KEF R3 Meta Bookshelf Speaker Review

KEF R3 Meta Bookshelf Speaker Review | Thomas Tan

Рет қаралды 74,496

10 ай бұрын

New to the The Absolute Sound team, Thomas&Stereo, reviews the highly anticipated KEF R3 Meta. Does it live up to the hype? Does the Meta technology actually makes a difference? Listen in to find out...
Who is Thomas&Stereo?
I started this channel with the dream of making millions and a few online friends. Although I have yet to make my first million, I am proud to have created an active online audiophile community. Unlike other traditional review channels, I designed this channel to give you the feeling of having a chat with an old friend. I am fortunate to have made many audiophile friends on my audio journey and with combined decades of experience, I am able to give you a unique perspective on the gear I reviewed.
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The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, KZfaq and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
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Пікірлер: 169

@genek3815 10 ай бұрын

Thomas, regarding the “KEF” label on the front of the speaker I think you might be missing something. If you pull off the clear plastic cover over the KEF you will see the beautiful permanent lettering remains. I think it’s very upscale looking.

@mpi5850 4 ай бұрын

Doh! Lol

@HotSause 10 ай бұрын

I hope your analytical format and philosophy doesn't change. It's one of rhe things that makes Thomas and Stereo special from the rest, along with your creditability. Press on.

@soowat1190 10 ай бұрын

Congrats Thomas! The Absolute Sound picks only the cream of the crop. 🎉💙

@alkebulansan 9 ай бұрын

Well I bought a pair. This man is not lying! The Kef R3 Meta blew my mind. Wowzers. Like, really, Wowzers. Vocals are nuts, Dominique Fils Aime "Nameless" was absolutely mind blowing as was Karin Krog "Open Space". Just incredible detail. BTW the the sticker is just that, a sticker! You peel it off and under it imbedded in the wood about a micron thick in metal is the beautiful Kef logo that you see in this vid@11.36. The workmanship and detail on these speakers is second to none. Start saving!

@iikatinggangsengii2471 6 ай бұрын

yes tm9 lvl cans are great, swans too tiny difference really just different tune, but anv is more preferable bcs of 1-2 things, gr should lead at this level bcs of the ciem driver/sound

@MasterofPlay7 12 күн бұрын

why get this while you can get the rp600m ii for $300? lmao

@evi1yoda 10 ай бұрын

I had to double check I had the right channel when I saw “Thomas&Stereo” at the end! Way to go!

@mixedbassoon 8 ай бұрын

About the sticker that you complained about, it has a protective film that you have to take off (in the video it was still on the speaker). Once you take off the protective film, I find the logo to be minimalistic and I like it :)

@davidrivera2165 10 ай бұрын

I never thought I would buy a a KEF speaker. Well after Sean at Zero fidelity gave a great review of the 🎉R3 Mets, I demoed them and loved the imaging. I purchased the gorgeous blue indigo color. My wife loves the look and the fact that they're 1/5 the size of my previous floorstanding Deftech ST-L. R3 META are excellent speakers for the price. Not world class sound qualuty level, but worth every penny of $2,200 usd.

@mpi5850 4 ай бұрын

World class sound is beyond all of our budgets so that’s never a relevant comment, lol.

@alanmcivor2916 10 ай бұрын

Congratulations on the new 'gig' Thomas. Your reviews deserve a wider audience. I bought the R3 Metas last month (in Indigo) based on Sean (Zero Fidelity) and Steve (Steve Huff Photo & HiFi) reviews. I'm glad you agree with them. They replace Wharfedale EVO 4.2's and surpass them in all aspects. (the logo is in raised gold letters on the Indigos- very classy) I'm running a Emotiva preamp and amp(160wpc) and Klipsch sub.

@phibonez 9 ай бұрын

You should try them on a respectable vacuum tube amp. Trust me, it's a cheat code to. Getting high end sound which is $$$$$$$.

@Llenzinator 8 ай бұрын

Hi... What Emotiva Pre Amp are you using? How do you like the sound with your R3 Metas?

@linnemeyerhere 10 ай бұрын

That sticker is coming right off my set !

@SuperMcgenius 10 ай бұрын

I really like your straight on review, you address the questions many want to know. 👍

@De132an 10 ай бұрын

If you ever have the opportunity to hear the Meta Ref 1, it will knock your socks off. As close to TAD bookshelf’s as possible when compared even side by side. Thank you Andrew Jones for that!

@kjbiz 10 ай бұрын

Congratulations on being a part of the Absolute Sound team. You deserve the support. cheers

@EskWIRED 10 ай бұрын

It's truly great to see you on the TAS Channel, Thomas. I have great respect for your viewpoints and advice. Seemingly, the editors at TAS share my opinion.

