Short answer: the KEF R11 Meta. It ranks #44 of 188 floorstanding speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5) at $6,999.98 and is still sold new; the Bose 901 Series V ranks #187 (rated 1.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The KEF R11 Meta is the more accurate pick. CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with good directivity and very deep bass extension (F10 of 30Hz). Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.91 against 0.43 for the Bose 901 Series V. The tradeoff: A dip around 1-1.2kHz on-axis is attributed to a diffraction effect, and shows up as a smaller dip in the predicted in-room response.
The Bose 901 Series V is the deeper-bass choice. Historically distinctive direct/reflecting architecture uses eight rear-firing and one front-firing full-range drivers to create a very large, room-filling presentation. Its bass reaches about 55.8Hz before falling 3dB, against 64Hz for the KEF R11 Meta. The tradeoff: Even with the required EQ, Erin measured only about 81dB sensitivity, grossly non-flat response, numerous impedance/resonance irregularities and very high distortion.
Buy the KEF R11 Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Bose 901 Series V is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R11 Meta | Bose 901 Series V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6,999.98 per pair | Discontinued |
| Ranked | #44 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #187 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 34.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 51”H x 12.2”W x 15.1”D (1295.4 x 309.9 x 383.5 mm) | 21”H x 21”W x 12.6”D (533.4 x 533.4 x 320.7 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 6.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofers, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | Nine full-range drivers: eight rear-firing, one front-firing |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB | Approximately 81dB/2.83V/1m with tested EQ setting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 80.5 lbs (36.5 kg) each | 35.3 lbs (16 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.91 | 0.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.32 | 2.11 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension | - | Strongly dependent on supplied active equalizer and room (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DSP | - | External analog active equalizer required |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF R11 Meta: $6,999.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Older model: the KEF R11 (ranked lower, estimated 4.3/5).
Same family: the KEF R3 Meta (bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the KEF R5 Meta (smaller floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5), the KEF R7 Meta (smaller floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.6/5), the KEF R2 Meta (smaller center, rated 4.3/5) and the KEF R6 Meta (larger center, rated 4.2/5).
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with good directivity and very deep bass extension (F10 of 30Hz). Predicted in-room response is very smooth aside from the small 1-1.5kHz dip. The coaxial Uni-Q driver gives excellent, symmetric vertical directivity, unusual for a tower speaker. Distortion is incredibly low even down to 30Hz at 86dB SPL/1m, and stays low even at 96dB and 102dB SPL/1m: the reviewer found essentially no audible tonality change across that whole output range. Measured bass extension of 64Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A dip around 1-1.2kHz on-axis is attributed to a diffraction effect, and shows up as a smaller dip in the predicted in-room response. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±40 degrees is on the narrower side, though the transition from wide to constant directivity is smooth. Minimum impedance dips to 3.2 ohms around 580Hz, calling for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load. 4-ohm nominal impedance overall.
Full KEF R11 Meta review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 51”H x 12.2”W x 15.1”D (1295.4 x 309.9 x 383.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofers, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.91 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.32 |
| Weight | 80.5 lbs (36.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Bose 901 Series V Discontinued eBay
Pros: Historically distinctive direct/reflecting architecture uses eight rear-firing and one front-firing full-range drivers to create a very large, room-filling presentation. Erin measured a benign 6.2-ohm minimum impedance, so the raw electrical load is easier than many modern four-ohm speakers. The supplied active equalizer offers user-adjustable tonal balance and is integral to obtaining usable bandwidth. Measured bass extension of 55.8Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81dB.
Cons: Even with the required EQ, Erin measured only about 81dB sensitivity, grossly non-flat response, numerous impedance/resonance irregularities and very high distortion. Output above roughly 90-95dB at his seat became audibly poor; multitone testing reached only about 98dB before the distortion limit. The reflection-dominant radiation prevents precise imaging and makes results strongly room-dependent. It requires the proprietary equalizer and substantial amplifier power despite its benign impedance. Discontinued.
Full Bose 901 Series V review and specifications →
| Bass Extension | Strongly dependent on supplied active equalizer and room (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| DSP | External analog active equalizer required |
| Dimensions | 21”H x 21”W x 12.6”D (533.4 x 533.4 x 320.7 mm) |
| Drivers | Nine full-range drivers: eight rear-firing, one front-firing |
| Impedance | 6.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 81dB/2.83V/1m with tested EQ setting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 2.11 |
| Weight | 35.3 lbs (16 kg) each |
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