Short answer: the Audio First Cadentia 3 if sound quality matters most, the KEF R3 if price matters most. The Audio First Cadentia 3 ranks #7 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.7/5, at $7,199. The KEF R3 ranks #15, rated 4.5/5, at $1,544.56, $5,654.44 cheaper.
Why pick the KEF R3: A three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver for stable imaging across seats and very low distortion, easy to run with a modest amp. 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.
The Audio First Cadentia 3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.55 against 6.20 for the KEF R3. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 3dB, against 58Hz for the KEF R3. The catch: A mild scoop through the upper midrange/lower treble slightly softens the attack of snares, hand claps, and sibilants: fixable with a single-band EQ (2.5kHz, +1dB, Q~1).
Buy the KEF R3 when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the Audio First Cadentia 3 when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver for stable imaging across seats and very low distortion, easy to run with a modest amp.
A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Audio First Cadentia 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $7199 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #7 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 4 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | 3-way, bass reflex |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 7.55 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 8.91 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Country | - | United Kingdom (Cambridge) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Audio First Cadentia 3: