnson3801 i absolutely love them! The low-medium register is to Die for. Highs clearly there but never aggressive nor overbright. Bass is deep enough and really articulate. I particularly enjoy the cello&contrabass string vibrations, also trombones and brass instruments sound really spot on. I highly recommend !! They’re really massive though.
I also reaaaally love their natural-looking microfiber front panel BUT at the shop I saw one (from an R7 i think) that was bent on each corner so it made me suspicious about their lifespan (talking about the front cover).
The speaker itself looks sturdy enough to survive me.
Edit : be sure to have a serious amp to feed them, as 2x4woofers covered with aluminium is a heavy load to move, specially if you want a fast and precise bass response (which they are perfectly able to deliver).
I compared them with B&W 702 anniversary edition and my decision was easy. Please remember that this is my opinion, my ears are not your ears, my listening room is not your listening room and my expectations probably vary from yours ;)
"High dynamic range like heavy metal or hard rock." brilliant work there homie
KEF huh. I enjoy the surprises you bring to your channel.
First it was Denon over Luxman. Which did surprise me? But, you justified it with qualities I happen to agree with!
Now it's KEF over Wharfedale! The Wharfedales do look nicer. Curved cabinets of beautiful grain wood. KEF missed that ascetic contribution with their industrial looking box column speakers of late.
With all that being said, I never got rid of my KEF 105/3. I've sold my B&W 802 Matrix Series 3, Kept my KEF! They've been powered over the years with Classe CA-150; Parasound HCA 3500; then settling into BAT VK-500 with the bat-pack!
I agree with the looks, the walnut is great but the drivers look pink. the black and white gloss is just not my thing.
Thank you so much for several video review and sound demo for KEF R11. If it wasn't your video review, I won't have much of knowleges about KEF speakers. So after watched your video (many times), i finally pulled the trigger and purchase a pair of R11 on local store. It has been a week now, and I am pleased to tell you that I am very happy about the speakers. Its sound stage is incredible! It comes alive at certain high volume. Basically, it is very much what you have reviewed. I still play with my old components but plan to upgrade to a good 2 channels amp in very near future. Again, thanks for your video, which had led me to KEF speakers and my purchase decision.
Awesome choice, enjoy. Thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks! I have one additional question regarding pairing amp with the KEF R11. I have just added the Marantz MM7025, 140W per channel (8ohm). What a difference it makes. It sounds great. However, I feel a little underwelming to have 140W amp driving a 300W speaker. So, I am thinking about changing from this MM7025 to Rotel RB-1582 MKII which has 200W p/c (8 ohm). I think if R11 speakers are paried with a more powerful and capable amp like the Rotel RB-1582, it can sound even better. I just want to get your opinion on where my thinking are. Thanks in advance!
That Denon amplifier look gorgeus
Excellent I've been loving my R3's going on a few years now... :-)
How they sound is important, but damn they look good and modern
Bought a pair last summer, it works both very good on home theater and classical music, the slim shape would work very well with large screen like 150 inchs, only difficultie is chose AMP for movie playing, HiFi AMP may work with classical music but can't fit with movies, currently using IcePower 1200 AS2 to drive them and keep looking others.
Truly a sleek speakers. Thanks for the review. Please could you kindly do a room tour, explaining the acoustic treatments.🙏🏾😉🙏🏾
Seriously considering these. Thank you
Please discuss room positioning, especially distance from walls, thanks, great review
Oh it was in my old house, if I remember correctly it was placed about 9ft apart, 4.5-5ft from the wall behind, 3-4ft from the side wall with about 15-20 degrees toes-in. Thanks
I agree.. the r11 lacks a bit of air in the high frequency range. A pair of super tweeters may solve the problem.
I am quite surprised that the Elysian 2 is no more your (Tharmabar) "end game" speakers..😉
Surprise! Lol
I disagree. The highs are clean. I can listen to my R11's all day without suffering from annoying tweeter fatigue.
Those speakers sound and look beautiful in your room. Thank you for your excellent reviews. One of the best audio channels on YT.
Hey man I just wanted to say I've watched most of your reviews and you're a legend - I hope I can do great reviews like you someday! Keep it real my friend and let the music be our guide
Thank you.
