Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,544.56; the Dynaudio Special Forty ranks #148, rated 3.5/5, and costs $3,600, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The KEF R3 is the more accurate choice. 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. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.20 against 4.73 for the Dynaudio Special Forty. 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 Dynaudio Special Forty: Premium bookshelf speakers with strong output, wide dispersion and fairly deep bass from a compact rear ported cabinet. Watch for: A glaring, sometimes sibilant quality around 3-4kHz was the most noticeable issue in listening, the one thing the reviewer would want notched out with EQ.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Dynaudio Special Forty and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete 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.
Premium bookshelf speakers with strong output, wide dispersion and fairly deep bass from a compact rear ported cabinet.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Dynaudio Special Forty | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $3600 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #148 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 83.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 6 ohms nominal (4.9 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 5.9” MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) cone woofer, 1” Esotar soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 14.1”H x 7.7”W x 12.1”D (358.1 x 195.6 x 307.3 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | ported |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 4.73 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 6.74 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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