Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Treme. It ranks #1 of 25 floorstanding speakers at $9662; the KEF Blade Two Meta ranks #2 and costs $28000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the GR-Research NX-Treme side: Amazing in terms of soundstage and imaging as the speaker can radiate in all directions and not have internal reflections due to there not. The catch: Very tall and will require GR-Research open baffle subwoofers one on each side.
The case for the KEF Blade Two Meta: True point-source coaxial design (four 6.5in mid-bass drivers flanking a coincident mid/tweeter) with matched ~50 degree horizontal. Set against that: 2dB dip and slight resonance around 200Hz, also visible in KEF white paper and likely cabinet-related.
Buy the GR-Research NX-Treme if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the KEF Blade Two Meta if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| GR-Research NX-Treme | KEF Blade Two Meta | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9662 for the kit with subs (assembly required) | $28000 only sold in stores |
| Ranked | #1 of 25 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #2 of 25 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | <20hz (With GR-Research open baffle subwoofers) | 31Hz |
| Dimensions | 85"H x 17"W x 20"D (2159 x 431.8 x 508 mm) (plus a subwoofer on each side) | 46.6"H x 13.5"W x 14.8"D (1183.6 x 342.9 x 375.9 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Drivers | Eight 6.5" M165 open baffle woofer, Two 6.5" M165NQ open baffle midrange, GR Neo 3 Magnetic planar open baffle tweeter | 4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone, force cancelling woofers, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 94.5dB | 87dB |
| Subwoofer | Three 12" Rythmik Audio servo controlled | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | Open baffle | Rear ported |
| Weight | (35.3 lbs / 16 kg) | 79.4 lbs / 36 kg each |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 26Hz |
The Two Speakers In Full
GR-Research NX-Treme: $9662 for the kit with subs (assembly required) Gr-research
Pros: Amazing in terms of soundstage and imaging as the speaker can radiate in all directions and not have internal reflections due to there not being a speaker box. One of the highest sensitivity speakers around. Open baffle mids, highs and bass (using GR-Research Open baffle subs). If you have not heard open baffle bass, you must hear it in person, there’s no going back. Amazing in terms of imaging as the speaker can radiate in all directions and not have internal reflections due to there not being a speaker box. Can easily be driven by tube amps due to the mild impedance.
Cons: Very tall and will require GR-Research open baffle subwoofers one on each side
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | <20hz (With GR-Research open baffle subwoofers) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 85"H x 17"W x 20"D (2159 x 431.8 x 508 mm) (plus a subwoofer on each side) |
| Drivers | Eight 6.5" M165 open baffle woofer, Two 6.5" M165NQ open baffle midrange, GR Neo 3 Magnetic planar open baffle tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 94.5dB |
| Subwoofer | Three 12" Rythmik Audio servo controlled |
| Weight | (35.3 lbs / 16 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | Open baffle |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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KEF Blade Two Meta: $28000 only sold in stores
Pros: True point-source coaxial design (four 6.5in mid-bass drivers flanking a coincident mid/tweeter) with matched ~50 degree horizontal and vertical dispersion, unusual for a multi-driver speaker. Fully rounded, edgeless cabinet eliminates baffle diffraction. Frequency response holds within about 2.5dB across the listening window. Extremely low harmonic and multitone distortion even at 96dB, with under 0.5dB of compression at full output, rivaling the Reference 1 Meta and JBL 4367 in dynamic range. Reviewer described the imaging and soundstage depth as revealing recording details other speakers he tested (PS Audio FR10, MoFi SourcePoint 8, Neumann KH80) masked. Available in any custom finish at no extra charge.
Cons: 2dB dip and slight resonance around 200Hz, also visible in KEF white paper and likely cabinet-related. Bass rolls off fairly quickly below its 31Hz F3. Horizontal dispersion (~50 degrees) is narrower than the reviewer preferred 70-80 degrees; benefits from toeing out 10-20 degrees to open soundstage without losing image focus. Needs a separate power amp, not AVR-friendly.
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 31Hz |
| Dimensions | 46.6"H x 13.5"W x 14.8"D (1183.6 x 342.9 x 375.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone, force cancelling woofers, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT tweeter |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 87dB |
| Weight | 79.4 lbs / 36 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Rear ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.