Short answer: the KEF R3 on measured sound quality, the HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod on price. The KEF R3 ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.5/5, at $1,544.56. The HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod ranks #97, rated 3.9/5, at $364.99, $1,179.57 cheaper.
The KEF R3 is the better-sounding 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. The tradeoff: 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 HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod does well: An upgraded three-way DIY kit with smooth sound, wide dispersion and clean bass for a 6.5 inch woofer. The catch: Some directivity error appears around 2.1kHz on-axis.
Buy the KEF R3 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Close enough not to matter: bass extension (35.2 Hz vs 38 Hz, 10 dB down).
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $364.99 per pair for the kit (assembly required) |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #97 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86.5dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 4 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 6.5” Kevlar woofer, 2” Dome midrange, 1” Soft Dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 16.5”H x 8.5”W x 13”D (420.0 x 215.0 x 330.0 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | ported, rear |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 5.8 (derived from ASR thread measurement data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 7.6 (derived from ASR thread measurement data) |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
Where the Ratings Come From
- KEF R3: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner and Audio Science Review.
- HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod: reviews by Audio Science Review Swans.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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