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Thread: KEF REF3 Review

  1. #1
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    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

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  2. #2
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    Re: KEF REF3 Review

    Good review. Eventually I want to get a pair of KEF reference speakers. I have been a huge fan of KEF since way back ....
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  3. #3
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    Re: KEF REF3 Review

    I have the reference 5s and love them. They’re wonderful speakers.

  4. #4
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    Re: KEF REF3 Review

    Welcome to the forum Phishphan. Thank you for joining.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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  5. #5
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    Re: KEF REF3 Review

    Thanks. I’m pretty active over on another one of these sites. But like to shake it up and discuss other brands no featured over there.

  6. #6
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    Re: KEF REF3 Review

    Quote Originally Posted by Phishphan View Post
    I have the reference 5s and love them. They’re wonderful speakers.
    Hi Phishphan - good to see you here!
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  7. #7
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    Re: KEF REF3 Review

    I broke in a pair of Ref 3's for my friend who sells/installs. I had my Pass X250 at the time and only my Revel F52's to compare them to. I marveled at the amount of bass the Ref 3's produced. The 3's had a more in my room type of sound stage, the speakers disappeared as well when listening. Really good detail.

    The Ref 3's were white with blue drivers. Friends thought they looked cool but they didn't match my room, I wasn't quite sold on the look personally.

    I've only heard the Blades in large rooms and not with the type of systems you'd expect to drive the Blades with. From what I have heard my ears tend to prefer the Reference at this point. The reference I wouldn't classify as a "warm" speaker but by comparison to the Blade the Reference are warmer and easier to listen to, for me.

    This same friend has Ref 5 driven by Levinson monblocks, the new ones, I forget the number, they are capable of tremendous bass, both quality and quantity. His room is large, open to surrounding areas and a high ceiling to due a loft design, so ample bass don't come easy in there.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
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  8. #8
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    Re: KEF REF3 Review

    I broke in a pair of Ref 3's for my friend who sells/installs. I had my Pass X250 at the time and only my Revel F52's to compare them to. I marveled at the amount of bass the Ref 3's produced. The 3's had a more in my room type of sound stage, the speakers disappeared as well when listening. Really good detail.

    The Ref 3's were white with blue drivers. Friends thought they looked cool but they didn't match my room, I wasn't quite sold on the look personally.

    I've only heard the Blades in large rooms and not with the type of systems you'd expect to drive the Blades with. From what I have heard my ears tend to prefer the Reference at this point. The reference I wouldn't classify as a "warm" speaker but by comparison to the Blade the Reference are warmer and easier to listen to, for me.

    This same friend has Ref 5 driven by Levinson monblocks, the new ones, I forget the number, they are capable of tremendous bass, both quality and quantity. His room is large, open to surrounding areas and a high ceiling to due a loft design, so ample bass don't come easy in there.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  9. #9
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    Re: KEF REF3 Review

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    This same friend has Ref 5 driven by Levinson monblocks, the new ones, I forget the number, they are capable of tremendous bass, both quality and quantity. His room is large, open to surrounding areas and a high ceiling to due a loft design, so ample bass don't come easy in there.
    I have a very large basement room. I “needed” to get a couple of JL212v2 in my room. Without them I didn’t get the deep bass I was after




    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Preamp/Digital: Meitner MA3
    HT Processor: Bryston SP3
    Amps: Bryston 14b3, Bryston 4b3
    Speakers: Kef Reference 5, Kef Reference 4c
    Sub: REL Carbon Special
    Power: Shunyata Denali, Bryston BIT15
    Wires: Wireworld Silver Eclipse XLR & SC, Ethernet - WW Platinum USB
    Other: Stillpoint Ultra SS, ISO-Acoustics ISO Pucks

    -Kyle

  10. #10
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    Re: KEF REF3 Review

    What are you driving your 5's with?

    Quote Originally Posted by Phishphan View Post
    I have a very large basement room. I “needed” to get a couple of JL212v2 in my room. Without them I didn’t get the deep bass I was after




    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  11. #11
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    Re: KEF REF3 Review

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    What are you driving your 5's with?
    Bryston 28b3 mono blocks.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Preamp/Digital: Meitner MA3
    HT Processor: Bryston SP3
    Amps: Bryston 14b3, Bryston 4b3
    Speakers: Kef Reference 5, Kef Reference 4c
    Sub: REL Carbon Special
    Power: Shunyata Denali, Bryston BIT15
    Wires: Wireworld Silver Eclipse XLR & SC, Ethernet - WW Platinum USB
    Other: Stillpoint Ultra SS, ISO-Acoustics ISO Pucks

    -Kyle

  12. #12
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    Re: KEF REF3 Review

    I'd say those were up to the task.

    Quote Originally Posted by Phishphan View Post
    Bryston 28b3 mono blocks.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  13. #13
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    Re: KEF REF3 Review

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    I'd say those were up to the task.
    Without question. I was using the 4b3, but upgraded and bridged the 4b3 to my center. When I hooked up the 28b3s it was a huge improvement.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Preamp/Digital: Meitner MA3
    HT Processor: Bryston SP3
    Amps: Bryston 14b3, Bryston 4b3
    Speakers: Kef Reference 5, Kef Reference 4c
    Sub: REL Carbon Special
    Power: Shunyata Denali, Bryston BIT15
    Wires: Wireworld Silver Eclipse XLR & SC, Ethernet - WW Platinum USB
    Other: Stillpoint Ultra SS, ISO-Acoustics ISO Pucks

    -Kyle

  14. #14
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    Re: KEF REF3 Review

    Quote Originally Posted by Phishphan View Post
    I have a very large basement room. I “needed” to get a couple of JL212v2 in my room. Without them I didn’t get the deep bass I was after




    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Beautiful looking room and system!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

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KEF REF3 Review

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