KEF R3 Meta vs Arendal 1723 S bookshelf

[Descartes]

The application is for home theater! What do you think!

 

[staticV3]

The KEF has better on-axis response, better vertical directivity (no ceiling bounce dip) and lower harmonic distortion.
The Arendal on the other hand can play 102dB SPL with slightly less compression in the bass.

In the US, the Arendal sells for $800 and the KEF for $1100 (both each).
That price difference seems about right to me, so it comes down to how OCD you are basically.

Size is about equal:
https://comparesizes.com/comparison/KEF-R3-Meta-vs-Arendal-1723-Bookshelf-S-THX/1695431694872

Here are measurements of both:
https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/kef_r3_meta/
https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/arendal_1723_thx_s/

And here you can overlay that data directly for easier comparison:
https://www.spinorama.org/compare.h...c&speaker1=Arendal+Sound+1723+Bookshelf+S+THX

 

[Descartes]

The KEF has better on-axis response, better vertical directivity (no ceiling bounce dip) and lower harmonic distortion.
The Arendal on the other hand can play 102dB SPL with slightly less compression in the bass.

In the US, the Arendal sells for $800 and the KEF for $1100 (both each).
That price difference seems about right to me, so it comes down to how OCD you are basically.

Size is about equal:
https://comparesizes.com/comparison/KEF-R3-Meta-vs-Arendal-1723-Bookshelf-S-THX/1695431694872

Here are measurements of both:
https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/kef_r3_meta/
https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/arendal_1723_thx_s/

And here you can overlay that data directly for easier comparison:
https://www.spinorama.org/compare.h...c&speaker1=Arendal+Sound+1723+Bookshelf+S+THX

Thank you I don’t go above 95db and use two subs, so KEF might make more sense

 

[thewas]

Also the R3 as a 3-way will probably have less multitone distortions (which often are more audible than harmonic ones), even when both are highpassed to a subwoofer.

 

[Descartes]

Also the R3 as a 3-way will probably have less multitone distortions (which often are more audible than harmonic ones), even when both are highpassed to a subwoofer.

I am leaning towards the R3 Meta especially because I love the blue color they did!

 

[Brian6751]

Tough call. For strictly home theater, I could go either way. If for also music listening, KEF R3, no contest.

 

[Descartes]

Tough call. For strictly home theater, I could go either way. If for also music listening, KEF R3, no contest.

Yes music is critical especially in multi channel 5.1 or ATMOS

 

[Brian6751]

Yes music is critical especially in multi channel 5.1 or ATMOS

then I would lean towards the KEF, personally.