The KEF R Series line on Speaker Ranking spans 2 generations and 11 models, from the KEF R3, KEF R5 and KEF R7 to the KEF R3 Meta, KEF R5 Meta and KEF R7 Meta. Ratings run from 4.0/5 to 4.6/5. Of these, 6 are still sold.
Each column below is one generation, oldest on the left. Each row follows one model into the model that replaced it; a long arrow means a model skipped a generation. Ratings are out of 5, and an estimated rating comes from measured models in the same family.
More from this brand: every KEF speaker ranked.
Generation by generation
R3 to R3 Meta
The KEF R3 Meta replaced the KEF R3. It rates higher, 4.6/5 against 4.5/5.
| Spec | R3 | R3 Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 6.5” Hybrid aluminum ported woofer, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 1” vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m | 85.9dB |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz | 76Hz |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) each |
R7 to R7 Meta
The KEF R7 Meta replaced the KEF R7. It rates higher, 4.6/5 against 4.2/5.
| Spec | R7 | R7 Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | Uni-Q array: 1” (25mm) vented aluminium dome tweeter, 5” (125mm) aluminium midrange; 2x 6.5” (165mm) hybrid aluminium woofers | 1” vented aluminum dome with MAT tweeter, 5” aluminum midrange, dual 6.5” hybrid aluminum woofers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50.5Hz | 48Hz |
| Weight | 69.2 lbs (31.4 kg) | 64.6 lbs (29.3 kg) each |
R11 to R11 Meta
The KEF R11 Meta replaced the KEF R11. It rates higher, 4.4/5 against 4.3/5.
| Spec | R11 | R11 Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | Uni-Q array: 1” (25mm) vented aluminium dome tweeter, 5” (125mm) aluminium midrange; 4x 6.5” (165mm) hybrid aluminium woofers | 4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofers, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 90dB | 89.5dB |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz | 64Hz |
| Weight | 83.1 lbs (37.7 kg) each | 80.5 lbs (36.5 kg) each |
R2c to R2 Meta
The KEF R2 Meta replaced the KEF R2c. It rates higher, 4.3/5 against 4.0/5.
| Spec | R2c | R2 Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | Uni-Q: 1” vented aluminum dome tweeter, 5” aluminum midrange; 2x 5.25” hybrid aluminum woofers | Uni-Q: 25mm vented aluminium dome tweeter with MAT, 125mm aluminium midrange; 2x 130mm (5.25”) hybrid aluminium bass units |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79.8Hz | 78.1Hz |
| Weight | 37.3 lbs (16.9 kg) | 34 lbs (15.4 kg) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many generations of the KEF R Series are there?
Speaker Ranking covers 2 generations of the KEF R Series, from the KEF R3, KEF R5 and KEF R7 to the KEF R3 Meta, KEF R5 Meta and KEF R7 Meta.
What replaced the KEF R3?
The KEF R3 Meta replaced the KEF R3. It is rated 4.6/5, against 4.5/5 for the KEF R3.
What replaced the KEF R7?
The KEF R7 Meta replaced the KEF R7. It is rated 4.6/5, against 4.2/5 for the KEF R7.
What replaced the KEF R11?
The KEF R11 Meta replaced the KEF R11. It is rated 4.4/5, against 4.3/5 for the KEF R11.
What replaced the KEF R2c?
The KEF R2 Meta replaced the KEF R2c. It is rated 4.3/5, against 4.0/5 for the KEF R2c.