Short answer: the KEF Reference 1 Meta. It ranks #3 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $9,999.98. The Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator ranks #188, rated 3.0/5, at $2,000, $7,999.98 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The KEF Reference 1 Meta is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. Extremely accurate bookshelf speakers, with a superb three dimensional soundstage, no harshness, and tightly matched pairs. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 63Hz for the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator. Watch for: At roughly $10000/pair, nearly four times the cost of the similarly-sized KEF R3.
The case for the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator: A luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion. The catch: Very bright treble, running 3-6dB above the midrange depending on measurement angle: independently corroborated by other owners online, not just one reviewer’s opinion.
Buy the KEF Reference 1 Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $7,999.98 you would save on the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Extremely accurate bookshelf speakers, with a superb three dimensional soundstage, no harshness, and tightly matched pairs.
A luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Reference 1 Meta | Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9999.98 per pair | $2000 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #188 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 17.3”H x 8.1”W x 16.6”D (439.4 x 205.7 x 421.6 mm) | 12” x 7.1” x 10.4” (304 x 180 x 263 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 2.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone woofer, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | 1.14” DAD (Damped Apex Dome) tweeter, 5.9” paper cone woofer |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 40.1 lbs (18.2 kg) each | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | Bass reflex, ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.48 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.29 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2600Hz |
| Recommended Power | - | 30W - 150W |
| Country | - | Italy (Vicenza) |
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