The KEF R3 Meta speakers provide an improved midrange and soundstage, with extended sweet treble and full bass. Thanks to their 3-way design, these stand-mount speakers provide superior audio resolution and clarity that will bring your listening experience to the next level.
KEF R3 Meta - 3 way Bookshelf Speakers
The KEF R3 Meta redefines bookshelf speaker’s performance. Sharing the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta, the R3 Meta is a true three-way design. It has a 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™ and a powerful 6.5” hybrid aluminium bass driver that pushes performance to new extremes.
The R3 Meta is a three-way design and the only standmounter in 2023’s new R Meta Series. Taking pride of place is KEF’s iconic Uni-Q driver array (which comprises a 25mm aluminium dome tweeter sitting right in the middle of a 12.5cm midrange driver) and a 16.5cm hybrid aluminium bass driver. The Uni-Q driver array is now in its 12th generation; it is designed to improve sound dispersion while also acting as a single source point for the high and mid frequencies.
Another key improvement here is the inclusion of the aforementioned MAT (Metamaterial Absorption Technology). After its debut and success with the Award-winning LS50 Meta speakers (which sit below the R Series), it was inevitable that this revamped range would incorporate this MAT technology. MAT is a puck-sized, maze-like plastic structure that sits behind the tweeter and absorbs the unwanted backward radiation from the tweeter into the cabinet. KEF claims that MAT (made up of 30 tubes, each designed to absorb a particular high frequency) absorbs 99 per cent of these distorting sound waves. The result? Less distortion, clearer highs.
The R3 Metas simply flow with every type of music thrown at them. The even tonal balance and insight we liked so much in the LS50 Meta (and the older R3s) are present here, but with an additional layer of refinement, weight and openness that is instantly apparent.
KEF has been making speakers for a long time, and they have also been innovating as they go. They have a unique sound that is sort of light footed yet rhythmic with some warmth in the mids and lower mids. A sound that is open and wide but with fantastic imaging. A semi-smooth sound with an extended treble that stays in line with the rest of the frequency range, meaning the treble doesn’t stick out or hurt your ears but it is extended.
If you are looking for boomy bass or sloppy bass, these will not bring that to you. The bass here is tight, rhythmic and a little punchy at the same time, though it depends on what is powering them as to how much bass is presented. These are not bass heavy booming speakers, rather they are somewhat refined.
Specifications
Design Three-way bass reflex
Drive Units
Uni-Q Driver Array:
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT
MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone
Bass Unit:
LF: 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone
Crossover Frequency 420 Hz, 2.3 kHz
Frequency Range (-6db) 38 Hz - 50 kHz
Typical In-Room Bass Response (-6db) 30 Hz
Frequency Response (±3db) 58Hz - 28kHz
Harmonic Distortion (90db, 1m) <1% 73 Hz and above, <0.5% 90 Hz - 20 kHz
Maximum Output 110 dB
Amplifier Requirements 15 - 180W
Nominal Impedance 4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 87 dB
Weight * 12.4 kg (27.3 lbs)
Dimension (H X W X D) with Terminal * 422 x 200 x 336 mm (16.6 x 7.9 x 13.2 in)
* Measurement per unit
KEF S3 Floor Stands
The S3 Floor Stand is designed to partner the R3 HiFi speakers. It features a mounting system with integrated speaker cable management, and can be loaded with inert filler to further improve stability, creating the perfect platform for the speakers to perform.
Sold As A Pair.
