KEF R3 Meta speaker review - Worth the hype?
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- Опубликовано: 9 июл 2024
- KEF R3 Meta review! Sorry we didn't do our best job on this one. Between earthquakes, bad chargers and Seth being tired, we didn't get as much content as usual. The highlights/lowlights are below.
This video is not sponsored. Please consider purchasing them through the Amazon/Crutchfield links below if you aren't in the Southern California area. We make a small commission via this medium and this helps support our video channel.
✅ 🛒KEF R3 Meta bookshelf pair in BLACK: www.pjatr.com/t/1-8640-301982...
✅ 🛒KEF R3 Meta bookshelf pair in INDIGO: www.pjatr.com/t/1-8640-301982...
✅ 🛒KEF R3 Meta bookshelf pair in WHITE: www.pntrac.com/t/1-8640-30198...
✅ 🛒KEF R3 Meta bookshelf pair in WALNUT: www.gopjn.com/t/1-8640-301982...
✅ 🛒KEF Q950 tower speakers in BLACK: amzn.to/40eBVbv
✅ 🛒KEF Q950 tower speakers in WHITE: amzn.to/3FVwp5y
✅ 🛒KEF KC62 subwoofer in BLACK: amzn.to/3nkesqW
✅ 🛒KEF KC62 subwoofer in WHITE: amzn.to/3KdpBTB
✅ 🛒KEF Q650 center channel in BLACK: amzn.to/3ZeRWgA
✅ 🛒KEF Q650 center channel in WHITE: amzn.to/3ZkiD3o
✅ 🛒KEF Q650 center channel in WALNUT: amzn.to/40gISce
✅ 🛒Crutchfield: www.pntrs.com/t/8-12315-30198...
The R3 Meta specs are as follows:
3-way design with Uni-Q 1" tweeter, 5.25" aluminum mid and 6.5" bass driver.
27.2 lbs with very inert cabinets.
87dB and 4 ohm (they can use some power)
Rear ported
Come in gloss black, white, INDIGO BLUE (not available yet) and Walnut
How do they sound? The pros and cons of the KEF R3 Metas are:
The GOOD
Very neutral and flat. This is good for live rooms, classical music or if you're flat speaker sound guy/gal.
Good bass.
Ethereal imaging and presentation with various high frequencies. This produces a sound that seems like it comes from nowhere or that is effortless (Ex: Check out starting at 40 seconds in on Jeff Buckley's "Mojo Pin"...we noticed it with cymbals on multiple tracks as well).
The BAD
Not as detailed as we'd like. NOTE: Sound is subjective so this could be good or bad depending on your ear. They provide a very smooth, flat "produced" sound. Ex: Steve Miller Band...Greatest Hits 1974-1978).
Imaging was 2D unlike some other speakers we'd heard in the same price range that painted more of a 3D image. (Ex: Saxophone that starts at 20ish seconds in Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" or Frank Sinatra's voice at 10 seconds in on "Fly Me To The Moon" w/Count Basie.) Some other speakers WOWed us more than these with multiple demo tracks.
00:00-01:02 Thank our audience
01:02-03:46 Specs and technology
03:47-08:26 Demo and listening
08:27-11:42 R3 Meta pros and cons
11:43-12:25 Accessories and colors
New to stereo or home speakers...you'll probably be STOKED with these. However, we wanted to present the good along with our perceived bad as you may like the attributes we don't. Sound is subjective.
www.airetheaterdesigns.com/bl...
#KEF #audio #audiophile #airetheaterdesigns #hifi 
Наука
This is exactly what I needed to know. I’ve been looking for some reviews comparing the kef metas to ML’s new motion XT speakers. Thanks!
Thanks for checking us out and for the good word!
Very interesting views on the r3 , I love the walnut finish, I do play a lot of classical but also electronic is Jean michel Jarre , as well other music , have been looking at second hand or reduce deals from hifi shops . Interesting also you guys mentioned the moniter audio gold , was also looking at silver 100 7g too . Regards mark
I have the r3 metas and I would agree with this assessment. Very clear. Great imaging. Sounds great across the board. Vocals are solid. Piano, brass instruments, etc are next level. Draw back is there isn’t that noticeable emotional/pull you into the song component. It’s just very very clean. Neutral.
We agree with your assessment agreeing with our assessment! Thanks for stopping by!
@@airetheaterdesigns 😂
@@airetheaterdesigns do you think I could add a little of that emotional pull/magic by adding a Schitt Lokius EQ and bumping some of the frequency ranges or is that a waste of time?
I would try just your standard treble controls first and see if that does anything for you. The addition of some edge might help. If so, then trying the EQ might further aid in optimizing the sound for you. @@nepomo1
KEF R3 M, ML XT B100, or ElectroMotion ESL in a small to mid-size room? Concerned about dipole radiation pattern. I love fast sound but also enjoy dynamics, already have an assortment of subwoofers, if needed.
