In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by KEF. KEF R8 Meta is a Surround speaker whereas the R3 Meta is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF R8 Meta and KEF R3 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | KEF R8 Meta | KEF R3 Meta |
|---|
| Brand | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Uni-Q driver | 12th Generation Uni-Q | 12th Generation Uni-Q |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" Hard-Dome |
|---|
| Midrange | — | 5" |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" | 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 97-17.5k Hz | 58-28k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 85 dB | 87 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 15-180 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.49kg / 9.9lbs | 12.41kg / 27.3lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 7-1/4" x 6-15/16" x 10-7/16"
184.2 x 176.2 x 265.1mm | 16-5/8" x 7-15/16" x 13-1/4"
423.0 x 202.0 x 337.0mm |
|---|
R8 Meta and R3 Meta are members of KEF's R META series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that R8 Meta is a 2-way design whereas the R3 Meta 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.
KEF R8 MetaKEF R3 Meta
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
KEF R8 Meta |
KEF R3 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
R8 Meta features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer. On the other hand, the R3 Meta features a 1" Aluminum with MAT absorber Hard-Dome Tweeter, a 5" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 420Hz and 2300Hz.
Frequency Response
R8 Meta has a frequency range of 97-17.5k Hz whereas R3 Meta has a frequency range of 58-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 58Hz, the R3 Meta can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R8 Meta's min frequency of 97Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Surround class in our database.
Low Frequency
Surround Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
R8 Meta and R3 Meta have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R8 Meta sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the R3 Meta's is at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the KEF R3 Meta a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R8 Meta, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the R8 Meta and the R8 Meta can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Surround Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
R3 Meta features Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. R8 Meta has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF R3 Meta's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 R8 Meta's and KEF R3 Meta's external dimensions. KEF R8 Meta has external dimensions of 184.2 x 176.2 x 265.1mm () whereas KEF R3 Meta has external dimensions of 423.0 x 202.0 x 337.0mm (16-5/8-inch x 7-15/16-inch x 13-1/4-inch).
KEF R3 Meta is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 25.8mm wider, 238.8mm taller and 71.9mm deeper than KEF R8 Meta.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
KEF R3 Meta needs about 46% more floor or shelf area. KEF R3 Meta is 72mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. KEF R3 Meta is 239mm taller.
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 R8 Meta is approximately 467.1cm2 / 72.4inch2 and base area of the KEF R3 Meta is approximately 680.7cm2 / 105.5inch2. The R8 Meta requires 31% less surface area than the R3 Meta which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of KEF R3 Meta?
Here are the items that come with the R3 Meta:
- 1 pair of R3 Meta loudspeakers
- 1 pair of microfiber grilles
- Rubber feet
- Port bungs
- User manual and warranty information