B&W 705s3 vs Kef Meta R3

the Metas aren’t muffled at all, you cant judge anything at best buy they don’t know how to setup anything. it is possible the bi-wire knob wasn’t tightened so you might have had no tweeter at all. also add many low resolution electronics poor source quality and usually poor wiring and a switching systems.

Please go to a good specialty retailor hooked up to a high quality integrated amplifier with a high quality source and then judge them for your self.

https://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2023/05/05/kef-r3-meta-speaker-review-juicy-beats/

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/kef-r3-meta

we can guaranty you will have a very different opinion.

also many people find the B&Ws too bright.

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect NJ

Kef dealer 

Troy, most definitely bro.  This post had me stumped.  I think you might have been correct about the wiring.  I'll report back.

I have the 703 S2 that I got for next to nothing.  I just couldn't figure out why such a difference

I know what you mean about magnolia vs a good stereo shop.  

Anyways, thanks about the connection idea.  I'll report back 

I had the same experience with Kef at Best Buy on several demos (reference 3, blade 2). Lack of detail in the upper mids and highs…. Went to a dealer to hear the Blade 2 and thought they sounded the same with a lack of detail. I have crossed Kef off my list after my demos. 

James the kef blades are amazing what were the hooked up to?

I've heard KEF speakers, including early KEF 50s and they don't sound the way you described them. You should at least try more auditions elsewhere if possible.