Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Beautiful speaker with quality paint finishes and attention to detail in design, inheriting design elements from the more expensive Reference line
- Transparency and clarity with excellent imaging and soundstage, creating a 3D effect and enveloping the listener in sound
- Neutral and refined sound, with the ability to reveal nuances in music and improve on a listener's music appreciation
- Capable of handling different sized rooms and provides a refined bass that feels lower than the specification sheet suggests
- Delivers a big sound image with sonic richness and fullness, maintaining unwavering focus and effortlessness
Product Considerations
- Bass is accurate and refined but not big or room-rattling, so home theater enthusiasts may want an added subwoofer
- May sound different than listeners are used to, especially those used to a bass line that flubs, as the R7 offers sharpness and articulation
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF Reference 3 Meta: The R7 Meta is similar to the Reference 3 Meta, but the R7 Meta is more room-friendly and one-third of the price
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta: R7 Meta offers more 3D solidity, open soundstage, and greater ease in louder volumes
- Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15: The R7 Meta's bass is more articulate and clear, while the Duet 15 has bigger, fuller bass and a bigger soundstage
- Vs Audiovector QR7: The R7 Meta has more refinement and neutral midrange, but Audiovector plays rock with greater authority
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3: The R7 Meta offers bigger speaker power delivery, while the 705 S3 is more transparent with a nicer top-end
Takeaway: The KEF R7 Meta/R7 is a beautiful and refined speaker that delivers a neutral, clear, and immersive sound experience. With big sound presence, power, and the ability to reveal new details in music, the R7 is a great option.
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Manufacturer details
- Design: Three-way bass reflex
- Drive Units: Uni-Q Driver Array: HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT, MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone, Bass Unit: LF: 2 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone
- Crossover Frequency: 400 Hz, 2.4 kHz
- Frequency Range (-6dB): 33 Hz - 50 kHz
- Typical In-Room Bass Response (-6dB): 27 Hz
- Frequency Response (±3dB): 48 Hz - 28 kHz
- Harmonic Distortion (90dB, 1m): <1% 76 Hz and above, <0.5% 110 Hz - 20 kHz
- Maximum Output: 111 dB
- Amplifier Requirements: 15 - 250W
- Nominal Impedance: 4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)
- Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 88 dB
- Weight: 29.3 kg (64.6 lbs)
- Dimension (H x W x D) with Terminal: 1062 x 200 x 384 mm (41.8 x 7.9 x 15.1 in.)
- Dimension (H x W x D) with Terminal with Plinth: 1109 x 311 x 384 mm (43.7 x 12.2 x 15.1 in.)
- Finishes: Black Gloss / White Gloss / Walnut / Titanium Gloss Special Edition
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- KEF's designs prioritize a "Single Apparent Source" through coaxial driver technology, aiming for a coherent soundstage where frequencies appear to originate from a single point, enhancing realism and spatial accuracy.
- The brand incorporates "Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT)" into its drivers, utilizing a maze-like structure to absorb unwanted sound waves from the rear of the driver, resulting in cleaner and more defined output.
- They offer a wide range of streaming and connectivity options, with their powered loudspeakers responding to the proprietary KEF Connect app, which delivers multiple streaming services and facilitates setup and customization.
- KEF frequently collaborates with renowned industrial designers to create visually striking products that seamlessly blend into modern living spaces, balancing aesthetic appeal with acoustic performance.
Select products
T Series
- Positioning: The ultra-slim speaker line, designed to complement modern flat-screen TVs with a minimal footprint.
- Description: While delivering a sleek aesthetic, the flat diaphragm driver maintains rigidity and minimizes resonance, providing clean and accurate sound. However, compared to other KEF lines like the Q or R Series, it may offer less depth in bass response due to its slim design.
Q Series
- Positioning: The entry-level range offers versatile speakers suitable for both stereo and home theater setups.
- Description: Features Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, delivering detailed and natural sound. While it provides excellent value, it lacks some of the advanced damping and driver technologies found in the higher-end R and Reference Series, which offer more refined sound reproduction.
