Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5) at $1,545.56 and is still sold new; the KEF R300 ranks #110 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The KEF R300’s replacement, the KEF R3 Meta, is rated 4.6/5 at $2,499.99.
The KEF R3 is the better-sounding pick. True three-way stand-mount with a 6.5-inch woofer below KEF’s 5-inch Uni-Q midrange/1-inch tweeter. 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.
The case for the KEF R300: A three way stand mount with a coaxial Uni-Q midrange and tweeter above a 6.5 inch bass driver, giving stable imaging across a wide seating area. The catch: Discontinued and replaced by the KEF R3, which measures better, so it is only available used.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the KEF R300 is discontinued.
About the ratings: the KEF R300’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 3.6 to 4.2, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
True three-way stand-mount with a 6.5-inch woofer below KEF’s 5-inch Uni-Q midrange/1-inch tweeter.
Amazon $1,545.56 eBay
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | KEF R300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,545.56 per pair | $1,799.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #110 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 54Hz (measured, Sound & Vision) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 88dB (2.83V/1m) (Manufacturer specified); 90dB measured 500Hz to 2kHz (Sound & Vision) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 8 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | Uni-Q 125mm aluminium midrange with 25mm aluminium dome tweeter + 165mm aluminium bass driver (each), 3-way |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 8.3”W x 15.2”H x 13.6”D (211 x 386 x 345 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | - |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) (each) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | - |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 28kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 42Hz (measured, Sound & Vision) |
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