Short answer: the Wharfedale Aura 2 for better sound quality, the KEF R3 for the lower price. The Wharfedale Aura 2 ranks #13 of 100 bookshelf speakers at $2799. The KEF R3 ranks #15 at $2200, $599 cheaper.
The case for the Wharfedale Aura 2: Three-way “mini tower” design with a 27x90mm AMT tweeter, 4” mid-range, and 6.5” midwoofer, using an unusual bottom-firing port. The tradeoff: A breakup/peak around 13kHz can sound sharp or shrill depending on the track, the main tonal flaw noted.
On the KEF R3 side: True three-way stand-mount with a 6.5-inch woofer below KEF’s 5-inch Uni-Q midrange/1-inch tweeter. Set against that: 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 Wharfedale Aura 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the KEF R3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Aura 2 | KEF R3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2799 | $2,200/pair |
| Ranked | #13 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #15 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) |
| Dimensions | 22.1"H x 11.3"W x 15.3"D (561.3 x 287 x 388.6 mm) | 16.6"H x 7.9"W x 13.2"D |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier |
| Drivers | 6.5" Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone woofer, 4" Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone midrange, 27x90mm AMT tweeter | 1" tweeter coaxial with 5" midrange; 6.5" woofer |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 45 lbs / 20.4 kg each | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear Flexible Port |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- March Audio Sointuva vs Buchardt Audio E50
- AsciLab F6B vs Sonus Faber Lumina II
- Buchardt Audio E50 vs Arendal 1528 Monitor 8
- MoFi SourcePoint 8 vs Wharfedale Aura 2
- KEF R3 vs Wharfedale Super Linton
The Two Speakers In Full
Wharfedale Aura 2: $2799 Crutchfield
Pros: Three-way “mini tower” design with a 27x90mm AMT tweeter, 4” mid-range, and 6.5” midwoofer, using an unusual bottom-firing port. Nearly “ruler flat” on-axis linearity (within about 1.5dB for most of the range) apart from one specific breakup point. Exceptional output capability with very low distortion even at high volume - the reviewer reached about 100dB average at 10 feet with no audible strain, outperforming rivals like the KEF LS50 Meta in multitone distortion above 1kHz. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±70° combined with excellent imaging and pair matching - passed demanding stereo-separation test tracks with precise instrument placement. Bass reaches a genuine 40Hz in most rooms, potentially eliminating the need for a subwoofer for material that doesn’t demand extreme sub-bass. About 20dB of usable dynamic range with no compression issues at 96dB/1m. Considered by the reviewer one of the best speakers he’s tested, potentially challenging his personal all-time top five.
Cons: A breakup/peak around 13kHz can sound sharp or shrill depending on the track, the main tonal flaw noted. Minor midbase-to-midrange balance discrepancy (about 1dB), most noticeable if the speaker sits more than about 2 feet from the rear wall. Vertical listening window is narrower than typical, a consequence of the AMT ribbon tweeter’s tall physical size - staying within about ±15-20° of the tweeter reference axis (or slightly below it) is important. Impedance dips to about 3.1 ohms with a 1.4-ohm minimum EPDR, meaning a dedicated amplifier is recommended over an AVR due to potential power-supply strain. Distortion rises at the very lowest frequencies (an expected limitation of a 6.5” woofer), and the woofer audibly struggles with extreme 30-35Hz content at high volume. Horizontal directivity narrows from about ±70° to ±50° above roughly 6-7kHz as the ribbon tweeter’s pattern collapses inward.
Full Wharfedale Aura 2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 30Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 22.1"H x 11.3"W x 15.3"D (561.3 x 287 x 388.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone woofer, 4" Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone midrange, 27x90mm AMT tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 45 lbs / 20.4 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Why the Wharfedale AURA 2 Will Blow Your Mind
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website Wharfedale Aura 2
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Upgrade Your Sound with These 6 Surprisingly Affordable Speakers!
- Erin’s Audio Corner: My Personal Favorite Speakers Under $2500
- Reddit Search for Wharfedale Aura 2 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Wharfedale Aura 2 vs KEF Q Concerto Meta
- Wharfedale Aura 2 vs KEF R3 Meta
- Wharfedale Aura 2 vs MoFi SourcePoint 8
- Wharfedale Aura 2 vs Revel M106
- Wharfedale Aura 2 vs Wharfedale Super Linton
- Wharfedale Aura 2 vs March Audio Sointuva AWG
- Wharfedale Aura 2 vs Wharfedale Linton 85
- Wharfedale Aura 2 vs Dynaudio Special Forty
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