I have pretty limited KEF experience but after watching Erin’s Audio Corner review, I decided to pull the trigger on them. Elegant is the right word for this color combo. White was my 2nd choice but all 3 color options are pretty darn good looking. Now I just need some time to listen to them. Haha Thanks again for the continued support, my friend!
With my limited time with Uni-Q speakers, I can definitely see why you like them so much. Out of the box, these R3’s sound fantastic! Can’t wait to get more time with them. Thanks again, for stopping by!
Hope you're enjoying your time with them! I LOVE my R7s but will say when I owned the R3s they were no slouch. If I could handle a bookshelf setup I would have kept the R3s. Excited to see what your impressions are!
Excellent choice on those R7’s, those are beautiful speakers! So far, with about 5 hours in, I’m just loving these R3’s. I can wait to share my impressions with everyone. Thanks for stopping by, I hope you are listening to your R7’s as you read this!
Congratulations Dustin! I love buying used but sometimes getting brand new gear is a special experience. The R3 is my daily driver after having owned about a dozen speakers. The treble has that perfect balance of energy and liveliness without too much sharpness or strain. I didn't get my gloss white pair new but picked them up used for ~$1100 shipped. This was prior to the $200 price jump. Enjoy & don't forget to check that baffle flare!
That’s a killer deal, at $1,100! I missed out on a black pair down in Portland for around that price and I’m still upset I was too late. I wish I would have known you had R3’s, I would have asked you for some feedback. So far, I’m loving the soundstage!
@@blazermdx I know you're still breaking them in, so hopefully you continue to enjoy the sound. I've been eyeing some of the clearances on the KEF Reference 1s, since they announced the new Metas for those. Definitely some opportunities to get them cheap since owners seem eager to ditch them. Though even at half price, they are hardly what I'd call "cheap" lol
@@dawolyan13 the R3s have usable in-room extension down to 30hz. This could mean some may prefer to run them without a subwoofer. I drive them with a hypex 250w per channel which has excellent grip over the bass drivers. That said, i still prefer to run them with a subwoofer 90% of the time. Many have called the R3 "an ls50" with a 6.5" bass driver. Even with a sub, it has great body, and weight to the lower midrange, upper bass. This should make it pretty easy to integrate with a sub, as you can cross them at 80hz or lower.
I was so close to pulling the trigger on these several times due to them occasionally popping up on the secondhand market. I never ended up pulling the trigger unfortunately because I wanted to get them for no more than a $1000 due to them being out on the market I assumed their replacements were coming soon. So I can’t wait for your review of them at $1700+. However I did pick up a pair of RP-8000F for $700, so I don’t think I did too bad.
$700 is a good deal for RP-8000F’s, well done! Yeah, this was a very large investment on my part but I haven’t seen the R3 pop up in my local used market for over a year. The “open box” offerings seem to be listed around $1,500. With the new Meta R3’s around the corner, I figured it was time to take the leap. I just hope the Metas aren’t leaps and bounds better than these R3’s, so I don’t end up upgrading again. Never ends. Haha
R3 are a nice speaker. Lot of good engineering in them from KEF. Look forward to see how the new r series meta is once they unveil since they already launched the reference meta but that's out of my price point. Really hoping they have more wood veneer finishes as I really like black wood grains instead of gloss black. Need to start demoing speakers myself.
Yeah, the R3 Metas are probably right around the corner now. That’s probably why these were discontented so much. I’m not the type that needs the latest and greatest but I’m excited to see what KEF is planning for the new Metas. I’d love to see some type of grey veneer with a more vibrant woofer/trim combo. Thanks again for stopping by, buddy!
@@blazermdx yeah I think I could get my SO behind an ash gray wood veneer with a red woofer similar to how they have for the ls50 meta but I can't see them doing that. Black ash seems to be more popular though considering paradigm founders, monitor audio silver, and SVS ultra all offer wood veneer in that color. Good seeing you too, look forward to your review of these!
@@kaneda7katsuragi Great upgrade! I just loved the 703’s I had. Never should have sold them. It’s early but these R3’s are some of the best speakers I’ve heard, in this small room. I would have loved to run these R3’s against the LSiM 703’s:/
I missed out on a used white pair, a couple years ago, for $1,200. I frequently think about that missed deal so I was happy to finally grab these speakers. Even if I ended up paying quite a bit more than $1,200. Haha
Same here! I know they are very different speakers, usually for different consumers, but I’m really interested in seeing if KEF can overcome the massive price premium. Should be a fun couple weeks, finding out for myself:) Thanks for taking the time to comment!
I can definitely see why you love KEF so much! My first impressions of these R3’s are quite positive. I’m enjoying them so much, I am just watching movies back to back, all day today. Ghostbusters Afterlife first, Dune next. Not a bad way to spend a lazy day, if you ask me
I'm late but did ASR or Erin's measurements play a role in your decision? I've been looking at these, Genelec G3 or G4, and maybe Arendal 1723S. Although the KEf R3s look like the best option. Only which they had a matte version and sold separately for a center.
I know:/ I’m getting hammered at work but I’ve got a few videos that will be coming out in the next couple weeks. I’ll give you a hint in the meantime.. I’m absolutely loving these R3’s!
@@blazermdx Cant wait, i also just ordered a pair to replace my 600m’s. Stick with the channel my man it will blow up in time. Your vibe and insight is 100% what people are looking for.
Yeah, I’m with you. I’m pretty cheap most of the time but I’ve been saving up and researching there for a couple years now. This was a substantial investment, on my end. $1,850 with tax goes a very long ways on the used market. Haha
@@blazermdx oh for sure me too I’m always looking for a deal i recently picked up a hsu vtf-2 mk5 for 300 bucks and alot of my gear I got on sale or discounted it’s always nice to treat yourself to something new every now and then
I usually want more seat time, before I start focusing too much on sound impressions but yes, they are very good speakers. I know this already. I’ll be providing more details, the more time I get with them. Thanks for the question!
Awesome, though overpriced speakers. Fugly imo, but yeah... For your small room, get 3 LS50's. The Metas are out, so you get the old ones everywhere for like 300-400/piece.
They definitely aren’t cheap, that’s for sure. I considered 3 LS50 Metas over these but I liked the heft and the styling of the R3’s a bit more. Though, the white and blue LS50’s were pretty sexy. With that said, I would have paid the same amount today for these R3’s, as I did last week. I’m just loving my limited time with these Uni-Q speakers, so far! Thanks for stopping by, my man!
The R11’s are beautiful speakers! I saw a white pair at Best Buy when I bought these. Out of my budget but quite amazing looking. Speaking of amazing looking speakers, they also has a pair of KEF Blades all set up😳
I like hearing different opinions on sound! I’m what you’d call opposite of a “fanboy” when it comes to this hobby as I know we all have different ears and brains. With that all said, I’ve been pretty surprised by these R3’s. I can definitely see why people love the KEF sound. Cheers, my friend!
very elegant speakers, I bet they sound amazing, I was never disappointed by the KEF products, they may be a little bit brighter but I love it
I have pretty limited KEF experience but after watching Erin’s Audio Corner review, I decided to pull the trigger on them.
Elegant is the right word for this color combo. White was my 2nd choice but all 3 color options are pretty darn good looking.
Now I just need some time to listen to them. Haha
Thanks again for the continued support, my friend!
@@blazermdx looking forward to see what your review will be
I love the uni-q design. I have tried other speakers but I probably wind up with KEF speakers again or another concentric speaker design.
With my limited time with Uni-Q speakers, I can definitely see why you like them so much.
Out of the box, these R3’s sound fantastic! Can’t wait to get more time with them.
Thanks again, for stopping by!
Nice speakers, but there are many good offerings at that price point
Hope you're enjoying your time with them! I LOVE my R7s but will say when I owned the R3s they were no slouch. If I could handle a bookshelf setup I would have kept the R3s. Excited to see what your impressions are!