KEF Flagship's 400 Watts Peak RMS Power Handling Version Was Awesome Following
Ross Lovegrove First Project In 2007 Muon KEF Flagship Model,
Blade Series: Blade One Meta and Blade Two Meta
Reference Series: Reference 5 Meta
I have been using it a in the past one and half year. Upgraded from Q900. Like R11 very much.
Great review. Hope you get to review the R11's little brother the R3 one day.
I find it amazing what kef can do with that little concentric driver, it looks quite out of proportion in that behemoth of a tower but it still performs!
I love the look of the Kef Reference 5 speakers. I like how the R11's have that same look.
I love these speakers I have heard them in person and they truly amazing. Some people say they like the revels but I haven't heard those before.
These great looking KEF r11's versus MA Gold 300 v B&W 702 Signature, who wins that fight.
vs DALI Rubicon 8
My personal opinion would be kef r11’s. I have owned monitor audio platinum 300 and B&w 702. The kef while perhaps not as “exciting” as some speakers they just sound better and better the louder they go.
Cool review, Mister. Pretty much touched on everything I wanted to know. Thanks.
Please do consider a review on kef r3.........
Damn. Now these are on my list… Just like the Buchardt A700’s.
Love to hear from someone that can compare the KEF R11 to the Sonus Faber Sonetto Viii
There's a big sale going on the the US on these $2400 each (not for long). Would you happen to know how these stack up against the Focal Aria 948? That's second on my list.
Towering speakers by KEF and look forward for DIY speakers, OB dipoles maybe
Excellent review. I really enjoy your channel.
Graph lables backward? Red shows more HF, which you said sounded less airy?
Good review tharbamar.
Thank you!
It looks nice and clean but a bit off in the high freq.
Maybe in the near future if you could review a Focal Sopra No.3 or the Kanta No.3
Great review Tharbamar and more power.
I think I would've went with Focal over the KEF here?
Hey hello, for when a review from Kef R3? Many thanks and keep with your great work.
I will do when I can get a sample, thanks
Thanks for your wonderful review. I am going to buy R11 soon, just wonder amplifier for this speaker, does Marantz pm 12 ose or Denon pma-2500ne should be right for listen to vinyl from tunable phono out
Both amplifiers are great paring, Marantz will be more polite and Denon will be more dynamic, so you have to choose base on your preference, thanks
In 2019 on Hifi Show, KEF R11 connected with Denon PMA 250NE and the sound was soo horrible the showman cranked up the volume it got way worse! It was playing rock music. I was disappointed mabue something whas wrong. Good video👍🏻
I know what you mean. I have been a fan of KEF for years. This new downsized thing they got going doesn't impress me.
I'll take their Reference Model 105/3; Model 4; or Model 207 over anything offered by them today. Can't fool Physics. It's a constant. If you want to feel bass, as it was intended? You have to move a lot of air! Skinny columns are a great decor. WEF.
I saw that video, the room was terrible more to do with the room.
@@Tharbamar The Room is a constant.
Early KEF's figured into their design. Hence the exclusive use of their Uni-Q driver.
However, I've heard lifeless sounding KEF Reference 207's and Blade's which were probably the result of mismatched electronics/cables/recordings, and rooms as the conspiracy culprits?
Aesthetically their Blades are awful-looking with a low W.E.F.
Like I've heard you mention often, "expensive equipment should look the part" also!
@@jamiesmith6838 KEF or any passive speaker design cannot do anything about the room, in Japan KEF and Denon combo is famous for great synergy between them, my advice is you can't judge fully until you have them in your room otherwise irrelevant.
That Denon is bad ass brother
In 2022, these R11 are now $5K plus tax in Japan, so at parity with pricing elsewhere.
MSRP is $6K plus tax in the U.S. for a pair.
R11's are $10000.00 in Australia i bought these a month ago not cheap
Nice review, Steve! Hey, what is that cover over your TV? Is that something you bought or made? How thick is it?
Hi Sean, TV cover is custom made with thin layer of foam underneath, thanks
Thank you! Great review!
Will you be testing Elysian 4's in the future? Would love a comparison between those and the r11.
I would but I don’t want to hurt my back.