@curtdiesner4667 10 ай бұрын

I'm very happy with my KEF R3 Meta speakers powered by a 150 WPC Parasound and used with a SVS sub. Nice balanced detailed sound.

@Peter-ii4xq 10 ай бұрын

Not cheap.

@parkarlsson3833 8 ай бұрын

Can 85 w Roksan m5 feed KEF R3 ?

@parkarlsson3833 8 ай бұрын

M2 sorry

@curtdiesner4667 8 ай бұрын

If your Roksan amp has a rating @ 4 ohms, and your room is not too large you should be fine. My amp is basically 3 db louder than yours and is in a 17 x 14 foot room which is open to another room. The system will play louder than what I would ever desire.

@user-ch4qd4rk3q 10 ай бұрын

There is no doubt that you are the best Canadian video reviewer and the most followed. Kudo Thomas!

@daviddurney9994 4 ай бұрын

I purchased these speakers (in the walnut finish) last December, driving them with my 20 year old Cyrus amps which drove them with ease at low or normal volume levels. In December l traded my ageing Cyrus amps in for the Exposure 3510 integrated amp and wow, especially now that the speakers and amp are pretty much run in, I’m playing and enjoying my music like never before and the fact that the speakers play well at low volume means l can play the system of an evening without disturbing anyone. I’ve been an Audiophile for decades but never has my wife, family or friends who simply just enjoy music been so keen to listen to their favourite tunes on these Kef’s.

@SmallRoomAudio 10 ай бұрын

THOMAS! You are the best, great content as always and now with TAS! 💥

@sethfm9773 10 ай бұрын

Congratulations Thomas!

@vangelo2252 9 ай бұрын

The impression I get from these Meta reviews is the labyrinth applied to the back of the driver absorbing the rear treble wave is making all the difference. In fact, its a completely redesigned speaker, where the crossover point has been moved from 2900 of the R3 to 2300 of the Meta. Bass extension has also been reduced, so I figure these changes are responsible for the 'improvement' of SQ rather than the plastic maze glued on the back.

@marklawrence4116 10 ай бұрын

Congratulations Thomas This is wonderful

@crimsonghost6454 10 ай бұрын

Great review as always. Great job Thomas

@WeeWeeJumbo 10 ай бұрын

oh my goodness, it's HIM, but he's HERE

@604Basshead 9 ай бұрын

Thomas is a Beast! Was not expecting to see him here.

@twenty4seven368 10 ай бұрын

Here for Thomas. Love Thomas!

@dougg1075 10 ай бұрын

The absolute reviewer the absolute sound:) THOMAS!

@hamidrezahabibi8111 10 ай бұрын

I admire KEF and as its former exclusive agent in Iran; and of course Magnepan for that matter; just from the price point of view; I will definitely go for MG-1.7. But if I have a greenhouse, I’ll go for the KEF.

@seanlefebvre438 10 ай бұрын

Congrats Thomas! Great video and review as always! 👍

@mehmetcamat4458 10 ай бұрын

I recently bought a pair of KEF R3 Meta I am very happy with them. They match very well with my Hegel H95 amp and the KC62 sub. With my Gustard R26 DAC It sounds very transparent with holographic sound stage and good imaging but at the same time warm which I love it.

@nepomo1 4 ай бұрын

I just did the same thing. Originally had the metas paired with bluesound node n130 (and Billie amp) and it sounded good but a little muffled. When I added the R26, the detail and resolution went through the roof. The R26 is still breaking in. I’m hoping I get a little bit more warmth, just a tad more as it breaks in, but the overall sound is incredible now. Very happy as is. So, lesson to me is, the DAC makes a significant difference in maximizing the capabilities of the R3 Metas. Feels like I went from a wall sconce to a chandelier (acoustically).

@denzelmarshall1988 10 ай бұрын

Congrats Thomas!!

@stephenbosze2207 10 ай бұрын

Great review. I just purchased this speaker and I’ve fallen in love with it. I’m using the Technics SU-R1000 integrated amp and as you mentioned in your review, it can power these at lower volumes with beautifully resolved detail. BTW, I thought the same about the logo sticker, however it’s just a protective film on both the speaker and the stands. And thank you for the introduction to Haevn and Katie. I can’t wait to listen to these artists through the KEF’s.