R Series
- Positioning: Bridges the gap between the entry-level Q Series and the high-end Reference Series, incorporating technologies from the latter to enhance performance.
- Description: Equipped with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, delivers precise and immersive sound. Unlike the Q Series, it includes Shadow Flare technology to reduce cabinet diffraction, resulting in clearer high frequencies.
The Reference
- Positioning: As KEF's high-end line, sets the benchmark for audiophile-grade sound reproduction.
- Description: Incorporating Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and a 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, offers exceptional clarity and detail. It also features advanced cabinet construction and flexible port technology for cleaner bass compared to the R Series. However, it doesn't achieve the Single Apparent Source configuration found in the Blade Series, which provides even more precise imaging.
Blade Series
- Positioning: Represents KEF's innovative approach to speaker design, featuring the world's first Single Apparent Source loudspeakers.
- Description: With Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, delivers coherent and precise sound. Its unique cabinet design minimizes resonances and diffraction, surpassing the traditional enclosures of The Reference Series.
MUON
- Positioning: Stands as KEF's flagship speaker, combining cutting-edge acoustic engineering with avant-garde industrial design.
- Description: Crafted from super-formed aluminum, the rigid structure minimizes vibrations, delivering ultra-wide bandwidth and immersive sound. While it shares the Uni-Q driver array with other KEF models, its exclusive design and limited production make it a collector's item.
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KEF
What if you spend more?
The floorstanding Reference 3 Meta is capable of delivering a sensational sound stage for a wide range of listeners. At its heart sits the 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™, the latest technological development from KEF, and one which puts you solidly at the heart of the action.
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Product Strengths
- Exceptional clarity, detail, and dynamic range are delivered across all genres of music, revealing intricate details in tracks
- A big, spacious, and incredibly well-focused soundstage is produced
- The cabinet is expertly engineered to minimize resonances, and the speakers are built to order
- The 12th generation Uni-Q driver array ensures seamless and accurate sound dispersion
- The speakers are relatively easy to control, even for a 60 watt amp
Product Considerations
- Quite a lot of power is demanded to sound their best, and entry-level class D amplifiers may not be suitable
- The bass may not be deep enough for some listeners, though this can be adjusted with different port tubes
- Source and amplifier quality is revealed, sounding thin or lifeless with entry- to mid-level equipment
- A big room is needed to unleash the fullest potential
- The highs can be fatiguing and harsh if the music is played at higher volumes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Klipsch Cornwall 4, the Reference 3 Meta has better overall clarity, transparency, and integration
- Compared to Reference 5 Meta, the Reference 3 Meta performs 95% as good as the Reference 5 Meta
- Compared to Sonus Faber Olympica Nova III, the KEF has better dynamics, but Olympica Nova III shares the warm richness and resolution
- Compared to Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4, B&W is in the same class as the Reference 5 Meta
- The KEF Reference 3 Meta has qualities close to Focal Sopra N°2 and is worth comparing with
Takeaway: The KEF Reference 3 Meta provides a detailed and engaging listening experience with great imaging and clarity. If you want premium sound and are willing to invest in quality amplification, these speakers could be a great fit for your system.
Video review
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The Børresen X series loudspeakers are not only a new entry-level into the Børresen universe, but also represents a real revolution in quality and performance in its price range. These speakers are created based on all the knowledge collected in the process of the creation of the M, 0 and Z-series. You´ll find components from these exclusive series in this Børresen X series loudspeakers – for instance the brand new Spread-tow carbon membrane, the highly praised Børresen ribbon tweeter and the use of copper caps in the magnetic motor system.
The X-series membrane that consists of three skins laminated into a single unit: two layers of spread carbon fiber, with a layer of aramid honeycomb spacers in between. The combination of these materials gives this membrane its unique properties. The spread-tow carbon fiber was designed to provide a skin with optimal stiffness. This unique feature of the membrane reduces sound-disturbing vibrations and resonances to unprecedented levels.
In the X-series magnet motor system, we use double copper caps on the pole rings to achieve high flux and low inductance. The use of copper caps has been adopted from the Børresen Z-series. Copper produces a response to flux changes – the better the counter-effect of these copper rings, the flatter the inductance curve, and the lower the electro-magnetic resonance.
