KEF R3: Subwoofer or 2nd pair of speakers ?

[Gunnar78]

Hello,
I would like to know your opinions. I am mixing music and have the KEF R3 which I use in combination with a MiniDSP DDRC24 room-correction. The room is somewhat treated (about 20m2).

As the KEF are lacking a bit of low end (I make electronic dance music), I need either a subwoofer (KEF, Genlec, others), which would be used via MiniDSP as well. Or do you think it will be longer term more viable to buy a new set of (active ?) speakers (Genelec, KH, JBL 308P MKII ?) which provide a bit of (defined) low frequency extension ? Thank you for your input.

 

[staticV3]

Hi @Gunnar78! Welcome to ASR.

A sub or two can give you bass extension unlike any studio monitor, but getting the sub to play well with your Mains requires time and effort.

If you'd prefer something easier to use/integrate and don't mind letting go of the KEFs, look no further:

Palmer ORBIT 11 Cardioid Coaxial 3-way studio monitor (MSRP 799€/899$)

Well then, this is a splash, this monitor basically throws all the en vogue technologies in a single product and does it at a price that is impressively low for its reported capability. And it looks really nice too. Official description (link): The Palmer ORBIT 11 is an active coaxial 3-way...

www.audiosciencereview.com

(listening impressions from owners beginning on page 33)

 

[Mort]

Hi @Gunnar78! Welcome to ASR.

A sub or two can give you bass extension unlike any studio monitor, but getting the sub to play well with your Mains requires time and effort.

If you'd prefer something easier to use/integrate and don't mind letting of of the KEFs, look no further:

Palmer ORBIT 11 Cardioid Coaxial 3-way studio monitor (MSRP 799€/899$)

Well then, this is a splash, this monitor basically throws all the en vogue technologies in a single product and does it at a price that is impressively low for its reported capability. And it looks really nice too. Official description (link): The Palmer ORBIT 11 is an active coaxial 3-way...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Are we recommending that before any testing? I guess so...

Sure looks promising I agree.

 

[staticV3]

Are we recommending that before any testing? I guess so...

Sure looks promising I agree.

Yes, you're right. Best to wait for 3rd party testing from Amir, Erin, or @Purité Audio who mentioned sending his unit away for Klippel testing, before making a purchase.

 

[Gunnar78]

Thank you so far, will wait for some more answers and tests. I normally do not buy anything > 500 USD without prior testing results, especially by Amir and/or other trusted users here. No hurry, especially as KEF R3 mixes are translating very well and can be worked with without fatigue. I just need "that low end" to be improved for mixing purposes and to avoid mistakes before mastering stage.