In this review, we will be comparing Platinum 100 3G and Reference 1 Meta, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Monitor Audio and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G and KEF Reference 1 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G and KEF Reference 1 Meta 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G and KEF Reference 1 Meta compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Platinum 100 3G is a 2-way design whereas the Reference 1 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.
| Driver |
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G |
KEF Reference 1 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Platinum 100 3G features a 1" MPD III Tweeter and 1 x 6" RDT III Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2850 Hz. On the other hand, the Reference 1 Meta features a 1" aluminium dome with MAT Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" aluminium cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450Hz and 2100Hz.
Frequency Response
Platinum 100 3G has a frequency range of 28-60k Hz whereas Reference 1 Meta has a frequency range of 45-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Platinum 100 3G can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Reference 1 Meta's min frequency of 45Hz.
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
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G
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
Platinum 100 3G and Reference 1 Meta have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Platinum 100 3G sensitivity is rated at 85dB and the Reference 1 Meta's is at 85 dB.
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 Platinum 100 3G and the Platinum 100 3G can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
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.
Platinum 100 3G can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Platinum 100 3G has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the Reference 1 Meta.
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
Both Platinum 100 3G and Reference 1 Meta features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
KEF Reference 1 Meta's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Platinum 100 3G and Reference 1 Meta 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.
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G 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 Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G's and KEF Reference 1 Meta's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G has external dimensions of 398 x 225 x 325.6 mm ( 15.6 x 8.8 x 12.8-inch) whereas KEF Reference 1 Meta has external dimensions of 440 x 205 x 422 mm ( 17.3 x 8.1 x 16.6 ) .
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G is 42mm shorter and 97mm less deeper than KEF Reference 1 Meta but it is also 20mm 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 Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G is approximately 731.3cm2 / 113.4inch2 and base area of the KEF Reference 1 Meta is approximately 865.1cm2 / 134.1inch2. The Platinum 100 3G requires 15% less surface area than the Reference 1 Meta 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 Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G weighs 15.20kg / 33.4lbs and the KEF Reference 1 Meta weighs 18.20kg / 40lbs. This makes the Reference 1 Meta 20% heavier than the Platinum 100 3G.
Here is a comparison of how Platinum 100 3G and Reference 1 Meta's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G
 Minimum Impedance |
4 ohms
vs
3.2 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
60k Hz
vs
35k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
398mm
vs
440mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
731cm2 (225x325mm)
vs
865cm2 (205x422mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
6900USD
vs
9000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
| Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G |
KEF Reference 1 Meta |
| Brand |
Monitor Audio |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 150 watts |
50-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
3.2 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
28-60k Hz |
45-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
RDT III |
aluminium cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
aluminium dome with MAT |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
5" |
| Crossover Frequency |
2850 Hz |
450Hz and 2100Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
398.0mm (15.7") |
440.0mm (17.3") |
| Width |
225.0mm (8.9") |
205.0mm (8.1") |
| Depth |
325.0mm (12.8") |
422.0mm (16.6") |
| Weight |
15.20kg (33.4lbs) |
18.20kg (40lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Piano Black, Piano Ebony, Satin White |
High-Gloss White/Blue, High-Gloss White/Champagne, High-Gloss Black/Grey, High-Gloss Black/Copper, Satin Walnut/Silver |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 years |