Although prob. not the best acoustic environment, for me its clear the R3 easily takes the cake. However, the Concerto did not disappoint, but in A/B it sounds more restricted and/or less 'easy'.
Brilliant video comparison. Very useful to see these two together. I definitely agree after watching this and my own experience that the r3 meta is definitely the better speaker.
I know the finger prints on the gloss finish is a big issue for many, but honestly once I found the proper setup for them I never touch them unless I’m dusting them
It'll be R3 Metas for me, after watching this vid. The only thing left now it to determine if there're any other speakers around that price range to consider. May consider stepping up to the PS Audio FR5. A giant deciding factor will be, as you put it, the precision of the imaging, and the ability of the speakers to disappear.
I def love the R3 and the rest of the Rx series but the new kef Q3 and series are such a good deal if you’re building out more than just a 2 channel system. If it’s just the 2 speakers, def like the R3 better. But you’re basically 90% of R series with the new Q series (again, thinking of a 5.1.4 system and up). Maybe add some “no rez” for the concertos etc. 🎉
Great review. I was able to get a brand new indigo gloss r3 meta for less than the price of the concertos, so it was a no-brainer for me. Used the savings to splurge on their overpriced stands. 😆
I didn't think there would be such a huge difference in sound. The R3 Meta was very natural and articulate. The Concerto seemed more muted and oddly I thought I heard more reverb. But it would have been interesting to have a blind AB hearing test.
watch erin's audio review. It's very very close. Also darko audio (but he's a bit inaccurate at times). These audio clips over youtube compressed to what 128kbps is god awful. And they have to be pointed directly at the mic/not great since we are binaural
I had a hard time really hearing the difference. I'm sure there is but on TH-cam on my TV I couldn't tell. The more expensive Meta looks a little nicer, but I would definitely have to hear them in person. Price wise they have other speakers to compete with. I think for $2400 you can get jtr speakers.
Thank you very much for your video, with what integrated amplifier and cables do you try the speakers? For me, If i have the money I just start with the Q concerto for one year, next year buy the R3 meta. I actually have the Elac Unifi UB52, its a great bookshelft speaker when you use a subwoofer.
Also, one correction: like the R3 Metas, the Q Concerto Meta bass drivers also come with KEF's hybrid aluminum cones, which is aluminum with a paper backing. You seemed to indicate that they are aluminum only.
use a frequency generator to run a 22hz tone and then crawl around the room while the sub is in you listening position and where ever you are when the bass sounds best is where you put your sub.
both speakers would work great on an M1 the specs say they are both 4 Ohms and the concerto says 85db sensitive while the R3 is 87db so the R3 is a tiny bit easier to drive but it's not much of a difference.
from what i hear- and your room is definitely not the best- the Q is a bit too subdued in the highs for my taste. Also not to mention the finish on the R3- no comparison.
Unless my ears and mind are decieving me, I hear a better output from the R3 Meta. They are closer then their price may suggest. The Q's sound even closer in the rockier tunes. What Amp was driving them?
@@AV-Obsessed Sorry for your condition, and you will have to forgive my ignorance with its effects and more specifically, how it effects you, but you should really try to find a way to practice and make it work. It distracts from the professionalism and otherwise quality content. I'd love to see your channel thrive, and please take this as the supportive comment that it is intended, because to a passing viewer it would appear as though you were reading a script that is for some inexplicable reason 3 feet to the side of the camera. If you are unable to know the position of your eyes while recording due to your condition, try placing a marker to the left of camera and do a short recording, watch the playback and see where that puts your eyes. Adjust that marker until it has you staring into the camera appropriately. Hope that helps and looking forward to new content regardless!
Never seen this reviewer. Is he blind? I ask because of the lack of eye contact. Not being mean, just curious. He's got the stats memorized incredibly well. Good review! 👍
You are fast becoming my favourite Speaker reviewer. Good job, well done.
Although prob. not the best acoustic environment, for me its clear the R3 easily takes the cake. However, the Concerto did not disappoint, but in A/B it sounds more restricted and/or less 'easy'.
Brilliant video comparison. Very useful to see these two together.
I definitely agree after watching this and my own experience that the r3 meta is definitely the better speaker.
I know the finger prints on the gloss finish is a big issue for many, but honestly once I found the proper setup for them I never touch them unless I’m dusting them
Agreed, people talk about it like it is a big deal but it's not. just some pledge and a microfiber cloth once in a while.
I have some Polk LS90 towers with the gloss dark red finish and they look amazing. Once setup I only touch them to dust them.
Great job! A comparison between R3 and R3 Meta would be really cool too
It'll be R3 Metas for me, after watching this vid. The only thing left now it to determine if there're any other speakers around that price range to consider. May consider stepping up to the PS Audio FR5. A giant deciding factor will be, as you put it, the precision of the imaging, and the ability of the speakers to disappear.
