KEF R3 Meta Review

In this review we check out the KEF R3 Meta speakers. A three-way bookshelf speaker selling for $2,200 USD.

Disclaimer: We bought this speaker from a local HiFi dealer. We’re not related to KEF in any way

KEF

Kent Engineering and Foundry, also known as KEF, is a British manufacturer of high end audiophile speakers. KEF was founded in 1961 by a former BBC engineer, Raymond Cooke, in Kent.

Cooke established KEF with a focus on innovation, using new materials and advanced engineering techniques. Since then, this focus remained one of the core values of the KEF brand. KEF has never shied away from trying new things and implementing new materials into the production of their speakers.

In the 1970’s KEF was the very first speaker manufacturer to incorporate computers into their design phase. This allowed them to create more accurate and reliable acoustic models. In 1973 KEF launched their Reference series, which became highly popular in the audiophile crowd.

Already in the 1980’s KEF introduced the Uni-Q driver array. Which is a coaxial driver that allowed for a single point of sound source. This enhanced clarity and dispersion. Uni-Q also proved crucial in the 1990’s when KEF launched their first center speaker for home theaters.

In the 2000’s, KEF expanded its use of advanced acoustic modeling and introduced key technologies like Acoustic Compliance Enhancement (ACE) and Tangerine Waveguide.  KEF collaborated with well known figures in the industrial design industry as well. This resulted in their iconic Muon speakers, showcasing the blend of aesthetics and technical innovation.

Just a few years ago, KEF introduced their Metamaterial Absorption Technology. Which basically is a special designed plate behind the mid and treble drivers. This plate absorbs 99% of unwanted frequencies (raditation) from behind of the Uni-Q’s treble drivers, resulting in a clearer high frequency sound.

Fast forward to today, KEF is one of the most popular and renowned speaker brands. Their speakers are widely praised and regarded as one of the best.

My personal history with KEF goes back to 2018 when I first heard their LS50 Wireless at a show in Paris. On this day it became my goal to own the LS50 at one point. Shortly after I gifted myself a pair for my birthday. This pair served me well for five years. But there was always an itch to go up the KEF ladder for me. So, I borrowed a pair of R3 Meta’s earlier this year and pulled the trigger on an Indigo Blue pair. Which brings us to this very review.

R3 Meta

The KEF R3 Meta is a three-way bookshelf speaker, which incorporates KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology and Uni-Q driver array. The speaker features a 25 mm vented aluminum dome tweeter, a 125 mm aluminum cone for midrange frequencies, and a 165 mm hybrid aluminum bass driver. This combination allows the R3 Meta to cover a wide frequency range from 38 Hz to 50 kHz.

With a nominal impedance of 4 ohms and a rated sensitivity of 87dB, it is a moderately easy to drive speaker. KEF suggests amplifiers with up to 180 Watts power. The R3 Meta measures 422 x 200 x 336 mm (HWD) in total and comes with a weight of 12.4kg. That translates to 16.6 x 7.87 x 13.22 inches and 27.33 lbs. For bookshelf speakers, the R3 Meta is on the bigger side. They easily blended into my room though. Especially with the speaker stands KEF also offers.

The R3 Meta has a three-way crossover built-in, which splits the frequencies at 120 and 2,300 Hz. On the back of the unit, you’ll find two sets of speaker posts to connect your cables to. Between them are two knobs, which you can turn, should you want to bi-wire or bi-amp them. By turning the knob, you basically make a connection between the two posts. You could potentially disconnect them and run individual cables in them, or you could also use your own set of jumper cables.

A generous bass port is located at the back of the unit as well. KEF also provides foam inserts, should the speakers be located too close to the wall.

To get a better picture of how the R3 Meta would look like in your home, KEF offers an AR view on their website. This way you can virtually place them in your listening room, without having to order a pair. This is a very handy feature!

The R3 Meta is available in high gloss black, white and indigo blue as well as matte walnut colors. The Indigo blue is a special edition, which most dealers don’t stock though. I had to wait for approximately two months after ordering before it was delivered.

Together with the R3 Meta you get magnetically attachable speaker grills, made from micro-fiber cloths with exactly 1,801 precision drilled holes in them. This ensures acoustic transparency when they are installed. Personally, I hardly used them, because I wanted to glance at the copper-colored drivers when listening.

You can get the R3 Meta from your local HiFi dealer or directly from KEF for 2,200$ per pair. There is also an optionally available stand, called the S3, which sells for $700 USD. I bought this one after I had the R3 at home, simply because of the added stability. The R3 Meta didn’t sit too well on my previous speaker stands. The S3 stands are not pictured though.

The review continues on page two!