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 Sound 1723 Monitor S THX ranks #66, rated 4.1/5, at $2,200, $299.99 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The KEF R3 Meta is the more accurate choice. 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 5.07 for the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX. The tradeoff: 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.
The case for the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX: A THX certified bookshelf speaker with twin woofers, smooth sound, healthy sensitivity, and port plugs to tune the bass to your room. Watch for: In the configuration measured, the bass response starts to fall early, about 77Hz at -3dB, though it keeps going to about 50Hz at -6dB and 33Hz at -10dB, so it benefits from a subwoofer or placement near a wall.
Buy the KEF R3 Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $299.99 with the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Measured Differences
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the KEF R3 Meta scores 7.9 against 7.1 for the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
- Efficiency: the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX is rated at 88.7 dB sensitivity against 85.9 dB for the KEF R3 Meta, so it plays as loud with roughly two thirds of the amplifier power.
- Close enough not to matter: bass extension (37 Hz vs 32.9 Hz, 10 dB down).
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 Meta | Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,499.99 per pair | $2,200 per pair |
| Ranked | #10 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #66 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 32.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 76.9Hz (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) | 22.4”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (569 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 | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 28mm waveguided tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 85.9dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 88.7dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) each | 41.2 lbs (18.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | sealed or ported (port plugs included) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.10 | 5.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.91 | 7.08 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Certification | - | THX Ultra |
| Frequency Response | - | 46Hz-20kHz ±3dB with two vents, 66Hz sealed (manufacturer specified) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- KEF R3 Meta: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner, GR-Research and New Record Day.
- Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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