I auditioned the KEF R3s at my local hi-fi shop the other day and ordered a pair.
At the shop, I did A/B comparisons of the R3s with the LS50s, which I own and like a lot. The R3s were better. Everything sounded bigger, with more separation between instruments--that's something the LS50s did well for small bands but not for big bands or orchestras. The R3s have better mids, better soundstage and are just sweeter & fuller sounding. I was smitten!
Now, if I were smart, before ordering the R3s I would have also (1) auditioned the B&W 705 s2 and (2) compared the R3s with the now much cheaper R300s. I urge all of you to be smarter than me and compare the R3s to at least one or two strong alternatives before purchasing.
What can I say? I'm a sucker for the KEF sound. My entry into audiophile gear 25 years ago was a pair of KEF K140s, paired with the then low-end Linn Majik integrated amp. I still have that system and it still sounds great. Seven years ago, I bought the KEF X300A powered speakers with internal DAC and love them to this day. And bought the LS50s 3 years ago to replace the K140s. I have no doubt I will be happy with the R3s.
They should be ready for pickup in a week, then I'll break them in for a few days. At that point, I'll be happy to report back in case anyone's considering picking up a pair and looking for more owner feedback.
At the shop, I did A/B comparisons of the R3s with the LS50s, which I own and like a lot. The R3s were better. Everything sounded bigger, with more separation between instruments--that's something the LS50s did well for small bands but not for big bands or orchestras. The R3s have better mids, better soundstage and are just sweeter & fuller sounding. I was smitten!
Now, if I were smart, before ordering the R3s I would have also (1) auditioned the B&W 705 s2 and (2) compared the R3s with the now much cheaper R300s. I urge all of you to be smarter than me and compare the R3s to at least one or two strong alternatives before purchasing.
What can I say? I'm a sucker for the KEF sound. My entry into audiophile gear 25 years ago was a pair of KEF K140s, paired with the then low-end Linn Majik integrated amp. I still have that system and it still sounds great. Seven years ago, I bought the KEF X300A powered speakers with internal DAC and love them to this day. And bought the LS50s 3 years ago to replace the K140s. I have no doubt I will be happy with the R3s.
They should be ready for pickup in a week, then I'll break them in for a few days. At that point, I'll be happy to report back in case anyone's considering picking up a pair and looking for more owner feedback.