Excellent choice on those R7’s, those are beautiful speakers!
So far, with about 5 hours in, I’m just loving these R3’s. I can wait to share my impressions with everyone.
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you are listening to your R7’s as you read this!
Congratulations Dustin! I love buying used but sometimes getting brand new gear is a special experience.
The R3 is my daily driver after having owned about a dozen speakers. The treble has that perfect balance of energy and liveliness without too much sharpness or strain.
I didn't get my gloss white pair new but picked them up used for ~$1100 shipped. This was prior to the $200 price jump.
Enjoy & don't forget to check that baffle flare!
That’s a killer deal, at $1,100! I missed out on a black pair down in Portland for around that price and I’m still upset I was too late.
I wish I would have known you had R3’s, I would have asked you for some feedback.
So far, I’m loving the soundstage!
@@blazermdx I know you're still breaking them in, so hopefully you continue to enjoy the sound. I've been eyeing some of the clearances on the KEF Reference 1s, since they announced the new Metas for those. Definitely some opportunities to get them cheap since owners seem eager to ditch them. Though even at half price, they are hardly what I'd call "cheap" lol
Hi! I have heard that these Kefs are bass light. I am NOT a bass head. I do like to hear what is there. Any insights? Thank you.
@@dawolyan13 the R3s have usable in-room extension down to 30hz. This could mean some may prefer to run them without a subwoofer.
I drive them with a hypex 250w per channel which has excellent grip over the bass drivers. That said, i still prefer to run them with a subwoofer 90% of the time. Many have called the R3 "an ls50" with a 6.5" bass driver. Even with a sub, it has great body, and weight to the lower midrange, upper bass. This should make it pretty easy to integrate with a sub, as you can cross them at 80hz or lower.
@@nonametofame Yhank you for the info AND taking the time!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I was so close to pulling the trigger on these several times due to them occasionally popping up on the secondhand market. I never ended up pulling the trigger unfortunately because I wanted to get them for no more than a $1000 due to them being out on the market I assumed their replacements were coming soon. So I can’t wait for your review of them at $1700+. However I did pick up a pair of RP-8000F for $700, so I don’t think I did too bad.
$700 is a good deal for RP-8000F’s, well done!
Yeah, this was a very large investment on my part but I haven’t seen the R3 pop up in my local used market for over a year. The “open box” offerings seem to be listed around $1,500.
With the new Meta R3’s around the corner, I figured it was time to take the leap. I just hope the Metas aren’t leaps and bounds better than these R3’s, so I don’t end up upgrading again. Never ends. Haha
R3 are a nice speaker. Lot of good engineering in them from KEF. Look forward to see how the new r series meta is once they unveil since they already launched the reference meta but that's out of my price point. Really hoping they have more wood veneer finishes as I really like black wood grains instead of gloss black. Need to start demoing speakers myself.
Yeah, the R3 Metas are probably right around the corner now. That’s probably why these were discontented so much.
I’m not the type that needs the latest and greatest but I’m excited to see what KEF is planning for the new Metas. I’d love to see some type of grey veneer with a more vibrant woofer/trim combo.
Thanks again for stopping by, buddy!
@@blazermdx yeah I think I could get my SO behind an ash gray wood veneer with a red woofer similar to how they have for the ls50 meta but I can't see them doing that. Black ash seems to be more popular though considering paradigm founders, monitor audio silver, and SVS ultra all offer wood veneer in that color. Good seeing you too, look forward to your review of these!
nice find. the coax design is awesome. Miss my old LS50's every now and then...
3 LS50 Metas was a serious consideration, that’s for sure.
What did you replace your LS50’s with?
@@blazermdx Polk LSIM 705. Got them when bestbuy cleared them out for the legend/reserve rollout :)
@@kaneda7katsuragi Great upgrade! I just loved the 703’s I had. Never should have sold them.
It’s early but these R3’s are some of the best speakers I’ve heard, in this small room. I would have loved to run these R3’s against the LSiM 703’s:/
I've lusted over these speakers as well.
