The R11s provides a textbook-accurate frequency response, with punchy, extended, fast bass. Its midrange transparency and reproduction of detail are beyond reproach -- always smooth, never edgy, yet not recessed. Nor was the R11’s treble response ever etched or overaccentuated or sibilant, but always clear and extended. And their imaging abilities were outstanding for large floorstanders, equaling what my reference two-way minimonitors can do.

I can categorically state that the new KEF R series is exceptionally well made and represents excellent value for money. The overall level of finish and the attention to detail is outstanding, and amongst the best I‘ve seen at any price.

KEF R3 is a big standmounter by today’s standards, and it has dynamic and authoritative sound to show for it. It’s also mostly neutral and should let your’s system sound signature shine through. Just beware that less powerful amps won’t do it complete justice. Pair it with something potent instead and you’re in for a lot of fun.

KEF has spend more than two decades refining their signature Uni-Q array and the 12th generation included in the R5s is the culmination of all that work and years of experience. And with all the other technologies that are brought from their Reference lineup the R series certainly has a lot to offer.

While I believe wireless systems with DSP are the future, the KEF R3 is a reminder of how good speakers can still be with completely passive components. The R3 is pretty, sounds great no matter where you’re listening from, and is not finicky about placement. If you’re looking for new speakers and have $2,000 to blow, the R3 merit serious consideration.

I listened to a ton of music with the R3, not just because I was reviewing them, but because these speakers are so damn fun to listen to. Whether it was glossy pop from Billie Eillish, pared down acoustic signer songwriter fare from Jack Johnson or Leonard Cohen, soulful jazz from Lou Donaldson, Beethoven's 9 symphonies via Leonard Bernstein, or blues drenched rock from Marcus King, it all sounded terrific piped through the R3. Here are a few of the notes from my listening sessions:

The KEF R11 is a state-of-the-art floor-standing speaker with superior sound quality and numerous capabilities, making it ? convenient and flexible option for audiophiles. It’s great for use in several settings thanks to its Uni-Q speaker array, punchy bass response, and sizable sweet spot. So, you may use its bi-wire capability and high-tech crossover with various audio systems.

With a sweet balance on music and potent, but not aggressive, manner with movies, KEF’s R-series system delivers all-around outstanding performance.

I'd only a faint memory of the 'new KEF R-series' press release from last autumn, so had forgotten the R11s were just under £4k. They certainly sound a whole lot more, delivering a sound combining maturity and ease of listening with massive low-end punch when required, great imaging and fine detail. Choose one of the striking finishes to match your room, and just enjoy: this is high-end audio made easy.

There is no denying the powers of the economies of scale from a multi-national-level manufacturer. If similar technologies, construction, overall finish and, most importantly, sonic performance, were all offered from a ‘boutique’ or ‘cottage’ company, the R11s would be priced at a significantly higher bracket. Having said that, in terms of technologies, only a powerful company with significant R&D resources would be capable of engineering and developing the high quality drivers that are employed in varying versions across the entire range of KEF’s speaker products.

The R11 is not suitable for every living room due to its size and low performance. You should give this giant the space – or opt for a more compact floorstander like the R5 or R7. Or the R3s. We have also tested it for a long time, and for a relatively compact speaker, the R3 performs very well. With all R models you discover the strengths of the R family: a clear, natural display that is very coherent. Low-mid-high, it forms a harmonious, perfectly timed whole.

KEF’s extraneous engineering efforts in loudspeaker design clearly pays off when they are able to sell a highly capable product in this price range. At $2999.98, it can be safe to say that the KEF R5s are one of the best performers in that range. For someone who is shopping in this price range, it is truly great to see so much technology trickle-down from KEF’s highly esteemed Reference series to the more affordable R series. KEF’s KF92 subwoofer unifies the presentation of the entire system and greatly complements the R5 loudspeakers.

Pleasing presence—sonically and aesthetically—remarkable realism and inter-driver coherence, high value in the cost-to-performance arena…there’s a lot to love about the R11s. With good reason, they’re popular and selling like the proverbial hotcakes. Get ’em while they’re hot!

The R5s are capable performers, but they're up against some excellent rivals as well as a hugely capable sibling in the R3