The tweeter chosen for the Børresen X-series has the same design used in all other Børresen loudspeaker series. However, there is a reduction in magnet and iron mass. This is possible due to the extremely high efficiency of the original tweeter design. As a result, the efficiency has dropped only slightly from the exceptional 94 dB to 90 dB, but this is still an amazing efficiency for a tweeter.
The Børresen X-series is equipped with a parallel crossover built with the same high-quality components from the Z Series. This makes for a very mechanically stable crossover that minimizes its self-resonance.
The surface of the cabinet is finished in black or white piano lacquer and reinforced with carbon fiber inserts. The cabinet is made of a heavily braced wood composite material that has the property of eliminating sound distortion. The material used for the cabinet also reduces mechanical influences, especially hysteresis. The sonic result is clearly audible. The X-series is equipped with bass reflex ports. The tweeter is vented to compensate for the air pressure that builds up. The bass section consists of tuned ports calibrated for musically relevant frequencies.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage.
- Detailed high-frequency reproduction.
- Tight and accurate bass.
- Elegant design and high-quality build.
- Good value for the price.
Product Considerations
- Midrange response may have a 'hole' or 'scoop'.
- Sweet spot is narrow.
- Amplifier matching benefits from good current delivery.
- Positioning requires careful attention.
- Speakers are only available in black or white.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GoldenEar Technology T66—the X3's tweeter is in 'a whole other class of high-frequency reproduction'.
- Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15s—the X3 was faster, clearer, and had better transient response.
- Vs KEF Reference 3 Meta—the X3 seems like a faster, clearer, more transparent speaker.
- Vs Audiovector R3—the X3 has more pronounced and deeper bass.
- Vs Audiovector R6—the R6 offers more visceral dynamics and seems to go lower.
Takeaway: The Børresen X3 is a well-built and visually appealing loudspeaker known for its exceptional imaging, detailed highs, and refined sound. It is a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance speaker in its price range.
Video review
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The Estelon AURA loudspeaker is designed and constructed by taking into consideration the environmental acoustics of real-life listening spaces. It provides an immersive and captivating audio experience like no other among speakers of this size. To achieve this, AURA has been designed with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating cutting-edge technology and unique features that set it apart from other loudspeakers in the market. The AURA is more than just a loudspeaker; it's a work of art that combines form and function to provide an unparalleled audio experience. With its unique design and advanced technology, AURA is sure to be a game-changer in the audio world.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Striking aesthetic design is repeatedly praised, seamlessly blending into living spaces
- Exceptional soundstage and imaging are consistently highlighted as standout features
- Balanced presentation across the frequency range offers a smooth integration of bass, midrange, and treble
- Well-controlled and detailed bass integrates well with the other drivers
- Clear and detailed midrange and treble contribute to a fast presentation of vocals and instruments
- Connectivity options are solid
Product Considerations
- The Aura's impedance can drop to a low 2 ohms at 58 Hz, making it a demanding load for amplifiers
- Bass output may not suit all tastes, particularly those who prefer bass-heavy music or have larger rooms
- System matching with warmer components may be necessary to achieve a preferred sound balance
- The placement of the binding posts and the tight space around them are a bit challenging when connecting speaker cables
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to SVS Titans, the Aura is a clear step up in clarity and transparency, but the Titans deliver more bass output
- Compared to YG Acoustics Peaks Ascent, the AURA speaker has a very different frequency profile
Takeaway: The Estelon Aura speakers combine striking aesthetics with high-end sound, offering a balanced and engaging listening experience that works well in various rooms. They are a strong contender for audiophiles seeking a speaker that is both visually appealing and sonically refined.
Video review
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A 3-way floor standing design, the Trapeze Reimagined features a proprietary 12-inch high-power mid/bass driver. A 5-inch-high speed midrange. And the only AMT-tweeter on the market that stays true to the original design from audio genius Dr. Oscar Heil. The three drivers combine to achieve an even power, flat frequency response to match the famous Brûel & Kjaer ideal room response.
