KEF R3 Bookshelf or Standmound Speakers (Pair) - Black (Open Box)

*Following 2 paragraphs I discuss my experience with TWO defective units in a row. After that, I’ll continue with the review and comparisons with the Linton as normal. — First R3 (black) was purchased new from Amazon. Everything looked in order when received and during unboxing. KEF-branded tape intact, precise wrapping of speakers, tape still over KEF logo, etc. Right off the bat, I was disappointed with the gloss finish. There were some scuffs/scratches up near the KEF logo and some other much more faint abrasions on the cabinet in other locations. I had a similar experience with the gloss white Triangle Comete, another $1000+ speaker with scratches and scuffs straight out of the box! But my big issue came when I played low frequency. From about 20-40hz, picking up again from around 80-200hz, I was getting a buzzing sound from one of the bass drivers. It sounded like there was something loose or torn within the driver structure, physically coming in contact with the driver during excursions. Originally discovered during a bassier song, and magnified by a frequency sweep, but audible over 70db. This was not an issue whatsoever with other speaker. The louder the volume, the louder the buzz, although for some music this could not be heard. Second R3 (walnut) was purchased new from Best Buy. Same unboxing experience. Sound wise, I thought I was in the clear until I did another frequency sweep. AGAIN, same buzzing sound from one of the bass drivers! At least this time, it didn’t sound as obvious or intense as with my previous pair (and also required more volume to become audible). This time, from about 75db onwards and with the same lower frequencies as before, caused the buzzing. I confirmed it wasn’t the shadowflare or anything vibrating in my room (I put my ear right next to the speaker, sound distinctly emanating from the driver itself). Quite frankly in disbelief I got 2 lemons in a row, I swapped cables, amps, channels, all to no avail. Just like before, one of the speakers operated perfectly fine without a peep other than the bass frequencies it was producing. The bad speaker wasn’t audible during most music playback, but clear as day during frequency sweeps or bassier content. Now after 2 defective units in a row, I will not be taking the risk for the 3rd time even though I loved this speaker, and am now very unlikely to purchase an R-series speaker ever again. Imagine the chances of a “bad” driver in the R7 or R11 compared to the R3 (4 or 8 drivers compared to 2!) — Build: Between the R3 and LS50, there have been no speakers I’ve ever owned that come anywhere close to the rock solid feel of these cabinets. Such a great, “dead” sound when knocking on them. My Linton sounds like a hollow shoe box in comparison. The speakers themselves weigh a hair under 30lbs, making them the heaviest bookshelf speakers I’ve tested, beating out the Polk LSiM 703 by a fraction of a pound. Binding posts are extremely high quality and feel robust. Grills are a welcome addition and look quite unique, although mine will never leave the box. Between the black gloss and walnut options, I GREATLY prefer the walnut in both appearance and for its real-wood veneer finish that doesn’t garner fingerprints, reflections or scratches. They look positively remarkable in person. Wow. Sound: These are just so good at everything you throw at them. Very neutral sound that I truly struggle finding any shortcomings for. Originally, I found them just a teeny tiny bit too bright and fatiguing over time, but the more I listened, the more that impression continued fading. They walk the line of treble quantity perfectly, having just about the maximum I’d want before things got too hot. Their bass is absolutely incredible for their size, matching my Linton’s ability to hit 30hz at 75db during a 75db sweep! My in-room REW measurements show that they are within 1db of the Linton from 30-100hz! Soundstage depth and imaging is as expected for a coaxial driver, phenomenal. It’s one of those speakers you listen to and really marvel at the engineering that went into making them sound so darn good. With this type of reference tuning, those that prefer something more exciting or interesting might find these a little uneventful or boring. I’ve definitely heard speakers with more character or “soul” if you will. Speaking of… vs Linton: I’ll admit, while they are both excellent sounding and shockingly similar in their frequency response, I favored the Linton’s at first. To me they sounded a bit more full or weighty overall and had the bass extension advantage even though it was only a few db from 20-30hz. They were easier to listen to with their smoother treble and warmer sound, especially after extended sessions. But as I kept listening, it really just became a boxing match as they each traded blows and I could not for the life of me choose which one I liked better. Things began to turn in favor of the R3 the more I got used to their sound and grew to appreciate their depth, imaging, and more-neutral sound advantage. Although, I’ve owned the Lintons for just about a year now, not once having been fatigued or tired by their sound… ever. Overall, these are two of the best speakers I’ve listened to thus far and I could be perfectly happy with either. What I think it really boils down to at this point is appearance and price. But if I was forced to choose for sound, I *think* I’d pick the R3 by a hair for its more layered soundstage, precise imaging, and freedom to choose speaker height depending on stands (Lintons are still a tad too low on their designated stands for my seating/TV arrangement). Parting notes: I do not like the shadowflare design and impact on sound if not set correctly. The detrimental effects have been measured over and over as to where this “ring” is supposed to be set in the cabinet and the results can be huge. The user needs to push these in (had to on both my pairs) flush or preferably a tad further in for best results. My walnut pair had some kind of debris or improperly drilled hole preventing a flush installation, where my black pair was easily able to move where it needed to go. I feel KEF needed more consistency on this, or a foolproof way to have optimal results. And good luck removing it if you need to remove the driver. Lastly, I had better REW measurements with them upside-down on my 28” stands. YMMV. Overall: These are the complete package. Engineering is there, build quality is class-leading, and sound quality is objectively/subjectively proven a resounding success. They can easily be enjoyed without a subwoofer(s), although no doubt would further improve with. Everything considered and especially at their current clearance prices, there just isn’t another option on the market that can compete for value. My only disappointments are the shadowflare design/variance and the potential quality issues with the bass drivers, otherwise I would have an unequivocal recommendation.