Short answer: the KEF R3 Meta. It ranks #10 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $2,499.99. The Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX ranks #50, rated 4.2/5, at $1,499, $1,000.99 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The KEF R3 Meta is the more accurate option. 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. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.10 against 4.89 for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX. Watch for: Pointed straight on-axis, there’s a 1-2dB bump around 9kHz that stays consistent across angles thanks to the constant-directivity waveguide: only toeing the speaker out about 10° tames it.
What the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX does well: A THX certified bookshelf speaker with well controlled sound, strong midbass punch, and clean output for home theater. The tradeoff: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required.
Buy the KEF R3 Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1,000.99 saving on the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX is not enough to make up the difference.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 Meta | Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,499.99 per pair | $1,499 per pair |
| Ranked | #10 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #50 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D (421.6 x 200.7 x 335.3 mm) | 15.2”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (385 x 245 x 320 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | 6.5” Hybrid aluminum ported woofer, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 1” vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | 6.5-inch woofer; 28mm waveguided soft-dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 85.9dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 81.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) each | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.10 | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.91 | 7.68 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | HDF, sealed/ported |
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