KEF R3 vs Revel M106

[just1n]

Community,

If someone were looking to upgrade speakers at this price point, which would you choose?

Seems to be a win-win situation, but is there a compelling reason to choose one over the other? They both measure well with the only notable differences being the upper-mid/high emphasis and impedance dip to below 3ohm on the R3.

 

[just1n]

I could add that if expanding to surround sound in the future, the Revel C208 is nearly twice the price of the KEF R2c, but there is no smaller bookshelf in the KEF R line.

 

[dshreter]

It has nothing to do with the sound, but I think the R3 is a better looking speaker. I find the M106 to look out of date, and the grilles for the R3 are quite slick if you will need to keep them on.

 

[Ron Texas]

Both have been reviewed here. There are many comments. @amirm has done a great job with his reviews.

 

[just1n]

You are correct. I have read and interpreted the reviews’ data to the best of my ability, but the threads tend to get a little sidetracked. Unfortunately I do not have the chance to listen to either let alone both side by side.

The room is 13’l x 10’w x 9.5’h, with the speaker along the short wall. Not a large living room, and the speakers will have to be close to the wall.

 

[sweetchaos]

Revel M106 is US$2200/pair.
Kef R3 just dropped on sale last night to be US$1700/pair
Take the US$500 savings, and purchase an amp, and you're ahead.

Considering the sale right now, I think it's a no brainer to get the R3.

 

[just1n]

Yes, I saw the sale which is motivating this purchase, but there is also a demo pair of M106 for a very similar price.

 

[sweetchaos]

Then it depends on whether you like wider dispersion (M106) or narrower dispersion (R3).

Also, Kef appears to have better distortion handling at 96db:

Spoiler

vs Revel:

Spoiler

Plus R3 has better vertical directivity than M106, if that matters to you.

 

[just1n]

Then it depends on whether you like wider dispersion (M106) or narrower dispersion (R3).

Also, Kef appears to have better distortion handling at 96db:

Spoiler

vs Revel:

Spoiler

Plus R3 has better vertical directivity than M106, if that matters to you.

Thank you for the response. With dispersion I’m not sure I understand the implications. Would that mean there is more chance of a “sweet spot” as dispersion narrows? Could you explain the pros/cons or direct me to an explainer? If it’s

 

[sweetchaos]

It’s a personal preference.

Plus, discussion on:

The perfect speaker is room dependent - wide vs. narrow directivity and more

Hello, I want to discuss here the differences of wide and narrow directivity of very good speakers in context with room acoustics and more. One perfect speaker for all rooms. I don't think so. On conclusion of the research at of @Floyd Toole and others are that a good speaker sounds good in...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[BrokenEnglishGuy]

In a small room i'd pick the speaker with narrow dispersion, but in a big one maybe i'll pick the speaker with wider dispersion

 

[just1n]

It’s a personal preference.

Plus, discussion on:

The perfect speaker is room dependent - wide vs. narrow directivity and more

Hello, I want to discuss here the differences of wide and narrow directivity of very good speakers in context with room acoustics and more. One perfect speaker for all rooms. I don't think so. On conclusion of the research at of @Floyd Toole and others are that a good speaker sounds good in...

www.audiosciencereview.com

The reading does make the topic seem either too complicated or too opinionated. I’ll give the video a watch. Appreciate the responses thus far everyone.

 

[Freeway]

I know we should not be subjective around, but have you read amirm's subjective review of R3 vs M16 in the R3 review? That will mess you right up.
There is the Performa C205 at half the price of the C208.

 

[BrokenEnglishGuy]

I know we should not be subjective around, but have you read amirm's subjective review of R3 vs M16 in the R3 review? That will mess you right up.
There is the Performa C205 at half the price of the C208.

Do you mean the subjective review that amir updated because he listened wrong the R3 without any room correction?

 

[Freeway]

Do you mean the subjective review that amir update because he listened wrong the R3 without any room correction?

Now my mind has been messed right up.
Room mode @105 hz, filter, new protocol, Olive's latest tests and the case of the mysterious second (untested??) speaker.
So much for subjective reviews. I know better.
My bias for the Revel M105s I am listening to right now made me do it.

 

[Laserjock]

Not to throw a wrench in your plans but research Philharmonic BMR

 

[richard12511]

Not to throw a wrench in your plans but research Philharmonic BMR

Definitely another worthy competitor!

 

[sweetchaos]

Here's horizontal and vertical directivity comparison (same scale) of M106 and R3:

Spoiler

 

[just1n]

What a rabbit hole. Finished the R3 thread and will tackle the M106 next. This dispersion topic is pretty unclear, too. Live vs studio recordings. Orchestral vs pop. Voice intelligibility. Dizzying.

 

[richard12511]

Here's horizontal and vertical directivity comparison (same scale) of M106 and R3:

Spoiler

View attachment 162951
View attachment 162950

Wow! I didn't realize just how much better the KEF's dispersion(horizontal and vertical) is than the Revel's.