Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

KEF R300 Speaker System HT Labs Measures

HT Labs Measures

L/R Sensitivity: 90 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

Center Sensitivity: 90 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

Surround Sensitivity: 85 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the R300 L/R (purple trace), R600c center channel (green trace), R800ds surround (red trace), and R400b subwoofer (blue trace). All passive loudspeakers were measured with grilles at a distance of 1 meter with a 2.83-volt input and scaled for display purposes.

The R300’s listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +1.03/–3.07 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz. The –3-dB point is at 54 Hz, and the –6-dB point is at 42 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 4.25 ohms at 158 Hz and a phase angle of –28.40 degrees at 4.7 kHz.

The R600c’s listening-window response measures +0.84/–2.49 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. An average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal responses measures +0.97/–2.12 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3-dB point is at 55 Hz, and the –6-dB point is at 44 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 4.04 ohms at 137 Hz and a phase angle of –31.95 degrees at 4.3 kHz.

The R800ds’s three-face averaged response measures +2.23/–4.49 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3-dB point is at 98 Hz, and the –6-dB point is at 77 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 4.21 ohms at 347 Hz and a phase angle of –42.79 degrees at 96 Hz.

The R400b’s close-miked response, normalized to the level at 80 Hz, indicates that the lower –3-dB point is at 42 Hz and the –6-dB point is at 36 Hz. The upper –3-dB point is at 123 Hz with the Crossover control set to maximum and the EQ switch set to +6 dB.—MJP

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COMMENTS
K.Reid's picture
Submitted by K.Reid on August 10, 2012 - 3:00pm

Mark's review is spot-on. I purchased a pair of R300s in June and the sound is remarkably coherent, well controlled and powerful. For all the audiophiles out there, they pair well with modest tube amplifiers (30watts and up). I cannot say enough good things about KEFs effort with the R series. Some serious engineering went into the development of the R series.

Aside pulling duty for normal home theater, I was spinning some vinyl and loving every minute of it through the R300. Fit 'n Finish is beyond reproach and the new high gloss white finish is otherworldly. Grade A from me and well worth the pocketbook dip.

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