SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
KEF R3 Meta Review
KEF R3 Meta

Main Features

  • 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 5" aluminum cone with Uni-Q Technology Midrange
  • 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer
  • 58-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 15-180watts
  • Weight:27.30 lbs / 12.41 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 16-5/8"x7-15/16"x13-1/4" / 423.0 x 202.0 x 337.0mm
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE

Compare To

x
Add a Speaker for comparison
KEF R3 Meta Review

KEF R3 Meta is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by KEF. It features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter, 1 x 5" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 58-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. KEF R3 Meta has an MSRP of 2199$ per pair.

What size of room is the KEF R3 Meta speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the KEF R3 Meta is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomAverage

(* 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.)

What are the speakers in KEF's R META Series?

R3 Meta is a member of KEF's R META series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

KEF R META Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
KEF R3 Meta
58-28k Hz 87 dB4Ω 1 x 6.5"
KEF R7 Meta
Compare
48-28k Hz 88 dB4Ω 2 x 6.5"
KEF R5 Meta
Compare
52-28k Hz 87 dB4Ω 2 x 5.25"
KEF R11 Meta
Compare
46-28k Hz 90 dB4Ω 4 x 6.5"
KEF R6 Meta
Compare
65-28k Hz 88 dB4Ω 2 x 6.5"
KEF R2 Meta
Compare
67-28k Hz 87 dB4Ω 2 x 5.25"


**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.

What is the Frequency Response of the KEF R3 Meta speaker?

KEF R3 Meta has a Frequency response range of 58-28k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 15-180 watts. At a minimum frequency of 58 Hz, R3 Meta will provide an average bass depth so depending on your use case, you may consider supplementing your system with a subwoofer.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with KEF R3 Meta, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $3000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how R3 Meta's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
KEF R3 Meta
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
KEF R3 Meta
Min
Average
Max

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 3000$ (Pair), these are the 4 Passive Bookshelf speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the KEF R3 Meta's 58Hz:

  • KEF R3 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ R3 Meta)
  • B&W 607 S2 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ R3 Meta)
  • B&W 606 S2 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ R3 Meta)
  • Wharfedale EVO4.2 with Low Frequency of 54 Hz (Compare w/ R3 Meta)


What is the Crossover frequency of KEF R3 Meta?

R3 Meta is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange set to 420Hz and the Crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 2300Hz.

What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the KEF R3 Meta? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

KEF R3 Meta's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.2 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
KEF R3 Meta
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of 4 Ohms means that the KEF R3 Meta is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.
Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the KEF R3 Meta with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, KEF R3 Meta 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 speakers.

Minimum Impedance of KEF R3 Meta

Even though the nominal impedance of the R3 Meta is 4 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to KEF is 3.2 ohms KEF R3 Meta so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the KEF R3 Meta:

  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 3000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 5000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

R3 Meta has Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can provide improvements in the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by running separate speaker wires to the low & high frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping allows the use of separate amplifiers for the high & low frequency drivers of your loudspeaker which may result in greater dynamic range & lower distortion.

KEF R3 Meta Back View
KEF R3 Meta Back View

KEF R3 Meta External Dimensions and Weight

KEF R3 Meta has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 16-5/8-inch x 7-15/16-inch x 13-1/4-inch (423.0 x 202.0 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 Meta is approximately 680.7cm2 / 105.5inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of KEF R3 Meta, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

KEF R3 Meta Real Life Body Size Comparison
KEF R3 Meta Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the KEF R3 Meta 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 Meta placed next to an amplifier and turntable
KEF R3 Meta Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The KEF R3 Meta weighs 12.41kg / 27.3lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how R3 Meta's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
KEF R3 Meta
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $3000
KEF R3 Meta
Min
Average
Max
KEF R3 Meta  on a Stand
KEF R3 Meta on a Stand

How does the KEF R3 Meta compare to the KEF Reference 1 Meta?

One of the natural alternative to the KEF R3 Meta is the Reference 1 Meta which is located one step higher in KEF's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

KEF R3 Meta vs KEF Reference 1 Meta Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of KEF R3 Meta and KEF Reference 1 Meta Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of KEF R3 Meta vs Reference 1 Meta for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

KEF R3 Meta has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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 Meta comes with 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 Meta 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.