They do sound sweet
Great review, wish to hear Grace Mahya Kiss Of Life on these please, :)
I will have it in the future, thanks
Thanks for taking my advice on the Bass reflex video. These speakers are awesome. Looking forward to seeing your next video 🙏🏼
Your amp makes me swoon. Is it only available in Japan? Difficult to find anything much about it online. I recall it took you some effort to get it.
Yes Jim, only in Japan.
In Denon’s two channel line up, top of the line is pure class A balanced SX1 Limited $8k, SX11 $4.5k and below that is their anniversary model A110 etc, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks for replying. :)
I really enjoy watching your channel. Pls try to review Elac Vela FS 409 Floorstanders. They are more expensive than this but i think they kind of fill the gap between R11s and Reference 5s!
Wow sounds amazing
Beautiful
Kef and Parasound are a very good match. I have R900 ,JC1 mono blocks and D1 DAC and I am very happy with the sound. Although I am sure my system would sound even better with the R11s. My LS 50s never sounded so good until I hooked them to the JC1s. I must have fed them at least 150 watts and they stayed tight, whereas on some of my lesser amps (even 150 watts and high current) the LS 50s started to sound strained even below 100 watts. Once the bass gets sloppy on the LS50s it ruins everything, because the mids and highs also radiate from the same point. The LS50s are also very detailed, so they need a sweet DAC to really shine.
The LS 50s are not for everyone, but how many speakers at the same price point can keep playing up (sounding better) to at least a $20,000 front end?
Great review! Happy new year sir!
Greetings! Between B&W 705s2 and kef r11. I know they are very different in size but i can get them now for about the same price. If you can only pick one, which pair would you choose for your only speakers? Appreciate it!
I would go with 705 S2 and may be add a sub later.
@@Tharbamar thanks! That's also what I am leaning to.
Great review, and thank-you for including the mic'd sound sample. Other hi-fi reviewers refuse to do these, but its adds greatly to the entertainment value of the review, and it does convey useful info about tonality.
What is that turning nob in the middle of the binding post ???, and are you still happy with them (not to bright) i like heavy metal and thinking abot buy these speakers i have the luxmann l-509 x and can not listen to the speakers before buying them so i have to be sure that it's a good match, Thanks in advance
Turning knob is for terminal connection to use with bi-wiring, Luxman would be good match for them with natural sound but for heavy metal music they are not the best choice in my opinion, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks, do you have any surgestions what i should look after since i only listen to Metal and Prog they should not be too bright
?? Been looking at the Aperion but unfortunally they are not sold in Denmark
I would suggest you to try JBL HDI series or Revel F series for your music choices, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks a lot
Love the Review. So you recommend the Denon amp with it , I have marantz 6006 and I’m looking for end game Speaker it looks like this is the one .
Can you please try Elac Carina towers?Every review says they stand above their price range!And they measure excellent!
I will if I can get a sample, thanks
Hi,
Great video. Are you using the. Mogami speaker cables you did on the music demo?
Thanks
I’m using different cables that I designed to use in my system, thanks
I did the Belden 8402 from your videos, they sound 👍. I am also using Mogami cables as XLR from another video that you suggested. Would love to see how you made the speaker cables for this setup they seem to play very well
I know you don't test many subwoofers but if you could maybe review the new small sub KEF 62.
I will if they send me a sample, thanks
Nice review! Can I know what is your room size?
20' x 14' where I have the audio system and 14ft wide opening to the right into the big room, thanks
hello , could you give me a link to your wall- panels ? the white ones :) . please
Hi Tharbamar,
I read in a couple of comments below that you don't like listening to music with the subwoofer. I would be interested in what the difference is in terms of listening.
(I'm deciding which to buy between the R7 or R11, but the price difference is considerable)
Yes when the speakers are capable of producing great sound quality, added sub making it less artistic for me, but I would definitely recommend R7 with sub which will be very musical, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thank you very much.
So there is no musical reason due to the consistency of the reproduction and the quality of the reproduced bass? Assuming, of course, that the subwoofer is properly integrated.
Great review! Any idea how the R7 would compare against these, especially in a smaller room?
