
KEF R3 META Bookshelf Speaker Pair Black
- Featuring Metamaterial Absorption Technology
- The KEF Uni-Q Array returns with a 5? midrange driver and Shadow Flare support
- Hybrid 6.5" aluminium-paper cone low frequency driver delivers clean, optimised bass
- Flexible port and cabinet dampening ensures the R3 Meta can withstand powerful execution
- Four distinct cabinet finishes includes black, white, walnut and indigo
The KEF R3 Meta Bookshelf Speakers are ideal for high-performance home audio, inheriting technologies from over sixty years of loudspeaker innovation.
Featuring components originally developed for the premium Reference Series speakers - a benchmark for quality - these bookshelf speakers can control a room without dominating its floor space.
The celebrated Metamaterial Absorption Technology (referred to as MAT) optimise the classic KEF Uni-Q Array and diminishes unwanted sound by up to an incredible 99%.
This, along with a host of ingenious advancements, keeps distortion to a minimum and widens the listening sweet spot.
Get closer to the original sound with the KEF R Series.
Three-way bookshelf speaker
R3 Meta redefines bookshelf speakers’ performance. Sharing the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta, the R3 Meta is a true three-way design.
It has a 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™ and a powerful 6.5” hybrid aluminium bass driver that pushes performance to new extremes.
Now with Metamaterial Absorption Technology
Since 1961, KEF has strived to reproduce pure sound precisely as it was meant to be heard. Decades of experience in acoustic innovation and the quest for music perfection come together in the R Series to deliver sound with more detail and deeper insight, sound that ignites excitement every time you experience it.
The R Series is a direct beneficiary of the technological innovations developed for The Reference, the class-leading series that continually set the benchmark for loudspeakers and sound reproduction.
Combining with bespoke technologies, the R Series delivers an exceptional acoustic performance.
The revolutionary Metamaterial Absorption Technology1 (MATTM) has been incorporated into the latest iteration of the R Series, and the 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array has been refined to maximise the impact of this technological advance and ensure the best possible performance.
The result is an exceptional seven-model range of loudspeakers, engineered to deliver with exquisite detail and incredible insight.
Whether your taste lies with traditional two-channel HiFi, multi-channel home theatre or both, the R Series reveals levels of detail that must be heard to be believed.
Revolutionary sound absorption with MAT™
At the heart of the latest R Series is Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), a revolutionary innovation that takes the performance of the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array to another level in terms of accuracy and clarity.
MAT is a highly complex maze-like structure, where each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency.
When combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound that comes from the rear of the tweeter, eliminating the resulting distortion and providing a purer, more natural acoustic performance.
Superior KEF sound
A bespoke 12th generation Uni-Q driver array with MAT is found in all seven models of the R Series and delivers an incredibly detailed performance. It’s the result of decades of accumulated in-house knowledge and the application of cutting-edge simulation and analysis tools. The developments are many and all play a part in R Series’ exceptional performance.
The Uni-Q driver array has been redesigned to maximise the performance improvements that MAT delivers. The conical waveguide that couples the tweeter dome to the new metamaterial absorber has been specially designed for the bespoke driver based on its depth. The re-engineered tweeter gap damper strategically places two rings of porous material to tame the resonances and imperfections effectively, thus greatly improving detail and clarity
The ultra-low distortion midrange motor design uses a copper ring embedded into the motor gap to minimise inductance and variation of inductance with coil position. This lowers the midrange THD and reduces thermal compression, leading to improved efficiency
The Flexible Decoupling Chassis first used on the latest Blade and The Reference loudspeakers is employed on the Uni-Q driver array to dramatically reduce coloration of the sound caused by midrange vibration transmission to the cabinet, while also solving the problem of additional sound created by the driver basket that occurs with traditional decoupling methods. It works by decoupling the massive midrange motor from the Uni-Q chassis, dissipating its vibration before it can travel to the cabinet and be radiated as unwanted sound.
