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KEF R5 Review
KEF R5

Main Features

  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5" aluminum Midrange
  • 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer
  • 58-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 15-200watts
  • Weight:60.06 lbs / 27.30 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 42-3/8"x10-3/4"x13-13/16" / 1077.0 x 274.0 x 351.0mm
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KEF R5 Review
KEF R5 KEF R5
See at AMAZON

KEF R5 is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by KEF. It features a 1" Dome Tweeter, 1 x 5" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 58-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. KEF R5 has an MSRP of 3300$ per pair but can often be found around 2600$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the KEF R5 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-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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 R5 Speaker Structure
KEF R5 Speaker Structure

KEF's R Series of Loudspeakers

R5 is a member of KEF's R series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

KEF R Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
KEF R3
Compare
52-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
KEF R7
Compare
48-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
KEF R11
Compare
46-28k Hz 90 dB8Ω 4 x 6.5"
KEF R5
58-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
KEF R2c
Compare
74-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
KEF R Series Speakers
KEF R Series Speakers


**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.

Frequency Response of the KEF R5 Speaker

KEF R5 has a Frequency response range of 58-28k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 15-200 watts. With a minimum frequency of 58 Hz, R5 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with KEF R5, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $5000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how R5's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
KEF R5
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
KEF R5
Min
Average
Max
KEF R5 Woofer
KEF R5's Hybrid Aluminum Woofer

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 5000$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the KEF R5's 58Hz:

  • KLH Kendall with Low Frequency of 25 Hz (Compare w/ R5)
  • GoldenEar Triton Five with Low Frequency of 26 Hz (Compare w/ R5)
  • Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G with Low Frequency of 27 Hz (Compare w/ R5)
  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ R5)
  • SVS Ultra Tower with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ R5)

Crossover frequency of the KEF R5?

R5 is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange set to 400Hz and the Crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 2900Hz.

Impedance and Sensitivity

KEF R5'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
Floor-standing Speakers
KEF R5
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so KEF R5 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, KEF R5 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.

Minimum Impedance of the KEF R5

Even though the nominal impedance of the R5 is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to KEF is 3.2 ohms KEF R5 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 R5:

  • Integrated Amps under 3000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 5000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 10000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

R5 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.

KEF R5 Terminals
KEF R5's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

KEF R5 External Dimensions and Weight

KEF R5 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 42-3/8 x 10-3/4 x 13-13/16inch (1077.0 x 274.0 x 351.0mm ).

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 R5 is approximately 961.7cm2 / 149.1inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of KEF R5, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

KEF R5 Real Life Body Size Comparison
KEF R5 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the KEF R5 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

KEF R5 placed next to a Media Stand
KEF R5 Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Weight

The KEF R5 weighs 27.30kg / 60.1lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how R5's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
KEF R5
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $5000
KEF R5
Min
Average
Max

How does the KEF R5 compare to the KEF R7?

One of the natural alternative to the KEF R5 is the R7 which is located one step higher in KEF's Passive Floor-standing selection.

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

KEF R5 vs KEF R7 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of KEF R5 and KEF R7 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of KEF R5 vs R7 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

KEF R5 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 R5 comes with the parts below which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on:
  • 4 Outrigger feet
  • 4 Spikes
  • 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 R5 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. R5 comes with 2 Two-piece foam port plugs so if you don't have any choice but place the speakers too close to the walls or other surfaces, you can use these plugs in order to avoid boomy or too much bass.

    KEF R5  Port
    KEF R5 Port

    Available colors

    KEF R5 is available in Black Gloss, White Gloss and Walnut.

    Does the KEF R5 come with a Grille?

    R5 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 R5  with Grille
    KEF R5 with Grille

    What's in the Box of KEF R5?

    Here are the items that are included inside the box of R5:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 4 Outrigger feet
  • 4 Spikes
  • 4 Protective discs
  • 4 Screws
  • 4 Washers
  • Wrench
  • Hex-key
  • User Manual
  • Warranty Information
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the KEF R5.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators 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.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the KEF R5, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for KEF R5

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the KEF R5 speaker:
    Official Brochure for KEF R5

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the KEF R5 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for KEF R5

    Warranty

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

    Related Videos

    KEF R5 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    KEF R7
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
    KEF R3
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    KEF R11
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    KEF R5 Meta
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 4 ohms 52-28k Hz
    KEF Q950
    Compare
    2-way 91 dB 8 ohms 44-28k Hz
    Monitor Audio Silver 300 7G
    Compare
    3-way 87.5 dB 8 ohms 31-35k Hz
    B&W 603
    Compare
    3-way 88.5 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
    Polk R700
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-38k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about KEF R5
    What is the External Dimensions of KEF R5
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of KEF R5
    is the KEF R5 an easy to drive speaker?

    KEF R5 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandKEF
    Full Model NameKEF R5
    Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
    Power Range15-200 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Max SPL110 dB
    Frequency Response58-28k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionHybrid Aluminum
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeDome
    Midrange Size5-inch
    Crossover freq400Hz and 2900Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height1077.0mm ( 42-3/8-inch)
    Width274.0mm ( 10-3/4-inch)
    Depth351.0mm ( 13-13/16-inch)
    Height1077.0mm ( 42-3/8-inch)
    Weight27.30kg ( 60.06 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Lacquer
    Available ColorsBlack Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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