Customer Reviews

Very pleased

I've been running the KEF R3 Metas in my great room setup, and I honestly couldn't be happier. These speakers are insanely clear - the detail and separation they produce is next level, especially considering they're bookshelf speakers. They have a really balanced, open sound that manages to fill a large space without ever sounding strained or overly aggressive. Paired with the KEF T301C center channel (since I have no other space for a traditional center channel) the front stage feels super cohesive. Dialogue is crystal clear, imaging is locked in, and whether I'm watching a TV or a movie, the blend between the R3s and the T301C work well. The tonal match is surprisingly good, even though the center is a slim-profile design, it holds its own and keeps up with the R3s better than I expected. These speakers create a full, immersive atmosphere. Whether sitting directly in front or off to the side on one of the other couches, the soundstage stays wide and consistent. Couldn't ask for more in a setup that pulls double duty for TV and music in a big room. Also, the color kicks, butt! The blue is super unique and blends in with my decor.

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Phenomenal Speakers

After analysis paralysis I finally pulled the trigger anticipating let down from too much fake review hype. Plus, I have a really nice set of speakers the R3's were replacing and I was extremely worried about that. Well, I was fortunately wrong. The R3 Metas are the real deal! I can't stress enough on getting them in the right position for room mode, boundary loading and staging. After meticulously tweaking these parameters, I am blown away. I would also like to thank Crutchfield for the quick delivery and putting them in a second box with straps. The box took a good hit in transit and if the 2nd layer of cardboard wasn't there, there would have been damage to one speaker for sure. If you are on the fence about the R3 Metas, just pull the trigger

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Amazing Soundscape

I finally found the speakers I've been dreaming about since the 1970's. The soundscape is open and wide. I do have to employ a subwoofer to really get the full experience. Midrange is crisp and balanced. Another fine product from KEF.

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Better than awesome! Love them.

Never in my audiophile "career" have I heard speakers like this. Near perfect in every way. Flawless construction and ultra high end finish. Just beautiful to look at and in fit and finish. They sound better than my $5k Martin Logan electrostatics. Tight, accurate, and silky bass, with midrange and high frequency presence and precision that must be heard in your setup. Run to buy these. They are awesome. Kudos to Crutchfield as they were shipped double boxed with straps on the carton to keep it tight and secure. Great job at the warehouse. I am not going to go into the technical stuff. That can be found online. All I can say is they sound incredible. An absolute joy to listen to. KEF did a great job in engineering, designing, and building these. Run to buy them!

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KEF R3 Meta

Truly amazing

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KEF R3 Meta

These are the first speakers I've purchased specifically for music listening and they did not disappoint! Debated between Q Concerto Meta and these and decided to just pull the trigger on these. Paired with Rega Brio + Planar P3 TT. Crystal clear, good natural sound and very happy with the bass in my sub-less setup. Mostly listen to jazz, instrumental, and rock/blues.

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Perfect speakers for my classical & jazz listening!

We bought these lovely speakers about a week ago to replace a pair of KEF Q Concerto Metas, which we returned after one month. The Q Concerto Metas had great reviews but we found them to be a bit "dark" sounding, even with the too-absorbent grilles removed. The KEF R3 Metas, on the other hand, sound just perfect - with an open and expansive upper-mid and treble. Together with a pair of SVS SB3000 subwoofers, these are more than worthy replacements for my Vandersteen 2CEs which served me well for some 25 years. Thank you Crutchfield for supporting us through this adventure! We have a 2-channel system, which also serves our TV. (No home theater complexity for us anymore.) Speech intelligibility is excellent, with no hint of male voice "tubbiness". Source & amplifier is NAD M10 V2, through which we cross over to the subs electronically at 120Hz, with the R3s' ports plugged. The R3s sit atop the subs on short home-built stands. We also have a seldom-used CD player and a vintage Rega Planar 3. For stand-mounting, note that the pre-threaded holes in KEF bottomS are size M8 X1.25mm.

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KEF R3 Meta

Amazing speakers. I'm very happy with my purchase.

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Great stand mounters

Replacing Focal Aria 936 with these. Even before full run-in, I prefer the sound of the KEFs. Instrument separation, sound stage, clarity and transparency are much better, although of course the KEF stand mounters don't have the bass depth and fullness of the big Focal floor standers. I'm very happy with these KEFs and (bummer for Crutchfield) may not need to buy any more hifi gear ever. Highly recommended.

