KEF Reference 3 or Raidho X2?

I believe the Raidho require some space way from the front wall.

I have heard the Reference 3 multiple times and they make beautiful music. Just give them some breathing space and you should be good. What is the rest of your system?

Have not heard the Raidho, so cannot comment on that one.

Used Raidho sell for 30 cents on the dollar or less, therefore, you can get some of their top models for cheap.  Raidho have a house sound that is very transparent and neutral which in some systems can sound lean. No experience with the Kef 3. Don’t buy Raidho new!

The system I have: audio research Ref 6 as pre-am; integrated tube KT88 power am. The demo of Raidho X2 used an integrated amplifier. The demo of KEF Ref 3 used two separate power amplifier. Both sound great to me but I am not sure if my system can support KEF Ref 3 which is 3-way. And not sure how the tweeter of X2 compare with that of Ref 3 in terms of durability (sealed ribbon tweeter vs Uni-Q). Really would like to learn more from audiophiles like this group.

These are very different speakers in terms of power requirements, room requirement, sound profile and soundstage presentation. 

Kef is a classic "cone and dome" speaker.  The image is presented to you as if the performance is in front of you.  Raidho is a ribbon and delivers a more immersive sound.  The sound reflects off the walls to create the soundstage and it feels like it surrounds you.  Neither is good or bad.  Just different. 

The Kef's are a little brighter and require careful toeing.  Tonally, your equipment should work well unless your room is under-damped.  The Raidho's are more natural and less sensitive to what they are matched with.  It will be reasonably natural unless your room is overdamped in which case it will drift dark.

From a power requirement, the Raidho's are easy to drive and work well with tube gear.  In a normal size room, 50-75w is plenty.  Kef's like a bit of power and are a touch more difficult to drive.  I like 175w to drive them.  

For room, the Raidho's NEED 3' behind them from the wall, minimum and 9' of space between them.  If they don't have that, the soundstage will not come together properly.  Proximity to the sidewall is unimportant. Kef's should not be as difficult to place and will be more flexible.  

You will need a subwoofer with the Raidhos.  You may or may not want one with the Kefs as their bass response is much better.

Raidho pricing is a topic of debate and is better left as a conversation between you and your dealer.  

FYI..I am a Raidho dealer.  I am not a Kef dealer.