Short answer: the AsciLab C6B on value, the KEF R3 Meta for a three-way concentric design. The R3 Meta recesses its 1” tweeter into the throat of a 5.25” midrange, and pointed straight on-axis it adds a 1-2dB bump around 9kHz that stays consistent across angles thanks to the constant-directivity waveguide. At $1,145 versus $2,499.99, the C6B costs $1,354.99 less, though its bass rolls off around 50Hz in-room (F3 54Hz, F10 35Hz).
Buy the AsciLab C6B. It is rated higher for sound quality than the KEF R3 Meta and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Bookshelf speakers with very accurate sound and an unusually wide, stable soundstage, for any seating position.
A three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver, superb accuracy that holds across the room, and bass that reaches deep for its size.
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Specifications Side By Side
| AsciLab C6B | KEF R3 Meta | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1145 per pair | $2,499.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #6 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #10 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 10.4”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 264.2 mm) | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D (421.6 x 200.7 x 335.3 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 2.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85.9dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 6” Aluminium Ceramic Cone with cast Aluminium Chassis woofer, 1” Aluminium Ceramic Dome tweeter | 6.5” Hybrid aluminum ported woofer, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 1” vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter |
| Weight | 18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.33 | 6.10 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.28 | 7.91 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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