No standard speakers will be as fast/quick as the ESLs. When you say you are worried about the dipole pattern are you referring to issues with possible off-axis listening? If so, this would be the one hesitation with the ESLs is that they won't sound as good if you are way off axis. If not, ESLs for the win. They have a quicker, more detailed and bigger sound than the others. We have all three!
Please consider buying them here if you aren't in San Diego.
www.pjatr.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjcRWQ%2Fp_839EMESLD%2FMartinLogan-ElectroMotion-ESL-Satin-Black.html
P.S. We did a separate video on the ESL-X models a while back. We like the ESLs vs these for small rooms. Check it out.
ruclips.net/video/1E-SdmgqNYI/видео.html
The Uni-Q throws a massive "3d" soundstage. These can image as good as any speakers in that price range "IF" you have the placement bang on.
As a long time user of KEF speakers, they really need good power to get the most out of them, not necessarily a ton but power that is stable to 2 ohms. My q750 and R3(non meta) will turn on the fans on my emotiva basx300 in a couple minutes and runs really hot. On other speakets the fans never turn on.
Unfortunately they didn't for us. They actually imaged worse than the Q950s we have on display. All of the tenets of our Masters Speaker Training were used for set-up in multiple locations. See below.
ruclips.net/video/6muZLnPyETw/видео.html
The Q series require little power. Thye are 8 ohm and quite sensitive. The Metas need more juice.
I'm upgrading from q150 to R3 Meta soon .. This cheap Chinese Fosi ZA3 drives them better than my Cambridge CXA81 ever did. Thought about getting a Hypex Ncore amp but I'm not sure I'll even need it with the clean power this thing produces. The center is so spot on that it sounds like I still have a Sonos bar under the TV.
How do they compare to the esl you have in the back? Always been interested in those and wondering if the would sound good in 12x12 room?
Thanks for chiming in! They are complete opposites as far as sound characteristics. The ESLs are very special in the right room. You want to be able to get these off the wall somewhat and they have a definite sweet spot but if that works in your room...they can be magic. NOTE: I have electrostatics at home currently.
ESLs = Big. R3 Metas = Not big...bookshelves.
R3 Meta = Flat, neutral produced sound. Got tinnitus or a very noisy room with hard surfaces? These may be a good choice.
How are they vs monitor audio gold / silver ? Tell us more 😅 i had a 6.2 quake in Japan last night yikes 😬
Monitor Audio Gold...more detailed, more pinpoint imaging. R3 Meta...more neutral, more "produced" sound.
MA Golds produce deeper bass
I've been going back and forth between these 2 speakers - ML XT B100's and the R3 Metas for a few months now. I am a 65/35 HT vs. music listener. I recognize from all the reviews I've heard that the R3 Metas are going to be much closer to the initial reference recording particularly for music. Very low coloration. This is what you and others refer to as "flat". Audiophiles really seek out flat responses. I'm coming from 25+ year old DT BP 20 speakers that my wife wants out of the living room. So I'm looking for a bookshelf that will be more visually pleasing - I also have dual SVS SB-100 Pro subs, so I expect no issue on the low end for listening with either speaker. I assume the ML's will be a little more similar to my DTs here as they are "brighter" in the high frequencies. I have no way to audition either of these as not available anywhere nearby me, so I have to order and just do a comparison. I don't love the price of the XT center, however, the combo of the 3 speakers still less expensing than the KEFs. Thanks for your honest review.
Order them both through Crutchfield and see what you think. Send back the loser. Here's a link that will help you and us.
www.pntrs.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjc1FYL%2Fp_839XTB1HGB%2FMartinLogan-Motion-XT-B100-Gloss-Black.html
If you like dynamic sound (the XT B100s will be more forward/bright than your BP20s) and awesome imaging, 99% you'll like the ML. If you don't like live, bright sounds, get annoyed at concerts due to loudness or ever thought the BP20s had too much brightness or loudness (they actually don't have much of this so this lets me know the characteristic that you most likely would prefer), go with the KEFs.
We sell them both but I like the ML for the .01 that's worth.
so with flat speakers - can you not simply adjust with EQ if you want the boosts in the smile sound?
You can but you still won't get edge/hotness if that what you want. The increased treble still has a smooth top.
Got a pair of ae500’s with a tube preamp and a dbx eq. Will let you know.
How do they compare to Sonos Five speakers? I'm deciding if I should go with an amp and the KEFs or just get 2 Sonos Fives. This will be for my turntable. Which one will sound more true to the vinyl records???? I have not see a video anywhere that compares Sonos to to conventional speakers for a turntable.
Amp and KEFs for the win. It will sound better in virtually every aspect, However, you are looking at a $3Kish proposition vs. $1K.
@@airetheaterdesigns thank you for the reply. I’m going with the Kefs. I will be contacting them to a Pioneer SX-850 receiver that I picked up last week. Also going to add a REL T/5x sub and an Eversolo DMP A-6 streamer to the system. I’m hoping this will be a killer system.
@@Gomolka59 We love REL stuff! This should be a great system. Please consider getting the speakers through the link below if you aren't in San Diego or don't have a trusted dealer. This really helps us out.
www.pjatr.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjc1FWK%2Fp_991R3BG%2FKEF-R3-Meta-Black-Gloss.html
Hi guys. thanks for the review. Would you reccon Marantz 40n would be a good match for these speakers?
