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 Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 ranks #65, rated 4.1/5, at $1,299, $245.56 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The KEF R3 is the more accurate pick. 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 5.44 for the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62. 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 case for the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62: A three way bookshelf speaker with a coaxial tweeter and midrange for stable imaging, well controlled tonality, and front ports for easy placement. The catch: Erin measured very low 83dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity; his 110W Parasound was insufficient for the high-level test and the more powerful HINT 6 was needed.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $245.56 saving on the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $1,299.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #65 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 58.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 41.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 4 ohms minimum near 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 6.5” woofer |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 14.1”H x 8.2”W x 13.1”D |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | ported, dual front slot vents |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 23.5 lbs (10.68 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 5.44 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 7.7 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension | - | 41Hz manufacturer specified; Erin’s response-linearity graph shows limited high-output bass headroom |
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