Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,544.56; the JTR Speakers Noesis 210HT ranks #43, rated 4.3/5, and costs $3,998, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The KEF R3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass 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 2.66 for the JTR Speakers Noesis 210HT. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 3dB, against 76Hz for the JTR Speakers Noesis 210HT. 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.
What the JTR Speakers Noesis 210HT does well: A very high output home theater speaker with dual 10 inch woofers and a coaxial horn, easy to drive and built for reference level movies. The tradeoff: Erin measured F3 at 76Hz and F10 at 43Hz, so the 210HT is designed to hand bass duties to subwoofers rather than operate full-range.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JTR Speakers Noesis 210HT and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the KEF R3 reaches 35.2 Hz (10 dB down) against 43 Hz for the JTR Speakers Noesis 210HT, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Efficiency: the JTR Speakers Noesis 210HT is rated at 92.5 dB sensitivity against 86 dB for the KEF R3, so it plays as loud with roughly a third of the amplifier power.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | JTR Speakers Noesis 210HT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $3,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #43 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | Approximately 3 ohms minimum at 100-200Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | Dual 10” woofers; coaxial compression driver on 60° x 60° horn |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 34”H x 12.25”W x 14”D |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | sealed |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 85.1 lbs (38.6 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 2.66 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 5.41 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | Approximately 850Hz |
Where the Ratings Come From
- KEF R3: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner and Audio Science Review.
- JTR Speakers Noesis 210HT: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
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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