Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,544.56. The GR-Research X-LS Encore ranks #146, rated 3.5/5, at $1,300, $244.56 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The KEF R3 is the more accurate option. 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 5.05 for the GR-Research X-LS Encore. Watch for: 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 GR-Research X-LS Encore does well: Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them. Watch for: A slight depression in the upper bass and some peaking in the lower bass shows up on-axis, along with directivity error in the crossover region.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $244.56 saving on the GR-Research X-LS Encore is not enough to make up the difference.
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.
Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | GR-Research X-LS Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $1300 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 8 ohms |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | ported |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
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