Available colors

KEF R3 Meta is available in Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut and Indigo Gloss Special Edition.

KEF R3 Meta  Colors
KEF R3 Meta Colors

Wall Mounting

R3 Meta 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 Meta 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 for KEF R3 Meta
KEF S3 Speaker Stands for KEF R3 Meta

What's in the Box of KEF R3 Meta?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R3 Meta:
  • 1 pair of R3 Meta loudspeakers
  • 1 pair of microfiber grilles
  • Rubber feet
  • Port bungs
  • User manual and warranty information
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the KEF R3 Meta, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for KEF R3 Meta

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the KEF R3 Meta speaker:
    Official Brochure for KEF R3 Meta

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the KEF R3 Meta speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for KEF R3 Meta

    Warranty

    5 years of parts warranty and 5 years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Related Videos

    KEF R3 Meta  Lifestyle
    KEF R3 Meta Lifestyle

    KEF R3 Meta Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Buchardt S400 MKII
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 4 ohms 33-40k HZ
    B&W 706 S2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    KEF R3
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    B&W 706 S3
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    B&W 705 S3
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    Wharfedale Elysian 1
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 4 ohms 49-22k Hz
    MoFi SourcePoint 10
    Compare
    2-way 91dB 8 ohms 42-30k Hz
    JBL L100 Classic
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 40-40k Hz
    JBL HDI-1600
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 4 ohms 40-30k Hz
    B&W 705 S2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about KEF R3 Meta
    What is the External Dimensions of KEF R3 Meta
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of KEF R3 Meta
    is the KEF R3 Meta an easy to drive speaker?



    KEF R3 Meta Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandKEF
    Full Model NameKEF R3 Meta
    Speaker Type3-way Bookshelf
    Power Range15-180 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance4 ohms
    Max SPL110 dB
    Frequency Response58-28k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionHybrid Aluminum
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
    Midrange Size5-inch
    Crossover freq420Hz and 2300Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeCustom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height423.0mm ( 16-5/8-inch)
    Width202.0mm ( 7-15/16-inch)
    Depth337.0mm ( 13-1/4-inch)
    Height423.0mm ( 16-5/8-inch)
    Weight12.41kg ( 27.30 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    Available ColorsBlack Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut, Indigo Gloss Special Edition
    Mounting BracketNo
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 years
    Labor Warranty5 years
    LATEST BLOG POSTS

    In-wall Speakers Added to Our Reviews and Comparisons
    Cambridge Audio CXA61 and CXA81 Amps now available in Black 
    Klipsch Unveils New Reference Premiere Subwoofers
    ELAC Varro Series of Subwoofers are here!
    KEF R7 Meta Review by Steve Guttenberg
    Top 10 Powered Stereo Speakers with HDMI Input for your TV in 2023


    Latest Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Mission 700
    Mission 700
    2-way Bookshelf | 86 dB | 8 ohms
    Wharfedale Dovedale
    Wharfedale Dovedale
    3-way Bookshelf | 89 DB | 6.5 ohms
    KEF Reference 1 Meta
    KEF Reference 1 Meta
    3-way Bookshelf | 85 dB | 4 ohms
    Focal Vestia No1
    Focal Vestia No1
    2-way Bookshelf | 89.5 dB | 8 ohms
    KEF R3 Meta
    KEF R3 Meta
    3-way Bookshelf | 87 dB | 4 ohms
    MartinLogan Motion® MP10
    MartinLogan Motion MP10
    2-way Bookshelf | 92 dB | 5 ohms
    MartinLogan Motion® B10
    MartinLogan Motion B10
    2-way Bookshelf | 92 dB | 5 ohms
    MartinLogan Motion® XT B100
    MartinLogan Motion XT B100
    2-way Bookshelf | 93 dB | 4 ohms
    SVS Prime Satellite
    SVS Prime Satellite
    2-way Bookshelf | 85 dB | 8 ohms
    Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition
    Polk R200 50th AE
    2-way Bookshelf | 86 dB | 8 ohms


    Copyright © 2023 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Camera Decision