The surround on the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array allows for longer excursion without causing diffraction and extending the frequency range of the midrange. The contours of tweeter dome, midrange cone and surround are all computer-optimised to ensure a perfectly smooth transition to the cabinet.
These innovations combine to ensure the R Series sound even more transparent and life-like than previously heard on this already exceptional range.
Shadow Flare for improved clarity
Shadow Flare is another feature originally designed for The Reference.
It reduces harmful cabinet diffraction, allowing the 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT to work to its highest potential. Shadow Flare is a precision designed surface that extends the waveguide effect of the Uni-Q driver array.
This means 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 and the reproduction of the fine details that make listening such a thrilling experience. The subtle nuances of plucked strings, the changes of vibrato in a voice, all of these are clearer on the R Series.
Deep, agile bass
Bass is a vital element of performance, and the low-frequency drivers of R Series have been engineered with acute care and precision.
They are built using a two-part structure, where a shallow concave aluminium skin sits atop a paper cone. This stiffness combined with the cone’s unique geometry reduces unwanted resonances and delivers the pistonic movement that makes these drivers time so well.
The drivers’ magnet system creates a broad, uniform magnetic field, while the suspension reduces harmonic distortion for a clean, precise sound.
The result is exceptionally deep and agile bass that reveals every last bit of detail and punch available in the deep.
Perfecting every detail
At KEF innovative engineering goes hand-in-hand with great design, and the product design team strives to create deceptively simple, elegant loudspeakers.
While every design choice KEF makes is driven by acoustic performance, visual appeal is vitally important and the R Series proves that a loudspeaker can perfectly integrate into the room, both sonically and aesthetically.
The R3 Meta also features threaded inserts that allow the speaker to be mounted securely onto the top of the S3 Floor Stands, which also boast integrated cable management and a mass-loadable column.
What’s in the box?
- The KEF R3 Meta Bookshelf Speaker
- Microfibre grilles
- Rubber feet
- Port bungs
- User manual and warranty information
We offer swift & secure free delivery across the UK on almost all items.
- Fully tracked & fully insured deliveries across the UK
- Large appliances & TV installation available in the local area
- Large appliances, BBQ & TV shipping service across UK (pallet)
- For in stock items delivery is either 1-2 working days or 3-5 working days from time of order.*
* Delivery lead times of individual products are available in real time on the product page (see availability bar underneath the product's price).
Deliveries to Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)
Most products are available with free delivery across the UK excluding remote regions.** The product page will clearly state whether the item is available for delivery in the UK or delivery within N.I only.
- Parcel sized items are delivered via DPD UK fully tracked & insured. (Coffee machines, speakers, etc etc)
- Large appliances/BBQs & TVs are shipped on a pallet delivery service which is also fully tracked & insured. The delivery company will call to arrange a suitable date for delivery.
- Deliveries can be held for a targeted date if you're not ready to receive the goods.
Delivery lead times are updated in real-time on the product page (the availability bar).
For in stock items it will either be 1-2 working days or 3-5 working days depending on the exact time you place your order. For the avoidance of doubt give the team a call.
There are no Brexit/custom charges & the price quoted is delivered to the door.
* There are a small number of items that are unavailable for delivery to GB due to the relative cost of carriage. These are clearly noted on the individual product page.
** Please note due to the cost of carriage we are unable to deliver to remote regions of Scotland or any of the UK Islands.
Deliveries within Ballymoney Area:
All items are available for free delivery within a rough 15 miles radius of Ballymoney (North Coast, Coleraine & Ballymena).*
- Two man delivery with our own vans
- Pre-booked morning or afternoon slot
- Installation service available on TVs, BBQs & most appliances.**
- Deliveries can be held for a targeted date if you're not ready to receive the goods.
For in stock items it will either be 1-2 working days or 3-5 working days depending on the exact time you place your order. For the avoidance of doubt give the team a call.
Deliveries are typically during working hours which is Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm.
* Excludes instore / click & collect exclusives.