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A great speaker for almost everyone

These speakers are amazing. Very high quality build, and sound. But, I ended up returning them. Why? I am relatively new to the audiophile game. So this has been a learning curve about what I most want. I purchased the R3s because their reviews were outstanding. But speakers like these need to be placed some distance from walls, and also need to be on high quality, vibration dampening stands to sound their best. Once in my apartment, I basically realized that bookshelf speakers on stands take the same amount of floorspace as tower speakers. So for me, it will make more sense to spend a bit more to get much better sound in the same size footprint. Second, I was expecting to be completely 'wowed' by the R3 meta sound. At their best, I was: they are indeed superb. But I also enjoy listening at lower volumes, and noticed a big difference in clarity, separation, and dynamism between lower and higher volumes. Further research and reviews across other forums suggested others had similar experiences. In addition, the overall sound, while very refined, is also a considered to be a bit more 'laid back', and I have learned that part of what I am looking for is a more 'immersive' sound. All that said, the sound quality is, again, amazing. But those looking at the R3 metas should really consider spending a bit more for either the R5 meta or R7 metas. Hope this helps!

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First listen of the Kef R3's

Running these Kef R3's with Advanced Paris A12 Amp and Ever Solo A8. Love the sound with this combination. Great separation with super clean sound. A12 tubes warms the sounds. No regrets. I will add the Kef woofer soon to add more bottom end. But it sounds great without. No regrets, great buy at that price. Stands are very sturdy. The whole look is very attractive.

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KEF R3 Meta

Beautiful, full sound that fills the room with warmth and detail. Exceptional imaging, even without a sub - though one is forthcoming. Have no doubt these will suit my needs for a long time.

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Very Happy with performance

Amazing sound and clarity at any volume level with any type of music. After changing 2 sets of speakers, this are the ones to stay with.

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Super clean sound, beautiful speakers

I echo most all the prior reviews. Nice clean and crisp sound with good midrange response. The do suffer in the bass response and benefit greatly from a subwoofer. Also needs a bit of break in to fully expand range. Still, all things considered would recommend.

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Couldn't be happier!

Love the speakers - detailed/precise sound that is easy/fun to listen to. Great soundstage and imaging, They're not 'in your face' speakers - sit back, listen in, and the music just...is... awesome. You'll hear things you haven't heard before and go back for more. Look great, too! Check out online reviews (Hi-Fi, Darko, etc. - they are spot on with their comments, to my ears). ROOM/Environment: huge finished basement (approx 25x15). Placement is a little over 2 ft from wall, 8 ft separation, and about the same to listening position. Toed-in very slightly. Typically listen without grilles/covers attached (even though they fit perfectly). On the matching S3 stands. They have no problem filling the space with great sound. Not using the port bungs that came with it. Great as is. SYSTEM they are shining in: Power conditioner (Shunyata Hydra), Amp - Peachtree GaN-1 (200wpc), Streamer - Bluesound Node, Cables (Shunyata Venon power, Vandenhul digi-coupler, Audioquest Rocket 33 bi-wire speaker cables), Subwoofer - KEF KHT 9", (with Audioquest Forest to the SW out from the Node). CONTEXT: I'm a "KEF-ie"/audiophile from way back, I guess. Had KEF Reference 104.2's in the late 80s, and a KEF home theater set (KHT) set in the early 2000's. Was currently listening to some vintage Mirage towers, but bought a new amp and wanted to speakers to be at same/better level. Mission accomplished!

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KEF R3 Meta

Incredible soundstage.

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KEF R3 Meta

Great for my setup. The sound is as advertised.

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Packs a punch!

I am so impressed with KEF. After pouring over specs and listening to many sets of speakers, I settled on the R3 Meta's. I've installed them in our bedroom driven by a Marantz M1 streaming from Roon and it's fabulous! i like to make my own speaker stands, so I have to admit - I was committed to the R3's early as I sized the stands for them!

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very neutral

Now after initial break-in and after dirac set up. Running 2.1 with SVS 15inch SW. Cross at 70hz with 120 hz on sub. Highly recommend dirac or similar if you can. The original without was still pretty good, but the response in the bass flattened out post dirac. These speakers will bring joy to those like myself wanting a clear, clean, detailed, and yet rich sounding speaker. They take well to use of an equalizer. Do follow others suggestions and toe them out.

