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 ATC SCM19 ranks #209, rated 2.4/5, and costs $3,750, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
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 4.61 for the ATC SCM19. The catch: 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 ATC SCM19 is the deeper-bass pick. A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume. Its bass reaches about 60Hz before falling 3dB, against 76Hz for the KEF R3 Meta. The tradeoff: Some stored energy resonance around 500-700Hz, 4dB bump around 700Hz.
Buy the KEF R3 Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ATC SCM19 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
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.
A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 Meta | ATC SCM19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,499.99 per pair | $3750 per pair |
| Ranked | #10 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #209 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D (421.6 x 200.7 x 335.3 mm) | 17.2”H x 10.4”W x 11.8”D (436.9 x 264.2 x 299.7 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Drivers | 6.5” Hybrid aluminum ported woofer, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 1” vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | 5.9” Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 85.9dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 85dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) each | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.10 | 4.61 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.91 | 7.03 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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