A diffraction absorbing felt area around the treble and midrange drivers helps to create a rare and natural soundstage: prepare to be transported to the atmospheric heart of a live event. The low frequency tuning adds weight and drama to any music. The extremely low distortion of the bass driver allows unusually natural and dynamic vocals as well as a beautifully rich sound without boom or bloom that just sounds so right. No problems with bass, midrange, or treble. Just an open, rich, musical, and rhythmic reproduction of all kinds of music in all kinds of settings.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Clarity and seamless presentation, along with excellent dynamics and punch
- Impressive bass power, agility, and grip
- The design makes it less obtrusive in a domestic setting than most alternatives
- AMT tweeter provides a crisp, revealing treble
- Damping feature allows for a degree of flexibility in matching the speaker with amplifiers
Product Considerations
- The design lacks the visual elegance of other high-end Audiovector speakers
- Stereo imaging could be more expansive
- The Freedom Grounding cable is expensive as an optional purchase
Takeaway: The Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined combines retro inspiration with modern technology, creating a speaker that puts entertainment first with clarity, dynamics and impressive bass. With its unique design and adaptable sound, it's a great pick for music lovers that want fun and high-end performance.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Striking, sleek, and modern design that complements modern interiors
- Incorporates KEF's Uni-Q driver array and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) for neutral, open, detailed sound, reducing unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter
- Includes Uni-Core force-canceling woofers that reduce cabinet vibrations, contributing to balanced and detailed bass
- The KEF Connect app allows for adjustments to fit the listening environment
- Offers high connectivity and is a true stand-alone system
Product Considerations
- Bass can be a bit too much out of the box, requiring adjustments via the app or placement considerations
- Not well-suited for those who have many signal sources to connect to
- Some reviewers found the bass lacked definition in the upper bass, with unclear instrument placement, even after adjusting EQ settings
- The included remote control is considered basic or cheap
- Mandatory online registration and administrator-level internet connection requirements for the app may be a drawback for privacy-conscious users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28, the LS60 Wireless can achieve similar sound quality with adjustments, at a lower price point, although the Beolab 28 sounds 'more right' straight out of the factory
- Compared to the KEF LS50 Wireless II, the LS60 Wireless is preferred stylistically, achieves near full-range playback, and has a more slim design, although it costs more and also provides much deeper bass
- Compared to the Q Acoustics Active 400 Towers, the LS60 Wireless has no issues with products not working
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless are stylish, all-in-one speakers that deliver a balanced, detailed sound with advanced technology. They are a convenient, high-performing solution for those seeking a streamlined audio setup.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality, with reviews noting neutral and balanced sound, meticulous detail retrieval, and delicate micro-dynamics
- Good imaging and soundstage, with the ability to create a wide and immersive soundstage with precise imaging
- Sleek design, with their elegance and ability to complement modern interiors
- Powerful and well-controlled bass, thanks to the Uni-Core driver technology
- Wide array of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, coaxial, RCA, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Qobuz
Product Considerations
- Relatively expensive compared to other active speaker systems
- Some reviewers noted occasional signal dropouts between the primary and secondary speakers when connected wirelessly
- The KEF Connect app is essential for full functionality and optimal setup, which may not appeal to users who prefer physical controls
- Bass output can be sensitive to room placement and may require adjustments to avoid boominess
- Connecting multiple external devices can result in significant cable clutter, despite being marketed as wireless
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28: The LS60 offers comparable performance at roughly half the price, though the Beolab 28 is noted as sounding better out-of-the-box without EQ
- Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II: The LS60 offers improved performance and near full-range playback, but at a higher price, the LS50 Wireless II offers similar clarity with a slightly warmer sound
- Vs Klipsch Forte 4: The LS60 is more suited for home theater use and surface more detail