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Coukdnt be happier

Bought these (coupled with a KEF KC92 sub ) in exchange for Goldenear T66's. I'm more than thrilled. I've put about 25 hours on them thus far, and these things just keep sounding better and better. It was a lot of work getting here, but it was worth it. And thank you crutchfield for your legendary customer service.

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KEF R3 Meta

I have many bookshelf speakers,my reference pair being Dynaudio special 40's. I often use them with my PassLabs 250 intergrated. I recently found a pair of R3 metas and I must say , they may become my new reference speaker. I'm using a Hegal 390 and the sound is just sublime. I'm sure they would sound even better with my Pass. I love a warm sounding speaker and this speaker is exceptional in the mids. These speakers bring a new presentation to songs I heard hundreds of times. If purchasing these speakers make sure you use a good audiophile amp to get the best out of them. Your source also should be of good audiophile grade. I use a Aurender N20 streamer and a Holo Spring May KTE dac. The kef R3 meta are very worth of my gear.

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I made the right choice!

When it was time to move on from my Paradigm Prestige 15b to a new speaker. I agonized for two months on which ones I should invest my hard earned dollars on. I looked at several Wharfedale models, Buchard, and a few others. The reviews on the KEF R3 Metas were all glowing. That made a huge impact on my decision to pull the trigger and buy the KEF R3 Metas in gloss black. They sounded great right out of the box. Now as I have two weeks and thirty solid in these speakers do not cease to amaze me. Every day a moment arises when listening to them that give me a "WOW" moment. I know without a shadow of a doubt I made the right decision with the KEF R3 Metas and look forward to many years of more WOW moments. Thank You Crutchfield for your exceptional services and delivering this latest greatest new addition to my Hifi system.

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KEF R3 Meta

Amazing speakers! Sound quality is beyond what I expected.

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Amazing

Amazing experience coming from the kef Q350. Great clarity and amazing sound and imaging.

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Well Done Kef!

These speakers are deserving of all the hype and accolades. I'm thoroughly enjoying them.

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Imaging perfection.

This is an amazing speaker. The imaging is superior to any other speaker I have owned.Great job KEF.

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Sweet and Crisp

Sweet sound with depth and crispness.

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Kef R3 Meta

Love these R3's !! I moved up from the LS50 Meta which I liked a lot but felt like I needed more. These R3's scratched the itch right out of box and I'm sure will sound even better as time goes on although I'm totally happy now as is . It seems like I'm getting fuller Richer sound with even more detail and I'm only running them with an old school 9 year old NAD c356bee @ 80 watts per channel although back in the day NAD always underrated there watts the way they measured them and so normally always got more.Was planning on upgrading but honestly I'm not feeling the need but you know how that goes lol. But if it sounds this good now with an upgraded amp it should be even better and it's nice to know there is room to grow with these R3's they are that good . Also got the matching S3 stands and are very solid and at the perfect listening height. Fit and finish is amazing and this walnut is stunningly beautiful. I also would like to thank Crutchfield and their second to none customer service. Everytime I needed questions answered and or helped they went above and beyond . This makes your purchase complete and feels so much better knowing you have them their for you. Thank you Crutchfield!

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R3 Meta to replace LS50 Meta

I've had these speakers for about a month now (initially a white version but due to some issues, replaced them with the 'open box' indigo blue version). I was expecting about 50 hours of burn in time for them to really open up but they've shocked me and sound outstanding even a week in. I got the R3 Metas to replace the LS50 Metas because I wanted something with a similar sound profile, but a touch brighter. The LS50 Metas, while being imaging champions, never fully wowed me. The R3's are a bit brighter (and I have them toed in 10-15%) work better for me. I wouldn't call them "bright" but brighter than the LS50 for sure. Their imaging is just as good, and the presentation and clarity they offer is outstanding. Definitely a speaker I can listen to for hours without fatigue. Initially I had them paired with an NAD M10 V2 which also never wowed me. I traded that in for separates: Bluesound Node X and NAD C268. The 268's 80wpc is driving them really loudly and boldly, but I do think the bass has a bit less force/authority than it did with the M10 V2. But, that can be addressed either with a sub (which I don't personally need) or a 2nd C268 bridged as mono blocks. Personally, I recommend pairing the R3's with separates. They sound much happier to me than with the integrated M10 V2, but that's down to space, budget and personal preference. It took a while to get here but I'm very pleased with this setup.

