Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the KEF R5 Meta is the better pick: it ranks #14 of 188 floorstanding speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5), against #177 (rated 2.8/5) for the Sony SS-CS3. If you want one new, the Sony SS-CS3 M2 replaces the Sony SS-CS3 and is rated 3.0/5 at $346.
The KEF R5 Meta is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. 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. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.33 against 4.11 for the Sony SS-CS3. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 72Hz for the Sony SS-CS3. 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.
The case for the Sony SS-CS3: Affordable entry-level floorstanding tower offering solid sensitivity (88.6dB SPL at 2.83V/1m), making it easy to power with standard budget AVRs. The tradeoff: Severe cabinet and driver resonances plague the passband between 100Hz and 600Hz, imparting audible coloration and chesty resonances to male vocals and acoustic instruments.
Buy the KEF R5 Meta only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Sony SS-CS3 M2, which replaces the Sony SS-CS3.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R5 Meta | Sony SS-CS3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,999.99 per pair Discontinued | $450 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #177 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 72Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 42.2”H x 10.7”W x 13.6”D (1073 x 273 x 346 mm) | 36.3”H x 9.1”W x 10.2”D (922 x 230 x 260 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 88.6dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1 in. vented aluminum dome tweeter with MAT, 5 in. aluminum cone midrange, two 5.25 in. hybrid aluminum cone woofers | 0.75 in. supertweeter, 0.98 in. polyester main tweeter, dual 5.12 in. MRC woofers |
| Weight | 54 lbs (24.5 kg) each | 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.33 | 4.11 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.07 | 6.65 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How KEF R5 Meta compares with other leading options:
- KEF Blade Two Meta vs KEF R5 Meta
- MoFi SourcePoint 888 vs KEF R5 Meta
- Revel F328Be vs KEF R5 Meta
- Revel F226Be vs KEF R5 Meta
- KEF R5 Meta vs JBL 4367
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
KEF R5 Meta: $3,999.99 per pair Discontinued eBay
Same family: the KEF R3 Meta (bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the KEF R7 Meta (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.6/5), the KEF R11 Meta (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 4.4/5), the KEF R2 Meta (smaller center, rated 4.3/5) and the KEF R6 Meta (larger center, rated 4.2/5).
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. Measured bass extension of 52Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
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) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 42.2”H x 10.7”W x 13.6”D (1073 x 273 x 346 mm) |
| 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) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.07 |
| Weight | 54 lbs (24.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony SS-CS3: $450 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony SS-CS3 M2, ranked higher, estimated 3/5.
Same family: the Sony SS-CS5 (bookshelf, rated 3.5/5).
Pros: Affordable entry-level floorstanding tower offering solid sensitivity (88.6dB SPL at 2.83V/1m), making it easy to power with standard budget AVRs. Harmonic distortion remains reasonably low at moderate listening levels (86dB SPL) when high-pass filtered above 80-100Hz with a dedicated subwoofer. Front-ported design allows relatively close placement to front boundaries without excessive port occlusion. Measured bass extension of 72Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.6dB.
Cons: Severe cabinet and driver resonances plague the passband between 100Hz and 600Hz, imparting audible coloration and chesty resonances to male vocals and acoustic instruments. Irregular frequency response peaks and dips make automated receiver room correction difficult to equalize effectively. Poor low-frequency extension (F3 of 72Hz, F10 of 39Hz) for a floorstander, combined with rapid distortion escalation below 80Hz at higher SPLs (96dB+). Supertweeter driver adds crossover complexity without providing audible high-frequency benefit within the human hearing spectrum. Discontinued.
Full Sony SS-CS3 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 72Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 36.3”H x 9.1”W x 10.2”D (922 x 230 x 260 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75 in. supertweeter, 0.98 in. polyester main tweeter, dual 5.12 in. MRC woofers |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 88.6dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.11 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.65 |
| Weight | 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons