Short answer: the KEF Reference 1 Meta for better sound quality, the Sonus Faber Lumina II for the lower price. The KEF Reference 1 Meta ranks #3 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $9,999.98. The Sonus Faber Lumina II ranks #158, rated 3.4/5, at $1,600, $8,399.98 cheaper.
The KEF Reference 1 Meta is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. Extremely accurate bookshelf speakers, with a superb three dimensional soundstage, no harshness, and tightly matched pairs. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.48 against 3.81 for the Sonus Faber Lumina II. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 60Hz for the Sonus Faber Lumina II. Watch for: At roughly $10000/pair, nearly four times the cost of the similarly-sized KEF R3.
Why pick the Sonus Faber Lumina II: Handmade Italian bookshelf speakers with leather-wrapped cabinets, competitive bass for their size and flexible placement. The tradeoff: Not a neutral speaker: has a persistent high-frequency boost/lift that makes it sound forward and bright, present whether pointed directly at the listener or toed out.
Buy the KEF Reference 1 Meta if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sonus Faber Lumina II if the price matters more than sound quality.
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.
Handmade Italian bookshelf speakers with leather-wrapped cabinets, competitive bass for their size and flexible placement.
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9999.98 per pair | $1,600 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #158 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (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, 4.1 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 | 29mm DAD dome tweeter, 150mm paper cone mid-woofer |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; matches manufacturer spec) |
| Weight | 40.1 lbs (18.2 kg) each | 12.5 lbs (5.65 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.48 | 3.81 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.29 | 6.10 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1800Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 24kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 30W - 150W |
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