the 3f is super detailed, but I felt would get bright listening at louder volumes. The 3f in my opinion needs a subwoofer for sure. It's the more accurate speaker in terms of detail, air etc.
The reference is what it is. It lacks a little detail, but can pound all day, will work with less expensive electronics really well (even a receiver) as it's not going to ever be too bright and doesn't needs gobs of power as the subs are powered.
I would want a very detailed DAC and something like a very nice class A amp to drive the top of the reference if I owned them.
When I compared the DynAudio Contour 60's to the reference, I prefered the Dyn's - plenty of bass also, but tighter and more defined. More detail on the top end, but not bright.
That said, the reference is a rare speaker you could do Home Theater with and probably be just fine without subs.
The 3f lacks low end oomph for sure. Two very, very different speakers.