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Upgrade from R3

Sure. But the R3 already is a 3-way with good dispersion, and a good measurement setup with MiniDSP (if needed) should be ~1k tops.
What's a good miniDSP? I have mostly XLR connections and all i see on miniDSP are RCA connections
 
What's a good miniDSP? I have mostly XLR connections and all i see on miniDSP are RCA connections
For a 2.0/2.1 setup you could probably go with the Flex. You can get TRS to XLR cables and you'll have balanced interconnects, and a can get a Dirac license if you want.
 
For a 2.0/2.1 setup you could probably go with the Flex. You can get TRS to XLR cables and you'll have balanced interconnects, and a can get a Dirac license if you want.
How does miniDSP work? Does it replace my DAC?
 
How does miniDSP work? Does it replace my DAC?
It's a DAC with extensive PEQ and Subwoofer management. One can add DiracLive if desired.

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I'm currently running R3's on my desk as desktop speakers, and I love the idea of huge audiophile speakers on the desk as I work. Is there a next level version of this? I know R3 metas are out but I feel like that's a side grade, and not really an upgrade.

Anyone with some ideas about what's after R3?

Two subwoofers, minidsp flex, dirac and room treatment is the BEST investment you could make.

If you insist on upgrading the R3s I'd go with some studio monitors since you're using them for nearfield. Neumann KH150 or KH310 would be a good upgrade over the R3.
 
Two subwoofers, minidsp flex, dirac and room treatment is the BEST investment you could make.

If you insist on upgrading the R3s I'd go with some studio monitors since you're using them for nearfield. Neumann KH150 or KH310 would be a good upgrade over the R3.
Yeah in my basement I have 2x R11's and 2x K92's and they are quite sublime (with 700W ea, and a Topping D90 and a preamp)

For my office, it's 2xR3, are you saying I should be 2x subwoofer for my office space as well? (happy to spend that money instead haha)

Is a miniDSP worth it for all spaces?
 
Yeah in my basement I have 2x R11's and 2x K92's and they are quite sublime (with 700W ea, and a Topping D90 and a preamp)

For my office, it's 2xR3, are you saying I should be 2x subwoofer for my office space as well? (happy to spend that money instead haha)

Is a miniDSP worth it for all spaces?

IMHO, the law of diminishing returns kicks in quickly trying to upgrade from the KEF R series. They already feature low distortion, low compression, relatively flat FR, and even directivity.

What makes up the rest of your system in your office?

In my office (also OG R3s), the source is my PC running Dirac Standalone running into a Schitt Modius DAC running into a Peachtree Nova 300 integrated amp. The 'component' that makes all the difference is Dirac. My opinion is, keep what you have and improve with room correction and perhaps some modest treatment.

The ONLY reason I would consider upgrading is if I felt I could benefit from wider dispersion, which is antithetical to my office room dimensions.

In my home studio, I have Neumann KH120 II monitors. I find them to be a lateral move compared to the KEFs.

Here is the my measured in-room response of the R3s with and without Dirac correction. I don't feel like I need subs, because the R3's low distortion lets me get away with a little bass enhancement, which extends response down to ~32Hz in-room.

KEF R3 Left Uncorrected.png


KEF R3 Right Uncorrected.png


KEF R3 Dirac to 1000Hz Left.png


KEF R3 Dirac to 1000Hz Right.png
 
IMHO, the law of diminishing returns kicks in quickly trying to upgrade from the KEF R series. They already feature low distortion, low compression, relatively flat FR, and even directivity.

What makes up the rest of your system in your office?

In my office (also OG R3s), the source is my PC running Dirac Standalone running into a Schitt Modius DAC running into a Peachtree Nova 300 integrated amp. The 'component' that makes all the difference is Dirac. My opinion is, keep what you have and improve with room correction and perhaps some modest treatment.

The ONLY reason I would consider upgrading is if I felt I could benefit from wider dispersion, which is antithetical to my office room dimensions.

In my home studio, I have Neumann KH120 II monitors. I find them to be a lateral move compared to the KEFs.

Here is the my measured in-room response of the R3s with and without Dirac correction. I don't feel like I need subs, because the R3's low distortion lets me get away with a little bass enhancement, which extends response down to ~32Hz in-room.

View attachment 440282

View attachment 440283

View attachment 440280

View attachment 440281
In my office, I have 2x topping LA90, a M400 SMSL and a Topping A90 as preamp / headphone amp and a pair of R3's.
 
In my office, I have 2x topping LA90, a M400 SMSL and a Topping A90 as preamp / headphone amp and a pair of R3's.

OK, but what is your source, and does it support any kind of digital room correction? Do you have any measurements? What are you hoping to improve? Or are we just throwing money at the 'problem?'
 
OK, but what is your source, and does it support any kind of digital room correction? Do you have any measurements? What are you hoping to improve? Or are we just throwing money at the 'problem?'
Sounds is qobuz or apple music. no measurements or room correction
 
You will find it challenging to find a significant audio upgrade. Take a look at Radiant acoustics
 
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