KEF R3 Bookshelf Speakers - Best Buy $1,699 - MSRP $2,199

KEF R3 Bookshelf Speakers - Best Buy $1,699 - MSRP $2,199

Average Guy HiFi Rating - 45/50 = 90%

Sound Demo Link -

Average Guy Hi-Fi - KEF R3 vs. Klipsch RP-600M Demo
   • Average Guy Hi-Fi - KEF R3 vs. Klipsch RP-...  

KEF R3 Walnut

Type: 3 way bookshelf, bass reflex
Frequency Response (-6 dB): 38 Hz → 50,000 Hz
Recommended Amplifier: 15 watts - 180 watts
Impedance: 8 ohms
Sensitivity: 87 dB
Bass Driver: 6.5" hybrid aluminum
Super Cell Aerated Polypropylene
Midrange: 5" aluminum cone Uni-Q
Tweeter: 1" vented aluminum dome Uni-Q
Grille: Magnetic metal frame
Dimensions (inches): 7.9" W x 16.6" H x 13.2" D
Weight: 30 lbs. Each

MSRP - $2,199/pair

Where I Purchased - Best Buy

Price Paid - $1,699

Condition - Brand new with warranty

Quality - 9.5

These feel like very high-end speakers, no doubt about it. Everything from the finish, the density of the cabinets, quality of the speakers components, all the way down to the binding posts and the grill.

Do they feel $2,199 expensive, that will all depend on you, but they would have been worth the full price if they weren’t on sale.

Sound - 9.5

These are very good sounding speakers! They seem to be very neutral across the vast majority of the frequency range.

The soundstage and the mid-range are my personal favorites but the bass is pretty awesome also.

MSRP Rating - 8

This is where I knew these speakers wouldn’t score quite as well, especially considering some of the crazy deals that I’ve come across.

Not a bad score or anything but there’s definitely been better deals over the years.

Aesthetics - 9.0

Just beautiful speakers! I love the color combination of the walnut and the aluminum and plastic parts, very mid-century modern which is a style that I’ve always loved.

Price Paid Value - 9.0

I usually like to wait for sales that are around 30% - 50% off MSRP but after a ton of research, I realized these wouldn’t go that low so I jumped once the sale hit.

Excellent deal, just not the greatest deal ever.

Average Guy HiFi Rating - 45/50 = 90%

Final Thoughts -

These are very high build quality, beautiful sounding speakers.

In my small room, the Uni-Q seems to be just perfect. The soundstage is large and highs are articulate and refined.

Not cheap but like I mentioned, I’d buy them again tomorrow, if I needed to.

Equipment Used -

CD Player - Oppo BDP-93
Preamp - Emotiva XDA-2
Amplifiers - Emotiva UPA-1 Qty. 2
Surge Protection- Panamax M5100-PM

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