Short answer: the KEF R5 Meta for better sound quality, the Revel F206 for the lower price. The KEF R5 Meta ranks #8 of 56 floorstanding speakers at $3999.99. The Revel F206 ranks #17 at $2000, $1999.99 cheaper.
What the KEF R5 Meta gets right: 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 catch: 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.
On the Revel F206 side: CEA2034 spinorama shows a pretty even on-axis response. Set against that: Some directivity error and a small peak around 4.5kHz show up alongside the directivity error around 3kHz.
Buy the KEF R5 Meta if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Revel F206 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R5 Meta | Revel F206 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,999.99 Discontinued | $2000 used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #8 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #17 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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 | Yes |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1 in. vented aluminum dome tweeter with MAT, 5 in. aluminum cone midrange, two 5.25 in. hybrid aluminum cone woofers | Dual 6.5" (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofers, 5.25" (13.3 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Midrange, 1" (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide |
| Weight | 54 lbs / 24.5 kg each | 57.3 lbs / 26 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
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- KEF Reference 203 vs Revel Concerta2 F35
- KEF Reference 203 vs JBL Studio 698
- Klipsch Forte IV vs Revel Concerta2 F35
- Revel F206 vs JBL HDI-3600
- KEF R5 Meta vs Revel F208
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 F206: $2000 used, Discontinued
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a pretty even on-axis response. Predicted in-room response is excellent, with a smooth downward slope. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±65 degrees is wide, if a bit uneven. Distortion is very nice at 86dB SPL/1m, falling below the frequency range where human hearing is most sensitive, and stays excellent even at 96dB SPL/1m. Near-field measurements of the individual drivers show nice suppression of port and woofer resonances. Really amazing value for the performance.
Cons: Some directivity error and a small peak around 4.5kHz show up alongside the directivity error around 3kHz. Vertical directivity means listening position needs to stay within the tweeter axis, though the reviewer notes there is some leeway. Minimum impedance dips to 3.3 ohms, calling for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load. Discontinued.
Full Revel F206 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 40.3"H x 8.4"W x 12.2"D (1023.6 x 213.4 x 309.9 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | Dual 6.5" (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofers, 5.25" (13.3 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Midrange, 1" (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 57.3 lbs / 26 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons