Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 131 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $2,200. The Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX ranks #43, rated 4.2/5, at $1,499, $701 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
Why pick the KEF R3: True three-way stand-mount with a 6.5-inch woofer below KEF’s 5-inch Uni-Q midrange/1-inch tweeter. The catch: The low-frequency alignment rolls gradually rather than delivering high-output sub-bass; KEF specifies 58Hz +/-3dB and Erin’s high-level data supports using an 80Hz subwoofer crossover.
Why pick the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: Exceptionally controlled radiation for a conventional two-way: Erin found the early-reflections directivity index smooth enough for broad-band EQ, while horizontal coverage remains orderly through the 1.5kHz crossover. The catch: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $701 you would save on the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,200 per pair | $1,499 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #43 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 44.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 81.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 4 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 6.5-inch woofer; 28mm waveguided soft-dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 15.2”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (385 x 245 x 320 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | - |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 7.68 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | HDF, sealed/ported |
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF R3: $2,200 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: True three-way stand-mount with a 6.5-inch woofer below KEF’s 5-inch Uni-Q midrange/1-inch tweeter. Erin measured approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, exceptionally low sub-1% distortion at 86dB and orderly directivity in both planes. The coaxial geometry maintains image stability across seats, while Flexible Port Technology avoids the strong midrange port resonance common to rear-vented competitors. A 110W Parasound drove it successfully in Erin’s listening. Measured bass extension of 35.2Hz (-10dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.
Cons: The low-frequency alignment rolls gradually rather than delivering high-output sub-bass; KEF specifies 58Hz +/-3dB and Erin’s high-level data supports using an 80Hz subwoofer crossover. Narrow high-frequency features and natural Uni-Q narrowing toward the top octave make toe angle audible, although off-axis tracking remains smooth. Sensitivity is moderate, the cabinet weighs almost 30 lb, and this original R3 lacks the Meta successor’s MAT absorber.
Full KEF R3 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: $1,499 per pair Arendal Sound eBay
Pros: Exceptionally controlled radiation for a conventional two-way: Erin found the early-reflections directivity index smooth enough for broad-band EQ, while horizontal coverage remains orderly through the 1.5kHz crossover. Midbass attack around 120–160Hz is strong, the response is mostly neutral below the treble shelf, and dynamic compression remains under roughly 1dB even near 102dB/1m above the bass. The waveguided 28mm dome and heavy HDF enclosure support clean, cinema-capable output, and sealed/ported flexibility eases subwoofer integration. Measured bass extension of ~80Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81.6dB.
Cons: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required. Anechoic output rolls off around 80Hz and 3% THD is crossed near 80Hz at 96dB, making an 80Hz subwoofer crossover effectively mandatory. The treble sits a couple dB high on-axis and can sound bright; Erin preferred roughly 20° toe-out or a ~2dB high shelf. A vertical cancellation appears above the tweeter axis, so multi-row installations need careful height/aiming.
Full Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.2”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (385 x 245 x 320 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5-inch woofer; 28mm waveguided soft-dome tweeter |
| Enclosure | HDF, sealed/ported |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 81.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.68 |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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