Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Bravo for wide vertical dispersion, the KEF R3 Meta for a coaxial three-way layout. The NX-Bravo’s tonal matching holds from about 50° above the tweeter axis to 20° below, though pointing it straight on-axis gives a deliberate ~5dB high-frequency bump. The R3 Meta recesses its 1” tweeter into the throat of a 5.25” midrange, though on-axis there is a 1-2dB bump around 9kHz that stays consistent across angles.
Buy the KEF R3 Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $959.99 you would save on the GR-Research NX-Bravo does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| GR-Research NX-Bravo | KEF R3 Meta | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1540 per pair kit with finished cabinets (assembly required) | $2,499.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #26 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #10 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 14”H x 7.5”W x 11.5”D (355.6 x 190.5 x 292.1 mm) | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D (421.6 x 200.7 x 335.3 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 84.8dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85.9dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | GR-Research M165 6.5” paper cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, GR-Research Neo3 Planar Magnetic Ribbon deep rear cup tweeter | 6.5” Hybrid aluminum ported woofer, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 1” vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.18 | 6.10 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.52 | 7.91 |
| DIY Kit | Yes | No |
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