KEF R3 Meta Loudspeaker Review
With the Uni-Q coaxial driver and a powerful woofer, the new R3 Meta from KEF combines the top characteristics of a low-distortion point source speaker with strong bass response.
by Tom Frantzen
The R3 Meta now replaces its predecessor, which lacked the MAT/Meta technology. We’ll come back to that, but let’s first look at the R3 Meta on its own. It is a rather large compact speaker built around the 12th-generation Uni-Q coaxial driver.
This driver, aiming for the theoretical ideal of a point source, features a 125mm midrange driver with a 25mm aluminum dome tweeter in its center. Both operate on the same sound plane, with their sound origins at the same point. However, unlike many other compact KEF models, the larger R3 is also equipped with a 165mm driver that exclusively handles the lower frequencies, thus relieving the coaxial system of deep bass duties.
TEST DEVICES
- CD player: Audiolab 9000 CDT
- Integrated amplifier: Audiolab 9000 A, Cyrus 3i, Plinius Hiato
- Speakers: Graham Audio LS 5/9, Spendor S3/5
- Cables: Audioquest, Cardas, HMS, Silent Wire, Siltech, Supra Cables
Compact 3-Way
Technically, this is a true 3-way system with two speaker drivers. The fact that the woofer handles the bass allows the coaxial system to focus on the important midrange without interference. This also prevents the tweeter from being affected by a constantly moving surround that can cause diffraction, edge reflections, and comb filtering.
Try cupping your hands around your mouth and moving them while speaking; you’ll understand the point. These distortions are largely eliminated. Another benefit is the dramatically improved bass performance and power handling, thanks to the 16.5cm woofer, which also complements the increased volume compared to pure coax KEFs. The same driver setup is found in the larger models, all the way up to the flagship R11 Meta.
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Through the development of the Reference series, the geometry of the air gap in the coax driver and the decoupling of the drivers from the cabinet were also improved in the R-series for “regular users.” This was achieved by constructive changes to the chassis and the use of vibration-damping layers during assembly. The goal is always to reduce distortions, vibrations, and losses.
The innovative MAT or Meta feature, compared to the older R-series, introduces a round plate with a labyrinth behind the tweeter, where unwanted sound is dissipated. KEF claims this eliminates 99% of unwanted distortions. The goal is a high-frequency response with even more clarity, precision, and detail.
This is likely the most significant advancement in the R3 and the entire generation compared to their already strong predecessors. The result speaks for itself.
A coaxial system’s strength is precision, timing, and depth of imaging. Some might feel it lacks brilliance, but not here. Jennifer Warnes’ voice shines with freshness and liveliness, and Elvis’ finger snaps in “Fever” or Donald Fagen’s “I.G.Y.” are reproduced with lightness and detail. It’s pure fun—a great speaker! The R3 Meta is priced at 2,200 euros, slightly above the 2,000-euro mark. Additionally, we highly recommend spending around 700 euros on the custom stands, which optimize the R3 Meta for ideal ear-level listening from a couch or chair.
Grows with Electronics
It’s a well-known fact that good compact speakers, whether 2-way or in this rare case 3-way, benefit greatly from high-quality and powerful electronics. The new KEF sounds fantastic with suitable, lively electronics, and really takes off with amps like the Audionet WATT, Musical Fidelity M8Xi, or Plinius Hiato, thanks to their endless power reserves.
We listened to a wide range of music—classical, jazz, pop, rock—and neither we nor the KEFs got tired. In fact, we couldn’t get enough of them. A very good sign.
Specifications
- Price: approx. €2,200 (available in high-gloss black or white, walnut, or indigo high gloss)
- Dimensions: 21 x 42 x 34 cm (W x H x D)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Contact: GP Acoustics
- Phone: +49 201 170390
- Website: kef.com
A remarkably precise, unusually musical, and vivid-sounding compact speaker that delivers a bigger sound than its size suggests. It plays dynamically and richly—a speaker you could grow old with. Superb!
Measurements
- DC Resistance: 4 Ohms
- Minimum Impedance: 3.7 Ohms at 43 Hz
- Maximum Impedance: 9.3 Ohms at 2670 Hz
- Sensitivity (2.83 V/m): 88 dB SPL
- Power for 94 dB SPL: 9.73 W
- Lower cutoff frequency (-3 dB SPL): 90/50 Hz
- Harmonic distortion at 63/3k/10k Hz: 0.71% / 0.06% / 0.1%
Lab Comment: Balanced and neutral frequency response with good dispersion, solid low-frequency extension (90 Hz in free field, realistically closer to 50 Hz). Precise timing, benign impedance, excellent efficiency, and very low distortion.
Features: Three-way bass reflex design with 12th generation Uni-Q coaxial driver, bi-wiring terminal, optional stand feet (can be bolted to the speaker).
Gallery
We listened to:
Cara Dillon: Cara Dillon
Official debut album of a remarkable folk musician and singer.
Elvis Presley: Elvis Is Back!
An album where “Fever” clearly showcases the speaker’s excellent timing.
Verdict
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KEF R3 Review
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