Kef R3 Meta Speakers

The Kef R3 Meta Speakers are available for demonstration in our Hull store by request

Discover the KEF R3 Meta: A Detailed Review of this Exceptional Bookshelf Speaker

Unique Features of the KEF R3 Meta

The KEF R3 Meta stands out in the bookshelf speaker market due to its advanced engineering and innovative design. One of its key features is the 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array, integrated with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT™). This combination, along with a robust 6.5” hybrid aluminum bass driver, significantly enhances the speaker’s sound performance. Compared to earlier models, it offers improved clarity, deeper bass, and a more immersive listening experience.

Three-Way Design Explained

A three-way speaker design, like that of the KEF R3 Meta, incorporates three separate drivers, each dedicated to a specific frequency range. This includes a tweeter for high frequencies, a midrange driver for mid frequencies, and a woofer for low frequencies. This separation enables each driver to operate more efficiently and accurately, resulting in cleaner and more precise sound. Compared to traditional two-way systems, this design provides a more detailed and balanced audio performance.

Uni-Q® Driver Array with MAT™

Central to the KEF R3 Meta is the 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array, a hallmark of modern audio engineering. This driver array features KEF’s proprietary Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT™), which absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter. This leads to a substantial reduction in distortion and a more natural sound. Additionally, the Uni-Q® driver array ensures wider sound dispersion, allowing listeners to experience high-quality audio from any position in the room.

Advanced Sound Absorption with MAT™

MAT™ technology in the KEF R3 Meta represents a significant advancement in sound absorption. It consists of a complex maze-like structure where each channel absorbs a specific frequency. This innovative design captures unwanted sound, preventing it from interfering with the desired audio. The impact of MAT™ on sound clarity and purity is profound, enabling the speaker to deliver exceptional detail and accuracy.

KEF's Engineering Excellence

KEF’s extensive knowledge and advanced simulation tools have culminated in the outstanding performance of the R3 Meta. The Uni-Q driver array has been carefully redesigned to maximize the benefits of MAT™, including a specially designed conical waveguide and a re-engineered tweeter gap damper, which significantly enhance detail and clarity. Combined with the ultra-low distortion midrange motor design, these advancements ensure the speaker delivers incredibly detailed and transparent sound.

Shadow Flare Technology

Shadow Flare, an innovation from KEF's Reference series, reduces harmful cabinet diffraction in the R3 Meta. By extending the waveguide effect of the Uni-Q driver array, Shadow Flare creates a ‘shadow region’ that minimizes diffraction, resulting in improved clarity and detail reproduction.

Enhanced Bass Performance

The KEF R3 Meta’s low-frequency drivers are designed for deep, agile bass. Featuring a two-part structure with a shallow concave aluminum skin atop a paper cone, this design reduces unwanted resonances and ensures precise bass response. The drivers’ magnet system and suspension further enhance performance, providing detailed and punchy bass.

Flexible Ports for Cleaner Sound

KEF has engineered the R3 Meta’s ports with flexible walls to achieve cleaner bass. Using computational fluid dynamics, the port flares and profiles are designed to delay turbulence onset. The flexible port walls prevent resonances from affecting the midrange, ensuring listeners hear only the drivers without interference from the bass port.

Performance Critical Damping

KEF’s Constrained Layer Damping system keeps the R3 Meta’s cabinet walls inert by converting vibration into heat through a lossy interface. This sophisticated bracing system eliminates unwanted noise, allowing the drivers to perform without interference.

Elegant and Functional Design

KEF’s commitment to combining innovative engineering with great design is evident in the R3 Meta. Its simple yet elegant aesthetic ensures that it integrates seamlessly into any room, whether traditional or modern. Every design choice is driven by acoustic performance, with visual appeal also being a priority.

The KEF R3 Meta is available for demonstration at our Hull store by request. Contact us to experience the superior sound quality and design of the KEF R3 Meta firsthand.

Part Exchange Available

As you would expect from Fanthorpes hifi, we offer a generous part exchange against the KEF R3 Meta Speakers. If you have any hifi that you wish to use as part payment then either call us on 01482 223096 or email us at shop@fanthorpes.co.uk and we will give you a price to change. This is a fantastic and hassle-free way of making the KEF R3 Meta more affordable.

Finance Available

Fanthorpes hifi can also offer buy now pay later on the KEF R3 Meta Speakers, allowing you to spread or defer your payments over a year. If you are interested in taking advantage of our payment terms, email shop@fanthorpes.co.uk or call us on 01482 223096 and we will email an application form to you.

Kef R3 Meta Speakers Specification

• Crossover frequency: 420 Hz, 2.3 kHz
• Frequency range (-6dB): 38 Hz - 50 kHz
• Typical in-room bass response (-6dB): 30 Hz
• Frequency response (±3dB): 58Hz - 28kHz
• Harmonic distortion (90dB, 1m):
  • <1% 73 Hz and above
  • <0.5% 90 Hz - 20 kHz
• Maximum output: 110 dB
• Amplifier requirements: 15 - 180W
• Nominal impedance: 4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)
• Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 87 dB
• Weight*: 12.4 kg (27.3 lbs)
• Dimension (H x W x D) with terminal*: 422 x 200 x 336 mm (16.6 x 7.9 x 13.2 in)