Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,544.56; the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator ranks #188, rated 3.0/5, and costs $2,000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The KEF R3 is the better-sounding 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. 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 Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator does well: A luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion. The tradeoff: Very bright treble, running 3-6dB above the midrange depending on measurement angle: independently corroborated by other owners online, not just one reviewer’s opinion.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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 luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $2000 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #188 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 63Hz (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) | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 4 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 1.14” DAD (Damped Apex Dome) tweeter, 5.9” paper cone woofer |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 12” x 7.1” x 10.4” (304 x 180 x 263 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | Bass reflex, ported |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2600Hz |
| Recommended Power | - | 30W - 150W |
| Country | - | Italy (Vicenza) |
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