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Is it worth getting a Kef R3, already have the Revel M 106

My adventures in stereo

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I am a bookshelves & subs guy, listening mostly to analog sources
SACD, LP & CD

CD Audio chain
Speakers - Revel M106
CD Transport - Nu Prime CD8 T Pro
Dac Topping Dx7 Pro
Parasound P6 ; Pre Amp
Power Amp - NAD C298
Subs SVS PB 2000 Pro x2

Vinyl
Fluance RT 85 with Ortofon Blue MM Cart
Parasound Zphono XRM Phono stage

SACD
Yamaha CDS 1000

I usually like to have 2 sets of speakers, the Revel M106 is my present reference point
Really enjoy the neutral tones & how well it integrates with the subs

I have seen the Kef R3, mentioned in recommendations, along with the Revel M106
Noted that it measures very well
Amir had noted in his subjective review, that it sounds less enjoyable, than the Revel M16

My previous experience with Kef, was with the LS 50
which I recently sold, as I preferred the Revels over them

Is it worth picking up the Kef R3 for me ?
 

waynel

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I am a bookshelves & subs guy, listening mostly to analog sources
SACD, LP & CD

CD Audio chain
Speakers - Revel M106
CD Transport - Nu Prime CD8 T Pro
Dac Topping Dx7 Pro
Parasound P6 ; Pre Amp
Power Amp - NAD C298
Subs SVS PB 2000 Pro x2

Vinyl
Fluance RT 85 with Ortofon Blue MM Cart
Parasound Zphono XRM Phono stage

SACD
Yamaha CDS 1000

I usually like to have 2 sets of speakers, the Revel M106 is my present reference point
Really enjoy the neutral tones & how well it integrates with the subs

I have seen the Kef R3, mentioned in recommendations, along with the Revel M106
Noted that it measures very well
Amir had noted in his subjective review, that it sounds less enjoyable, than the Revel M16

My previous experience with Kef, was with the LS 50
which I recently sold, as I preferred the Revels over them

Is it worth picking up the Kef R3 for me ?
No,
I prefer the wider dispersion of the Revel (I own both Revel and Kef speakers). You have a great setup already and if you are itching for an upgrade I would recommend replacing the preamp and DAC with a minidsp SHD or flex to add room correction. That would make the biggest difference.

Wayne
 

Karu

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Does not look like it if you have subs already well integrated.
 

Χ Ξ Σ

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If what prompted you to consider buying the R3 now was the recent discount due the anticipation of R3 Meta, I would suggest waiting for the release of R3 Meta and then make your decision. At that time the original R3 would be even cheaper or you might just want to get the R3 Meta.
 
OP
My adventures in stereo

My adventures in stereo

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No,
I prefer the wider dispersion of the Revel (I own both Revel and Kef speakers). You have a great setup already and if you are itching for an upgrade I would recommend replacing the preamp and DAC with a minidsp SHD or flex to add room correction. That would make the biggest difference.

Wayne
I am using the built in DSP in SVS subs, along with the Parasound P6, for high & low pass filter
This combination has worked well for me
Will keep the Minsi DSP SHD in mind

If what prompted you to consider buying the R3 now was the recent discount due the anticipation of R3 Meta, I would suggest waiting for the release of R3 Meta and then make your decision. At that time the original R3 would be even cheaper or you might just want to get the R3 Meta.
The price drop, did get my attention
I am on the fence about the meta material, will research it more
 

waynel

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I am using the built in DSP in SVS subs, along with the Parasound P6, for high & low pass filter
This combination has worked well for me
Will keep the Minsi DSP SHD in mind
In each of my 3 systems I find benefit to using the DSP correction up to 500Hz.
 

Steve Dallas

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Last edited:

Steve Dallas

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I currently own F206s, BMRs, and R3s. I did have a pair of M106s that I gifted to my son.

My impression is that the R3's narrower dispersion works better in some rooms than the M106, and bass extension is lower. If those characteristics are not useful in your room, you can safely take a pass on the R3s.

Having said that, my ears tell me the BMRs have the widest dispersion of all, and bass extension is also lowest.
 
OP
My adventures in stereo

My adventures in stereo

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I currently own F206s, BMRs, and R3s. I did have a pair of M106s that I gifted to my son.

My impression is that the R3's narrower dispersion works better in some rooms than the M106, and bass extension is lower. If those characteristics are not useful in your room, you can safely take a pass on the R3s.

Having said that, my ears tell me the BMRs have the widest dispersion of all, and bass extension is also lowest.
Thanks for the suggestions
I am using dual svs pb 2000 pros, with a 80 hz crossover
So bass is taken care of
I had the ls 50, it never won me over, used in the same room
I think I am going to pass on the R3
They are easy to move on if it does not work out for you

Edit: Flex would work as well

I need xlr in and out, so flex won't work
 

YSC

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Thanks for the suggestions
I am using dual svs pb 2000 pros, with a 80 hz crossover
So bass is taken care of
I had the ls 50, it never won me over, used in the same room
I think I am going to pass on the R3


I need xlr in and out, so flex won't work
LS50 might need a higher cross over for that, seems it's more happy on like 120hz cross over?

but tbh, in speaker of this caliper, unless the Gear Acquisition Syndorme kicks in, really no point of going from one well setup, especially room EQed system over to another, there are likely more similar than difference. Better spend money on some fine wine, food, gaming gears, cars, watches etc..
 
OP
My adventures in stereo

My adventures in stereo

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LS50 might need a higher cross over for that, seems it's more happy on like 120hz cross over?

but tbh, in speaker of this caliper, unless the Gear Acquisition Syndorme kicks in, really no point of going from one well setup, especially room EQed system over to another, there are likely more similar than difference. Better spend money on some fine wine, food, gaming gears, cars, watches etc..
Too late, ordered the minidsp SHD :)
 

greentop

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Amir the Youn Sun version of “My favorite things” is stunning. If you have not already done so, would you share with us some of your test tracks. If they are of the same level of sound it would be very useful especially if we knew what your specific items being observed for each track. Thank you!
 

ROOSKIE

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I have several great speaker sets.
When comparing speakers that already measure well, you will have to listen.
Nobody can tell you if you will like the R3 more than the M106. Nobody.
If you already knew what characterizes the specific things in sound reproduction you know you deeply prefer you could make a very educated guess for yourself.
You would still need to listen.
Buy the R3 from a vendor who offers a decent return policy and try both models at once.

FWIIW I slightly prefer the less expensive Revel M16 to the R3, though I think I will do another fun comparison between them.

Both speakers are superb yet sound different enough. Some folks would be fine with a coin toss between them others likely will decidedly prefer one over the other due to specific traits.
 
OP
My adventures in stereo

My adventures in stereo

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I too have have several speaker sets
Including the Revel M16 & M106
I prefer the M106 over the M16

Unfortunately, I cannot source a Kef R3 locally
So an in person trial is out of the question
 

ROOSKIE

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I too have have several speaker sets
Including the Revel M16 & M106
I prefer the M106 over the M16

Unfortunately, I cannot source a Kef R3 locally
So an in person trial is out of the question
What country are you located in?
 
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