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 R7 Meta Review
KEF R7 Meta

Main Features

  • 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Vented dome Tweeter
  • 5" aluminum cone with Uni-Q Technology Midrange
  • 2 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer
  • 48-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 15-250watts
  • Weight:64.60 lbs / 29.36 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 43-3/4"x12-1/4"x15-1/8" / 1112.0 x 312.0 x 385.0mm
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE

Compare To

x
Add a Speaker for comparison
KEF R7 Meta Review

KEF R7 Meta is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by KEF. It features a 1" Vented dome Tweeter, 1 x 5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 48-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. KEF R7 Meta has an MSRP of 4998$ per pair but can often be found around 4898$ per pair.

What size of room is the KEF R7 Meta speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the KEF R7 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-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomAverage
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?

R7 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
Compare
58-28k Hz 87 dB4Ω 1 x 6.5"
KEF R7 Meta
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 R7 Meta speaker?

KEF R7 Meta has a Frequency response range of 48-28k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 15-250 watts. At a minimum frequency of 48 Hz, R7 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 R7 Meta, 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 R7 Meta'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 R7 Meta
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
KEF R7 Meta
Min
Average
Max

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 R7 Meta's 48Hz:

  • KLH Kendall with Low Frequency of 25 Hz (Compare w/ R7 Meta)
  • GoldenEar Triton Five with Low Frequency of 26 Hz (Compare w/ R7 Meta)
  • Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G with Low Frequency of 27 Hz (Compare w/ R7 Meta)
  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ R7 Meta)
  • SVS Ultra Tower with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ R7 Meta)


What is the Crossover frequency of KEF R7 Meta?

R7 Meta 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 2400Hz.

What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the KEF R7 Meta? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

KEF R7 Meta's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.2 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 88 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
KEF R7 Meta
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of 4 Ohms means that the KEF R7 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 R7 Meta with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

88dB of KEF R7 Meta is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Minimum Impedance of KEF R7 Meta

Even though the nominal impedance of the R7 Meta is 4 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to KEF is 3.2 ohms KEF R7 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 R7 Meta:

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

Input Type

R7 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 R7 Meta Back View
KEF R7 Meta Back View

KEF R7 Meta External Dimensions and Weight

KEF R7 Meta has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 43-3/4-inch x 12-1/4-inch x 15-1/8-inch (1112.0 x 312.0 x 385.0mm ).

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 R7 Meta is approximately 1201.2cm2 / 186.2inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of KEF R7 Meta, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

KEF R7 Meta Real Life Body Size Comparison
KEF R7 Meta Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the KEF R7 Meta virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

KEF R7 Meta placed next to a Media Stand
KEF R7 Meta Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Weight

The KEF R7 Meta weighs 29.36kg / 64.6lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how R7 Meta's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
KEF R7 Meta
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $5000
KEF R7 Meta
Min
Average
Max

How does the KEF R7 Meta compare to the KEF R11 Meta?

One of the natural alternative to the KEF R7 Meta is the R11 Meta 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 R7 Meta vs KEF R11 Meta Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of KEF R7 Meta and KEF R11 Meta Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of KEF R7 Meta vs R11 Meta for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

KEF R7 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 R7 Meta comes with Plinth and spike accessories 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.

KEF R7 Meta  Feet
KEF R7 Meta Feet

Port Position

KEF R7 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 R7 Meta is available in Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut and Titanium Gloss Special Edition.

KEF R7 Meta  Colors
KEF R7 Meta Colors

What's in the Box of KEF R7 Meta?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R7 Meta:
  • R7 Meta
  • Microfiber grille
  • Plinth and spike accessories
  • Port bungs
  • User manual and warranty information
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the KEF R7 Meta, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for KEF R7 Meta

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the KEF R7 Meta speaker:
    Official Brochure for KEF R7 Meta

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the KEF R7 Meta speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for KEF R7 Meta

    Warranty

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

    Related Videos

    KEF R7 Meta  Lifestyle
    KEF R7 Meta Lifestyle

    KEF R7 Meta Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Polk R700
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-38k Hz
    B&W 702 S3
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    Wharfedale EVO4.4
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 44-22k Hz
    B&W 703 S2
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    B&W 704 S3
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    DALI Opticon 8 II
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 4 ohms 38-30k Hz
    Wharfedale Elysian 4
    Compare
    3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 30-22k Hz
    B&W 703 S3
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    Klipsch RP-8060FA II
    Compare
    2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 35-25k Hz
    B&W 704 S2
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about KEF R7 Meta
    What is the External Dimensions of KEF R7 Meta
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of KEF R7 Meta
    is the KEF R7 Meta an easy to drive speaker?



    KEF R7 Meta Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandKEF
    Full Model NameKEF R7 Meta
    Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
    Power Range15-250 watts
    Sensitivity88 dB
    Impedance4 ohms
    Max SPL111 dB
    Frequency Response48-28k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionHybrid Aluminum
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeVented dome
    Midrange Size5-inch
    Crossover freq400Hz and 2400Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeCustom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height1112.0mm ( 43-3/4-inch)
    Width312.0mm ( 12-1/4-inch)
    Depth385.0mm ( 15-1/8-inch)
    Height1112.0mm ( 43-3/4-inch)
    Weight29.36kg ( 64.60 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    Available ColorsBlack Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut, Titanium 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 Floor-standing Speakers
    Focal Kanta No.3
    Focal Kanta No.3
    3-way Floor-standing | 91 dB | 8 ohms
    Focal Kanta No.2
    Focal Kanta No.2
    3-way Floor-standing | 91 dB | 8 ohms
    Definitive Technology Dymension DM80
    Definitive Dymension DM80
    3-way Floor-standing | 90 dB | 4 ohms
    Definitive Technology Dymension DM40
    Definitive Dymension DM40
    2-way Floor-standing | 87 dB | 4 ohms
    Definitive Technology Dymension DM60
    Definitive Dymension DM60
    3-way Floor-standing | 88 dB | 4 ohms
    Definitive Technology Dymension DM70
    Definitive Dymension DM70
    3-way Floor-standing | 90 dB | 4 ohms
    KEF Reference 5 Meta
    KEF Reference 5 Meta
    3-way Floor-standing | 88 dB | 4 ohms
    KEF Reference 3 Meta
    KEF Reference 3 Meta
    3-way Floor-standing | 86 dB | 4 ohms
    Focal Vestia No4
    Focal Vestia No4
    3-way Floor-standing | 92 dB | 8 ohms
    Focal Vestia No3
    Focal Vestia No3
    3-way Floor-standing | 92 dB | 8 ohms


    Copyright © 2023 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Camera Decision