Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5) at $1,544.56 and is still sold new; the Revel Performa M22 ranks #165 (rated 3.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Revel Performa M22’s replacement, the Revel M126Be, is rated 4.3/5 at $4,400.
The KEF R3 is the more accurate choice. 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 5.31 for the Revel Performa M22. 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 Revel Performa M22 is the deeper-bass pick. A discontinued Revel bookshelf speaker with a large 8 inch woofer and a very flat midrange. Its bass reaches about 46.9Hz before falling 3dB, against 58Hz for the KEF R3. Watch for: 3dB bass boost around 100Hz.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Revel Performa M22 is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full 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 discontinued Revel bookshelf speaker with a large 8 inch woofer and a very flat midrange.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Revel Performa M22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $600 per pair used (about), Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #165 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 46.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 37.1Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| 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 |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 25mm tweeter + 200mm woofer |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 14.5”H x 8.6”W x 11.9”D (368.3 x 219.1 x 301.6 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | ported, rear |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 41.7 lbs (18.9 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 5.31 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 7.26 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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