I would say only difference is in bass performance and power handling otherwise it should have very same sound signature, thanks
@@Tharbamar how R3 compared to R7 (bass of course) and how R3 compared to Evo 4.2? R11 is brilliant
@@streamnoremorse Bass quality is great on all R series, major different is sound stage, scale and dynamic range. Evo 4.2 is great but not in the same class as R3 in overall sound quality and power handling, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks. I heard 4.1 and R3 but on a different condition (room, setup). R3 have 58Hz min minus 3dB. What is lower is minus 6dB. But after your words if you heard R3 I would choose them. R11 is differently another level from R3 cause you show me that. In room resonse from 30Hz in bass area is perfect! Maybe room influence on sound. Even on youtube it sounds better than R3. What amp? Anyway I would like to hear R3 in your room on youtube.
@@streamnoremorse May be I will test R3 in the near future, thanks
Hi, can you please tell me where you got the cover for your TV in the middle? Is it an acoustic panel?
It’s custom made.
@@Tharbamar Did you make it or have someone make it for you?
r11 meta must be even more amazing
Value in Australia is a joke we have just about the worst Kef prices in the world $10000 for a pair of these -they jacked the price up $3 grand since release -Every Kef speaker in Australia is way over the top
Wow That’s pretty much same price as in Japan.
Not just KEF, same with Goldenears, One.r is US$6000 and AUD$12500 in Oz
Here what I experienced.
I tried to change my old Canton Ergo 100 Dc speakers from the `90s so I listed to Dali Rubicon 6 (4000 euro) and Dynaudio Focus 220 II (3000 euro).Both of them too laid back sound for me.So, I got a pair of Canton Vento 896 (3000 euro) but still I don´t hear the punch bass of the old ones and I am not tottaly satisfied.My vinyl and cd collection:classic rock,some blues and jazz.Plinius 9200 XLR amp,MOFI turntable with Hana MC cartridge,Audioquest cables,Bryston cd player.I want punch bass when necessary and refinement when is required.
I wonder if some KEF , Monitor Audio or some else would do a better job.
Hello ! Is it possible to compare DALI Opticon 6 mk2 and PIEGA classic 5.0 ? Do you know them ? Your advise ? Thank you...
I do not have experience with them to give right advice, thanks
I really want to hear R3 vs Evo 4.2 or 4.4 in your room on the same tracks
Hi Tharbamar!
Since the crossover components are not of the highest quality, do you think that replacing them with better ones would improve the sound quality?
In my opinion, cement resistors, iron inductors and electrolytic caps are not the best for these speakers.
Yes it will improve the sound quality in some way but some caps may not really be much of the improvement over the one KEF is using because better caps may get results in brighter sound and may change the sound signature, it will be depending on what your preference is, thanks
@@Tharbamar Do you have any advice on which caps to use? I think the Jantzen Alumen can be quite neutral and not so expensive
Have you had a chance to listen to the q accoustics concept 500 ? Would love to know you option in comparison to these R11
I have not maybe one day, thanks
Two questions: how they compare in soundstage department with omnidirectional speakers? Are Crown PA amps good match with them? Or tube preamp with Crown as power amp?
Great review. What amp (integrated with DAC) would you recommend under $2000? And would you say a sub would add depth to the music, if it's missing? Thanks
I do not like sub for my music listening and not missing at all, I stay away from amplifier with built in DAC so I cannot give you right advice, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks
@@Shoaibexpert Yamaha a-s801 is under $1000 and very good all around for the price. Another is the Cambridge Audio CXA81.
How does this compare to the Wharfedale Elysian 2?
А где высокие частоты ? С 6 кГц минус 20 дБ !
I have the Dennon Aniversery Amp and CD player. Can that amp power the Kef R11's and sound good?
Yes it will work great, R11 is 91db sensitive.
@@Tharbamar thank you so much
excellent job, beautiful presentation!
Nice presentation....!
Thanks a lot
I wish I had a larger listening space for my 2ch setup. I love that "wall of sound" experience, so I've dedicated my HT to my larger space. Great to hear that these KEFs provide that spaciousness and generous imaging. Great review overall. So are the Elysians going into your smaller den listening room?
Elysian 2 went back to Wharfedale, Thank you
What do you think of a pairing with primaluna prologue pre and power amplifier
They should pair nicely with them.
@@Tharbamar Thank you for your response
i recently got R11s (and an R2C) and driving them with my 10yr old Pioneer VSX 1021 receiver and it still sounds great! very happy with it.
may i know why you don’t use subwoofer? a lot of people online in the forums are suggesting me to get one but i’m not sure.
basically if i have to do one thing to make it sound even better what would it be? better receiver with more Watts per channel or a subwoofer?
