Short answer: the KEF R3 Meta for better sound quality, the HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod for the lower price. The KEF R3 Meta ranks #10 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.6/5, at $2,499.99. The HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod ranks #97, rated 3.9/5, at $364.99, $2,135 cheaper.
The KEF R3 Meta is the better-sounding 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. 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 HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod is the deeper-bass option. An upgraded three-way DIY kit with smooth sound, wide dispersion and clean bass for a 6.5 inch woofer. Its bass reaches about 60Hz before falling 3dB, against 76Hz for the KEF R3 Meta. Watch for: Some directivity error appears around 2.1kHz on-axis.
Buy the KEF R3 Meta if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod if the price matters more than sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked 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.
An upgraded three-way DIY kit with smooth sound, wide dispersion and clean bass for a 6.5 inch woofer.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 Meta | HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,499.99 per pair | $364.99 per pair for the kit (assembly required) |
| Ranked | #10 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #97 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38Hz (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) | 16.5”H x 8.5”W x 13”D (420.0 x 215.0 x 330.0 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Hybrid aluminum ported woofer, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 1” vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | 6.5” Kevlar woofer, 2” Dome midrange, 1” Soft Dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 85.9dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 86.5dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) each | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.10 | 5.8 (derived from ASR thread measurement data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.91 | 7.6 (derived from ASR thread measurement data) |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
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