I missed out on a used white pair, a couple years ago, for $1,200. I frequently think about that missed deal so I was happy to finally grab these speakers. Even if I ended up paying quite a bit more than $1,200. Haha
@@blazermdx I seen a couple people selling them here in Fort Lauderdale but not as low as 1200. Either way enjoy them.
Can't wait for the comparison to the 600m!!!
Same here! I know they are very different speakers, usually for different consumers, but I’m really interested in seeing if KEF can overcome the massive price premium.
Should be a fun couple weeks, finding out for myself:)
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
My favorire speaker brand!!
I can definitely see why you love KEF so much! My first impressions of these R3’s are quite positive.
I’m enjoying them so much, I am just watching movies back to back, all day today.
Ghostbusters Afterlife first, Dune next. Not a bad way to spend a lazy day, if you ask me
These are my next speaker, meta version
I'm late but did ASR or Erin's measurements play a role in your decision? I've been looking at these, Genelec G3 or G4, and maybe Arendal 1723S. Although the KEf R3s look like the best option. Only which they had a matte version and sold separately for a center.
Need the follow up!
I know:/ I’m getting hammered at work but I’ve got a few videos that will be coming out in the next couple weeks.
I’ll give you a hint in the meantime.. I’m absolutely loving these R3’s!
@@blazermdx Cant wait, i also just ordered a pair to replace my 600m’s. Stick with the channel my man it will blow up in time. Your vibe and insight is 100% what people are looking for.
Les kef r3 son magnifique
How do they compare to Klipsch 650 THX? I am trying to decide between R3 vs Klipsch 650 THX for movies.
Please make a John Wick 3 demo with R3s
Hi did you compare the kef R3 yet to the Klipsch 600N... would like your take thx 🙏😊
Trust me, I’m hoping to post the R3 review soon. I now have 3 as my LCR and I am one happy camper.
Thank you for the support, my friend!
Damn those are some pricey bookshelf’s even on sale ! They look amazing though
Yeah, I’m with you. I’m pretty cheap most of the time but I’ve been saving up and researching there for a couple years now.
This was a substantial investment, on my end. $1,850 with tax goes a very long ways on the used market. Haha
@@blazermdx could have gotten R-300 for less than 50% of that...
I bet you these would have sounded "good enough".
@@blazermdx oh for sure me too I’m always looking for a deal i recently picked up a hsu vtf-2 mk5 for 300 bucks and alot of my gear I got on sale or discounted it’s always nice to treat yourself to something new every now and then
Are these good speakers?
I usually want more seat time, before I start focusing too much on sound impressions but yes, they are very good speakers. I know this already.
I’ll be providing more details, the more time I get with them.
Thanks for the question!
Is this a smart question?
Awesome, though overpriced speakers. Fugly imo, but yeah...
For your small room, get 3 LS50's. The Metas are out, so you get the old ones everywhere for like 300-400/piece.
They definitely aren’t cheap, that’s for sure. I considered 3 LS50 Metas over these but I liked the heft and the styling of the R3’s a bit more. Though, the white and blue LS50’s were pretty sexy.
With that said, I would have paid the same amount today for these R3’s, as I did last week. I’m just loving my limited time with these Uni-Q speakers, so far!
Thanks for stopping by, my man!
Why 3?
@@tweedpenguin712 I’m now using 3 as my LCR setup. I’m basically using the third as my center.
R 11 is something I always wanted to get
The R11’s are beautiful speakers! I saw a white pair at Best Buy when I bought these. Out of my budget but quite amazing looking.
Speaking of amazing looking speakers, they also has a pair of KEF Blades all set up😳
That’s all they cost. Man
That’s low price lol
Not that you asked, but I just don't care for the KEF sound
I like hearing different opinions on sound! I’m what you’d call opposite of a “fanboy” when it comes to this hobby as I know we all have different ears and brains.
With that all said, I’ve been pretty surprised by these R3’s. I can definitely see why people love the KEF sound.
Cheers, my friend!