I do not like subwoofer for my music listening, R11 is only for music listening not for watching movies. If you use them with AV receivers in home theater yes you will need subwoofer. Thanks
sorry i use it for both music and movies but currently only using my old receiver to do both. my main intention behind this purchase was of course music so looking for ways to get best out of them.
@@keerthikumar2023 Given enough amplification, any speakers in the R series can produce substantial bass, appropriate to a respective room size. These are also demanding 4ohm (not really 8 ohm as KEF claims), so you proper power to drive these with the full range sound that doesn't require a sub. Most music only go down to 25-30hz. You need a sub with movies because those tracks can go down into the teens, at 15hz and below at substantial SPLs. Try to see if you can audition or borrow a beefier AVR or 2ch amp to confirm if you like the bass extension not using any subs for music/movies.
@@nonametofame the amplifier used in this video review(denon pma-sx11) is capable of 120W per channel for 8ohms so i'm not sure it is enough to produce lot of bass from R11s.
How much better are these than the JBL 590s that you had?
Thanks for your insight and reviews.
Big difference in the scale and precision sound reproduction, thanks
I only paid $1,000 for my 590 so they better be better!🤔😇 Added 2 550p subs at $189 a piece and bet they aren't that much better. The room means a lot!
@@bigjay1970 For the Money 590 is great buy!
@@Tharbamar
I know, I have a whole home theater designed around them BECAUSE OF YOU!😛😉😇
How does an r11 compare to a reference 3? Trying to choose between the two. Haven't found a listening room yet.
Dangerously close in performance, if you can get great price for REF 3 I would suggest get REF 3 otherwise R11 is better buy in price to performance, thanks
The reference 3 is much better, not close in performance! The soundstage is bigger on the reference 3. Details are clearer!
Which speaker cables are you using.
How do the mids and highs compare with the ls50 meta? Obviously the r11's have better bass and dynamics.
Got the R3 with 2 subwoofers. I’m thinking to upgrade, dynaudio contour 20i stand mounting is in my short listed. Except bass response, is stereo imaging will be the strength point if I choose R11 as the path, or what will be the other reason to choose this? Imaging with R3 to my opinion is also very good.
It will be wall of sound and scale that no small speaker can match. Thanks
Hi, How do you compare these KEF R11 to KEF Reference 3 or 5 speakers? Thanks
As I mentioned in this video 75% of Ref 5 would be understatement, thank you.
I am planning to buy B&W 702 S2, is it better than KEF?the price is similar.
Decision should be base on your preference because they’re very different. Thanks
@@Tharbamar thank you very much I will compare them! The R3 I owned is quite good!
@HiFiPhoto-Bri thank you very much for your advise! 702 Signature price is very closed to 804 D3 .... difficult to choose...
If you gonna go with B&W stick with Diamond.
@@Tharbamar I see Thanks! Is Denon XS11 enough to drive 804 D3? Or 805 D3 bookshelf better?
How would u compare kef r11 vs B&w 702 anniversary? They are in similar price range
Any suggestions for the speaker cable?
I think my r11 sounds too bright
You could try Scotisch Atlas mavros which is very good at this..
I'm thinking about picking up the R11s with an Amrack AVR10. Thoughts? Should I look at Denon instead? Its mainly for home theater. A little Rock music .
Arcam*
R11 will sound great with any amps, go with your preference.
@@Tharbamar Do you have a recommendation for under 3 grand for the amp?
Not particularly for AVR.
@@Tharbamar what about for any brand? Do you think thats a good selection for amp? Is there any other amp you'd recommend?
It’s all very nice. But it’s actually to much speaker for that room.
Not at all when the room is treated right, I will be getting even bigger speakers in the future, thanks
Are you the guy on Real Hifi Help channel ???
I’m not. Thanks
I prefer the Elysians...
Where do you get your DSD music from? I am having a hard time trying to find good music that is recorded nicely.
Tidal master audio streaming service
r11 vs Elysian strictly for classical music?
R11 for me for better scale and sound stage, thanks
@@Tharbamar thanks, classical music is probably the hardest to reproduce couse it has huge dynamic range.