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 THX ranks #55, rated 4.2/5, at $2,400, $99.99 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 5.16 for the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor 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.
The Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX is the deeper-bass choice. A THX certified monitor with dual 8 inch woofers, a waveguide tweeter, and sturdy build for high output home theater rooms. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 76Hz for the KEF R3 Meta. The tradeoff: The measured on-axis average absolute deviation is 0.979dB and the sound-power directivity-index standard deviation is 3.63, so its response and dispersion are less even than the best alternatives.
Buy the KEF R3 Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $99.99 saving on the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX is not enough to make up the difference.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 Meta | Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,499.99 per pair | $2,400 per pair |
| Ranked | #10 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #55 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | approximately 37Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 63Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D (421.6 x 200.7 x 335.3 mm) | 15.7”H x 10.8”W x 25”D (400 x 275 x 635 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 8-inch woofers; 28mm waveguided tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 85.9dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 89dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) each | 58.9 lbs (26.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.10 | 5.16 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.91 | 7.30 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Certification | - | THX Ultra |
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