- Vs Q Acoustics Q Active 400 Towers, Dali Oberon 7C Wireless, and Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duos: The LS60 is considered a better, more refined and adjustable package
- Vs Hegel H190 & KEF LS50 Meta with KEF KC-62 Subwoofer: The LS60 communicates the forward force of music better and has features such as Tidal Connect and room EQ
- Vs Lindemann TD-AI1120, KEF LS50 Meta & KEF KC-62 Subwoofer: The LS60 cannot be matched in scale and effortless dynamics
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless is a fantastic, all-in-one speaker system that sounds great and looks stylish. They are easy to set up and use, and will fill a room with music for years to come.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a complete audio system, needing only a source, with seamless performance across various inputs like HDMI, optical, coaxial, and analog
- The KEF Connect app is robust and detailed, offering extensive customization options, including wall mode, treble adjustment, phase correction, and bass extension
- Excels in stereo reproduction, creating a presence that simulates a live performance
- The single apparent source design contributes to detailed imaging and projection of every frequency from a smaller area
- Design is minimal, clean, and well-built, not to mention inert
Product Considerations
- Out of the box, the bass can be a bit bloated and overpowering, requiring adjustments via the app
- The remote is cheaply made
- Users might end up having more visible wires than expected for a 'wireless' speaker, especially when connecting multiple external devices
- Some reviewers experienced occasional signal dropouts via Wi-Fi and HDMI
- The white matte finish can get dirty and is not as easy to clean as a glossy finish
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duos, the LS60 is a better, more refined, and adjustable package
- Compared to the Klipsch Forte 4, the LS60 comes off as a little more standoffish, but stately
- Compared to the PIEGA 701 Wireless Gen 2, the PIEGA has a cleaner sounding midrange and better top-end extension, but is also more expensive
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 is an innovative speaker that delivers hifi quality in a simple, aesthetic package. With its extensive customization options, it can be tuned to fit almost any environment.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a fabulously big and powerful sound with bags of detail
- The tweeter section is a lot smoother, warmer and more detailed
- Has a big soundstage and can fill up the room
- Has excellent soundstage and imaging, making the speakers disappear in the room
- Neutral sound means faithfully reproducing the beautiful sound quality and timbre of musical instruments
Product Considerations
- The stabilization feet design is not the most appealing
- Bass isn't as refined when compared directly to speakers in its class
- Some tracks were slightly bright in their presentation
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Martin Logan's Motion XT-F100, the R11 Meta are more refined and more accurate
- Vs Polk R700, the R11 Meta is an outright better speaker
- Vs Wharfedale Elysian Four Towers, the Kef R11 is more defined and accurate in the mid-range and especially in the treble, and in terms of soundstage and dynamics, the Kef has better vertical scale
- Vs Definitive Technology Dimension Towers, the R11 Meta lets one hear into any film's mix or soundtrack in ways the Definitives cannot
- Vs Reference 5 Meta, the Reference 5 Meta also pips the R11 Meta slightly in size
Takeaway: The R11 Meta is an incredible piece of audio engineering, and the sound is projected a lot more, sounding more immersive. It has a big soundstage, good imaging, and is capable of great detail.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Superb design and build quality.
- Articulate sound, especially in the upper midrange and treble regions.
- Very good imaging, with strong definition and delineation between instruments and performers.
- Vivid and clear midrange, revealing subtle details in recordings.
- Transparency ensures more of the music is heard as it was intended.
Product Considerations
- A capable amplifier is needed due to impedance dips to 3.1 ohms.
- Not a bass-heavy speaker.
- The tweeter can become too much if listening to poorly recorded music or at very high volumes.
- The bass can sound a bit thin, depending on room size and personal preference.
- Can sound a little bit cool when playing certain types of music.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF R11 Meta—KEFs presented more physical scale with respect to soundstage, with even greater width.
- Vs Polk R700 and Klipsch RP8000F Mk2—Not better than the B&Ws, but aren't embarrassed by them either.
- Vs B&W 805 D IV—In one listening room, the 703 is nearly as good.
- Zoo sound a little bit warmer.
Takeaway: The 703 S3 makes listening engaging and fun, with dynamic sound suitable for both music and movies. It brings clarity to vocals, especially at lower volumes, making it great for late-night listening.
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