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New 2018 KEF R series...?

Just saw the what-hifi review of the R3 which seems to be replacing the R300 (Not to be confused with the Ref 3) 

bit confusing name scheme. I suspect a lot of people are going to be confused in the near future.

anyway, what do you guys think? I figure they need a lot of space, I was interested in a Ref 3 for a time (NOT the R3) but I came to the realization I really needed about double the space I currently have. 

alas we are all the victim of our listening areas.
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matrixrabbit
14 posts
 
@mapman 

I have about the same sized office. I just put in the LS50 Wireless on Iso Aperta stands today and sounds quite excellent. If they need to break-in, that's even more encouraging. I had bought the Nocturne edition and am very glad, it's actually far more stylish in-person.

I might not need a sub, the bass is quite good with just casual music listening. I did select the advanced options>extra bass in the app, and it's all near-field listening.

Just my experience at the moment. 
crn3371
22 posts
 
For those that have experience with both series, I’m wondering how much of an upgrade is the R3 over the R300? I currently have the R300’s and I’m looking for something with a little smoother top end. I was originally figuring on having to spend at least $4k to find something to best the R300’s, but if the R3’s will do it for half the price consider me sold. 

nesto719
58 posts
 
Currently I have monitor audio silver 8 speakers , and the bass is decent when I’m sitting in the right spot . I was wondering if the r11 would be too much bass . My room is an open layout with vaulted ceilings “ rancher style home “ I’m using a marantz pm11s3 to drive the speakers 
matrixrabbit
14 posts
 
@crn3371 

I can't quite speak on the R3's, but I did just purchase a pair of the new R11 series floor standers along with the LS50 Wireless Nocturnes. The new towers sound incredible and look stunning in white. As a previous owner of the R900, I feel it's an enormous upgrade in both design, sound, and aesthetics. They are some VERY tall towers and command a visual presence in the room, even with my 80" flat screen in the middle. I've been listening for the past few hours at a good volume and not fatiguing as you listen. I generally greatly dislike boxy speakers, but front on it's not a concern. 

If anyone wants a test on the R11's, just let me know on sound material.

audionoobie's avatar
audionoobie
98 posts
 

I think the R11’s sound incredible. I auditioned many speakers over the last year and I’ve found nothing that comes close for 5k new.

I’m using them in a 13’ x 11’ room and I don’t think they have too much bass. As a matter of fact, I originally purchased the R7’s from Audiodoctor and thought they were slightly anemic on the low end. So I returned them back to Dave and upgraded to the R11. I know he takes a lot of abuse here, but he’s been really great to work with!

I’m also using a Kef R400b sub crossed over at about 40Hz. I can’t actually "tell" there is a sub in my room until I turn it off. I played "Hotel California" from the Hell Freezes Over record, and you can really feel those kick drums in the beginning of the song. Maybe I just got lucky, but I don’t see what all the fuss is about re: sub integration.

They are just a very exciting speaker overall, and I find they have just enough detail without sounding too bright or harsh. They also image very well.

I’m pretty smitten right now. Over the next six months I plan on an amp upgrade (possibly the Hegel H190) and adding a Rega RP3 TT.

Cheers!
Joe

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