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Wharfedale AURA 2 vs KEF R3 Comparison

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Wharfedale AURA 2

Passive Bookshelf | 42-22k Hz

Wharfedale AURA 2
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KEF R3

Passive Bookshelf | 52-28k Hz

KEF R3
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Wharfedale AURA 2 Wharfedale AURA 2
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KEF R3 KEF R3
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Wharfedale AURA 2
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KEF R3
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Wharfedale AURA 2 vs KEF R3 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing AURA 2 and R3, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and KEF.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Wharfedale AURA 2 and KEF R3 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Wharfedale AURA 2 Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1.0625 x 3.5" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter
  • 4" Midrange
  • 6.5" Glass Fiber Matrix Woofer
  • 42-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range:25-150watts
  • Weight:20.45kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 561.0" x 11-1/4" x 15-13/16"( 561.0 x 286.0 x 402.0mm )

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 Wharfedale AURA 2 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* Wharfedale AURA 2 KEF R3
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 Wharfedale AURA 2 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

Both AURA 2 and R3 are 3-way speakers.

Driver Wharfedale AURA 2 KEF R3
Driver Setup 3-way 3-way
Tweeter 1.0625 x 3.5-inch 1-inch
Midrange 1 x 4-inch 1 x 5-inch
Woofer 1 x 6.5-inch 1 x 6.5-inch

AURA 2 features a 1.0625 x 3.5" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Glass Fiber Matrix Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 520Hz, 4.5kHz. 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

AURA 2 has a frequency range of 42-22k Hz whereas R3 has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the AURA 2 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

AURA 2
R3
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Wharfedale AURA 2
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

AURA 2 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the R3 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.

These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. AURA 2 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the R3's is rated at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale AURA 2 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R3, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

AURA 2
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.

AURA 2 can handle a max power of 180 watts RMS from the amp the whereas AURA 2 has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 30 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

Both AURA 2 and R3 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.

Wharfedale AURA 2 Terminals
Wharfedale AURA 2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Cabinet Type and Port Position

AURA 2 has a bottom firing port whereas R3 has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale AURA 2's bottom-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 Wharfedale AURA 2's and KEF R3's external dimensions. Wharfedale AURA 2 has external dimensions of 561.0 x 286.0 x 402.0mm ( 22-1/16inch x 11-1/4inch x 15-13/16inch ) 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) .

Wharfedale AURA 2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 87mm wider, 138mm taller and 65mm deeper than KEF R3.

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 Wharfedale AURA 2 is approximately 1149.7cm2 / 178.2inch2 and base area of the KEF R3 is approximately 670.6cm2 / 103.9inch2. The AURA 2 requires 71% more surface area than the R3 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Wharfedale AURA 2 weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs and the KEF R3 weighs 13.55kg / 29.8lbs. This makes the AURA 2 51% heavier than the R3.

Here is a comparison of how AURA 2 and R3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale AURA 2
KEF R3
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Wharfedale AURA 2?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of AURA 2:
  • 2 Stand-mount loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 4 Jumper wires
  • 8 Rubber feet
  • Pair of white gloves
  • User 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 Wharfedale AURA 2 over KEF R3
    Sensitivity 88 dB vs 87 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Minimum Impedance 3.5 ohms vs 3.2 ohms Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier
    Low Frequency Response 42 Hz vs 52 Hz Generates deeper bass

    Reasons to choose KEF R3 over Wharfedale AURA 2

    Max Input Power 180 watts vs 150 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Nominal Impedance 8 ohms vs 6 ohms Less selective with amplifiers
    High Frequency Response 28k Hz vs 22k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 423mm vs 561mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 670cm2 vs 1149cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 2200USD vs 2499USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Wharfedale AURA 2 vs KEF R3 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Wharfedale AURA 2 KEF R3
    Brand Wharfedale KEF
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 25-150 watts 15-180 watts
    Sensitivity 88 dB 87 dB
    Impedance 6 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 3.5 ohms 3.2 ohms
    Frequency Response 42-22k Hz 52-28k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 6.5" 6.5"
    Woofer Composition Glass Fiber Matrix Hybrid aluminum
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1.0625 x 3.5" 1"
    Tweeter Type AMT (Ribbon) Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver 4" 5"
    Crossover Frequency 520Hz, 4.5kHz 400Hz and 2900Hz
    Firing Direction bottom rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 561.0mm (22.1") 423.0mm (16.7")
    Width 286.0mm (11.3") 199.0mm (7.8")
    Depth 402.0mm (15.8") 337.0mm (13.3")
    Weight 20.45kg (45lbs) 13.55kg (29.8lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish Multi-layer wood MDF/Lacquer
    Available Colors Piano Black,Piano Walnut,White Gloss Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut
    Mounting Bracket No
    Recommended Stand Height 18-20" n/a
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs Yes Yes
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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