@larryh9525 10 ай бұрын

What a pleasant surprise to find you at TAS. I really enjoy our work. I have a pair of LS50 Meta and love them. I'm not in a huge room, so they fit the room well. However, if I were in a slightly bigger place, then the R3s would be on my shopping list. I find that for movies, TV, or music, the Uni-Q is phenomenal. I even have a set of their desktop speakers The Egg, which in a small room, sound excellent when driven by a good low-end DAC like the SMSL-SU1. I've had such an enjoyable experience with the KEFs, that I would find it hard to buy anything else.

@DBravo29er 10 ай бұрын

THOMAS + TAS = ❤😎🤘

@deputy3690 10 ай бұрын

Great review Thomas!

@kopczas 10 ай бұрын

I hope that it doesn't mean the end of Thomas & Stereo channel.

@klaymoon1 9 ай бұрын

Amazing review! The best reviewer!!

@JordanPhegley 10 ай бұрын

Thomas, congratulations!

@mcjonner 10 ай бұрын

Miss your reviews, appreciate your format a lot

@redstepable 10 ай бұрын

Best R3 review I've seen

@estenray5385 10 ай бұрын

Hey Thomas great review! I’ll definitely have to audition these. It’s also nice to see you here. ❤😊

@sidvicious3129 10 ай бұрын

Thomas, congratulations on being a part of the team, I'm quite proud. Keep up the outstanding work. You deserve this!!!

@WeeWeeJumbo 10 ай бұрын

don't it feel like you just watched a small piece of history?

@sidvicious3129 10 ай бұрын

@@WeeWeeJumbo Actually, yes.

@robmaxwell3678 9 ай бұрын

Let me tell you a story.... ha, love it! TAS, great idea adding Thomas to your team. Not only is he a great reviewer, Thomas is imminenty entertaining and relatable.

@user-bw7qt5sb6v 10 ай бұрын

Congratulations Thomas.

@davide9920 10 ай бұрын

Thomas, good job as always

@jesuscostantino2925 10 ай бұрын

No way! Had no idea you’d be doing a video for the Absolute Sound! Congrats, and great review.

@miguelflo2 10 ай бұрын

Thomas is a good story teller.

@rosswarren436 10 ай бұрын

Wow. Pretty prolific. Good for you! Good review too.

@milanulrich 10 ай бұрын

I own original R3. Hope I can compare my self, as I really dig the sound of those. Btw, that logo is printed on speaker. You have to peel off the tape. 😊 thank you for great comparison.

@ryanray6215 7 ай бұрын

I own the original R300 :-) They are so fantastic , that I'm not interested replacing them . My Onkyo A-9050 loves them too . 🙂

@fhaquuu 9 ай бұрын

Great review. Cheers

@aceofspades6667 8 ай бұрын

Digging the new channel Thomas, subscribed!

@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 10 ай бұрын

Thanks Thomas ' the blue edition has me almost making a purchase ! KEF KNOWS HOW TO BUILD DRIVERS ' this is why they dont have to go to extreams with their crossovers IMHO I am a huge KeF fan boy The Absolute sound is a awesome company for sure and they make for an easy recommendation ! 5🌟 Co.

@arun2995 10 ай бұрын

Ha ha ha, I have zero interest in the KEF speaker but watched the video just because it's Thomas. Its great because now he has a lot more options out there to review and I would love to hear his thoughts on some of the crazy expensive gear that Absolute Sound covers. Congrats to Thomas and Absolute Sound!!

@igaldins 10 ай бұрын

Thomas is great! 👍

@ralex3697 Ай бұрын

Thomas speaks I click.

@parkermackenzie9848 6 ай бұрын

I like your review and it's interesting that you mention KEF introducing new advanced technology in an affordable line, because it's not the first time. The 3001SE introduced an early version of what became the Blade's mid driver "pod", so it still punches well above its weight as a lost leader.

@naveenthakur9303 10 ай бұрын

Waiting for this video for 100 years

@richarde3237 9 ай бұрын

Nice review but I would have liked to see more comparisons with the R3. Also the logo looks better if you peel off the plastic cover 😊

@daveyurkovich9459 10 ай бұрын

Hey Thomas appreciate you!❤

@dannyfannyfoodle 10 ай бұрын

❤ U, Thomas!!!

@dhaneshvarma 10 ай бұрын

Would definitely audition this since recommend by Thomas

@Maxxumus 9 ай бұрын

KEF is still the best speaker i have ever owned @ 18 yrs old. Imagery is outstanding and highs are effortless and stage. Tweeter still the best Ive ever heard !!

@dannyyin9663 10 ай бұрын

You hired Thomas to do reviews? Subscribed.

@Linnyuk 10 ай бұрын

As others have said, it’s not a kef sticker. The logo has a clear film over it to protect it in shipping. It peels right off. I thought the same to begin with.

