Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,544.56. The ELAC DBR62 ranks #79, rated 4.0/5, at $699.98, $844.58 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
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 5.07 for the ELAC DBR62. 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 ELAC DBR62: An affordable bookshelf speaker that is very forgiving of placement and aiming, with wide sound and a little extra bass punch. The catch: A slight recess in the 1-2kHz region reduces vocal presence somewhat compared to other speakers in direct comparison.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $844.58 with the ELAC DBR62 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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.
An affordable bookshelf speaker that is very forgiving of placement and aiming, with wide sound and a little extra bass punch.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | ELAC DBR62 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $699.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #79 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.3dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 6 ohms nominal, 5.2 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 6.5” Aramid Fiber woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 14.1”H x 8.2”W x 10.8”D (358.1 x 208.3 x 274.3 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | ported, front |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 5.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 7.27 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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