Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,544.56. The Polk R200 ranks #178, rated 3.2/5, at $799, $745.56 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
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 5.09 for the Polk R200. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 3dB, against 74Hz for the Polk R200. 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 Polk R200 does well: A Polk bookshelf speaker with a 6.5 inch woofer and a ring radiator tweeter, sized for a medium room. The tradeoff: A resonance and associated distortion increase around 800Hz-1kHz creates a “tinny,” occasionally glaring quality on certain instruments and vocals, confirmed both by ear and in the frequency-response and distortion measurements.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $745.56 with the Polk R200 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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.
A Polk bookshelf speaker with a 6.5 inch woofer and a ring radiator tweeter, sized for a medium room.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Polk R200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $799.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #178 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 74Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 4 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 25mm soft dome + 165mm woofer |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 14.1”H x 7.5”W x 13.9”D (359.0 x 190.0 x 353.8 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | ported, rear |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 31.3 lbs (14.2 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 5.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 7.61 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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