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KEF R3 Meta

Really good speaker at this price point. Something to consider if you want to upgrade from KEF meta LS50. The dedicated base speaker does makes a difference. The next step up to KEF Reference meta 1 is times better but so is the price. Definitely worth a listen though if budget allows it, if not probably not as KEF R3s will seem wanting.

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Love them

Amazing clarity and work best with well recorded music. My search for my dream bookshelf speaker is over.

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Exceptional performance for the discriminating & eclectic music lover

I've been searching for a replacement for my NHT tower speakers, hoping to find speakers that offers the same clear and uncolored response as the NHTs with improved imaging. The first speakers I auditioned were the much lauded KLH Model 5s. I posted a review of the 5s prior to returning them. Enter the R3 Metas. Upon unboxing the speakers, I was immediately impressed by their finish. The "indigo blue" is gorgeous, and the acoustically transparent microfiber grills add a nice touch to soften the appearance. While much more modern looking than the KLHs, the KEFs would likely fit into any décor, especially considering the four different finish options. The Metas did seem to require 20-30 hours of break-in to sound their best. At this point I've put 50 hours on them and everything I play through them sounds awesome. The Metas throw a stereo image with plenty of width, height, and depth. While they don't excel in this regard quite to the extent that the Model 5s do, they are happily free of any harshness, congestion, or other distracting sonic anomalies. Per the manual's recommendations for my room, I'm not using the port bungs, and bass output is adequate for acoustic music. That said, the Metas benefit from working in tandem with my SVS subs for more bass-heavy music. While the sensitivity rating is on the low side, the speakers can generate impeccably clean and open sound at high volume levels even with the modest 70 wpc my Marantz integrated feeds them. A

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Add a Sub ;)

Very good sound image. Nice HI's, you need to use a Sub Rel T9 it's a match in heaven's. Not a perfect paint finish, but a very good for the price point.

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Perfect stand mount speakers

I've had these for about 3 weeks - they are fantastic and keep getting better. Paired with a Arcam A25, Pro-Ject X2, and Blusound Node. Absolutely holographic imaging and pinpoint clarity across the whole spectrum. A little bit metallic for first few hours, but perfect since then.I have these about 35cm from the wall, but found the sound cleaner without the foam plugs in the rear port. I have the indigo ones - barely needs to be said, but they look incredible too. Relative to other standmounts, these are on the large side, and a little trickier to place than the (much cheaper, much less capable) Elac Debut 6.2s they replaced.

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KEF R3 Meta

They look great and the sound is awesome they are my second set. I also bought from Crutchfield the KEF R7 I just love the sound!

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WORTH IT!

Excellent sound! Very crisp and detailed highs. Mid-range is wide. I highly recommend these!

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R3 Meta

These were a worthy upgrade from the regular R3s. Much more depth to the soundstage and overall improved imaging. The scratch and dent pair had two tiny blemishes that I had to really look for to find, so that was nice as well.

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KEF R3 Meta

Get speaker and great recommendation from Crutchfield.

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Meta Even Betta

I also have the original R3, which is a great sounding speaker. The R3 Meta improves on the original R3 with a more open sounding larger sound stage and improved imaging. Bass and treble response are excellent and never bright or harsh but very detailed. Very happy with these and would highly recommend !

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Wait to judge them

These speakers need to be broken in. I wanted to return them after the first listening session, but I am so glad I didn't. They sounded very "thin", vocals were weak and distant, bass and mids were underwhelming. I began to questioning the power I was feeding them and started asking myself if I needed to add a more powerful amp. Now, 1 month later and well over 100 hours of music/home theater listening, I'm impressed. Highs are detailed but not harsh, mids bring out vocals(especially female-Norah Jones for example) and bass is accurate but not bloated. The "sweet spot" is wide. I decided on 9 feet between and 20 inches from the wall pointing straight out and set on the matching stands(blue). I will warn you that this is not a bass heavy speaker and would recommend the addition of a sub for below 60Hz which is where I've decided to set my crossover. I power the R3 Metas with a Sony STR-AZ5000ES(set for 4ohm speakers) in a 12 x 14 foot room. I don't feel the need for more power. They get plenty loud with no clipping and the receiver doesn't get hot. Not a single protection fault has occurred. These fill my space with superb sound for my home theater listening as well as music. I have no regrets and will enjoy these for years to come. Now if KEF could make a matching center channel in the indigo blue..take my money!

