Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5); the Mission LX-3 MKII ranks #138 (rated 3.6/5).
The KEF R3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass 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 4.17 for the Mission LX-3 MKII. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 3dB, against 67.4Hz for the Mission LX-3 MKII. 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.
The case for the Mission LX-3 MKII: Large affordable standmount speakers with a 6.5 inch woofer, useful bass and easy to drive sensitivity. Watch for: On-axis smoothness of 0.217 and predicted in-room smoothness of 0.344 reveal clear response unevenness, with a -0.46dB-per-octave downward tilt.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Mission LX-3 MKII.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete 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.
Large affordable standmount speakers with a 6.5 inch woofer, useful bass and easy to drive sensitivity.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Mission LX-3 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | £249 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #138 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 67.4Hz (measured, ASR via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42.5Hz (derived from ASR on-axis curve, spinorama.org) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 88dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 8 ohms nominal, 4.1 ohms minimum |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 1” microfiber-dome tweeter, 6.5” composite-fiber woofer |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 13.6H x 8.9W x 12.1D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | - |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 4.17 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 6.42 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way, bass-reflex |
| Country | - | United Kingdom (design) |
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