Short answer: the KEF R5 Meta for better sound quality, the Revel Concerta2 F35 for the lower price. The KEF R5 Meta ranks #9 of 59 floorstanding speakers at $3999.99. The Revel Concerta2 F35 ranks #20 at $900, $3099.99 cheaper.
On the KEF R5 Meta side: 12th generation 5” Uni-Q coaxial driver array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) delivers remarkably smooth, controlled horizontal (±50°) and vertical directivity with near-identical off-axis tracking. The tradeoff: Low-frequency extension (F3 of 52Hz, F10 of 38Hz) requires pairing with a dedicated subwoofer crossed over at 80Hz for high-output home theater or bass-heavy music performance.
The case for the Revel Concerta2 F35: Two-and-a-half-way, four-driver design: a 1” aluminum dome tweeter on a waveguide, a 5.25” mid-range, and dual 5.25” mid-bass drivers in a rear-ported cabinet. Set against that: F3 of 61Hz and F10 of 39Hz mean a subwoofer is needed for real bass extension.
Buy the KEF R5 Meta if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Revel Concerta2 F35 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R5 Meta | Revel Concerta2 F35 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,999.99 Discontinued | $900 |
| Ranked | #9 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #20 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 42.2"H x 10.7"W x 13.6"D (1073 x 273 x 346 mm) | 40.3"H x 8.4"W x 12.2"D (1023.6 x 213.4 x 309.9 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 89.4dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 90dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1 in. vented aluminum dome tweeter with MAT, 5 in. aluminum cone midrange, two 5.25 in. hybrid aluminum cone woofers | 3x 5.25" deep anodized aluminum cone woofers, 1" Aluminum Tweeter |
| Weight | 54 lbs / 24.5 kg each | 41 lbs / 18.6 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF R5 Meta: $3,999.99 Discontinued
Pros: 12th generation 5” Uni-Q coaxial driver array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) delivers remarkably smooth, controlled horizontal (±50°) and vertical directivity with near-identical off-axis tracking. Exceptional frequency response linearity through the midrange and treble that takes extremely well to minor parametric EQ adjustments. Constrained Layer Damping cabinet construction and flexible rear ports minimize enclosure resonances and port turbulence. Deliberately tuned low-frequency roll-off profile permits boundary-adjacent room placement near front walls without boomy acoustic buildup.
Cons: Low-frequency extension (F3 of 52Hz, F10 of 38Hz) requires pairing with a dedicated subwoofer crossed over at 80Hz for high-output home theater or bass-heavy music performance. High-frequency radiation above 7kHz shows a mild on-axis taper (1-2dB downward slope), performing best when listened to 10-20° off-axis. Moderate sensitivity (~86dB SPL average) requires a clean, robust 4-ohm capable amplifier to drive high dynamic peaks without clipping. Discontinued.
Full KEF R5 Meta review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 42.2"H x 10.7"W x 13.6"D (1073 x 273 x 346 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1 in. vented aluminum dome tweeter with MAT, 5 in. aluminum cone midrange, two 5.25 in. hybrid aluminum cone woofers |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 54 lbs / 24.5 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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Revel Concerta2 F35: $900 Crutchfield
Pros: Two-and-a-half-way, four-driver design: a 1” aluminum dome tweeter on a waveguide, a 5.25” mid-range, and dual 5.25” mid-bass drivers in a rear-ported cabinet. Measured sensitivity of 89.4dB closely matches the 90dB spec, and distortion looks good at both 86dB and 96dB, holding up well even with a high-pass filter applied. At its sale price (around $900/pair, down from full retail), the reviewer calls it a “no-brainer,” undercutting comparable budget floorstanders like the ELAC DF63. Frequency response and directivity mismatches are largely EQ-able, since most of what shows up in measurements traces to physical tweeter/mid-range separation rather than a fundamental flaw. Compression is fairly well controlled for the price - about 1dB of loss around 100Hz under long-term compression, described as “par for the course” at this cost.
Cons: F3 of 61Hz and F10 of 39Hz mean a subwoofer is needed for real bass extension. A dip in the lower midrange/2-3kHz region reduces attack and detail, and a peak around 5kHz adds some edge and sibilance in the lower treble. A peak in off-axis energy around 3kHz reflects off sidewalls at roughly 60-70° off-axis and arrives louder than the direct sound - this specific issue can’t be fixed with EQ (boosting the direct sound would boost the stronger reflection too) and would need acoustic absorption to properly address, though the reviewer considers it a minor, optional fix at this price. A couple of minor resonances appear in the impedance plot, including one around 300Hz that may partly explain a subtle sense of vocal warmth noticed in listening, though it’s more likely room-related. Minimum impedance around 3.8 ohms. Short-term compression testing shows some increased distortion in the tweeter and higher-frequency compression at loud output.
Full Revel Concerta2 F35 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 40.3"H x 8.4"W x 12.2"D (1023.6 x 213.4 x 309.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 3x 5.25" deep anodized aluminum cone woofers, 1" Aluminum Tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 89.4dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner; 90dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 41 lbs / 18.6 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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