I def love the R3 and the rest of the Rx series but the new kef Q3 and series are such a good deal if you’re building out more than just a 2 channel system. If it’s just the 2 speakers, def like the R3 better. But you’re basically 90% of R series with the new Q series (again, thinking of a 5.1.4 system and up). Maybe add some “no rez” for the concertos etc. 🎉
Great review! Thanks for sharing.
Clarity, like detailed, is not (only) tonality/frequency related. Quality of filter components do matter a lot on this level.
Great review. I was able to get a brand new indigo gloss r3 meta for less than the price of the concertos, so it was a no-brainer for me. Used the savings to splurge on their overpriced stands. 😆
I didn't think there would be such a huge difference in sound. The R3 Meta was very natural and articulate. The Concerto seemed more muted and oddly I thought I heard more reverb. But it would have been interesting to have a blind AB hearing test.
watch erin's audio review. It's very very close. Also darko audio (but he's a bit inaccurate at times). These audio clips over youtube compressed to what 128kbps is god awful. And they have to be pointed directly at the mic/not great since we are binaural
I had a hard time really hearing the difference. I'm sure there is but on TH-cam on my TV I couldn't tell. The more expensive Meta looks a little nicer, but I would definitely have to hear them in person. Price wise they have other speakers to compete with. I think for $2400 you can get jtr speakers.
teah, try watching on your phone and using headphones.
Thank you very much for your video, with what integrated amplifier and cables do you try the speakers? For me, If i have the money I just start with the Q concerto for one year, next year buy the R3 meta. I actually have the Elac Unifi UB52, its a great bookshelft speaker when you use a subwoofer.
I am powering the speakers with the Marantz cinema 30 and the cables I made myself.
Thanks for sharing.
Also, one correction: like the R3 Metas, the Q Concerto Meta bass drivers also come with KEF's hybrid aluminum cones, which is aluminum with a paper backing. You seemed to indicate that they are aluminum only.
I guess it did sound like I was saying that but I meant it's a normal surround not the inverted surround.
Thoughts on the SB4000, or is that the SB16? I just got a pair of the SB4000s, and currently dialing them in.
It's the SB-4000 and it is great. So much output, fast and clean.
Wish I had the space for 2 of them!
@AV-Obsessed Ya it seems to slap pretty hard. Need to find the best spots in the room for them as the current location has a bad 22 hz suck out.
use a frequency generator to run a 22hz tone and then crawl around the room while the sub is in you listening position and where ever you are when the bass sounds best is where you put your sub.
Which one is easier to handle, and which one would fit better with the Marantz model M1?
both speakers would work great on an M1 the specs say they are both 4 Ohms and the concerto says 85db sensitive while the R3 is 87db so the R3 is a tiny bit easier to drive but it's not much of a difference.
Ps Bas seems to come from one side! Both speakers!
Not hearing that myself.
3rd song def. bass is panned left.
Can you do a video of the cantons please
R3 meta, much better build quality.
KEF R3 Meta Indigo Gloss is my dream! But they never discounted, also dislike finish of Q Concerto
For the money do the q concerto dissapear?
not as well as the R3 but if they are positioned right and you close your eyes.
from what i hear- and your room is definitely not the best- the Q is a bit too subdued in the highs for my taste. Also not to mention the finish on the R3- no comparison.
yeah, I really need some acoustic treatment for my room
Unless my ears and mind are decieving me, I hear a better output from the R3 Meta. They are closer then their price may suggest. The Q's sound even
closer in the rockier tunes. What Amp was driving them?
They are very close but yes the output from the R3s is better and the amp is the Marantz cinema 30.
What do you think would sound better out of the R3 Meta and the R5 meta?
anal about the finish...peel it off? otherwise good review
You need to learn to keep your eyeline with the camera. NOT, whatever is off to your right.
That is really hard to do with my Stargardt disease (eye condition)
@@AV-Obsessed Sorry for your condition, and you will have to forgive my ignorance with its effects and more specifically, how it effects you, but you should really try to find a way to practice and make it work. It distracts from the professionalism and otherwise quality content. I'd love to see your channel thrive, and please take this as the supportive comment that it is intended, because to a passing viewer it would appear as though you were reading a script that is for some inexplicable reason 3 feet to the side of the camera. If you are unable to know the position of your eyes while recording due to your condition, try placing a marker to the left of camera and do a short recording, watch the playback and see where that puts your eyes. Adjust that marker until it has you staring into the camera appropriately. Hope that helps and looking forward to new content regardless!
Never seen this reviewer. Is he blind? I ask because of the lack of eye contact. Not being mean, just curious. He's got the stats memorized incredibly well. Good review! 👍
I am actually mostly blind I have no central vision only on the edges.
@@AV-Obsessed You're awesome dude !!!!!