@RedSinter 9 ай бұрын

Hey Thomas 👍 Congratulations on the Upgrade... well affiliation... I have no doubt the broader exposure will be awesome. And I hope your business is going well also. Nice review having had a secret love of KEF speakers, had I the room literally, having not heard them I'd 😂 buy them site unseen. What I'd truly love is a version as close as possible to their voicing in a Desktop Speaker say 15Tx8Wx10-12D of course a Sub. Of course a Sub would be needed which goes without saying. Thanks as always for the views, reviews, and our correspondence as it is.

@trey81373 10 ай бұрын

All I know is whatever “Meta” ingredients they incorporated into my LS60’s sure do make them magical. 😮💜

@WeeWeeJumbo 10 ай бұрын

it's meta-sensory.

@davidlai399 9 ай бұрын

Surprised to find Thomas here. Congrats!

@adnanhukic1974 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for nice review, many reviewers states this is not speakers for low volume listening but you mentioned that is not problem, is these speakers able to perform nice detail and pleasent in low volume around 60db to 65db ??

@nhennessy6434 10 ай бұрын

The LS 50 has always been considered to be one of Kef's top of the line speakers. As a matter of policy, it gets the cutting edge innovations first. There is nothing trickle down about the LS 50.

@francisdelacruz6439 10 ай бұрын

Nice!😀

@dajikbatarang1 10 ай бұрын

Congrats on the gig, Thomas! Well deserved!

@STPONLINE_SA 10 ай бұрын

We sell these in South Africa as we are a dealer for KEF, they are brilliant for Music 🎶Agree with you they are indeed good for vocals, a nice wide sound stage and brilliant for instrument separation

@-MarkWinston- 10 ай бұрын

I had to double check what channel I was on when I saw Thomas.

@toddstyles7194 7 ай бұрын

Have them up and running. My tube amp is on par with a 20,000.00 tube amp. Utterly fantastic. Have about 12 hours on them. Timbre is to die for. Very very pleased 😀 Nothing thin about the sound with my system. Don't hesitate to buy.

@phibonez 9 ай бұрын

Hi Thomas! I have the R11 meta paired with a vacuum tube. It's a cheat code entrance to high end audiophile music which cost $$$$$$. Trust me ya'll, this Metas are excellent.

@bill3931 10 ай бұрын

Thanks Thomas, up to your usual high standards. Would be interested in a follow up to expand your thoughts on equipment matching, easy or difficult load to drive? Benefits from big power? Speaker placement? Is there enough bass without a sub? If not, is it better to spend on a sub or move up the range? What's the sound stage like? Cheers

@carlitomelon4610 10 ай бұрын

He did touch on most of that list, matey😅

@NeilBlanchard 10 ай бұрын

If I am not mistaken, the MAT tech is on the tweeter? It seems then that the midrange and the bass clarity is "coming" from something else - driver quality, crossover design and parts quality, etc?

@slashmatt 10 ай бұрын

It would be nice to combine this concept with the old Boston Acoustics AMD from the Lynnfield VR range which put a small series of tuned pipes in front of the tweeter in order to give it a flatter response.

@Senninha1960 4 ай бұрын

They are so detailed that I heard Lars Ulrich's sweat hit the studio floor after he held timing for a whole song!

@bigpicture3 9 ай бұрын

Away back in the day (when I was an avid audiophile) I had 4 KEF 104s, these were not the easiest speakers to impedance match and drive. (even with 400 watt mono amps) I would like if these R3s were available in "amplified" versions, because then the manufacturer can match up the electronic qualities as well as the mechanical qualities of producing sound. It used to be all about the room and placement of the speakers, and the mechanical qualities of the cabinets. And the electronics was somebody else's problem. When it is all in one package, then it is all in the speaker manufacturer's control.

@francisdelacruz6439 9 ай бұрын

My cheat code , sounds natural 😮

@20CycleMonger 7 ай бұрын

Mr T: Very professional presentation. Time to review the KEF "Flagship" Ls50meta? (Not really trickle down from that level is it? Its not the price but level of performance after all, right?) I have a Ls50/REL 2.2 living room system. Would be interested in your Ls50/Meta/R3m comparison. Sean says the Ls50s image better? Something to do with the diffraction caused by the non curved baffles maybe. But for a family the grilles are a good idea !

@steeveabitbol2466 5 ай бұрын

I am currently using Q350's for my rear and side bookshelves, 99% movies, would you think I would benefit to upgrade all 4 speakers, sides and rear to R3 metas?

