Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,544.56; the Yamaha NS-800A ranks #80, rated 4.0/5, and costs $4,999.90, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
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 4.66 for the Yamaha NS-800A. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 3dB, against 68Hz for the Yamaha NS-800A. 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.
What the Yamaha NS-800A does well: A beautifully built bookshelf speaker with wide, consistent dispersion, low distortion, and bass that works well close to a wall. The tradeoff: A wide, roughly 2kHz-10kHz scoop in the upper-midrange/lower-treble gives it a laidback, soft, low-attack character: notably worse than the reviewer’s Audio First Fidelia reference in an A/B comparison.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Yamaha NS-800A and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Yamaha NS-800A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $4,999.90 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #80 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 68Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.9dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86.5dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 6 ohms nominal, 4.3 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 1.25” dome tweeter, 6.5” mid-woofer |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 16.5”H x 9.1”W x 14.1”D (419.1 x 231.8 x 358.8 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | Bass reflex |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 28.7 lbs (13.0 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 4.66 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 6.43 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2600Hz |
| Power Handling | - | 40W nominal, 120W max |
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