searching for test of Kef R300

[loneranger]

I think i will go for the r300. But a dealer for home demo is hard to find. But i can order it online. If it will be disappointed i can sent it back within 2 weeks. And if too dull i can try another amp.

 

[Freddy58]

It will be a compromise, especially with my music. On which speaker sounds rock and metal the best. I think better a little dull than bright highes which isn't listenable for me.

IMO. You should probably get the R300s and budget for a better amp at some time in the future. They will need solid, partly filled stands, to help get the best from them. You can always use the Part Bungs if necessary.

Good point about the bungs. I have mine about 12" from the wall, and haven't felt the need to use them, but I listen at fairly subdued levels. They do though give options.

 

[CnoEvil]

?

I think i will go for the r300. But a dealer for home demo is hard to find. But i can order it online. If it will be disappointed i can sent it back within 2 weeks. And if too dull i can try another amp.

*good*

 

[Freddy58]

I think i will go for the r300. But a dealer for home demo is hard to find. But i can order it online. If it will be disappointed i can sent it back within 2 weeks. And if too dull i can try another amp.

Do let us know how you get on with them

 

[loneranger]

What are the cost for speakerstands? I became a email from the dealer. He can deliver the r300 for 1000 euro. He also can deliver the bigger r500 for 1325 euro. But i think for my music it is wise to go for the r300.

 

[CnoEvil]

Generally allow between £150 - £200...which brings you up to the R500s.

 

[Freddy58]

Personally, I wouldn't bother with the R500's. I heard no real difference, and strangely enough, they seemed harder to drive.

 

[CnoEvil]

Personally, I thought the R500s were better...but that's HFi for you. It's deeply subjective and has an endless list of variables.

 

[Freddy58]

Personally, I thought the R500s were better...but that's HFi for you. It's deeply subjective and has an endless list of variables.

Absolutely. The availability of different brands/types would be fairly limited if we all liked the same thing *smile*

 

[loneranger]

I just heard that the prices here in Holland higher than for 2 months.

Kef R500: now 1400 euro

Kef R300: 1050 without stands

Epos K2: 1050 euro

Tannoy Xt6F: 1050 Euro.

 

[tonky]

What amp do you use with your R300 speakers. I heard them with a Naim unitilite - enjoyed the sound. I bought the unitilite . I had an option on the speakers but tbh after the unitilite spend I retained my epos es 14 speakers (which match really well with the unitilite better than my previous cambridge 840A v2 amp)

tonky

 

[loneranger]

I have a Nad c356bee. Today listen to the Tannoy again. With modern metall it hurts my ears. It's a no go.i think it will be the kef r300, smoother than the r500 and with more dynamic, or the Epos k2 who has good highes but the bass can better.

 

[Freddy58]

What amp do you use with your R300 speakers. I heard them with a Naim unitilite - enjoyed the sound. I bought the unitilite . I had an option on the speakers but tbh after the unitilite spend I retained my epos es 14 speakers (which match really well with the unitilite better than my previous cambridge 840A v2 amp)

tonky

Hiya tonky.

Not the best way to do it, but I took a punt on the Rotel RA1570, although I did listen to it at the dealers when I picked it up, so if I didn't like it I suppose I could have walked away. OK, I've never pushed it hard, but it never sounds under pressure, and coupled with the R300's, there's a great sense of control, no sense of looseness whatsoever. Along with it's connectivity and apparent build quality, I think it's a really good amp. Of course, just my opinion *smile*

 

[CnoEvil]

?

I have a  Nad c356bee. Today listen to the Tannoy again. With modern metall it hurts my ears. It's a no go.i think it will be the kef r300, smoother than the r500 and with more dynamic, or the Epos k2 who has good highes but the bass can better.

 

Any time I have heard the R300 vs R500, they were tonally very similar, but with the R500 producing more scale from its bigger cabinet and extra bass drive unit....so choose the one that suits your room.

 

[Freddy58]

...so choose the one that suits your room.

Speaking of which, he hasn't mentioned the size of his room. FWIW, my room is around 15'x12', and the R300's easily fill the room.

 

[loneranger]

I can also buy a secondhand Epos k3, just 2 month. Not heard yet, but maybe interesting.

 

[loneranger]

There are now 2 speakers on my shortlist. A secondhand Epos k3, 2 months old, for 1250 euro and a new Kef r500 for 1375 euro (lower isn't possible). I think the Epos is very interesting.

 

[Freddy58]

We tested the KEF R300 in our November 2015 issue of the magazine and gave it four stars, the review hasn't gone online yet (it will go live on November 4th).

FOR: Broad, fluid dynamics; even tonal balance; precise timing; spacious; elegant

AGAINST: Tough competition; bass could be better integrated; biggish cabinet

VERDICT: Style and performance make these KEFs a good buy - if you can house them

Just read the review. All in all, a good one I'd say

 

[plastic penguin]

I would love to have heard the R300s with the Leema. As others have stated they are big. You don't realise how big until you see'em in the flesh. Almost like someone has turned a small floorstander horizontal.

@ the OP: If you like kef, have you thought about R100s? Having, also, seen these they are more room-friendly than the 300s.

 

[Freddy58]

I would love to have heard the R300s with the Leema. As others have stated they are big. You don't realise how big until you see'em in the flesh. Almost like someone has turned a small floorstander horizontal.

@ the OP: If you like kef, have you thought about R100s? Having, also, seen these they are more room-friendly than the 300s.

I wouldn't call them big, but it's all relative. In any event, despite what they say, size does matter *biggrin*

 

[Native_bon]

Recent review of the R500's in a group test by hifi choice says they sound bright. I was taken a back by that. I have listen to all the KEF R range & not one of them sounded bright. For the size of the R300's the bass was amazing. With the right kit really good value for money.

 

[tonky]

I too have heard them in a lengthy dealer demo while listening to other equipment. Extremely clear sound - not bright - good soundstage - firm extended and tuneful bass. If I had been shopping for a speaker these would have been on my list. Heard the Kef LS50 too. Both are well worth a listen.

The R300 are usefully more efficient than the ATC equivalently sized speakers.

tonky