A true three-way speaker, the 165mm (6 in.) bass driver pushes bass performance to new extremes. The 125mm (5 in.) midrange driver and 25mm (1 in.) aluminium dome tweeter create a Uni-Q array that defies the expectations from the most compact main speaker in the range. A true three-way speaker, the 165mm (6 in.) bass driver pushes bass performance to new extremes. The 125mm (5 in.) midrange driver and 25mm (1 in.) aluminium dome tweeter create a Uni-Q array that defies the expectations from the most compact main speaker in the range.In their five star review, What HiFi? declared that the KEF R3's boasted "Exceptional insight and resolution" among many other accolades. You can check out their review in full right here.Uni-Q Driver ArrayDeveloped by KEF in 1988, the Uni-Q driver array acts as a single point source, providing pristine sound across a wider area. The R Series benefits from a new incarnation of this driver array, with advantages over its predecessors that include a new midrange motor system that drastically reduces distortion.Air moving across the minute gaps between Uni-Qs separate elements creates tiny resonances, but KEF engineers have reduced the impact of these necessary gaps by opening a cavity behind the drivers and adding resonance-absorbing damping material for more precise, purer treble.Shadow FlareDerived directly from the Reference Series, the Shadow Flare is an innovative method of reducing harmful cabinet diffraction and one that allows the wonderful Uni-Q to work at its highest level.Shadow Flare is more than just a trim ring. It is a precision designed surface that extends the waveguide effect of Uni-Q. The tweeter no longer has line of sight of the cabinet edges, creating a shadow region at the points where the potential for diffraction is highest, minimising the acoustic impact to negligible levels.The result is improved clarity, particularly when it comes to the subtle nuances of plucked strings and other percussive sounds.Low Frequency DriversThe R Series dedicated low-frequency drivers have a two-part structure, where a shallow concave aluminium skin sits atop a paper cone. This adds stiffness, while the cones unique geometry reduces resonances and delivers the pistonic movement that makes these drivers time so well.The new drivers also have a completely redesigned magnet system that creates a more even magnetic field, and a design of spider that reduces harmonic distortion for a cleaner, more precise sound.Cabinet BracingAll the cabinets in the new R Series benefit from Constrained Layer Damping bracing. Originally developed for the multiple award-winning LS50, this system utilises internal braces joined to the panels by a lossy interface rather than being adhered to it rigidly. This approach is highly effective at dissipating unwanted vibrations.A new internal bracing layout works alongside Constrained Layer Damping to create an incredibly inert platform from which the drive units can work their magic, enabling the R Series to deliver music as it is supposed to sound, without any unwanted extras.Flexible Port TechnologyWhen it comes to generating deep, articulate bass, port design is a vital element.The ports in the R Series are precisely positioned and feature innovative flexible walls. Using computational fluid dynamics, the flare and profile of each port is calculated to delay the onset of turbulence, while the flexible port walls prevent longitudinal resonances from colouring the midrange.The result is not only better bass, but cleaner sound further up the frequency range in the vital lower midrange area.SPEAKER SPECS:TypeBookshelfCrossover Frequency400Hz, 2.9kHzAmplifier Requirements15-180W (recommended)Sensitivity87dB (2.83V/1m)Maximum Output110dBNominal Impedance8Ohms (min.3.2Ohms)GENERAL:FinishBlack Gloss, White Gloss, WalnutProduct dimensions (mm)422.2 x 199.6 x 335.5 mm (16.6 x 7.9 x 13.2 in.) with terminalWeight13.5