** Please check the installation page for pricing.
Deliveries to N.I (beyond Ballymoney radius)
Most products are available for free delivery across N.I. with the exception of a small amount of products due to the relative cost of carriage.
- Parcel sized items are delivered via DPD Ireland fully tracked & insured. (Coffee machines, speakers, etc etc)
- Large appliances/BBQs & TVs are shipped on a pallet delivery service which is also fully tracked & insured. The delivery company will call in advance to book in a suitable date.
- Deliveries can be held for a targeted date if you're not ready to receive the goods.
Timed Deliveries:
- Parcel sized items will provide tracking updates via text. You will get a notification on the morning of delivery with your one hour window.
- Pallet deliveries will be booked in advance and are typically morning or afternoon slots.
- Items can be held upon request if you are not going to be ready for the goods.
Collect at store:
Order to collect at store is available Monday to Friday. This option will be presented at checkout.
Questions?
If you have any questions relating to delivery or installation contact our support team.
Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase providing the item is in a new and unused condition and in its original packaging.
For specific cases please follow the below
Unwanted item (as new/opened to inspect):
If you've changed your mind about your purchase, but have opened the packaging to inspect it, then please return the item in its original condition within 30 days and we'll exchange or refund it.
You can find our return address below and we would ask you to contact us in advance of posting an item back to ensure it can be easily identified.
If the item is related to food or personal hygiene please note that you may invalidate your right to return as an unwanted item.
The cost of postage for unwanted items that have been opened but not used is not covered by Northxsouth limited.
Unwanted item (used):
Under consumer law, you may examine the goods as you would in a physical shop however if you wish to obtain a full refund then you must not start using them or devalue them in any way.
Please contact us if you have used an item that you have recently purchased and we will be happy to discuss your options.
We will treat every situation on a case by case basis.
We may offer store credit or to accept the return with a fair deduction to cover any loss of value.
We do however retain the right to reject a return on this basis at our discretion.
The cost of postage for unwanted items that have been used is not covered by Northxsouth limited
Received damaged:
If upon opening the goods you discover the item is damaged please retain the packaging and get in touch for further instruction.
If the packaging appears in poor condition we advise you to refuse delivery and contact us at the earliest opportunity.
We would ask that all items are inspected and any damage reported within two working days of receipt of delivery
Cost of postage for damaged goods is covered by Northxsouth limited
Faulty goods (under 30 days):
If your goods develop a fault within 30 days of delivery we will collect the item for a full refund or exchange.
Please ensure that you have thoroughly researched the symptoms. If we discover that the unit is not defective (for example due to an improper installation) we may reject the return.
Please note we cannot cover any faults caused by misuse or customer damage.
Cost of postage for faulty goods under 30 days is covered by Northxsouth limited.
Faulty goods (over 30 days):
Goods that are defective outside of 30 days but under the manufacturer's stated guarantee will be serviced via a local repair agent on the manufacturer's behalf.
Within the first six months the manufacturer is entitled to attempt one free repair to correct the defect provided this is done within a reasonable timeframe.
Please ensure to troubleshoot the issue beforehand as a service call may be chargeable if the the fault cannot be replicated by the engineer.
Please contact us to discuss.
Hygiene Items
Due to hygiene concerns, certain items such as (but not limited to) personal care and cookware cannot be accepted for return in the event of buyers remorse.
Prior to opening and/or installing any of these items please be sure that you are satisfied that you have made the correct purchase.
If you are in any doubt as to whether your product qualifies in this category, please contact us beforehand.
Otherwise, our typical terms and conditions noted above apply.
Additional:
- All serial numbers are recorded at point of delivery. We will not accept a return for an item if it does not match our database.
- Customers have a duty of care to ensure the safe return of goods under all scenarios.
- Please retain all receipts or proof of postage
- We cannot refund any additional shipping costs that you paid in the original order outside of late deliveries where express shipping has been purchased.
Return Address:
Northxsouth Limited
28-29 Acorn Business Centre
2 Riada Avenue
Ballymoney
Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT53 7LH