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GoldenEar BRX vs KEF R3 Comparison

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GoldenEar BRX

Passive Bookshelf | 40-35k Hz

GoldenEar BRX
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KEF R3

Passive Bookshelf | 52-28k Hz

KEF R3
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GoldenEar BRX GoldenEar BRX
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KEF R3 KEF R3
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GoldenEar BRX
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KEF R3
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GoldenEar BRX vs KEF R3 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing BRX and R3, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from GoldenEar and KEF.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of GoldenEar BRX and KEF R3 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

GoldenEar BRX Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • " Folded Ribbon Tweeter
  • 6" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 40-35k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:20-250watts
  • Weight:5.45kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 308.0" x 8-1/8" x 12-5/16"( 308.0 x 207.0 x 313.0mm )

KEF R3 Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5" Midrange
  • 6.5" Hybrid aluminum Woofer
  • 5" Midrange
  • 52-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:15-180watts
  • Weight:13.55kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 423.0" x 7-13/16" x 13-1/4"( 423.0 x 199.0 x 337.0mm )

What size room are the GoldenEar BRX and KEF R3 speakers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* GoldenEar BRX KEF R3
Near-field Poor Poor
Small Room Poor Average
Mid-size Room Good Good
Large Room Good Average
Very Large Room Average Poor

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar BRX and KEF R3 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that BRX is a 2-way design whereas the R3 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.

Driver GoldenEar BRX KEF R3
Driver Setup 2-way 3-way
Tweeter -inch 1-inch
Midrange - 1 x 5-inch
Woofer 1 x 6-inch 1 x 6.5-inch

BRX features a " Folded Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 6" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the R3 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Hybrid aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 400Hz and 2900Hz.

Frequency Response

BRX has a frequency range of 40-35k Hz whereas R3 has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the BRX can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R3's min frequency of 52Hz.

Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

BRX
R3
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

GoldenEar BRX
KEF R3
Min
Average
Max

None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.

Impedance and Sensitivity

BRX and R3 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. BRX sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the R3's is at 87 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the GoldenEar BRX a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R3, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

BRX
R3
Min
Average
Max

Power Range

Power range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.

BRX can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R3 has a max power handling value of 180 watts RMS, 70 watts less than the BRX.

Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.

Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring

R3 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. BRX has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

GoldenEar BRX Terminals
GoldenEar BRX's 5-way post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both BRX and R3 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.

If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.

KEF R3  Port
KEF R3 Port

Physical Specs

Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare GoldenEar BRX's and KEF R3's external dimensions. GoldenEar BRX has external dimensions of 308.0 x 207.0 x 313.0mm ( 12-1/8 x 8-1/8 x 12-5/16inch) whereas KEF R3 has external dimensions of 423.0 x 199.0 x 337.0mm ( 16-5/8 x 7-13/16 x 13-1/4inch) .

GoldenEar BRX is 115mm shorter and 24mm less deeper than KEF R3 but it is also 8mm wider.

Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base surface area of the GoldenEar BRX is approximately 647.9cm2 / 100.4inch2 and base area of the KEF R3 is approximately 670.6cm2 / 103.9inch2. The BRX requires 3% less surface area than the R3 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.

Weight Comparison

The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The GoldenEar BRX weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs and the KEF R3 weighs 13.55kg / 29.8lbs. This makes the R3 149% heavier than the BRX.

Here is a comparison of how BRX and R3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
GoldenEar BRX
KEF R3
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of GoldenEar BRX?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of BRX:
  • Bookshelf loudspeaker Grille Owner's Manual
  • What's in the Box of KEF R3?

    Here are the items that come with the R3:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • User Manual
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose GoldenEar BRX over KEF R3
    Max Input Power 250 watts vs 180 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 90 dB vs 87 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Low Frequency Response 40 Hz vs 52 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 35k Hz vs 28k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Passive Radiator two rectangular side-mounted vs None Increases the bass performance
    Height 308mm vs 423mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 647cm2 vs 670cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 1598USD vs 2200USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose KEF R3 over GoldenEar BRX

    Driver Setup 3-way vs 2-way Have a dedicated mid-range driver
    Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 6 inches Larger woofer
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    GoldenEar BRX vs KEF R3 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General GoldenEar BRX KEF R3
    Brand GoldenEar KEF
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 20-250 watts 15-180 watts
    Sensitivity 90 dB 87 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance n/a 3.2 ohms
    Frequency Response 40-35k Hz 52-28k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 6" 6.5"
    Woofer Composition Polypropylene Hybrid aluminum
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size - 1"
    Tweeter Type Folded Ribbon Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No 5"
    Crossover Frequency n/a 400Hz and 2900Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 308.0mm (12.1") 423.0mm (16.7")
    Width 207.0mm (8.1") 199.0mm (7.8")
    Depth 313.0mm (12.3") 337.0mm (13.3")
    Weight 5.45kg (12lbs) 13.55kg (29.8lbs)
    Enclosure Passive Radiator Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Lacquer MDF/Lacquer
    Available Colors Gloss Black Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height 24-26" n/a
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No Yes
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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