@tunesart4542 8 ай бұрын

Is the r3 meta is an upgrade over r7 non meta ?

@tunesart4542 8 ай бұрын

Hai since you know the meta and no Mata please help me . I am thinking to get r3 meta and i currently have r7 non meta . Is it a upgrade or no ? My room is small so the bookshelf is good enough size wise .

@carlitomelon4610 10 ай бұрын

Mr. Thom-AS !! CONGRATULATIONS ON THE UPGRADE TO ABSOLUTE SOUND. You earned it! 🎶😀👍🎶

@stoicar 10 ай бұрын

Wath dac mr quad is using?

@thepandolfster8510 7 ай бұрын

Regarding tonality, how do the Metas compare to the Rogers LS 5/9?

@siamxiii 9 ай бұрын

Currently using original R3s with Topping LA90. Will something like Yamaha A-S2200 or NAD M23 elevate its performance? And is Q Acoustics Concept 500 much better speaker? Which upgrade path will give better results?

@cmaudiosk 9 ай бұрын

I can’t comment on the topping la90, but I have the original r3’s and had them on the audiolab 6000a. They were very good. Then I upgraded to the Yamaha as1200 and the speakers really opened up. The bass was and midrange had a lot more presence. For me, well with the upgrade.

@phpn99 10 ай бұрын

How do they compare to KEF's active speakers ? On one hand you could have an unlimited budget for DAC, Pre and Amp(s), but having perfectly-tuned all-of-the-above in the speaker enclosure, could be hard to beat and hard to approach at any price difference.

@Luca84v 10 ай бұрын

are they comparable sonically with KeF LS50 Meta?

@michaelburton5198 10 ай бұрын

So These And The R11 Meta Speakers And So For KEF Speakers, Would Be Great For A HOME THEATER 🎥 SYSTEM????

@goombatommy 10 ай бұрын

Extremely happy with my R7 Metas paired with a MICHI X3 Integrated Amp. No need for a subwoofer due to my room, and I play these pretty loud. Absolutely floored with these speakers.

@ajjb21 10 ай бұрын

I have the exact same combo… super happy with it! What did you have paired with the X3 before the R7’s?

@goombatommy 10 ай бұрын

@ajjb21 Yeah, it's an incredible combo! Before this, I had a Cambridge Audio Evo 150 paired with Dynaudio Emit 30 speakers. The upgrade is beyond night and day lol.

@ajjb21 10 ай бұрын

@@goombatommy oh nice so you bought the X3 with the R7’s… well done!

@goombatommy 10 ай бұрын

@@ajjb21 Indeed! Thank you!

@user-jm8ky1kn2t 2 ай бұрын

Im new to the audio space and just want to understand how the LS50 is different than the Q150 or Q350? The gentleman mentioned that Kef introduced the meta on the affordable line but they are in the thousands and the Q series are in the hundreds. Is there something im missing?

@ralex3697 Ай бұрын

This is reference and the others are budget series. Still they manufacture a very decent speaker through all their lines. Used to be my go to speaker back in the day when they were Made in the UK.

@Audfile 10 ай бұрын

Love my Ls50 Meta on Orchard Audio Starkrimsons. I love them so much I just had them vinyl wrapped gloss metallic, they look incredible.

@alkebulansan 10 ай бұрын

Hey folks! Hello. Right now I have a Music Hall Ikura turntable with the Ortofon 2M blue, Accuphase E211 and B and W cdm 1 SE. I want to change the speakers. I was thinking about the B and W 606 S3 or the Dali Rubicon 2 but the reviews on the KEF R3 Meta make me wonder. I listen to mostly jazz from 60's mono to present day, instrumental hip hop, Brazilian and sometimes Genesis and prog rock. I want wide 3d imaging and soundstage with detail. I would like to hear your opinions on the speakers you think will make me cry, with joy of course! Budget around 2200. Thank you so much in advance. Cheers.

@michael-4k4000 6 ай бұрын

Try the killer Q750’s for pure audio bliss!

@reestyfarts 10 ай бұрын

Yamaha has interesting back wave technology also.

@JaibirSethi 10 ай бұрын

How do these sound on mediocre or poor recordings? That’s the worry that comes to mind given the statements around transparency

@cooluser23 9 ай бұрын

Do you think KEF will ever make speakers with Atmos built in?

@mikehuntington4440 10 ай бұрын

Buchardt S400 mk2...or these?

@xstensl8823 9 ай бұрын

i live in a hotel room so out of the question. my Rega RS1's are pretty good and are rated 90db. Kef should make a mini version of this with more sensitivity. Kef are you listening?