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KEF R3 Meta

On time deliver very easy purchase

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Great speaker, big upgrade from LS50 metas

The R3 Metas replaced LS50 Metas in my system (Parasound P6 pre, Para A23+, dual SVS SB3000s and digital source). I liked the LS50s (x-over 80hz) but was looking for something "more." A little more open, fuller and yes "bigger" sounding. My LS50s took many hours to break in and sound their best; The R3 Metas I just unboxed days ago blow the LS's away now...I can't wait to hear them a hundred plus hours from now! Super happy with everything. Yes they sound "bigger" than my LSs (no surprise there) but also more open, spacious, detailed with a sense of depth the LSs just didn't have. I am running the R3s crossed over at 60 Hz, so can't speak to their low bass output. I listen mainly to rock (Yes, Pink Floyd and Queen are my favs for 45 years now), some jazz, new age and classical get some time as well. Love the R3 Metas and for me in my system (and budget) are darn near perfect.

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KEF R3 Meta

I went from $7,000 speakers to the R3s, and they blew the more expensive speakers away. Their sound is big with great bass and open muds. I'm driving them with a McIntosh 5300 amp, and I suggest an amp with a minimum of 50 watts per channel. They may look small, but the soundstage and imaging are exceptional. I bought them in blue, and they look and feel great. Excellent speakers and I would highly recommend.

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KEF R3 Meta

Replaced my 1995 Pro Ac studio 100's, which I loved and thought were best sounding speakers in a bookshelf style. These KEF R3 Meta's blow them away, the sound stage and separation of the instruments is amazing. My wife, who has no interest in audio whatsoever, commented how clear and lovely the sound was. I bought the blue with the matching stands.

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Significant upgrade from LS50Meta

So, there are several YouTube video reviews that speak to the "airiness" of these speakers and boy is that true. The first thing you notice about these speakers is the space between the instruments, vocals and percussion. All so distinct. Staging is outstanding. I am only into these for about 15 hours and they are really starting to shine. Crisp, distinct, detailed, efficient are the words that come to mind. Although not Towers par se, they feel like Towers in that they are so robust and have that "I am not even trying" feel to them. Do agree with the other reviewers that recommend a strong power amp as these are 4 ohms and I seem to demand 100 wpc or so. Fortunately, i am running a Peachtree NOVA150 and this appears to be a great match. Very Happy with these.

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Beautiful to look at & listen too

These speakers are very good. I have these in my living room which is 15x22. They have zero issues filling the room with sound. They are simply beautiful and add a great deal to the look of the HiFi system. Even my wife likes them, which is saying something. I had some towers in my system and I felt like they overloaded the room with bass. I have these KEF R3 Metas currently setup with a KEF KF92 sub and it sounds amazing .Will probably add a second KF92 sub down the road. For the money I think these are a steal. I just wish they had a matching colored center channel. :-} Highly recommended!

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KEF R3 Meta

Love these KEF R3 Metas! Only had them for a few days, beautiful design and the sound lives up to the hype.

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KEF R3 Meta

Sounds great.

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newark

I just took delivery of the Blue ones and Wow gorgeous. I am leaning on a word of caution here. Many reviewers are saying these are great for home theater and or rear speakers. Some said they are good and easy to play. They sound great but here is what I found. If you have a Denon, Marantz, etc... Do not bother. These things dip down to 2.9ohms. I have a very high current 2ch amp costing over 5K. These speakers although look and sound really nice . Put that amp to the test. It was okay but, when pushing over 140 Watts of Rega power and I got the volume to high noon and it was just at just above normal playing levels. Amp was heating up. Speakers were delivering though. Kudos to KEF, but they need to work on the crossover... 2.9 ohms really takes it out of contention for a many. NOT for Your home Theater....

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KEF R3 Meta

The R3 meta out performs the R3 non-meta by an exceptional level. The sound is impeccably brilliant. Kef definitely created some magic with these speakers. The sound stage has become so much bigger.

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