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 ranks #158, rated 3.4/5, and costs $1,600, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The KEF R3 is the more accurate 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 3.81 for the Sonus Faber Lumina II. 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 Sonus Faber Lumina II: Handmade Italian bookshelf speakers with leather-wrapped cabinets, competitive bass for their size and flexible placement. Watch for: Not a neutral speaker: has a persistent high-frequency boost/lift that makes it sound forward and bright, present whether pointed directly at the listener or toed out.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sonus Faber Lumina II and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked 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.
Handmade Italian bookshelf speakers with leather-wrapped cabinets, competitive bass for their size and flexible placement.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Sonus Faber Lumina II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $1,600 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #158 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; matches manufacturer spec) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 4 ohms nominal, 4.1 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 29mm DAD dome tweeter, 150mm paper cone mid-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 | - |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 12.5 lbs (5.65 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 3.81 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 6.10 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1800Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 24kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 30W - 150W |
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