KEF R3 vs Revel M106

[just1n]

Digging this thread back for some more advice.

I bought the M106 after going back and forth with the R3. What swayed me toward the Revel was for matching LCR, but finding a suitable TV stand is just not working out. I am now considering selling or trading for KEF R3s just so I have the option for a coaxial matching center R2C. I can’t justify doubling the budget for the C208.

Looking for some honest feedback. I understand matching LCR is the preferred, but those who have the R3/R2C combination or even just the R3, what do you think?

Correction: fixed hyperlink

 

[LightninBoy]

Why not buy a single M106 for the center? Cheaper than the C208 and you have the best match across the front.

 

[Laserjock]

Digging this thread back for some more advice.

I bought the M106 after going back and forth with the R3. What swayed me toward the Revel was for matching LCR, but finding a suitable TV stand is just not working out. I am now considering selling or trading for KEF R3s just so I have the option for a coaxial matching center R2C. I can’t justify doubling the budget for the C208.

Looking for some honest feedback. I understand matching LCR is the preferred, but those who have the R3/R2C combination or even just the R3, way do you think?

Did we ever see a pic of your system?
TV stand etc?

 

[just1n]

Why not buy a single M106 for the center? Cheaper than the C208 and you have the best match across the front.

The issue is I cannot find a media center that works well. I’d love to get another M106. Can’t find a workable solution.

 

[just1n]

Did we ever see a pic of your system?
TV stand etc?

No, I’ve never posted a photo. I can show my existing setup, but it’s lacking the speakers while we hunt for a stand we can agree on. Dimensions of the space were in my first post I think.

Correction: post #5.

 

[just1n]

Excuse the sparseness. We’ve yet to complete our combined moving-in together let alone hang artwork. We’ll get there.

 

[archerious]

It's probably my room but I vastly prefer my Revel m105 over R3.

I'll admit r3 has slightly better detail, but it's like something is missing in the upper midrange to treble area. Also Soundstage sounds more accurate but less fun than Revel m105.

I'll try the R3 in my living room to see if they just need more space to shine.

If that doesn't work out either then perhaps I just subjectively don't like them.

 

[steve59]

My experience with kef uniq speakers is they're very easy to get 85% out of, but improvements past that take time, toe in with individual speakers and seat position really make a difference. That said, Revel might just sound better to you.

 

[BrokenEnglishGuy]

It's probably my room but I vastly prefer my Revel m105 over R3.

I'll admit r3 has slightly better detail, but it's like something is missing in the upper midrange to treble area. Also Soundstage sounds more accurate but less fun than Revel m105.

Maybe you just don't like the smoothness in the upper midrange to treble area(?), the rest brightness depend of toe in..., try in your living room as you said, it going to change anyway for the better of worse

Im guessing you have the shadow flare thing ok

 

[Steve Dallas]

Maybe you just don't like the smoothness in the upper midrange to treble area(?), the rest brightness depend of toe in..., try in your living room as you said, it going to change anyway for the better of worse

Im guessing you have the shadow flare thing ok

Impact of shadow flare thing:

KEF R3 vs. Philharmonic BMR Grudge Rematch to the Probably not Death Thread

As none of you recall, I tested the roadshow BMRs that Dennis was kind enough to ship all around the country last year and posted a lengthy thread about the experience. And, I ended up liking them enough to buy a pair. They even unseated my KEF R3s, which I sold shortly after receiving the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Astoneroad]

Why not buy a single M106 for the center? Cheaper than the C208 and you have the best match across the front.

This is what I do. I've got one M106 as a center between a pair of F206s. It really works for me, but it's only me listening, so dispersion issues don't apply. I've got the S16s as the surrounds. I'm a very happy camper... and all were bought used at great value.

 

[just1n]

Finally found a TV Stand we could agree on and could house the third R3 horizontally as a center. Pretty satisfied with the setup. Flipped the left and right speakers upside down to have the tweeters closer in line. May look into some kind of angles monitor pad to point the center a little upward.

Now it’s on to subs, rears, and heights for Auro/Atmos. Still trying to decide on rear speakers for very close proximity to the listening position. Less than ideal, but nothing I can do about that.

 

[Laserjock]

View attachment 244071Finally found a TV Stand we could agree on and could house the third R3 horizontally as a center. Pretty satisfied with the setup. Flipped the left and right speakers upside down to have the tweeters closer in line. May look into some kind of angles monitor pad to point the center a little upward.

Now it’s on to subs, rears, and heights for Auro/Atmos. Still trying to decide on rear speakers for very close proximity to the listening position. Less than ideal, but nothing I can do about that.

Two or three rubber angled door stops work well also for a quick check

 

[djigibao]

View attachment 244071Finally found a TV Stand we could agree on and could house the third R3 horizontally as a center. Pretty satisfied with the setup. Flipped the left and right speakers upside down to have the tweeters closer in line. May look into some kind of angles monitor pad to point the center a little upward.

Now it’s on to subs, rears, and heights for Auro/Atmos. Still trying to decide on rear speakers for very close proximity to the listening position. Less than ideal, but nothing I can do about that.

It's a pity that the speakers are not on the stands.
Why not buy some speaker stands?
There is enough space for them and the sound will get a lot of improvement.

 

[HarmonicTHD]

View attachment 244071Finally found a TV Stand we could agree on and could house the third R3 horizontally as a center. Pretty satisfied with the setup. Flipped the left and right speakers upside down to have the tweeters closer in line. May look into some kind of angles monitor pad to point the center a little upward.

Now it’s on to subs, rears, and heights for Auro/Atmos. Still trying to decide on rear speakers for very close proximity to the listening position. Less than ideal, but nothing I can do about that.

I agree with my previous poster.

Get some stands and place them further apart. Aim for a unilateral triangle.

Plus having all your speakers on a cabinet will create resonances as well as interference effects with top and front of the cabinet which will audibly deteriorate the sound of the otherwise excellent R3s.

 

[just1n]

Jeez, take it easy on me, guys. We’re very pleased with it.

There is not as much space on either side as you think. The cabinet is long and DENSE and have no issues with resonances thusfar. Right speaker would be blocked by the desk/chair and left speaker would impede a high traffic hallway. Better than no speakers at all for the remainder of our lease.

 

[HarmonicTHD]

Jeez, take it easy on me, guys. We’re very pleased with it.

There is not as much space on either side as you think. The cabinet is long and DENSE and have no issues with resonances thusfar. Right speaker would be blocked by the desk/chair and left speaker would impede a high traffic hallway. Better than no speakers at all for the remainder of our lease.

Most have to find some sort of compromise in domestic living situation. And of course everyone needs to find the personal sweet spot. You asked, you got answers.

To detect resonance of other weakness and finding the best compromise, getting a UMIK1 (ca 100USD) plus REW (free) is probably the best bang for sound buck you can spent if you are interested.

 

[Doodski]

getting a UMIK1 (ca 100USD) plus REW (free) is probably the best bang for sound buck you can spent if you are interested.

You Doods/Doodettes covered PEQ already right? because that's usually free and is good too.

 

[HarmonicTHD]

You Doods/Doodettes covered PEQ already right? because that's usually free and is good too.

Sorry don’t know what you mean. Who is Doods/Doodettes? Maybe I missed it. Apologies then.

 

[Doodski]

Sorry don’t know what you mean. Who is Doods/Doodettes? Maybe I missed it. Apologies then.

Lol.. I have no idea what you peeps are...lol. It gets awkward sometimes. I'll just stick to peeps as the reference.