Short answer: the KEF R11 Meta. It ranks #7 of 25 floorstanding speakers at $3499.99; the Revel F226Be ranks #8 and costs $7700, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the KEF R11 Meta side: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with good directivity and very deep bass extension (F10 of 30Hz). 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 case for the Revel F226Be: Three-way design with a beryllium tweeter, a dedicated 5.25” mid-range, and dual 5.25” midwoofers (not a coaxial layout). The tradeoff: Minimum impedance of 3.7 ohms means it wants a 4-ohm-capable amplifier.
Buy the KEF R11 Meta if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the Revel F226Be if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R11 Meta | Revel F226Be | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,499.99 | $7700 |
| Ranked | #7 of 25 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #8 of 25 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz | 36Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz | 56Hz |
| Dimensions | 51"H x 12.2"W x 15.1"D (1295.4 x 309.9 x 383.5 mm) | 41.3"H x 9.8"W x 13.7"D (1049 x 248.9 x 348 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
| 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 | Two 6.5" (165mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cones, with cast frames woofer, 5-1/4" (130mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cone, with cast frame midrange, 1" (25mm) Beryllium dome, with acoustic lens waveguide tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB | 90dB |
| Weight | 80.5 lbs / 36.5 kg each | 58.2 lbs / 26.4 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Rear ported | Front ported |
The Two Speakers In Full
KEF R11 Meta: $3,499.99 Amazon
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.
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.
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz |
| 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 |
| Weight | 80.5 lbs / 36.5 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Rear ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Revel F226Be: $7700 Crutchfield
Pros: Three-way design with a beryllium tweeter, a dedicated 5.25” mid-range, and dual 5.25” midwoofers (not a coaxial layout). On-axis frequency response holds within about ±1.5dB - excellent linearity. Average sensitivity around 90dB (2.83V/1m), notably higher than some competing three-way designs, meaning less amplifier power is needed for the same output. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±70° at the -6dB point, landing right in the reviewer’s preferred 60-70° range for an enveloping soundstage without excess diffusion. Distortion at 96dB stays under 1% THD through most of the midrange - strong output capability. Flat enough on- and off-axis response that toeing the speaker away from the listener preserves the same tonal balance rather than changing it, giving flexibility in placement.
Cons: Minimum impedance of 3.7 ohms means it wants a 4-ohm-capable amplifier; budget AVRs rated only for 6 or 8 ohms may struggle. F3 of 56Hz and F10 of 36Hz mean it doesn’t extend nearly as low as some three-way rivals with larger woofers; a dedicated subwoofer is recommended for home theater use, though it can work without one for music alone. Vertical directivity tolerance is tighter (about ±20° in the crossover region) than true coaxial designs, since the tweeter, midrange, and woofers are physically separated - a bigger consideration with multiple theater rows or if you tend to stand and move around the room. On-axis, the top end reads as a bit bright according to the reviewer’s subjective impression, generally benefiting from some toe-out. High-gloss cabinet finish can create distracting reflections if used behind a projector screen in a home theater setup.
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz |
| Dimensions | 41.3"H x 9.8"W x 13.7"D (1049 x 248.9 x 348 mm) |
| Drivers | Two 6.5" (165mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cones, with cast frames woofer, 5-1/4" (130mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cone, with cast frame midrange, 1" (25mm) Beryllium dome, with acoustic lens waveguide tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90dB |
| Weight | 58.2 lbs / 26.4 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Front ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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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.