KEF R3 is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by KEF. It was released in 2018. It features a 1" Dome Tweeter, 1 x 5" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Hybrid aluminum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. KEF R3 has an MSRP of 2200$ per pair but can often be found around 1700$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the KEF R3 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:
| Listening Environment* |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| Very Large Room | 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.)
KEF R3 Speaker Structure
KEF later replaced R3 with R3 Meta. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare KEF R3 vs KEF R3 Meta
KEF R3 Lifestyle
KEF's R Series of Loudspeakers
R3 is a member of KEF's R series of Passive speakers. The R Series is KEF's high-end range, using an eleventh-generation Uni-Q driver in premium cabinets. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
See all 5 KEF R models compared »
KEF R Series Speakers
**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequency Response of the KEF R3 Speaker
KEF R3 has a Frequency response range of 52-28k Hz and Power Range of 15-180 watts. With a minimum frequency of 52 Hz, R3 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.
Here we have a comparison of how R3's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Thinking about a subwoofer for the KEF R3?
KEF R3's Hybrid aluminum Woofer
Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 3000$ (Pair), there is only one Passive Bookshelf speaker that have the deeper bass levels than the KEF R3's 52Hz:
Crossover frequency of the KEF R3?
R3 is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange is set to 400 Hz and the crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 2900 Hz.
Impedance and Sensitivity
KEF R3's nominal impedance level is
8 ohms but can go down to as low as
3.2 ohms, and has a sensitivity of
87 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so KEF R3 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, KEF R3 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the KEF R3 plays in your room →
Minimum Impedance of the KEF R3
Even though the nominal impedance of the R3 is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to KEF is 3.2 ohms KEF R3 so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.
What amplifier does the KEF R3 need?
At normal listening levels in a medium room, about
15–180 W
per channel into 8 ohms.
Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.
Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $3,000, or every amplifier we cover.
Input Type
R3 has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.
Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →
KEF R3 External Dimensions and Weight
KEF R3 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 16-5/8 x 7-13/16 x 13-1/4inch (423.0 x 199.0 x 337.0mm ).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of KEF R3 is approximately 670.6cm2 / 103.9inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of KEF R3, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
KEF R3 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Here we place the KEF R3 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.
KEF R3 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable
Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove → · Work out where they should sit in the room →
WeightThe KEF R3 weighs 13.55kg / 29.8lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how R3's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $3000
Cabinet type and Materials
KEF R3 has a
Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Lacquer finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Speaker Feet
KEF R3 comes with 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.
It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.
Port Position
KEF R3 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.
KEF R3 Port
Available colors
KEF R3 is available in Black Gloss, White Gloss and Walnut.
Wall Mounting
R3 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Speaker Stands
KEF sells a dedicated speaker stand for the R3 with a model name
KEF S3. You can check the latest price and availability of these stands at
B&H PHOTO and
Amazon.
KEF S3 Speaker Stands for KEF R3
Does the KEF R3 come with a Grille?
R3 comes with removable grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.
KEF R3 with Grille
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
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the KEF R3.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
- Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
- Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.
User's Manual
For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the KEF R3, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for KEF R3
Official Brochure
Here is a link to download the official brochure for the KEF R3 speaker:
Official Brochure for KEF R3
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the KEF R3 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for KEF R3
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.
Related Videos