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KEF R3 vs JBL L82 Classic Comparison

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KEF R3

Passive Bookshelf | 52-28k Hz

KEF R3
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JBL L82 Classic

Passive Bookshelf | 44-40k Hz

JBL L82 Classic
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KEF R3 KEF R3
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JBL L82 Classic JBL L82 Classic
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KEF R3
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JBL L82 Classic
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KEF R3 vs JBL L82 Classic Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing R3 and L82 Classic, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KEF and JBL.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of KEF R3 and JBL L82 Classic first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

KEF R3 Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5" Midrange
  • 6.5" Hybrid aluminum Woofer
  • 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 )

JBL L82 Classic Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 8" Pulp Woofer
  • 44-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:25-125watts
  • Weight:12.80kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 472.8" x 11.0" x 12.4"( 472.8 x 281.0 x 315.5mm )

What size room are the KEF R3 and JBL L82 Classic 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* KEF R3 JBL L82 Classic
Near-field Poor Poor
Small Room Average Average
Mid-size Room Good Good
Large Room Average Average
Very Large Room Poor 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 KEF R3 and JBL L82 Classic 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 R3 is a 3-way design whereas the L82 Classic is a 2-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 KEF R3 JBL L82 Classic
Driver Setup 3-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange 1 x 5-inch -
Woofer 1 x 6.5-inch 1 x 8-inch

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. On the other hand, the L82 Classic features a 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" Pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1700Hz.

Frequency Response

R3 has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas L82 Classic has a frequency range of 44-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the L82 Classic 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

R3
L82 Classic
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

KEF R3
JBL L82 Classic
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

R3 and L82 Classic have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R3 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the L82 Classic's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the JBL L82 Classic a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R3, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

R3
L82 Classic
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.

R3 can handle a max power of 180 watts RMS from the amp the whereas L82 Classic has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS, 55 watts less than the R3.

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. L82 Classic has a Five-way gold-plated binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

JBL L82 Classic Terminals
JBL L82 Classic's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

R3 has a rear firing port whereas L82 Classic has a front firing ports. JBL L82 Classic's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to KEF R3 with its rear-firing port.

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 KEF R3's and JBL L82 Classic's external dimensions. 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) whereas JBL L82 Classic has external dimensions of 472.8 x 281.0 x 315.5mm ( 18.6 x 11.0 x 12.4inch) .

KEF R3 is 82mm narrower and 49.8mm shorter than JBL L82 Classic but it is also 21.5mm deeper.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of KEF R3 and JBL L82 Classic in scale.

KEF R3 vs JBL L82 Classic Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of KEF R3 and JBL L82 Classic Size and External Dimensions

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 KEF R3 is approximately 670.6cm2 / 103.9inch2 and base area of the JBL L82 Classic is approximately 886.6cm2 / 137.4inch2. The R3 requires 24% less surface area than the L82 Classic 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 KEF R3 weighs 13.55kg / 29.8lbs and the JBL L82 Classic weighs 12.80kg / 28.2lbs. This makes the R3 6% heavier than the L82 Classic.

Here is a comparison of how R3 and L82 Classic's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
KEF R3
JBL L82 Classic
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of KEF R3?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R3:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • User Manual
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of JBL L82 Classic?

    Here are the items that come with the L82 Classic:
  • Bookshelf loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Owner's Manual

  • Reasons to choose KEF R3 over JBL L82 Classic
    Max Input Power 180 watts vs 125 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Driver Setup 3-way vs 2-way Have a dedicated mid-range driver
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    Height 423mm vs 472mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 670cm2 vs 886cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 2200USD vs 2750USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose JBL L82 Classic over KEF R3

    Sensitivity 88 dB vs 87 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 8 inches vs 6.5 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 44 Hz vs 52 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 40k Hz vs 28k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Port Position Front vs Rear Gives more flexibility placing close to walls
    KEF R3 vs JBL L82 Classic Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General KEF R3 JBL L82 Classic
    Brand KEF JBL
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 15-180 watts 25-125 watts
    Sensitivity 87 dB 88 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 3.2 ohms n/a
    Frequency Response 52-28k Hz 44-40k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 6.5" 8"
    Woofer Composition Hybrid aluminum Pulp
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Dome Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver 5" No
    Crossover Frequency 400Hz and 2900Hz 1700Hz
    Firing Direction rear front
    Physical Specs
    Height 423.0mm (16.7") 472.8mm (18.6")
    Width 199.0mm (7.8") 281.0mm (11.1")
    Depth 337.0mm (13.3") 315.5mm (12.4")
    Weight 13.55kg (29.8lbs) 12.80kg (28.2lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Lacquer MDF/Wood veneer
    Available Colors Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut Walnut
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height n/a 15.5"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs Yes No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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