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 GR-Research X-LS Encore ranks #146, rated 3.5/5, at $1,300, $1,199.99 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
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 5.05 for the GR-Research X-LS Encore. 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 GR-Research X-LS Encore is the deeper-bass choice. Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them. Its bass reaches about 64Hz before falling 3dB, against 76Hz for the KEF R3 Meta. The catch: A slight depression in the upper bass and some peaking in the lower bass shows up on-axis, along with directivity error in the crossover region.
Buy the KEF R3 Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $1,199.99 with the GR-Research X-LS Encore does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete 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.
Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 Meta | GR-Research X-LS Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,499.99 per pair | $1300 per pair |
| Ranked | #10 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 64Hz (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) | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Drivers | 6.5” Hybrid aluminum ported woofer, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 1” vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 85.9dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) each | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.10 | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.91 | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
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