Thanks for stopping by! We have powered them nicely with the Cinema 50 and with a Yamaha 2000 series receiver so the 40n shouldn't be an issue. It's got a toroidal transformer vs the receivers above so there should be plenty of current for transients.
@@airetheaterdesigns awesome. Many thanks for replying. I kind of knew that I might be safe in terms of powering these speakers with Marantz. I am more concerned if this will be sonically good match. Marantz is on a warm side, KEFs are mostly neutral so the logic suggests the entire system will be more on a warm side. So hard to make a purchase decision without an option to hear the setup first.
Our recommendation would be to buy the speaker sound first. There is synergy in electronics>speaker combos but IMO, it is relatively subtle. I actually think the Marantz has a touch of edge and would be a good match (many other reviews of Marantz say the opposite...we have it in one of our demo systems and have been using it for years and we disagree). Having electronics with a hint of brightness/edge helps to bring out detail in warm/neutral speakers. If you want neutral/warm speakers, the Metas are a good choice@@pistopitpit
@@airetheaterdesigns thank you so much. This is very helpful. I’m all for the neutral sound but a hint of warmth will definitely not spoil it, so I guess getting these speakers 🔊 will be the right decision.
As for pairing with Marantz, I am sure this will be a good match as you suggest. And even if I would not be happy with this match I have a plan B in my sleeve: chord mojo 2 connected to Marantz through RCA input. I absolutely love how chord mojo 2 has transformed my current good old Klipsch R41-PM. Greetings from UK and once again thank you for replying to my comment.
Thanks!
How are they for hip hop?
Not great BUT no bookshelf speaker really is. If you want deep bass, you need a subwoofer or BIG speakers. There is always a trade-off with smaller speakers because physics.
As long as people understand that there are limitations with smaller speakers (and most people do), it cuts down on any buyers remorse.
I was wondering is the R3 and R3 Meta two different speakers. Or they the same speaker?
They are different models. The Meta is the step-up option in their line.
Hi When will you be doing the ML XT F100 or F200 review? Like your review style is different.
Thanks for the good word! We've been swamped with projects and some other things so we've had zero free time. Hopefully we'll get a chance to knock out a review on the F100s in a few weeks. We've spent a bunch of time with them now so we've got some ammo.
It's up!
You have the Q950 in the background. If you had 2k to spend, where is your money going? Q950 or R3?
If you have the room for the Q950s, this is the way I personally would go. More presence, more bass and I like the edge that you get out of the 950s vs the R3 Metas. If you like a very neutral presentation, the R3 Metas might be for you.
@@airetheaterdesigns that's what I was thinking. The 950s seem like more "bang for buck". Q750 Vs Q950??
Q950...bigger tweeter, bigger drivers, bigger presentation. @@Chris-hy6jy
Check 'em out here and please consider buying through the links in the description if you find it helpful. ruclips.net/video/kFSe5cgxERk/видео.html
@@Chris-hy6jy
For rock and metal, also some jazz and vocal, acoustic.. these or the Martin Logans? All the best from Estonia!
Personally, I like the MLs (B100s). However, it depends on whether you are flat speaker guy or not. These two speakers are completely different in the way that they reproduce music. If you are "I have tinnitus...sharp noises startle me...I get ear fatigue" man, you are KEF guy. If you are a normal human, you'll probably like ML.
Mojo Pin rules!
You said it!
Interesting. Whilst I would agree that they are reasonably neutral I am not sure I would describe them as flat. I'm not really aure what produced means. They do seem to like fairly authoritive amps though.
Thanks for checking in! By produced we mean the smooth, soft production of Steve Miller, later Mr. Bungle and others where if you characterize the sound signature of the production rather than the instruments, it isn't sharp or detailed. To all 4 of us that demoed these things, this is what we heard.
What amps have you enjoyed them with? Our Parasound Halo 2 channel set-up provided the same sound signature out of these speakers as our Def Tech WAMP streaming amp. Our rep talked about guys having good results out of $5K-$7K integrated or amp combos but then you're talking about $5K-$7K that would be better spent on speakers.
@@airetheaterdesigns The best I've heard was with a Naim Supernait. I should probably point out that I've never had the opportunity to listen to them at home.
@@barrymiller3385 The guys I've talked to that like the sound have been listening on equipment in that realm (the Naim is a $6K piece). I haven't heard them on gear at that level but the Parasound combo we tested them on (among other electronic combos) is a $4K duet.
They should bring back the red ones
Meta not mat
MAT is KEF's name for their noise reduction back plate/disc... Metamaterial Absorption Technology.
"Speakers are all subjective". wrong
No...right.
Of course the listening process is subjective...that's why you don't have one speaker company that is touted as the superior speaker that all humans listen to and feel is the best. Read reviews on the R3 Metas or on ANY speaker...do you see conflicting reviews and opinions? Of course you do.