Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 131 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $2,200; the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX ranks #48, rated 4.2/5, and costs $2,400, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the KEF R3 does well: 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.
What the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX does well: Independent ASR Klippel data shows a narrow 1.8dB reference band, 0.391 listening-window smoothness, and useful bass extension to 48.3Hz at -6dB. Watch for: 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. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX 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.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,200 per pair | $2,400 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #48 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 63Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | approximately 37Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 89dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m) |
| 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 | Two 8-inch woofers; 28mm waveguided tweeter |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 15.7”H x 10.8”W x 25”D (400 x 275 x 635 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | - |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 58.9 lbs (26.7 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 5.16 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 7.30 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Certification | - | THX Ultra |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 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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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 Sound 1723 Monitor THX: $2,400 per pair Arendal Sound eBay
Pros: Independent ASR Klippel data shows a narrow 1.8dB reference band, 0.391 listening-window smoothness, and useful bass extension to 48.3Hz at -6dB. Its preference score rises from 5.16 to 7.30 with a subwoofer. Dual 8-inch woofers, a waveguided tweeter, robust HDF construction, and THX Ultra certification suit high-output rooms. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB).
Cons: 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. Bass reaches only 63Hz at -3dB despite the very large cabinet, and the 1.239 low-frequency Q indicates a pronounced alignment. At roughly 60 lb each, these require substantial stands and space.
Full Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 37Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Certification | THX Ultra |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 10.8”W x 25”D (400 x 275 x 635 mm) |
| Drivers | Two 8-inch woofers; 28mm waveguided tweeter |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.16 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.30 |
| Weight | 58.9 lbs (26.7 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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