Short answer: the Revel M106. It ranks #9 of 100 bookshelf speakers by sound quality; the KEF R3 ranks #15.
The case for the Revel M106: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly even on-axis response with no obvious resonances, and a listening window that sits comfortably above the on-axis curve. The tradeoff: Some directivity error and response variation shows up in the crossover region.
What the KEF R3 gets right: True three-way stand-mount with a 6.5-inch woofer below KEF’s 5-inch Uni-Q midrange/1-inch tweeter. The catch: The low-frequency alignment rolls gradually rather than delivering high-output sub-bass; KEF specifies 58Hz +/-3dB and Erin’s high-level data supports using an 80Hz subwoofer crossover.
Buy the Revel M106 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the KEF R3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Revel M106 | KEF R3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Discontinued | $2,200/pair |
| Ranked | #9 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #15 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5" (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofer, 1" (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide | 1" tweeter coaxial with 5" midrange; 6.5" woofer |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg | - |
| Dimensions | 15"H x 8.3"W x 11"D (381.0 x 210.8 x 279.4 mm) | 16.6"H x 7.9"W x 13.2"D |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear Flexible Port |
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- KEF R3 Meta vs Focal Aria 906
- KEF R3 Meta vs MoFi SourcePoint 8
- MoFi SourcePoint 8 vs KEF R3
- KEF R3 Meta vs KEF R3
The Two Speakers In Full
Revel M106: Discontinued
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly even on-axis response with no obvious resonances, and a listening window that sits comfortably above the on-axis curve. Predicted in-room response is called “near ideal” by the reviewer, with a smooth downward slope from bass to treble. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m stays well controlled through the midrange and treble.
Cons: Some directivity error and response variation shows up in the crossover region. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is on the narrower side. Vertical directivity requires staying within about ±20 degrees of the reference axis for accurate tonal balance. Minimum impedance dips to 4.6 ohms with several peaks, a moderately demanding load for a compact bookshelf speaker. Discontinued.
Full Revel M106 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 15"H x 8.3"W x 11"D (381.0 x 210.8 x 279.4 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofer, 1" (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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KEF R3: $2,200/pair Amazon
Pros: True three-way stand-mount with a 6.5-inch woofer below KEF’s 5-inch Uni-Q midrange/1-inch tweeter. Erin measured approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, exceptionally low sub-1% distortion at 86dB and orderly directivity in both planes. The coaxial geometry maintains image stability across seats, while Flexible Port Technology avoids the strong midrange port resonance common to rear-vented competitors. A 110W Parasound drove it successfully in Erin’s listening.
Cons: The low-frequency alignment rolls gradually rather than delivering high-output sub-bass; KEF specifies 58Hz +/-3dB and Erin’s high-level data supports using an 80Hz subwoofer crossover. Narrow high-frequency features and natural Uni-Q narrowing toward the top octave make toe angle audible, although off-axis tracking remains smooth. Sensitivity is moderate, the cabinet weighs almost 30 lb, and this original R3 lacks the Meta successor’s MAT absorber.
Full KEF R3 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin's measured roll-off) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.6"H x 7.9"W x 13.2"D |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter coaxial with 5" midrange; 6.5" woofer |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin's 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons