Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the KEF Reference 203 is the better pick: it ranks #17 of 228 floorstanding speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5), against #220 (rated 2.5/5) for the Triangle Esprit Antal Ez. If you want one new, the KEF Reference 3 Meta replaces the KEF Reference 203 and is rated 4.6/5 at $15,999.98.
The KEF Reference 203 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A classic four way floorstander with neutral, accurate sound and low distortion, now discontinued but worth buying used. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.83 against 2.76 for the Triangle Esprit Antal Ez. Its bass reaches about 51Hz before falling 3dB, against 85Hz for the Triangle Esprit Antal Ez. The tradeoff: This is a 20+ year old, long-discontinued speaker only findable secondhand (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, audio forums): condition, driver matching, and component aging vary by unit, so audition before buying if at all possible.
Why pick the Triangle Esprit Antal Ez: A discontinued floorstanding speaker with twin 6.5 inch woofers and reasonably controlled dispersion across the room. The tradeoff: Resonance around 260Hz and a number of other resonances show up on-axis, along with a dip in bass response.
Buy the KEF Reference 203 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 KEF Reference 3 Meta, which replaces the KEF Reference 203.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the KEF Reference 203 reaches 37 Hz (10 dB down) against 62 Hz for the Triangle Esprit Antal Ez, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the KEF Reference 203 scores 7.8 against 5.4 for the Triangle Esprit Antal Ez on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
- Efficiency: the Triangle Esprit Antal Ez is rated at 90.7 dB sensitivity against 88 dB for the KEF Reference 203, so it plays as loud with roughly two thirds of the amplifier power.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Reference 203 | Triangle Esprit Antal Ez | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,000 per pair Discontinued | $1,799 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #17 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #220 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - low confidence - on-axis curve shows an unusual notch/dip around 250-300Hz for this floorstanding tower |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - low confidence - on-axis curve shows an unusual notch/dip around 250-300Hz for this floorstanding tower |
| Dimensions | 42”H (1067H mm) | 43.9”H x 11.8”W x 15.7”D (1115.0 x 300.0 x 400.0 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.6 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 3.2 ohms per manufacturer spec) | 8 ohms nominal (2.7 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 88dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 90.7dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1x 0.75” supertweeter, coaxial 1” dome tweeter + 6.5” midrange, 2x 6.5” woofers | 2x 6.5” (160mm) fiberglass cone woofers, 1x 6.5” (160mm) natural cellulose midrange, 1x 1” (25mm) titanium dome tweeter |
| Weight | 58 lbs (26.3 kg) | 98.5 lbs (44.7 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex, with switchable flat/cut/lifted bass ports for wall placement | ported, front |
| Crossover Frequency | 400Hz, 2.7kHz, 15kHz | - |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 55kHz ±3dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Recommended Power | 50-200W | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.83 | 2.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.84 | 5.37 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Where the Ratings Come From
- KEF Reference 203: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Triangle Esprit Antal Ez: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Audio Science Review.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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