Pulling the hefty audio system from their packaging, you’ll discover a pair of port bungs, microfiber speaker grilles, and rubber ft. Behind every speaker is a pair of rugged terminals permitting for discretely bi-amping the bass and higher drivers. I requested KEF concerning the want for bi-amping, as I solely deliberate to connect with the decrease terminals, and was instructed there’s no actual firm “voice” on the topic however the implication is that there’s minimal sonic profit in doing so.
The audio system’ 4-ohm nominal impedance means they’ll seemingly be tougher to drive than 6-ohm or 8-ohm audio system, however impedance is a posh topic and it varies by frequency. KEF claims the audio system may be powered by as little as 15 watts per aspect, however for greatest outcomes, I nonetheless recommend a comparatively brawny amp with good readability, just like the Naim Uniti Atom I employed.
Let It Glow
As gleeful as these audio system are to play, it’s no straightforward job to inform a narrative as wealthy and expressive as what the R3 Meta inform your ears minute by minute, beat by beat. You’ve simply gotta hear these items. They’re extremely nuanced, dynamic, and clear, providing energy and lyrical musicality on a degree that few audio system their dimension can accomplish. Each tune you play is a brand new chapter, as their chameleonic sound signature units the stage for every new combine.
That’s to not say the audio system don’t supply their very own distinctive sonic taste; they definitely do. However what the R3 carry to the desk is so clear, so candy, and so effortlessly expressive—particularly when powered by a clear amplifier just like the Uniti Atom—they lend themselves to each topic with sympathetic supply. This implies they’ll discover all the issues in your music, in fact, however as a rule, it’s introduced extra as a stylistic selection. That lets your ears separate the manufacturing wheat from the chaff in all the pieces you play, whereas nonetheless having fun with lo-fi recordings.
Older Seaside Boys songs can sound just a little skinny and even tinny on many audio system, however songs like “In My Room” and “Wouldn’t It Be Good” soar with the R3 Meta, with well-struck percussion that pops out from the immersive soundstage, satiny harmonies, and easy guitar tones that appear to drag you to the nice and cozy Pacific seashores. Flipping to topflight trendy manufacturing like The Weeknd’s “Starboy” resets the stage fully. The R3’s magnified readability supplied the very best efficiency of the tune I’ve heard but, with laser synths, columns of bass, and swelling results echoing out the edges and skimming previous my face for an virtually surreal expertise.
The phrase “luminous” saved arising time and again as I moved via dozens of compressed and hi-res tracks over a number of days. Each string and horn participant, each synth impact, vocal, or guitar tone appears to bloom with its personal intrinsic mild when handed via the R3, for chill-inducing performances. When cymbals sparkle, the audio system mild that sparkle with an additional shot of vivid shimmer. When reverb trails hold, the audio system lengthen and draw them out, letting them fade solely simply in time for the following musical entrance. And when bass bumps, it hits with marble-hard authority and musical vitality.